Backsplash Ideas for Blue Kitchen Cabinets brings inspiration to help you choose a backsplash material, color, or texture for your kitchen design. Even though cabinetry, appliance, and countertop materials tend to be the big ticket items for a kitchen remodel or new build, a backsplash always makes a huge impact. More than protecting walls from splatters and moisture, splashes often bring style, identity, personality, and architectural interest to the scheme.
![Beautiful blue country kitchen by Sarah Blank (Alec Hemer photo) painted Lulworth Blue by Farrow & Ball. #countrykitchens #bluekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/alec-hemer-photo-sarah-blank-blue-kitchen-lulworth-blue-farrow-ball.jpg)
Backsplash Ideas for Blue Kitchen Cabinets to Inspire
![Beautiful country kitchen with blue cabinets (BM Phillipsburg Blue). Photo by Josh Grubbs. #bluekitchens #benjaminmoorephillipsburgblue](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/benjamin-moore-philipsburg-blue-kitchen-cabinets-josh-grubbs-photo-countrylivingmag.jpg)
Choosing the Right Kitchen Backsplash to Suit Your Design
My experience with blue kitchen backsplash ideas is fresh in memory since we renovated our kitchen only months ago! We gave 30-year old dark wood cabinets new life with light blue-grey paint and installed Calacatta Gold marble subway tile to coordinate with Viatera Muse white quartz counters.
![Pom pom garland at the kitchen sink window - Hello Lovely Studio. #paviliongray #graykitchen #calacattagoldmarble](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-thanksgiving-28.jpg)
If you’re not sure what material will best suit your kitchen for the backsplash, I suggest thinking about STYLE, BUDGET, COLOR, CONTRAST and PAST EXPERIENCE.
![As real life renovators, we made over our ugly Arizona kitchen with no demo or dust with smart upgrades and swaps. Light grey cabinets, Viatera quartz counters (Soprano), and calacatta marble hex accent wall - Hello Lovely studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/003-hello-lovely-studio-arizona-fixer-upper-kitchen-11.jpg)
How to Choose the Right Style Backsplash
While there are no steadfast design rules for backsplashes in terms of style (a subway tile backsplash can look right at home in a modern or a traditional kitchen), you should consider whether you’re after a particular classic, timeless, traditional, contemporary, trendy, coastal, romantic, glamorous, country, urban, or industrial style look. Viewing images online of kitchens will help you narrow down a style even if you aren’t design savvy.
![Moody dark gray blue kitchen by deVOL. #englishcountry #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/deep-blue-shaker-kitchen-cabinets-devol.jpg)
As a real life renovator, I recommend sticking with classic materials and patterns over trendy ones so that you don’t feel the need to change it in a couple of years. It can be changed, but it is not fun (no matter how fun they make demo look on TV) to re-do it since demo often damages walls and creates more labor and material expense.
Price Range for Kitchen Backsplashes
The wonderful part about this kitchen design feature is you can create a beautiful look no matter the budget. Installation costs $15 to $40 per square foot, and the cost for material varies significantly. Ceramic tile is a popular choice, widely available, and a relatively easy DIY if you care to save the expense of labor. Subway tile, for example, may cost under $1 per square foot, while a handmade specialty tile could cost $100 per s.f. The cost for marble, stone, or quartz backsplashes can range from $10-$120 per square foot.
Color, Contrast, Sheen, & Grout Issues
With blue cabinets, do think carefully about the color of your backsplash since it will need to harmonize with the cabinetry, walls, and counters. As you view images online, notice the relationship and colors…are there certain combinations to which you are drawn? Notice contrast too. While a white backsplash may sharply contrast with blue cupboards, its contrast with a white countertop will be low.
![Classic blue kitchen design with traditional architecture, custom millwork, and sophisticated design - Edward Deegan Architects. #bluekitchens #traditionalkithens #classicbluekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/edward-deegan-architects-timeless-kitchen-winchester-renovation-blue-cabinets-photographer-karen-loffing-3.jpg)
For tile, determine whether you prefer glossy, honed, matte, tumbled, smooth tile, etc. In my experience, bringing samples to view in the actual space is the only way to feel confident. Viewing tile in a store under fluorescent lighting or ordering a quantity of tile from images online are not fun or reliable options. View completed kitchens and lots of photos online to decide on grout color. Your past experience with grout may also inform your decision.
