Recently, backsplash designs have become a real area of interest far beyond their functional uses. It's earning its rightful place at the forefront of bold design decisions, and the latest trend is taking this workhorse feature to new heights.
That's right, kitchen backsplashes are being extended. Rather than stopping short at the average 4 to 15 inches tall, they are being continued all the way to the ceiling, creating a dramatic statement that gives every scheme a designer look.
This kitchen trend proves that backsplashes are evolving from their short, practical origins to something far more bold and impactful – and designers can't get enough of the look. Here's everything you need to know.
Kitchen backsplashes have been the center of a few trends recently, from the sleek and seamless countersplash to more traditional, country-inspired paneled backsplashes.
But taking your chosen material, whether it's tiles, stone, or panels, all the way to the ceiling is taking the lead, blending bold style and abundant durability in the most striking way.
'A full-height splash is a great way to pull your eye up, highlighting a taller ceiling or helping create the illusion of such. Aesthetically, it's a more dramatic choice and when done with the right material, can create a gorgeous focal point for the room,' says interior designer Allison Lind.
The elongating benefits are one of the reasons the look is so loved by designers, especially in small kitchens. 'A counter-to-ceiling backsplash transforms a space by boosting visual height and creating an architectural statement. Drawing the eye upward with a continuous texture or pattern makes even smaller kitchens feel larger, custom, and more luxurious,' adds Jamie Chappell of Fireclay Tile.
It's also a durable choice, as Allison explains: 'Unless you cook like my 6 and 8-year-olds, it's not likely you need splash protection beyond a couple of feet up. However, with all the steam and general grime a kitchen inevitably creates, having hard surfaces to easily wipe down is never a bad thing.'
It's perhaps one of the most versatile backsplash designs when it comes to kitchen styles. It works in traditional, modern, industrial, and even vintage-inspired spaces – it all comes down to choosing the right material.
'In modern kitchens, I love a solid marble or quartzite slab for some beauty and drama,' says Allison. 'In a more transitional or traditional kitchen, a mix of materials really layers in some interest and elegance.'
One of the most popular designs, though, is to use tiles because of the contrast and interest they add to a kitchen. 'I love using a kitchen tile with visual movement or rich texture, like a handcrafted ceramic or hand-painted tile, to really leverage that big canvas,' says Jamie.
'A great layout strategy is using a vertical stack pattern with rectangular tiles to further emphasize your desirable ceiling height,' he adds. This approach is particularly effective if your goal is to make your kitchen look taller. Glossy tiles are a favorable choice, like these Artisanal Ceramic Subway Wall Tiles or these Red Iron Oxide Gloss Tiles for more drama.
Or, for a more layered look, Allison suggests opting for a rustic or reclaimed tile. 'I love the juxtaposition of a more imperfect tile (think tumbled stone, terracotta, or thin brick) against a more graceful, elegant natural stone,' she says, explaining that there are a few things to consider if you are mixing materials.
'When mixing materials, ensure the thickness differential isn't too far off so there's not a strange visual depth where the two connect. If there is, consider adding a stone shelf to break the visual plane. If you're going full slab, be sure to consider the direction of the veining. If it's a tall or narrow wall space, opt to have the veining run vertically.'
Whether you run stone seamlessly up your wall or embrace the beauty of a tile backsplash, taking your backsplash all the way to the ceiling adds drama and sophistication, and it brings every inch into your design. Its versatility and timeless appeal are a favorite with designers – and it's a look they say you should be considering if you're planning to update your design.
