The Art of the Backsplash
Reimagine this functional kitchen and bath element with a worldly palette from Coverings 2026
By: Darlene Dela Cruz
Jul 1, 2026
It’s hard to believe that the concept of a backsplash originated in the early 20th century as a practical 4-inch-tall strip of affordable tile installed behind a sink or stove to prevent stains from water, oil and food. Backsplashes now star as design focal points in modern kitchens and baths — ceramic, stone, glossy, matte, textured and shaped materials come in expressive patterns and colors combinable in an infinite number of aesthetic pairings.
Next-level backsplash artistry was on display at Coverings 2026, the premier conference for the ceramic tile and natural stone industry. Thousands of attendees at this spring’s expo in Las Vegas — including Hawai‘i pros — got exclusive looks at creative tile and slab applications from an international roster of vendors representing more than 40 countries.
Bold strokes of inspiration among the product lines at Coverings 2026 expand what’s possible beyond a basic backsplash. These are some of our favorite design themes noted by the expo’s trendspotters.
Jade Terrain
Shades of green may currently be popular in Hawai‘i for cabinetry, but verdant hues are making their way to backsplashes, too. Jade-inspired stonework is elegant and versatile as a grounding neutral canvas or statement piece with the right patterns. Coverings 2026 pros recommend jade-like styles for your backsplash in large-format surfaces, mosaics or subway tiles.
Fantasy Dark
The name of this colorway from Ceramica Fondovalle’s MyTop Series sums up a movement toward stonework with moody contrasts. Coverings 2026 featured Ceramica Fondovalle’s take on Italian marble with rich, wave-like vein patterns. These slabs look great as backsplashes alongside dark cabinetry and matching islands or vanities.
Gilded Age
Metallic ornamentations are on the rise as backsplashes with shiny elements glow up the lighting and architectural features in kitchens and baths. Ceramic tiles and large-format stonework with shimmery details in gold, silver, bronze or copper are easy, “quiet luxury” upgrades.
Surface Technologies
New manufacturing technologies are redefining textures and functionality in tile and stone. Tactile sculptural reliefs and bas-relief styles now have more dimension and slip-resistance properties for applications beyond the sink and stove, according to Coverings 2026 experts. Stonework with backlit effects looks great as a “backsplash” behind shelving, too.
Cerámica Da Vinci’s ‘Tides’
Irregular or organic shapes and textures are just as popular for backsplashes as clean and symmetrical matching collections. The “Tides” line of glossy ceramic tile by Cerámica Da Vinci pays homage to the variations of depth and movement seen in coastal landscapes.
This story appears in the July/August 2026 print issue of Ku‘u Home magazine.