![French farmhouse kitchen with copper pans on rack, light blue cabinetry, and stone floors - Le Mas des Poiriers.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/le-mas-des-poiriers-provence-house-blue-kitchen-copper-pots.jpg)
Marble Subway & Mosaic Tile Backsplash
I’m crazy about marble mosaics, and it’s not always easy to detect whether it was a mosaic installation or individual tile installation.
![Blue and White Kitchen Decor Inspiration from the French farmhouse style kitchen of Dreamy Whites. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOSCyx3Hvt4/WNfr8-DO6mI/AAAAAAAArnQ/zVACsiH73Ek_TFU-_KxWqin-M6ulF0SzgCLcB/s1600/00001%2Bhello-lovely-studio-blue-and-white-beautiful-kitchen.jpg)
Typically, mosaics save lots of labor and time since the spacing is already done.
![The kitchen is a favorite place to host casual lunches and dinners. "The mahogany-topped island can easily fit 12 stools," Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/004-54c48a63c85ef_-_as-blue-wooden-kitchen-island-blue-cabinets-cropped-1111-xl.jpg)
Subway style can mean rectangular tiles that are 3×6, smaller, or larger. Keep that in mind when you’re shopping and be sure to determine which scale appeals to you.
![Chic Traditional Kitchen in White and Steel Blue Color Scheme. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/aa/8d/f1/aa8df1c09e361b0fdf2794a75270e2cc.jpg)
For our recent reno, we went with individual marble tiles because we wanted more traditional sized tiles which turned out to be much more labor intensive than a mosaic.
Wood, Beadboard, & Tongue & Groove Backsplashes
It may not be as popular for backsplashes in the USA, but wood can be beautiful in areas that won’t get too wet.
![Light blue kitchen with plate rack - design by Rachel Bardage Barrett (photo: Hector M. Sanchez). #bluekitchens #cottagekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hector-m-sanchez-photo-countryliving-mag-rachel-bardage-barrett-light-blue-kitchen.jpg)
Wood panels, planks, and products can also be great above an existing 4″ backsplash where you want to fill in the area below the cabinet (in most cases, the 14″ of wall between bottom of upper cabinet and top of standard backsplash).
![Night Train (Benjamin Moore) painted blue cabinets in a kitchen by Christina Salway (photo by Tara Donne). #benjaminmoorenighttrain #bluekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/benjamin-moore-night-train-painted-cabinets-tara-donne-photo-christina-salway-blue-kitchen.jpg)
Wood can also offer a rustic or custom look as long as you’re aware of the extra care or protection for it.
![Rustic country blue kitchen (cabinets painted BM French Toile) designed by Hadley Wiggins (photo by David A. Land). #bluekitchens #rustickitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/benjamin-moore-blue-toile-cabinets-color-kitchen-david-a-land-photo-hadley-wiggins.jpg)
It can even be a showstopper in luxurious kitchens where aesthetics may trump durability issues for a backsplash.
![Timeless, tranquil, bespoke traditional style kitchen by The Fox Group. #timelessdesign #kitchendesign #bespokekitchens #bluekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/timeless-kitchen-thefoxgroup-navy-blue-cabinets-brass-hardware-checker-floor-farm-sink-valance.jpg)
In this light blue kitchen below, the glass window serves as backsplash!
![Elegant, refined, and masterfully designed, this kitchen with farm sink and arched window is but one moment in our tour of unforgettable interiors with European inspired charm. #farmsink #FrenchCountry #lightblue](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/029-kitchen-farm-sink-elegant-blue-southeastern-designer-showhouse-lauren-deloach.jpg)
Beaded board can be a budget friendly way to protect the wall, add architectural interest, and enhance a country look.
![Blue kitchen base cabinets and white uppers in a beautiful country design - photo by David Hillegas. #bluekitchens #lightbluekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/davidhillegasphoto-countrylivingmag-light-blue-kitchen-cabinets.jpg)
Not only is it a cost effective solution (with no grout!), since the material can be painted to match cabinets or counters, it is a way to completely customize the look.
![Rustic dark blue English country kitchen by Plain English. Similar paint color is Behr Opera Glasses. #bluekitchens #englishcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/behr-opera-glasses-blue-kitchen-cabinets-plain-english.jpg)
Wallpaper Backsplash in a Blue Kitchen
It may not be the most popular way to decorate a backsplash, but wallpaper can be a whimsical and bold addition. How will it stand the test of time? In a real working kitchen that is used daily, it will definitely show signs of wear – so common sense will tell you whether it makes sense for your project.
