10 modern coastal kitchen backsplash ideas for a seaside look

modern coastal kitchen backsplash ideas

if you’re planning a kitchen reno and find yourself drawn to the modern coastal aesthetic, you’re in good company. it’s a look that has inspired countless spaces. when done right, the result is current yet somehow timeless.

there are a vast number of ways to bring nautical vibes into your kitchen, and they aren’t as on the nose as you might think. here are 10 backsplash ideas to consider.

1. classic subway tiles in coastal colors

you know ceramic white subway tile, but that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. this ubiquitous tile comes in a vast array of colors, sizes, and finishes — and it need not be ceramic either.

for a kitchen backsplash that nods to the sea, consider opting for a subway tile in a coastal color such as light blue or seafoam green. our watermark and cement collections have beautiful offerings in both hues.

2. ocean-inspired zellige tiles

if there’s one tile whose finish recalls the look of undulating waves, it’s zellige. beautiful in its perfect imperfection, it’s entirely handcrafted from start to finish, all the way down to the dipped glaze and firing in the kiln. the process creates a finish that’s famous for its variegation, iron spots, and texture.

add zellige to your kitchen backsplash, and the result will be gemlike, almost iridescent. for a modern coastal kitchen, we especially love zellige in its sea salt, parched vellum, weathered white, and shattered pearl hues.

3. whitewashed brick for a beachy, rustic look

whitewashed brick offers the kind of look that’s subtly reminiscent of weathered paint or even driftwood. it’s rustic and lived-in, with plenty of texture for good measure. of course, if you don’t have a brick wall in your kitchen, you might wonder how to bring this look to life.

enter: brick tile. for a coastal-inspired space, we love the look of our foundry flats in sawdust, which have light brown undertones and a chalk-dusted patina. prefer an all-white look? it’s also a good time to dive into the world of glazed brick.

4. nautical patterned tiles

many homeowners who crave a modern coastal kitchen shy away from patterned tile, but it could be just the thing to ground your space. opt for a moroccan-inspired cement tile, for example, an you’ll evoke images of a rustic abode along the mediterranean coast. (conveniently, many moroccan-inspired tiles feature nautical blue hues.)

or, there’s the tile that mimics the movement of tides: dip-dyed porcelain tile. inspired by the japanese art of shibori, this ombre-effect tile showcases a hypnotic fade of color from deep to light. and in its traditional indigo hue, it’s undeniably nautical.

5. beach inspired mosaic tiles

mosaic tile often appears in floor installations, but it also makes for a marvelous addition to the kitchen backsplash. we love to imagine marble in a coastal kitchen, where its streaks and veins resemble the ripples of the sea. go for calacatta gold, and you’ll get subtle gold tones akin to sand.

another mosaic tile that plays well into this aesthetic: lapidary rough-cut mosaic in white limestone or beige travertine. raw and irregular, it’s a celebration of the imperfections found in nature (along the shore or otherwise).

6. natural stone for a rugged coastal feel

mosaic tile isn’t your only option if you’re drawn to natural stone, of course. there’s a whole world of rectangular, square, and hex-shaped tiles to wade into. to keep things grounded in a modern coastal aesthetic, opt for stones in off-white and light beige shades such as marble, limestone, and travertine.

for an especially rugged feel, consider a tumbled travertine tile like those found in our pantry pavers collection. this type of tile is rich in sandy tones, with a time-worn look that certainly feels nautical.

7. fluted tiles to mimic the rolling surf

the kitchen backsplash is an excellent place to play with fluted tile — and in this case, fluted tile adds a subtle nod to the rolling surf. this is where our lapidary natural stone collection shines. to keep things firmly rooted in a modern coastal color palette, go for fluted tile in travertine, limestone, or marble.

want to get a little more adventurous? the pink and jade green offerings could definitely play into this look as well. as they say: the world’s your oyster.

8. shimmering metallic finishes

metallic tile may not be the first thing on your mind when you imagine a modern coastal kitchen, but used judiciously, it can offer exactly the kind of visual interest a sea-inspired backsplash needs. paired with teal-toned zellige, for example, gold-painted tile can evoke the coast’s richer, more sun-soaked color palette.

with metallic tile, a little really goes a long way — especially on the kitchen backsplash. we love to use this tile as more of an accent, intermingled with a more neutral (or more boldly colored) tile.

9. modern herringbone patterns

the herringbone pattern is a timeless tile layout that fits into a wide variety of aesthetics, from contemporary to traditional. but there’s a reason it plays especially well with the modern coastal look: it resembles the bone structure of a herring fish. (that’s where the name comes from, after all.)

to incorporate a herringbone pattern into your kitchen backsplash, you need only rectangular tile. (the tiles in this layout meet at 90-degree angles.) go for a longer rectangular tile if you want to emphasize the layout’s zigzag effect, or try a herringbone mosaic sheet for an intricate pattern.

10. scallop cement tiles in beachy colors

if you haven’t yet considered cement tile for your modern coastal backsplash, here’s one excellent reason to: it’s available in an iconic scallop shape that’s reminiscent of a seashell — or fish scales.

for a more muted take on the modern coastal aesthetic, keep things neutral with a white or ash-toned tile. want to go all-out nautical? federal blue is for you.

coastal kitchen backsplash color schemes

whether you’re a fan of white walls or love to incorporate color in every corner, there’s a coastal color scheme to suit your personality. here are four tried-and-true palettes.

nautical blues

nautical blues bring a bold, crisp, and fresh feel to a coastal kitchen backsplash. their deep hues evoke the depth of the ocean, pairing beautifully with white cabinets or sandy tones. these shades also work to create a serene and calming space, ideal for a modern kitchen that you hope will offer respite, as well.

soft whites and creams

for an airy and open feel, lean into soft whites and creams. aside from being incredibly versatile, these shades tend to reflect light and expand a space visually. they’ll lend timeless elegance to your modern coastal kitchen, blending seamlessly with natural wood accents or sandy tones. they also create a clean, minimalist aesthetic while evoking the gentle beauty of seashells and soft beach sands.

sandy beiges

sandy beiges evoke the warmth of the shoreline, creating an especially cozy and inviting atmosphere. this color scheme introduces earthy tones that pair well with natural materials like wood and stone. a backsplash in sandy beige offers subtle texture and depth, perfect for a calming, neutral backdrop that complements other modern coastal design elements.

seafoam greens

head to the intersection of coastal and colorful, and you’ll find seafoam greens. these add a soft, refreshing touch, capturing the tranquility of ocean waves. they also bring a soothing vibe to a modern coastal kitchen, pairing effortlessly with white or light wood cabinetry. seafoam greens offer a subtle splash of color without overwhelming the space, making the kitchen feel serene, breezy, and naturally inspired.