The backsplash is the first place I start when it comes to designing a kitchen.
Even before I finalize my wall color or cabinet hardware, a backsplash sets the color palette for the whole room, and I always work from that choice as I layer the space. It is the perfect element to pull inspiration from for other colors and textures in the room.
Whether you are building a new home or remodeling your existing one, I wanted to share these trends to show you the creative possibilities for your farmhouse kitchen backsplash.
Charming Farmhouse Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas
1. Farm For The Holidays
Living in a rental doesn’t mean you can’t make the space your own. I absolutely love the idea of creating a faux backsplash with peel-and-stick wallpaper that you can easily take down later.
It’s a quick way to turn a basic kitchen into a personalized culinary escape. A few touches of fresh greenery and some vintage decor items bring in that extra bit of personality.
2. Rustic Modern
A kitchen backsplash is usually there to create some contrast, but this one is the same bright white as the cabinets. I think the effect is so bright, airy, and modern.
To balance it out, more rustic touches like the wooden barstools and big metal light fixtures provide a perfect earthy counterpoint.
3. Colorful Continuity
In a house with an open floor plan, you really want a natural flow from one room to the next. These white wall tiles with their intricate blue patterns are a home run.
They connect the kitchen to the navy blue dining room next to it without being too over-the-top.
4. Elongate Small Spaces with Vertical Stripes
Using light, bright colors is one of my favorite tricks for making a small kitchen feel so much bigger. This backsplash has tiles set in a symmetrical chevron pattern.
That striped effect draws your eye up and can give the illusion of higher ceilings. It’s a brilliant design choice!
5. Minimalist Farmhouse Chic
Farm-inspired kitchens don’t need to be overly colorful or kitschy to feel unique and inviting. Here, classic features like an apron sink, shaker cabinets, and big windows create an understated style.
The glossy subway tile wall and shiny traditional faucets add a wonderful texture to the dichromatic color scheme.
6. Choose Your Focal Point Wisely
A backsplash is usually the piece that brings in an exciting visual pop. In this kitchen, though, the cabinets are the star with their textured wood grain and ridged glass fronts.
Going with a subtle, neutral backsplash was a smart move because it lets those beautiful cabinets get all the attention.
7. Contemporary Classic Chic
This rustic kitchen takes some traditional farmhouse elements and gives them a fresh spin. A brick backsplash can sometimes look a bit heavy, but limewashing it gives it a whole new elegant life.
I love how this simple change lets that hammered copper apron sink really shine.
8. A Monochromatic Moment
This white-on-white color palette is a great trick for making a small country kitchen feel so much larger than it is.
Pairing a horizontal tile backsplash with vertical shiplap on the walls and ceiling adds just the right amount of subtle variation to the space. It’s beautifully done.
9. Reimagined Traditional Brick
A rough, unfinished brick backsplash is a classic in European-style farm kitchens. What a cool idea to lay weathered brick in a modern chevron pattern.
It’s a subtle way to update the material. The rustic wood stove hood also gets a modern touch with those industrial rivets.
10. Modernizing Old Country Style
Different countries have their own unique take on the farmhouse kitchen. In a rustic Italian kitchen, you often see things like massive cooktops, dramatic stove hoods, and tons of storage.
This updated version has a neutral color palette and modern features, like a pot filler over the stove. The arabesque tile backsplash brings in a much-needed textural element.
11. Liven Up A Kitchen with A Pop of Color
This home is just bursting with bright and lively colors. Adding a colorful backsplash was the perfect way to carry that theme into what is otherwise a simple kitchen.
The shimmery aqua glass tile is a fantastic touch that adds a coastal twist to the rustic farmhouse shelving and beams.
12. Inset Illusion
You can really elevate a simple subway tile backsplash by creating a faux inset like this one. It’s all about creating visual contrast.
This decorative herringbone feature adds a touch of sophistication and doesn’t compete with the ornate stove hood. It’s a win-win.
13. Casual Elegance
I’m a big fan of these textured tiles with a high-gloss sheen. They feel incredibly upscale, especially next to those jewel-toned lower cabinets.
Bringing in open shelving with warm wood tones introduces a simple, almost Scandinavian farmhouse flair to the whole look.
14. Switch Up Your Subway Tile
Subway tile is usually laid horizontally in either a stacked or staggered pattern. But laying it out in a herringbone pattern is such a great way to use a common material in a totally unexpected way.
I also love that the simplicity of the white tile doesn’t compete with the decorative contact paper in the upper cabinets.
15. Farm Fresh
This farm-inspired modern kitchen is just beautiful. It brings together straight lines, high-end finishes, and a monochromatic color scheme for a stunning design.
While that herringbone-patterned tile backsplash definitely commands attention, it’s balanced perfectly by the simple shaker cabinets and decorative corbels.
16. International Influences In The Kitchen
If you’re a world traveler and love unique design ideas, this one is for you.
This practical, country-style corner sink is taken to the next level by the Middle-Eastern influence in that arabesque-patterned wall covering. It’s such a cool combination.
