Kitchen with Two Different Backsplashes Mix & Match Different Styles

An SEO Expert’s Guide to Designing a Kitchen Backsplash with Mix and Match Styles

Kitchen backsplashes not only protect the walls from water damage and stains, but they have become a key decorative element in kitchen design. Having a backsplash with two different styles mixed and matched is an excellent way to add visual interest, depth and personality to your kitchen. This article will provide an in-depth look at designing a kitchen backsplash using a mix and match of materials, textures, colors and patterns.

Overview of Mix and Match Kitchen Backsplash Design

Having a backsplash with two different styles allows you to get creative and highlight different functional zones of your kitchen. For example, you may opt for an inexpensive, low maintenance material like ceramic tile behind the cooktop and sink areas which tend to get messier. Then use a more refined or ornate backsplash like marble, glass or mosaic tile behind the oven where appearance matters more.

Benefits of a Mixed Backsplash:

• Allows you to customize different backsplash materials and looks to match the use of each area
• Provides visual interest and highlights the unique aspects of your kitchen
• Creates contrast between different textures, colors and materials
• Looks coordinated yet avoids a monotonous all-matching look
• Lets you blend styles from traditional to contemporary
• Fits with eclectic, rustic, urban and other mixed décor looks
• Provides opportunity to mix high-end and budget-friendly materials
• Makes a design statement and puts your personal stamp on the kitchen

Planning Your Mix and Match Backsplash

Successful mix and match backsplash designs take some planning and forethought. Here are some tips:

Consider the Architecture

• Note any changes in ceiling height, cabinets, counters, windows etc. Transitioning between backsplash styles at architectural breaks will look intentional.
• Consider how backsplash shapes and lines can accentuate angles or draw the eye to focal points in the kitchen’s layout.

Define Backsplash Zones

Figure out the best materials for each area based on use, exposure and visibility:

• Sink area – durable and water-resistant like ceramic tile; decorative accent tiles draw attention
• Stovetop/cooking zone – non-flammable, heat-resistant, easy-cleaning
• Secondary surface between countertops & cabinets – less wear so can be delicate and decorative
• Highly visible focal area like behind oven – use an ornate or artistic style here

Select Complementary Materials

• Vary textures and patterns – pair smooth with rough, matte with shiny, organic with geometric
• Contrast warm and cool colors
• Mix modern with traditional looks
• Combine natural stone with sleek metal or glass mosaic accents
• Marry rustic or industrial materials like brick with polished porcelain or marble

Mind the Transitions

• Transition between styles at corners, edges or where structural changes exist
• Use trim pieces, bullnose edges or other transitional elements between materials
• Repeat a color, shape or texture in both styles to bridge the gap

Excellent Mix and Match Backsplash Examples

Here are some stunning examples of kitchen backsplashes mixing materials, colors, shapes and styles:

1. Geometric and Organic

This backsplash pairs the clean lines of geometric ceramic wall tile behind the cooktop with an organic style multi-colored glass and stone mosaic behind the oven. The two looks are unified by consistent white grout and use of silver accents.

Photo from Wellborn Cabinet

2. Rustic Brick and Sleek Marble

Rough red brick laid in a herringbone pattern contrasts beautifully with the gray and white marble subway tiles in this backsplash. Brick brings a rustic outdoorsy charm, while marble provides an elegant and timeless look.

Photo by Amy Lau Design

3. Modern Metal Meets VintageCharm

The crisp white shaker cabinets get a boost of vintage charm from the turquoise ceramic tile behind the range and prep sink. Modern metal mosaic tiles accent the oven backsplash with shimmer and geometric appeal.

Photo by John Granen

4. Coastal Blue Pattern Pairs with Neutral Stone

Beach-worthy navy blue ceramic subway tiles laid in a brick pattern design energize this backsplash. They are complemented by organic neutral-toned stone behind the range to create a relaxing yet bold look.

Photo by Studio DB

5. Wood Backsplash Meets Colorful Tile

The lower backsplash features a reclaimed wood panel, bringing natural warmth. Above, the oven is framed by an eye-catching handmade Moroccan-style tile featuring vibrant colors and patterns.

Photo by Ason Unique Designs

Mix and Match Materials for Backsplashes

Combining two or more wall covering materials creates an endless array of possibilities. Here are some of the most popular:

Tile

Ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tile comes in every color, shape, pattern and finish imaginable, providing limitless mix and match options. Pair matte and shiny, geometric and free-form, plain tiles with intricate decorative ones. Transitional trim pieces allow a smooth changeover.

Glass & Metal

Sleek glass or metallic backsplashes infuse modern flair. Try a bold mosaic pattern or colorful glass art tiles behind the prep area paired with simple metal sheets behind the cooktop. Warm up cold stainless steel with golden stone accents.

Wood

Rustic barnwood planks offer a natural contrast to refined surfaces like marble. Or create an eclectic look by pairing rich wood panels with Moroccan-inspired tiles. Use wood sparingly in wet areas and combine with ceramic trim.

