There’s a palpable consensus among designers that certain backsplash trends are simply too outdated to remain in vogue. If your kitchen showcases any of these relics, it’s high time to consider a modern update that will stand the test of time.
Melissa Lee, the visionary behind New South Home in Charlotte, North Carolina, is among those eager to bid farewell to the polished glass tile era. “We’re stepping away from the shine,” Lee asserts. “As design trends gravitate towards natural, earthy materials, anything too glossy or excessively polished feels disconnected from the current aesthetic.” Lee suggests embracing a more rustic, handcrafted vibe instead. “We’re drawn to backsplashes that exude a natural texture, subtle color shifts, and an artisanal touch—elements that add warmth and authenticity to the space,” she advises.
Designers have also grown weary of the mosaic backsplashes composed of stone and glass. Kelly Emerson, a senior designer at Aidan Design in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Dallen Russell, a remodeling advisor at InSite Builders & Remodeling in Bethesda, Maryland, both agree that these backsplashes evoke an early 2000s vibe. Russell explains, “They used to feel sleek and contemporary, but now, with their glossy finish, mixed hues, and disjointed appearance, they seem overly complicated compared to today’s preference for clean, cohesive surfaces.”
Russell notes that in the past, kitchen designers often matched backsplashes with countertops made of the same granite or marble, a choice he now considers out of step with current tastes. “It used to be seen as a practical, seamless solution,” he says. “But in 2025, it feels lackluster and uninspired.”
The early 2000s Tuscan-style kitchens are a trend that many designers would prefer to leave in the past. “They were chosen to inject warmth and character, but now they feel outdated and restrict a kitchen to a bygone aesthetic,” Russell observes.
When it comes to Tuscan-style designs, the once-popular Tuscan murals have also fallen out of favor. Carla Royder, the creative force behind Carla Royder Designs in San Antonio, Texas, recalls the prevalence of rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and abundant fruit baskets on kitchen backsplashes. “These scenes were meant to bring a European charm, but they often confined the kitchen to a very specific, now dated, theme,” Royder reflects.
The glossy white subway tile with high-contrast grout, a staple of the early 2000s, has also lost its allure. Russell explains, “While white subway tile itself is a classic, the stark contrast with dark grout lines ties it to a particular era rather than allowing it to be a timeless classic.”
For those who haven’t yet transitioned away from the country look in their kitchen, it may be time to reconsider. “There was a period when beadboard and distressed metal ceiling tiles made their way onto our backsplashes,” Royder remarks. “It was part of a certain shabby-chic, farmhouse aesthetic that was charming and quaint.” However, she finds this style too “cute” and impractical today. “The grooves were also notorious for being a cleaning nightmare, and who has time for that?” she adds.
In Lauren Saab’s opinion, faux stone panels are a misstep. “No matter how meticulously they’re installed, they still come off as phony,” says the founder of Saab Studios in Dallas, Texas. “They promise character but never quite deliver it,” she concludes.