17. Dark Grout Adds Subtle Contrast
This country kitchen subtly brings in some industrial elements, like the sheet metal cabinet fronts and powder-coated metal drawer pulls.
Using black grout against the white tile is a clever move that adds even more edginess to the look.
18. Something Old, Something Blue
A sweet color palette and vintage home decor pieces are the foundation of this rustic coastal kitchen. The pale blue tiled wall has an intentionally distressed glaze that I love.
The antique glass bottles lining the windowsill are just perfectly illuminated by the sunlight. All the shades of gray, green, and blue remind me of sea glass on the shore.
19. Bringing Drama To The Farm
Wooden shiplap is a total staple in farmhouse decor, but you usually see it running horizontally. Installing it vertically and painting it a dark indigo puts a dramatic, modern spin on a familiar style.
The warm honey stain on the countertops and the framed vintage botanical prints provide the perfect amount of contrast.
20. Neutral and Natural Brick Backsplash
A gray and tan color palette might not sound super exciting at first, but the different textures here give this kitchen so much visual intrigue.
The smooth finish on the granite countertop contrasts beautifully with the raw stone backsplash. It’s a fantastic pairing.
21. Playing with Proportions
Even if your modern kitchen is on the smaller side, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some impressive architectural features.
Wide shiplap planks and a tapered stove hood make the room feel so much brighter, while those dramatic gold light fixtures with their long necks really draw the eye upwards.
22. High-End Finishes Bring Elegance To The Farm
For a more contemporary take on a rustic kitchen, you can bring in luxurious finishes. Think about a herringbone-patterned backsplash made from Carrara marble with a matching countertop.
Modern cabinet pulls and a stainless steel pot filler are both convenient and totally upscale.
23. Use Patterns with Prudence
A bold backsplash pattern really makes a bigger impact when it doesn’t have to fight for attention.
These Moroccan-inspired tiles take on an almost French-country feel when you pair them with a rustic wood-wrapped stove hood. The minimalist contemporary light fixtures are a great touch that enhances the natural light.
24. Add Warmth To A Commercial-Grade Kitchen
With those huge commercial-sized appliances and sleek marble countertops, this space could easily feel sterile and uninviting. The brick wall is a game-changer here. It brings in some much-needed character and warmth.
25. Vintage Charm On The Farm
This kitchen is like a greatest hits of classic farmhouse design! From the apron sink with a curtain to the beadboard backsplash and vintage decor, it brings together so many staple elements.
Sticking to a mostly white color scheme gives it a nice modern touch.
26. Farmhouse Goes Coastal
The shifting gray and green tones in these glass subway tiles have a subtle iridescence that just brings them to life.
I love how the glass-front upper cabinets give you a peek at the colorful dishware inside. Meanwhile, an apron sink and shaker-style cabinets bring in that rustic element.
27. Seamless Style
Gleaming gold chrome cabinet pulls and a dramatic, seamless marble backsplash usually point to a contemporary design.
But it’s the little touches, like the blue and white pottery, that add a bit of that pastoral panache to the space.
28. Let There Be Light Fixtures
This small farmhouse kitchen feels so spacious thanks to the gleaming white wall tiles, open shelving, and a scaled-down island.
A huge metal light fixture adds a much-needed focal point, and it ties in perfectly with the powder-coated cabinet pulls.
29. Rustic Elegance
This room features some very current trends, like those vibrant jewel-toned cabinets and a fully tiled wall instead of a traditional backsplash.
Displaying vintage decor on the open shelving and installing an apron sink helps it feel so much homier.
30. Shaker It Up
Shaker-style cabinets are a staple in farmhouse design, and I think it’s largely because of their simple silhouettes. The understated cabinetry lets you introduce showier elements, like this sea-glass green mosaic tile backsplash that covers the entire back wall.
And those stunning gold fixtures and blonde wood floors make the kitchen feel incredibly warm and cozy.
31. Everything Old Is New Again
Combining different decor elements from different time periods is a great way to make a room feel completely original. Here, concrete hexagonal wall tiles bring together contemporary materials with mid-century modern shapes.
The effect is familiar and innovative at the same time, resulting in a super stylish kitchen. Well-chosen focal points like hardwood floors, an apron sink, and an oil-rubbed bronze faucet really capture that farmhouse vibe.
32. Roughing It
This contemporary kitchen mostly uses decor items to get its farmhouse vibe. I love the window treatment made from upcycled burlap.
Distressing an existing backsplash is another fun way to introduce an interesting textural element.
33. Add Dimension with A Beveled Backsplash
Subway tiles are usually flat, but these have beveled edges. I think this gives them a three-dimensional feel that contrasts beautifully with the convex window. These elements bring a lot of texture into the neutral color scheme.
34. Modernize Design with Straight Lines
This rustic white and black kitchen has plenty of traditional farmhouse elements, from the white shiplap walls to the wooden beams and open shelving.
However, the clean, simple lines and minimalist color scheme add a really nice contemporary flair.
