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Kitchen backsplashes are more than just functionalthey help tie together the room’s aesthetic.
So, which kitchen backsplash colors should you avoid for a stylish yet timeless space?
We spoke to three interior design professionals to get their take.
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and designers say overly artificial colors and materials are officially out for 2025.
Instead, homeowners want to create warm, inviting spaces filled with character and charm.
Theyre doing this by leaning into cozy nature-inspired hues in all areas of the home, including kitchen backsplashes.
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Here are the top six kitchen backsplash colors that are no longer stylish, according to design pros.
Those white subway tile backsplashes that everyone installed ten years ago?
Theyre reading outdated, according to designers.
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Instead, homeowners are opting for tiles in warmer shades of white, such as cream.
Theyre also leaning toward more natural materials, whether it’s real stone or handmade clay tiles like zellige.
These small changes can transform a space from cold and sterile to warm, organic, and inviting.
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They were beloved for the warmth they brought to the home, with a charming European edge.
But today, these saturated yellow tones can make a space feel heavy and overdone.
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Designers say soft neutrals with warm undertones are a much more modern and timeless option.
Think light taupe, creamy whites, or soft greiges.
Red-Brown
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Similarly, Cooper says that red-brown kitchen backsplashes feel outdated and heavy.
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“Look for colors that bring richness without the visual weight, adding a subtle, modern sophistication.”
They reveal every smudge, every fingerprint, and every water spot and must be constantly cleaned.
Though they provide a high-contrast appearance, they may be lacking in texture and warmth, he says.
Textured tiles in softer neutral shades are a more modern alternative.
Avocado Green
Finally, designers agree that avocado green backsplashes instantly date a space.
According to Andronachi, these hues introduce the outdoors without compromising the feeling of elegance.