13 Bold & Beautiful Backsplash Ideas

Oak & Stone
May 21
4 min read

Updated: May 27

At this point, we’ve probably tiled more backsplashes than we’ve had hot dinners—and yet, it never gets old. Whether it’s a bathroom, a kitchen, or another spot, a bold or beautiful backsplash is one of our favorite ways to bring a space to life.

In this post, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite backsplashes from real projects. Each one brings something a little different to the table—texture, pattern, color, contrast—and all of them pack a punch.

1. Deep Blue Drama

We completed this backsplash update for Jeff’s parents while they were wintering in Arizona last year. The vertical blue tile adds depth and drama to an otherwise minimalist vanity setup, while the staggered layout keeps things playful. White quartz counters bring balance, and the finishing touches—a few gifted accessories from Linen & Clove, a favorite local home decor shop—tie it all together.

Cool blue tile installed vertically offers a pop of modern.

2. From San Clemente, With Love

This kitchen proves that white doesn’t have to play it safe. While on vacation in San Clemente, CA, we stumbled on a zellige-inspired ceramic tile and instantly fell in love. Its soft ocean blues and warm, rusty undertones set against a creamy backdrop felt like the perfect blend of beachy and timeless. On our last day at the beach, we took a chance and ordered it for our Scottsdale kitchen renovation—and we never looked back.

Rustic subway tile adds warmth and texture to this all-white kitchen.

3. Soft Meets Sleek

The magic in this Southern California kitchen is all about tone and texture. Smoky gray backsplash tiles reflect just enough light to add interest without stealing the spotlight. Paired with gray-toned cabinetry, matte black hardware, and stainless fixtures, it’s the kitchen equivalent of a cashmere sweater—though rarely needed in the desert heat!

Soft gray subway complements the custom-stained white oak cabinets.

4. Wood-Look Wonder Wall

This bar got a modern organic upgrade with 24x48 ribbed matte fluted porcelain tile in a warm oak finish. The subtle texture and directional layout add visual interest without overpowering the space. Paired with dark Iron Ore cabinetry, brass accents, and open shelves for styling, this setup is equal parts chic and inviting.

Fluted large-format tile offers a textured neutral backdrop to this modern bar.

5. Quartz Crawl-Up

Another reno in southern California offered the perfect opportunity for contrast and cohesion with marble-like quartz counters, dark cabinets, and a sweet blue standalone island—but the real showstopper is the way the quartz countertops continued onto the backsplash that quietly pulls it all together. Sophisticated without trying too hard.

Carrying the quartz countertops up the wall gives this transitional kitchen a modern edge.

6. Neutral Texture

A soothing neutral bathroom gets a texture upgrade with a stacked stone backsplash that stretches across the entire vanity wall. It’s subtle, but the depth it adds is striking. Natural tones, elevated.

Neutral stacked stone adds texture and warmth in this cozy guest bath.

7. Graphic Geometry in the Pantry

Sometimes you just need a little surprise. This black-and-white geometric tile backsplash is tucked into a pantry nook in Verona. The graphic pattern adds just enough drama without overwhelming the space—plus, it makes even a basket of paper towels look chic.

It's OK to have fun with patterned tile in unexpected spaces, like a pantry.

8. Farmhouse in the Desert

This bathroom we renovated in Scottsdale, AZ keeps things grounded with a vintage-style vanity and black fixtures, while white walls and a bright window keep it fresh. In true farmhouse style, we used real-deal shiplap and a rustic backsplash for a warm lived-in feel, like it's been there for generations.

Natural white shiplap gives this farmhouse bathroom a lived-in feel.

9. Drama on the Rocks

Upgrading this basement bar in Verona meant embracing the existing cherry cabinetry and gold-flecked granite, both with a more traditional feel. To give the space a bold, modern twist, we installed black and gold ceramic tiles with a mid-century vibe all the way to the ceiling. The result is a moody, speakeasy-inspired bar full of drama, depth, and texture.

Mid-century-inspired black and gold tile elevates this basement bar.

10. Vertically Inclined

While this backsplash isn’t bold, it’s undoubtedly beautiful. Vibing with the modern organic feel, we installed 2x8 Montauk mixed-finish ceramic subway tile in Sand Dune, laid in a stacked vertical pattern for a clean, subtle texture that quietly elevates the entire kitchen.

Mixed-finish subway tile in a neutral colorway is the perfect backdrop to this bold, organic kitchen.

11. Leaf It to Us

In this bathroom, we paired a soft white oak vanity with a moody black leaf-patterned wallpaper behind the mirror. The effect is a natural-meets-glam mashup that gives major spa energy with a side of sass.

This bathroom sports a leafy wallpaper design, giving the space a spa-like feel.

12. Harnessing Herringbone

This bathroom is long, lean, and the black herringbone backsplash stretches the full length of the double vanity, giving a look that feels both bold and refined. Warm white oak cabinets and brushed gold fixtures balance the contrast with earthy warmth, while windows flood the space with natural light.

Black herringbone offers a grounding and textured look in this organic-inspired bathroom.

13. A Drop Spot with Personality

This little mudroom nook proves that even practical spaces deserve some attention. We tiled the upper wall in a sage green dimensional hex tile—moody, modern, and full of texture. Paired with a chunky floating shelf and a sculptural mirror, it’s the perfect landing zone for keys and mail. Who said functional can’t be fabulous?

Sage green hex tile is a fun and unexpected twist in this mudroom drop zone.

Your Perfect Backsplash Starts Here

Whether bold, beautiful, or both, a backsplash can transform a space, adding texture, personality, and polish in all the right places. From unexpected materials to playful patterns and layout tricks, we love helping our clients find that perfect backdrop. Ready to get inspired? Let’s find the backsplash that speaks to your style.