13 Joanna Gaines Backsplash Ideas That'll Revive Any Stale Kitchen

In Joanna Gaines' various home makeovers, she has shown that it is possible to transform boring and basic kitchens with a strategic backsplash. On the show "Fixer Upper" and various Magnolia projects, Gaines has turned to classic tiles and slabs of brick and stone to revamp kitchen settings. And while many might think such an undertaking will require a substantial hit to the budget, Gaines' use of materials like wallpaper has shown that a beautified space doesn't have to dent the bank account.

To put together a list of some of Gaines' work, we considered her social media channels and writings, "Fixer Upper" episodes, and coverage of her renovation work. The result is a mix of more traditional choices and more unexpected design options. Some, like subway tile and shiplap, can be budget-friendly, while others, like polished quartzite slabs, are sure to start a conversation at your next dinner party. Whether you're looking to embrace a farmhouse aesthetic or push your current design into a more modern, industrial style, the following backsplashes may offer the inspiration you need to refresh a kitchen that has grown stale. 

Subway tile can give kitchens big personality, and Gaines is not shy to admit that it is one of her go-to materials. "You'll never have to ask me twice for it bc subway tile is my favorite," she said on her Instagram, calling the choice both timeless and classic. Gaines suggests pairing white subway tile with colored grout to make patterns pop, but you can also flip the approach and choose more colorful tiles set with white grout to make a statement in your home.

In "Fixer Upper" Season 5, Episode 5, Gaines chose a slab of polished white Macaubas quartzite with horizontal veining. On Magnolia, she explained that the stone "offsets the rustic feel of the wooden features," adding a modern look without competing with other design details. Not only is quartzite durable and worth the price, but a single slab means no grout lines to clean.

Gaines has used hand-painted kitchen tiles in her projects, noting that such pieces can make even newer homes feel more lived-in. She has written that handmade tiles can introduce softness and movement into spaces and that any irregularities can add charm, depth, and uniqueness to home design. 

In "Fixer Upper" Season 3, Episode 17, Gaines doubled down on vintage kitchen style by giving a kitchen two backsplashes. First, she placed a patterned tile backsplash, then added white-washed brick pavers to bring in more interest. She explained that this technique kept the patterned tile from looking too busy while turning up the personality in the kitchen. The approach can help define distinct areas in the kitchen and can be used with other combinations, like white tiles and marble.

When clients asked for a brick backsplash in "Fixer Upper" Season 2, Episode 11, Gaines delivered. She set out to make a statement in the kitchen and enlisted the help of antique brick pavers to bring texture into an all-white space. Brick paired with gorgeous cabinet colors can refresh a space, and the heat-safe material is suitable to use near stove areas. For a softer, stylish look, brick can also be painted white. 

Gaines' cooking show "Magnolia Table" was filmed in a kitchen with a whitewashed, exposed-stone backsplash. The effect is old-world charm and proof that a luxury backsplash can be dreamy. Viewers noticed the stone walls and wanted to recreate the look in their own kitchens. Even if you don't have stone in your home, imitation stone wall panels can mimic the look for a rustic, cozy cottage-style that complements natural materials. 

Gaines has used shiplap in her own home, opting for deep teal panels paired with marble. Shiplap is an affordable and stunning backsplash option that can be painted to match the aesthetics of a home. White and neutral shades tap into a farmhouse style, and deeper hues of navy and gray can contribute to a more modern kitchen. Panels can be installed vertically or horizontally, and for those who don't want to deal with planks or installation, Gaines has made vinyl wallpaper with the textured appearance of shiplap.

Though using concrete in a kitchen may not be an instinct for some designers, it can absolutely be part of an eye-catching backsplash-and-countertop design pairing. In Season 4, Episode 7 of "Fixer Upper," Gaines paired a concrete countertop with a matching backsplash, black cabinets, and open shelving. The result is industrial but also chic, and it suits modern homes. "It has a nice soothing, rustic feel," wrote one viewer about the material on YouTube.

While tile is a common kitchen backsplash material, using smaller squares can add interest to a space. Gaines used what is known as gridded tile — small square cuts laid in a grid — in one of her "Fixer Upper" projects. Pairing olive green tiles with wood detailing can create a cozy space where guests want to linger. 

A marble slab is a backsplash trend that looks great, and Gaines has used pieces behind the hood, to wrap countertops and cover three-quarters of kitchen walls. Rounding edges or using the material to create a helpful ledge can upgrade a space. Marble comes in many colors, and pairing monochrome choices with wood details or darker cabinets creates a statement look. Marble doesn't come cheap, however, and can cost thousands to install. 

Gaines chose a wallpaper mural for a rental project to bring texture and interest to a kitchen. The choice can add depth, helping smaller kitchens feel luxe and larger while also serving as a focal point in a more confined space. Wallpaper can add charm with little effort, and tenants can use peel-and-stick versions for easy switch-ups. Vinyl wallpaper is a top choice, as it is durable and easy to clean.

The right choice of tile can bring warmth to modern kitchens, and colorful checkered designs suit accent walls. In her "Mini Reni" series, Gaines created feature walls with gold-and-white checkered tiles. The charming pattern is versatile, and the right colors can brighten and warm spaces. A glossy glaze can help emphasize natural light in kitchens, and diagonal layouts can add a more dynamic look. 

If you want a backsplash that guests will notice in your kitchen, herringbone is a confident bet. In "Fixer Upper" Season 5, Episode 19, Gaines set tile in a herringbone pattern behind the vent hood and framed it with a traditional stacked pattern on both sides. Opting for one color keeps designs looking cohesive while doubling as a focal point in your home. For even greater visual interest, extend herringbone beyond the stove to cover an entire wall.