Tile murals are the designer-approved way to elevate a kitchen backsplash – here's how to make this revived feature feel on-trend in 2025

Tiled backsplashes have been making a strong comeback this year – they're versatile and characterful, offering an opportunity to create a more personalized design and aiding a more lived-in scheme.

But the trend is being taken one step further, transforming it from simply a backsplash to a work of art. If you haven't already guessed, we're talking about tile murals for kitchen backsplashes.

From bountiful florals to more traditional artistic designs, should you be considering this kitchen trend in 2025? Here's everything you need to know about transforming your kitchen backsplash with tile murals and how to create a tasteful design.

Various kitchen backsplash styles have proved popular over the years. From the classic white subway tiles to statement marble and even checkerboard designs – but 2025 is gearing up to be the year of tile murals, bringing a more artistic element to schemes.

'Tile murals can be a great addition to a kitchen if done correctly. In a bygone era, they would often have the connotation of being rather old-fashioned, but a new take on them for 2025 can put a different slant on them,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

The key to getting this kitchen tile idea right is creating a mural that is tasteful and timeless – and the best approach is to create something personal. 'Tile murals can be a way of transporting you to somewhere else, depending on the pattern and design of them – think of it as creating a story within your own kitchen,' she adds.

Tile mural kitchen backsplashes are a particularly favored choice to create a talking point and a focal feature in your kitchen scheme in an unexpected way. It's about thinking outside of the box and creating unique spaces.

'Tile mural backsplashes are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to make a design statement. They combine functionality with artistic flair, serving as a visual focal point while protecting the walls from splashes and spills. Tiles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture, making them a practical solution for kitchens,' explains Lesley Taylor, interior designer BIID and founder at The Baked Tile Co.

'They stand out because they bring artistry and personality into a space that’s often dominated by practical considerations. The designs can range from classic, floral motifs to fun tropical designs, allowing homeowners to customize the look to reflect their taste. They also offer the opportunity to introduce color, texture, and storytelling into the kitchen, elevating it beyond a purely functional area.'

3 ways to create a tile mural kitchen backsplash

There are different ways to create a tile mural kitchen backsplash – and it all comes down to personal style. From focused designs behind a cooktop to mural backsplashes that envelope the whole kitchen, here's how designers nail this revived trend.

1. Take a tile mural up to the ceiling

While many new-style tile mural kitchen backsplashes focus on either the stove backsplash or the small portion of the wall above the countertops, there is a bolder approach that creates a truly immersive feel – floor-to-ceiling designs.

Tiled kitchen backsplashes taken up to the ceiling are an emerging trend this year, but doing it with a mural design really takes it to the next level. And this doesn't mean you have to favor a maximalist kitchen – even pared-back designs can benefit from this creative backsplash style.

This design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design is a perfect example. Lead designer Mira Eng-Goetz designed the tile mural backsplash in collaboration with Tempest Tileworks in Portland to create this striking off-white and green design. Taking it right up to the ceiling gives the mural space to shine and becomes the stand-out feature of the kitchen.

Paired with kitchen cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore's Storm Cloud Gray, brass details, and rich walnut kitchen countertops, the result is a space that feels timeless and inviting with plenty of visual interest.

2. Design a personalized mural backsplash that wraps around your kitchen

For a tile mural that feels immersive and at the heart of the kitchen, extending the backsplash around the entirety of your scheme is a bold but oh-so-effective choice. This approach allows you to create something that feels immersive and sets the tone for your scheme – especially if you choose a mural that feels really personal.

'In a specific instance, I had a client from Mexico, so I wanted to personalize their kitchen with a tribute to their heritage. Amongst other elements like hand-hammered copper and a richly woven rug, I sourced a hand-painted mural aptly called “Mexican Sonata” depicting birds and tropical foliage,' explains interior designer Isabel Ladd.

'So in this case, I simply introduced this tile mural as the backsplash and tied it into the entire kitchen scheme. I appreciate the storytelling that murals provide, and I find the casual nature of tile appealing,' Isabel adds.

3. Create a focal point behind a cooktop

For a more focused tile mural kitchen backsplash, introducing it behind a cooktop alone can be incredibly striking. While it's more subtle than a backsplash wrapped around every wall in your space, it allows a busier design to breathe and really have its moment.

'When introducing a mural backsplash, the key is understanding what approach will work best in your style of kitchen. With a long galley kitchen, for example, a mural positioned above a hob, can visually break up the long run of units, improving the visual proportion,' says Lesley.

'In an open-plan kitchen, start by identifying a central area to feature the mural – often above the range cooker – where it naturally draws the eye. Pair the mural with neutral or subdued tiles in other areas to let the design shine without overwhelming the space. Lighting also plays a crucial role; under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights can highlight the mural’s details, adding depth and drama.'

Tile murals are a great way to create a unique kitchen backsplash that blends function and style. Whether you bring in a floral pattern or opt for a striking scenic mural, there are so many styles to choose between for a characterful kitchen scheme.