35. Neutral Finishes Provide The Perfect Backdrop
The absolute standout feature in this kitchen is the view from that large picture window. The taupe and beige color scheme that runs throughout the room is a smart choice because it lets the lush greenery outside really make a statement.
The floral window valance adds just enough color to connect the inside with the view outside.
36. Balancing A Bold Backsplash
This kitchen showcases simple cabinets and a clean, minimal waterfall feature on the island. Keeping those lines minimal was a great decision because it gives the striking geometric tile pattern plenty of room to shine.
37. Turn Functional Equipment Into A Feature
Pot fillers are such a useful tool, but they can sometimes feel a bit jarring in a farmhouse kitchen. Mounting it against an inset backsplash makes it feel like a much more intentional part of the overall design.
38. Reinterpreting The Meaning of Farm
This chic kitchen highlights a few elements that really remind me of farmhouse style, like the open wood shelving, copper fixtures, and a classic sink silhouette.
At the same time, the wall features a very modern wallpaper with herringbone chevron stripes and a glossy sheen. It’s a fantastic mix.
39. Let There Be White
A small kitchen can feel so much more spacious when you make the right color choices. Painting the cabinets and backsplash a bright white really makes the room feel airier.
The dark wood countertops and bronze drawer pulls are perfect for providing a bit of contrast.
40. Clever California-Style Kitchen Adaptation
Even a tiny kitchen can pack a big punch with the right styling. This huge farmhouse sink could easily look out of proportion in such a small space, but every single element works together to fool the eye.
A large window and open shelving help the room feel more proportional, and the contrast between the taupe subway tile and black window trim creates an optical illusion of more space.
41. Large Patterns, Small Spaces
It might seem counterintuitive, but small patterns in small spaces can make your kitchen feel a little claustrophobic. Bringing in a large, bold pattern like these black and white tiles is a great trick. It makes your brain think the room is larger than it actually is.
42. Simplicity and Scale
If your house doesn’t have an open floor plan, a big island could make an enclosed kitchen feel cramped. Scaling down the island’s size keeps the footprint of the room proportional.
The simple stacked subway tile wall also helps create the illusion of openness.
43. Country Classic Kitchen
Black and white is such a classic color combo for a farmhouse kitchen concept. While the black tile backsplash is distinctly modern, accessories like the vintage striped curtains and an old-fashioned step-stool add so much charm.
44. Contemporary Convenience with Character
So many people dream of having a spacious and chic kitchen but worry it won’t have much warmth or charm. Adding just a few key accessories can elevate the space and create a really beautiful aesthetic.
In this kitchen, the patterned tile backsplash, wood-wrapped stove hood, and metal cabinet pulls bring in that personal touch.
45. Pair High-Gloss Finish with Low-Profile Design
This minimalist take on a farmhouse kitchen features stacked subway tiles. I love how the subtle sheen and texture give these tiles character that ties in so well with the rustic wood shelving and drawers.
46. Accessorizing A Builder-Grade Kitchen
The kitchen in a brand-new home can feel a little generic, even when it’s made with quality materials.
An easy way to add personality is to add some open shelving and fill it with farm-inspired decor. You can also add a peel-and-stick tin backsplash for a more rustic texture.
47. Square Up Your Small Space
At first glance, this tile backsplash looks like a traditional subway tile. But if you look closer, the tiles are actually square.
Using square tiles instead of rectangular ones is a clever way to create the illusion that your tiny kitchen is actually quite spacious.
48. Contrasting Patterns Add Subtle Textures
This all-white kitchen juxtaposes horizontal shiplap patterns with a herringbone tile backsplash. Mixing these patterns brings a lot of visual intrigue to the minimalist color scheme. It’s a really well-done detail.
49. Play with Proportion
You can design a stylish modern farmhouse kitchen with a huge stove and a large rustic wood beam right next to a backsplash made of small hexagonal tiles. The different colors in the backsplash pick up the tones from the wood perfectly.
50. Subtle Elegance On The Farm
This kitchen takes several traditional farmhouse features and finishes but presents them in a really modern way.
The shiplap walls are laid vertically instead of horizontally, and the simple white shaker cabinets are accented by gold chrome drawer pulls. The dark wood stain on the countertop completes the luxe look.
51. Modernize Your Space with Color and Shape
This kitchen has a light blue backsplash made of tiles arranged into cool geometric shapes. They introduce a bright and colorful element to a very traditional layout. I also love how the dark teal kitchen island adds to the contemporary feeling.
52. Rustic Glam
This space is all about contrast. You’ve got open wood shelving and textured leather bar stools next to a glossy tile backsplash and elegant, modern light fixtures.
These diverging styles are somehow in perfect harmony with each other. The richness of the emerald green kitchen island base elevates the whole look even further.
53. Elevate A Simple Backsplash with Some Shine
This small kitchen has simple white cabinetry, warm wood countertops, and gets tons of natural light.
The neutral wall tiles have a glossy finish that makes them feel incredibly rich, even with their understated color palette. It’s a great example of how texture can make a big difference.