The right kitchen backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. It adds personality, ties the design together, and can even boost the value of your home. But with so many materials, colors, and patterns available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Branch Home Remodeling, we help homeowners in Holly Springs and surrounding areas make confident, stylish decisions for their kitchen remodels—starting with the backsplash.

Match your backsplash to your kitchen’s overall style

While your kitchen backsplash serves a practical purpose—protecting walls from moisture and cooking messes—it’s also a powerful design element. The right backsplash ties your entire space together and reinforces your overall aesthetic. Whether your style is modern, rustic, transitional, or bold, your backsplash can make the whole kitchen feel more cohesive and thoughtfully designed.

At Branch Home Remodeling, we guide homeowners in Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Cary, Morrisville, Willow Spring, and Raleigh through the process of selecting finishes that align with their design vision. As part of a full kitchen remodel, the backsplash is one of the most impactful (and visible) choices you’ll make.

Here’s how different styles pair with backsplash materials and layouts:

Modern kitchens

Modern kitchens emphasize clean lines, reflective surfaces, and simplicity. These spaces often incorporate flat-panel cabinetry, integrated appliances, and minimal hardware. For a backsplash that complements this style, consider:

- - Glossy glass tiles for a sleek, light-reflecting surface
  - Large-format porcelain panels that reduce grout lines for a smooth look
  - Slab quartz backsplashes that continue the countertop up the wall for visual continuity

Many homeowners pair these choices with custom cabinet upgrades and lighting improvements, which we integrate into our kitchen remodeling projects across the Triangle region.

Farmhouse kitchens

Warm and welcoming, farmhouse-style kitchens benefit from a mix of vintage charm and clean design. The backsplash materials here should feel tactile and handcrafted:

- - White subway tile with dark grout for a clean, classic contrast
  - Beadboard or shiplap-style panels for a rustic, textural look
  - Hand-glazed ceramics that offer beautiful imperfections and personality

These backsplashes also work beautifully in bathroom remodels, especially when the goal is to carry the farmhouse charm throughout the home.

Transitional kitchens

Transitional design blends classic and contemporary elements, creating timeless kitchens that feel both fresh and familiar. The backsplash here can add subtle flair without distracting from the rest of the room:

- - Herringbone or chevron patterns using marble, ceramic, or even wood-look tile
  - Neutral tones like soft gray, beige, or white that complement stone countertops
  - Matte finishes for a more understated, elegant appearance

This style is ideal for whole main floor renovations, where harmony between kitchen, dining, and living spaces is important.

Bold or eclectic kitchens

If your goal is to create a statement kitchen, your backsplash is the perfect place to express personality. A dramatic tile design can be the focal point of the room:

- - Moroccan or Spanish-inspired patterns with vibrant colors
  - Encaustic cement tiles with bold geometric shapes
  - Metal, stone, or glass mosaics for a layered, custom look

We often recommend playful backsplash designs in basement remodels where there's a wet bar, secondary kitchen, or entertainment area—spaces where homeowners enjoy pushing the creative envelope.

Combine function with creativity: Materials, colors, and patterns that work together

A standout backsplash doesn’t just look good—it needs to perform well and fit seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen. At Branch Home Remodeling, we help clients select backsplash options that balance durability, style, and creativity. From materials and color choices to layout patterns, here’s how to make smart decisions that look great and last for years.

Choose materials that are both attractive and durable

Your backsplash is constantly exposed to heat, moisture, and everyday splashes. That means it needs to be easy to clean, long-lasting, and able to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice style for durability.

Top backsplash materials to consider:

- Ceramic or porcelain tile – Affordable and highly versatile, these tiles come in every color, size, and shape imaginable. They’re easy to clean and ideal for nearly any kitchen style.
- Glass tile – Sleek and light-reflecting, glass tiles are a popular choice for modern kitchens and small spaces that need brightening.
- Natural stone – Materials like marble, travertine, and slate add organic texture and timeless beauty. They require sealing but make a big visual impact.
- Quartz slabs – For a seamless, sophisticated look, quartz backsplash panels extend your countertop material up the wall, reducing grout lines and simplifying maintenance.
- Metal – Stainless steel, copper, or aluminum tiles are heat-resistant, easy to clean, and ideal for industrial or ultra-modern kitchens.

These materials are frequently integrated into our kitchen remodeling projects across Holly Springs, Cary, and Apex.

Pick a color that enhances your space

The color of your backsplash sets the tone—subtle and seamless, or bold and eye-catching. Your choice should support the mood and palette of your kitchen, whether you’re aiming for a calm, neutral space or something more expressive.

