We’re back at it with more backsplashes! Whether you’ve already brought out the sledgehammer, are just starting to plan a renovation or simply love swooning over designer kitchens (join the club), these homes from the WL archives offer plenty of inspiration.

Photo: Ema Peter

Pattern Play

Melanie Finkleman of Hazel and Brown used two different backsplash tiles in this farmhouse-modern kitchen: a decorative, hand-painted terracotta tile from Walker Zanger and a Moroccan zeillige tile. “There’s a lot of warmth and texture to it,” says the designer. Learn more about this beautiful space.

Close-up view of kitchen with long stone island, oak cabinetry, ribbed tile backsplash and curved plaster range hood
Photo: Eymeric Widling

Ripple Effect

A ribbed tile backsplash and a plaster range hood with a curved stone ledge bring warmth and subtle movement to the neutral palette in this Mera Studio Architects-designed space. “The kitchen is the showpiece for me,” says principal Meghan Bannon. “The details are subtle, but they’re unique.” Check out the rest of this relaxed, earthy modern home.

Concrete Canvas

From the 10-foot island to the large backsplash panels, this entire kitchen is clad in concrete. And amazingly, both elements still manage to stand out against those matching grey cabinets. “We always have a very simple palette,” says homeowner and lead designer of RNDSQR, Majida Devani. “From there, we get to use pops of colour and texture to make it more interesting.“ Step inside this playful Calgary home.

Photo: Ema Peter

Marble Moment

We love seeing designers experiment and try new things, like using an extra bit of backsplash material to frame the hood vent. “I had to do something we’ve never done before,” says Marianna Tomlenovich of the Calacatta Viola marble perimeter in her own kitchen. Get more design tips from this elegant-yet-practical space.

Photo: Ema Peter

Sea Change

Want to give your kitchen a nautical style? Take some inspiration from this island home designed by Jennifer Heffel and the team at HB Design. The ocean-blue vertical tile and light fixture (peep the custom rope detail!) lend a touch of coastal charm. Tour this beachy West Vancouver residence.

Photo: Andrew Latreille

Heavy Metal

No tile, no problem! The kitchen backsplashes in this Galiano Island cabin are made with hot-rolled steel, which perfectly complements the Douglas fir flooring and maple plywood millwork. Explore the rest of this shared family retreat.

modern kitchen
Photo: Tracey Ayton

Tile Takeover

Homeowner and designer Madeleine Sloback turned an awkward support beam into an asset when renovating her Vancouver kitchen, incorporating open shelving and extending the backsplash up the wall. When the tile is that gorgeous, you might as well make the most of it. See the before and after photos.

Kaitlyn Funk

Kaitlyn Funk

Kaitlyn is a design-obsessed writer, editor and content manager based in Vancouver. When she's not busy swooning over gorgeous homes, you can find her reading, hiking and befriending as many dogs as possible.