5 Backsplash Trends That Will Be Huge in 2026

If your kitchen is getting a major overhaul in 2026, now is a great time to start thinking about your backsplash. It’s an area that’s often underrated, but can actually set the tone of the room far more than you might expect.

We were curious to know what backsplash trends are on the rise in the year ahead, so we checked in with a few pros to hear their thoughts.

Run the Countertop Up

According to interior designer Andrea Sinkin, one of the biggest trends we’ll see in 2026 backsplashes is running the countertop up the wall. She says it’s very easy to adopt, though it might require a bit more budget.

“Obviously, countertops cost more than backsplash tile, so you have to be able to afford it,” Sinkin says. “But it’s a seamless, easy, clean, and beautifully aesthetic vibe.”

It’s also great if you’re experiencing renovation decision fatigue, because it takes the many backsplash options off the table. There is one caveat, however. 

“Don’t do a waterfall on the island if you do this,” she warns. “It’s too much—you would look like a marble quarry. And besides, waterfall islands are going out of style.” 

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Natural Stone

Designer Shannon Ggem says natural stone backsplashes are the biggest backsplash trend she’s noticing at the moment.

“They are tall and quiet, but when you look closely, their complicated beauty reveals itself,” she says. 

If you’re into this look, Ggem says you can’t go wrong with Taj Mahal quartzite, which has been on the rise for a few years now.

“It’s the perfect beige, and the stone performs so well,” she says. “What is really exciting is when clients lean into all the warm neutrals nature provides—the browns, deep reds, and even plum!”

Zellige Tile

Zellige tiles—a traditional Moroccan tile known for its rustic charm—will continue to be on-trend in 2026, says Sinkin. This is true of any ceramic tile that looks bespoke and handmade since people are turning away from a few decades of mass-made shiny glass tiles. 

“Zellige, whether it’s real and handmade or just has the look of it, gives a more bespoke feel,” Sinkin says. “Each tile is unique, and the color variations make it feel very special.”

Because of the tiles’ uniqueness, Sinkin says you should also avoid picking anything ornate or with an image and just stick to solid tiles with color variations.

Darker Neutrals

We’ve seen a major and welcome shift away from all-white and millennial gray kitchens, and Ggem says that’s made way for darker neutrals to take center stage this coming year.

“The deep warm reds, plum, and spice colors are prevailing at the very high end now,” says Ggem. “In coming years, they’ll become more popular as editors show them more in publications and social media.”

Matching Grout

For a few years now, people have wondered if contrasting grout was the next big thing. Sonkin says she’s sure it’s not. Next year will be another year for matching or close-to-matching grout.

“While I do see contrasting grout, I would stay away from it,” she says. “I think it’s a particularly time-stamped trend and doesn’t have lasting power.”

In some cases, contrasting grout might look great, but Sinkin’s bigger worry is that people will tire of it too quickly. Not only this, but it’s much harder to change once you’ve committed. At most, Sinkin says you could try to pull a color from your countertop stone and bring it up to the wall. 

“But I wouldn’t look at grout as a moment to make a statement,” she says.