How to make a kitchen backsplash look more expensive, according to designers

It might be a smaller element of your kitchen design, but a few changes to make your kitchen backsplash look more expensive can elevate your overall scheme. And if your cooker is the focal point of your space, the backsplash has a greater impact than you might expect.

Kitchen backsplash ideas usually depend on the other elements chosen, from the countertops and cabinets to the kitchen color scheme you introduce. And while it might be an afterthought in your planning process, it's an easy element to elevate if you want to add a more luxurious look to your kitchen.

From materials to unexpected details, we've asked designers how to make a kitchen backsplash look more expensive – and you'll be pleased to hear there are ideas to suit every style of kitchen.

How to make a kitchen backsplash look more expensive

Luxury doesn't have to cost a fortune – a few subtle changes can make your kitchen backsplash look expensive and elevated. If you're not sure where to start, feel inspired by this expert advice.

1. Make a big impact with a small kitchen backsplash

This year's kitchen trends have put the spotlight on tiles – and they're a great way to create a statement kitchen backsplash. To create a striking design, opt for a smaller backsplash with luxurious materials.

'To make a backsplash look more expensive, consider prioritizing quality over quantity. Instead of covering the entire kitchen with tile, select a smaller, high-impact area – like behind the range or sink – where you can use a luxurious, statement material, such as a richly veined marble, metallic glass tile, or a handmade ceramic with a unique glaze,' suggests Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors.

'The key is to create a focal point that exudes opulence without overwhelming the space. To elevate the design further, think beyond traditional tiles and explore unconventional options like large-format slabs or mirror-finished glass for a dramatic, reflective effect.'

2. Take your countertop material onto the backsplash

There's no denying the sense of luxury large stone slabs bring to a kitchen. Waterfall kitchen islands created with marble instantly come to mind, but why not create the same effect with your backsplash? It will instantly give it a more expensive look.

'Follow the countertop up the wall to have a deep backsplash to flow with the same material. This looks great and really adds another dimension,' says Jayne Everett, creative designer at Naked Kitchens.

'For this client’s kitchen, we carried the quartzite countertops up the wall to make the space feel larger. We styled the kitchen countertops and backsplash with vintage artwork and accessories to bring some antique elements to the modern kitchen,' says Elizabeth Mollen, Chicago-based interior designer and CEO of Stone Textile Studio.

3. Opt for an aged-metal backsplash

Metallics are making a bit of a comeback in kitchen design – and not in the obvious ways like hardware. Think less expected details such as decorative moldings and cabinet edging. And when it comes to making a backsplash look more expensive, aged metals are a striking choice.

If you want something timeless, look to metals that are considered enduring in kitchen design. 'Our clients absolutely love our aged brass splashback which gives a sumptuous finish to a kitchen – it's just fabulous and always admired,' says Jayne.

This deVOL kitchen is a great example where a metal backsplash has been introduced in a moody scheme. The patina gives it an antique feel, making it a timeless and expensive-looking choice.

4. Choose an unexpected material

Sometimes, the best way to make a kitchen backsplash look more expensive is to use unexpected materials. It will instantly create a stand-out feature that becomes a talking point of your space – unique always looks more elevated.

'An affordable and interesting option is to add black painted glass – it adds color and texture and makes the space more alluring,' says Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects. Or, make it even simpler by using the same material as your cabinetry as a backsplash in a different color.

'When I was renovating my kitchen, the stone I wanted was outside the budget I had set aside. I searched for ages to find a backsplash material that would be durable and cost-effective. I used the same material we used for the doors as the backsplash,' she adds.

'It's fun to look for ways to innovate and use materials that people haven't considered before. The key is a combination of different materials and colors to ensure everything used is complimentary.'

5. Use contrasting grout in a tiled backsplash

Sometimes it's less about the backsplash material itself and more about how you style it. If you've opted for a tile backsplash, Vyanca suggests: 'Try using contrasting grout colors to create a bolder, more bespoke look that emphasizes the craftsmanship and detail of the backsplash.'

Beyond grout, consider how you accessorize your backsplash, and the decor you add can make the backsplash look more expensive and elevated. 'Incorporating accessories that complement the tone and texture of the backsplash can also help add luxury, such as brushed gold hardware, artisan pottery, or even a curated display of high-quality oils in elegant bottles,' Vyanca adds.

'Luxury is as much about the ambiance and attention to detail as it is about the materials themselves, so focus on creating a cohesive and thoughtfully styled vignette that feels custom and curated.'

6. Opt for porcelain slabs that look like natural stone

When you think of a luxurious, expensive-looking kitchen backsplash, natural stones like marble probably come to mind. To achieve the same look without the price tag, look to porcelain alternatives.

'Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, advice from DaVinci that, after 500 years, is time-tested. Simplicity can be a more affordable option than its natural alternative but still delivers on design. Porcelain slabs are a fantastic way to make a statement without breaking the bank,' says Rebecca Roberts, founder and principal designer at Method + Moxie.

'There is an exceptional range of offerings that mimic natural stones, woods, metallics, and more, allowing you great versatility in your expression. In this kitchen, we opted for a calmer striation in the porcelain to deliver an elegant yet understated backdrop to an open floor plan kitchen. Simplicity in the solution and distinction in the design,' she explains.

From tiles to grout to decor, there are so many ways to make a kitchen backsplash look more expensive. Whether you opt for statement tiles with contrasting grout, porcelain tiles with the look of natural stone, or more considered decor to elevate the scheme, it's easier to add a sense of luxury than you might think!