Brick, Stone or Concrete

The rough, raw texture of bricks, limestone, and concrete make an organic pairing with polished, futuristic materials like mirrored or colored glass. Lay stone or brick in a classic running bond or more modern herringbone pattern.

Wallpaper

Self-adhesive wallpaper backsplashes let you integrate almost any color, pattern and texture into your design. Pair wild prints with plain stone or tile, or use wallpaper to seamlessly continue a ceramic design onto drywall.

Transitioning Between Different Backsplash Materials

Once you’ve decided on your mix and match materials, proper transitions are key to pulling off a cohesive finished look. Here are some ways to transition between backsplash styles:

Use Transitional Trim Pieces

• Bullnose tiles ease the transition between tile materials and orientations
• Metal or stone strips transition from one material to the next
• Decorative tile edges frame and finish flat tiles with style

Repeat Colors and Textures

• If styles share a common color, the color consistency unites them
• Echoing a similar texture (i.e. glossy, matte, smooth, organic) helps bridge materials

Create a Distinct Break Between Materials

• Run materials to cabinet edges, windows or change in counter height
• Use caulking or grout lines to delineate where one material ends and the next begins

Incorporate Architectural Details as Transition Points

• Change materials at interior corners or where backsplash meets wall
• Utilize apron front sinks, stove hoods or floating shelves to hide transitions

Overlap Materials for a Gradual Blend

• Allow materials to slightly overlap each other (1-3 inches) avoiding a harsh line
• Create a muted ombre effect, like light to dark stone

Design Inspiration – Two Backsplash Styles Paired in Creative Ways

Here are some eye-catching examples of kitchens incorporating two distinct backsplash materials beautifully:

1. Geometric Tile Meets Vintage Distressed Wood

Sleek gray ceramic subway tile provides a graphic backdrop, paired with reclaimed wood planks with hand-painted vintage floral details above the stove for contrast.

Photo from Fireclay Tile

2. Steel Gray Glass Mixed with White Brick

Smoky gray glass mosaic tile with silver accents coats the area around the range. Timeless white brick laid in a stacked bond pattern contrasts above the cookspace.

Photo by Facets by Marble & More

3. Natural Stone Meets Glamorous Mirrored Glass

Honed marble mosaic tiles in soft beige and white cover the oven backsplash. Next to it, a large scale mirrored glass tile backsplash reflects light and enhances the glam factor.

Photo by Elena Calabrese

4. Modern Graphic Tile Paired with Penny Rounds

Sleek polygon-shaped tiles in black and white make a geometric statement behind the stove and sink. Warm copper penny tiles provide an organic transition to the stylish green walls.

*Photo by Plaid Fox Design

5. Wood Plank Backsplash with Decorative Tile Accents

Wide acacia wood planks run vertically behind the stove and prep area. Three handmade ceramic tile inserts in orange and blue enliven the backsplash with artsy southwestern flair.

Photo by Averill Construction

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixed Backsplashes

What are some best practices for mixing backsplash tile patterns?

• Use large tile or simple grid patterns behind cooktops for easy cleanability. More ornate tile goes better behind ovens.
• Pair tiles with similar gloss, size and grout color for cohesion.
• Echo shapes or colors in both styles. Mirror patterns can create appealing asymmetry.

What’s the best way to transition from ceramic tile to a marble backsplash?

Use a transition piece like a metal or tile edge trim between the two materials. Minimize grout lines in the marble and keep grout color consistent with the tile. Allow marble to overlap slightly for a gradual transition.

Can you combine stone and glass backsplashes?

Definitely! The reflective quality of glass tile beautifully complements the muted earthy tones of natural stone. Line the cooktop area in stone and use a glass mosaic or art glass accent behind the range for contrast.

How do I mix metal and wood backsplash materials?

Use wood horizontally on the lower portion of the backsplash near countertops. Install metal panels, planks or mosaic tile on the upper portion. Look for metal finishes like rusted iron that work with wood’s organic grain patterns.

What’s the best way to join a ceramic tile and brick backsplash?

Lay brick in regular rows above the countertop to chair rail height. Mark off the bottom row and install tile below, leaving a small space between. Fill it with grout, caulk or a metal trim. Make grout colors match.

Conclusion

The options are limitless when dreaming up a mixed-material backsplash. Combining styles, textures and colors allows you to put a dramatic signature on your kitchen. With smart planning and seamless execution, a backsplash with two unique looks creates visual flair sure to wow any guest. It serves up both function and beauty.

When tackling your own eclectic backsplash, take time to first analyze your kitchen’s architecture, use patterns, and areas of exposure. Pick complementary materials suited for each zone. Mind the transitions between them, utilizing color, overlapping, trim pieces and other connectors to unify the finished look. With the right mix of creativity and care, your multi-material backsplash is sure to be a chef’s masterpiece!