Helpful color strategies:

- Neutral colors – Whites, grays, and soft earth tones provide flexibility for future updates and work well in resale-focused remodels.
- Bold colors – A rich blue, emerald green, or patterned tile can serve as a focal point, especially when paired with neutral cabinetry and counters.
- Tone-on-tone palettes – Matching or slightly varying your backsplash to your countertop or cabinets creates a high-end, cohesive look.

We often help homeowners in Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, and Raleigh coordinate their backsplash color with their flooring and fixture updates as part of a larger kitchen or main floor remodel.

Think beyond basic tile patterns

Even the most affordable tiles can look upscale when installed in a creative layout. Your backsplash pattern plays a key role in the overall feel of your kitchen—linear layouts feel classic and neat, while geometric or intricate patterns make a bigger statement.

Creative layout ideas include:

- Subway tile – Whether stacked or offset, this timeless layout works with nearly any style.
- Diagonal tiles – A diagonal arrangement creates movement and draws the eye upward, making small kitchens feel more dynamic.
- Herringbone – Great for transitional kitchens, this pattern adds texture and a tailored finish.
- Mosaics and mixed materials – Combining glass, stone, or metal tiles in a mosaic or custom inset adds interest and individuality.

If your kitchen is part of a larger basement remodel or includes an entertaining area or wet bar, don’t be afraid to experiment with a more dramatic pattern to set the space apart.

Don’t overlook grout color and spacing

Grout may seem like a small detail, but it can dramatically influence the final look of your backsplash. The color, width, and finish of your grout can either amplify your tile design or make it quietly blend into the background—so it’s important to choose wisely.

Here’s how grout choices can impact your backsplash:

- Contrasting grout – Using a grout color that stands out from the tile (e.g., dark grout with white subway tile) creates visual definition. This works especially well for geometric patterns like herringbone or stacked layouts, where you want the shape of the tile to be a focal point.
- Matching grout – Opting for a grout color that closely matches the tile (e.g., gray grout with gray tile) produces a more uniform, seamless look. This is ideal for modern kitchens or minimalist designs where the goal is simplicity and cohesion.
- Grout line thickness –
  - Thin lines (1/16” or less) feel clean and contemporary, often used in upscale or modern kitchens.
  - Thicker lines (1/8” or more) add texture and character, and are a great fit for farmhouse or rustic styles.
- Grout finish – You can also choose between sanded or unsanded grout depending on your tile size and spacing. Unsanded grout is smoother and works best with smaller joints, while sanded grout is more durable and better for larger gaps.

During our kitchen remodeling projects throughout Holly Springs, Apex, and Cary, we often guide homeowners through grout selection during the tile installation phase—because even the best tile can underwhelm if the grout isn’t right.

Bonus tip: Consider grout maintenance as well. Light-colored grout may show stains more easily in high-use areas, but modern sealants can help protect against discoloration and make cleaning easier over time.

Case study: Clean, classic, and custom

In a recent kitchen remodel in Holly Springs, we worked with a client who wanted a timeless look with a modern twist. We installed classic white subway tiles—but laid them in a herringbone pattern with dark gray grout. This small design tweak made a huge impact, giving the kitchen texture and personality without overwhelming the space.

Trust a professional for flawless results

A well-designed backsplash only shines when it’s installed correctly. At Branch Home Remodeling, we ensure every detail—from layout and grout to material choice—is executed with expert craftsmanship.

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re partnering with a skilled team that delivers seamless results as part of a full kitchen remodel or whole-home update.

Our remodeling services include:

- Custom kitchen remodeling
- Complete bathroom renovations
- Functional and stylish basement finishing
- Whole-home and main floor remodels

Let us help you bring your vision to life with trusted experience and attention to detail in every phase of the project.

Proudly serving Holly Springs and surrounding areas

Branch Home Remodeling provides expert home renovation services across Wake County and beyond. We proudly serve homeowners in:

- Holly Springs
- Apex
- Cary
- Fuquay
- Morrisville
- Raleigh
- And surrounding communities

Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or basement finishing project, our team brings trusted craftsmanship, transparent communication, and local expertise to every job.

Let’s create a kitchen you’ll love

Bring your kitchen to life with a backsplash that reflects your style.

Ready to take the next step in your kitchen remodel? Contact Branch Home Remodeling today to schedule your free estimate. We proudly serve homeowners in Holly Springs, Cary, Apex, and beyond with kitchen remodeling services that combine expert design, skilled construction, and personal attention to every detail.

How to Select a Kitchen Backsplash That Stands Out