![Holly Williams' beautiful blue Tennessee kitchen with blue cabinets and grey scenic wallpaper - photo by Annie Schlecter. #bluekitchens #modernfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/benjamin-moore-blue-daisy-annie-schlecter-holly-williams-blue-kitchen.jpg)
Encaustic Tile (or Cement Tile “Look” Tile) Backplash
Keep in mind authentic encaustic/cement tiles are going to be much more expensive than ceramic or porcelain tiles that look like cement.
Cement tiles are also thicker and heavy. There are plenty of options that look like the real thing!
![Stunning blue and white graphic tiles on sink wall of a kitchen with navy blue cabinets and farm sink. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/005-blue-kitchen.jpg)
Classic White Subway Tile Backsplashes
There’s a good reason they are so popular, and you need not worry about this being a trend that is not a safe choice.
![Amazing grey blue pained Shaker cabinets in a NY townhouse kitchen with open shelves, subway tile, brass hardware, and black Lacanche range. Ali Cayne of Haven Kitchen. #graykitchen #greyblue #kitchendesign #openshelves #lacanche #subwaytile #graycabinets #brasshardware](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/001-sherwin-williams-sw-gibraltar-6257-shaker-kitchen-cabinets-gold-hardware-ali-cayne-1.jpg)
Even if “modern farmhouse” style falls from favor, white rectangular tiles make sense for a variety of design styles and kitchens.
Subway style tiles can be machine made, handmade, tumbled, reflective, or matte.
![Paddington Blue (Benjamin Moore) painted kitchen cabinets - design by Grace Mitchell and photo by Lisa Petrole. #bluekitchens #bmpaddingtonblue](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/benjamin-moore-paddington-blue-lisa-petrole-photo-grace-mitchell-blue-kitchen.jpg)
White grout will impart a different feel than grey or dark grey grout.
![Beautiful white and blue kitchen. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen #bluekitchens #bluedecor #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitchenremodel #blueandwhitekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/blue-kitchen-island.jpg)
And there are plenty of colors beyond white.
![Beautiful white and blue kitchen. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen #bluekitchens #bluedecor #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitchenremodel #blueandwhitekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/005-whitney-parkinson-blue-kitchen.jpg)
Subway tile can be ceramic, porcelain, marble, glass, or cement.
![Navy blue kitchen with cement tile floor, subway tile, and midcentury modern pendant. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #modernfarmhousekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/00001-blue-kitchen-modern-farmhouse.jpg)
In the blue kitchen above, you can see how a reflective subway tile will really bounce the light around.
![Blue modern farmhouse kitchen with farm sink and brass hardware - Becki Owens.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/025-blue-kichen-farm-sink-becki-owens.jpg)
In the kitchen above, the tile appears more matte and subdued.
![Gorgeous modern farmhouse kitchen with beadboard ceiling and grey Shaker style cabinets. #SarchRichardson #brasshardware #modernfarmhouse](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/51/76/09/5176090aba584749683fd1449f27e4c3.jpg)
Even if you know for sure you want subway tile, it’s a good idea to look at lots of images online (expand them!) to determine what size subway tile appeals to your eye.
![Beautiful arched window over farm sink in blue grey kitchen by Sally Wheat.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/010-sally-wheat-kitchen.jpg)
Then get a sample to view in the kitchen with your cabinets and counters to be sure you like the scale.
![Turquoise blue subay tile behind range in gorgeous kitchen with rustic range hood. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/014-blue-kitchen.jpg)
Traditional Handpainted & Handmade Tile
![Light blue kitchen cabinets and zellige tile backsplash in a historic French farmhouse in Provence (Le Mas des Poiriers).](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/le-mas-des-poiriers-provence-house-blue-kitchen-2.jpg)
While most folks want something fairly neutral for their kitchen’s backsplash (like the handmade Zellige above), adding patterned tile to a particular area (like behind the range) can be beautiful.
![Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Classic-kitchen-Hinsdale-Park-Oak-dark-gray-blue-cabinets-handmade-backsplash-tile.jpg)
How much of the handmade or handcrafted tile you decide to use is a subjective matter. Sometimes bold is the way to go if you know you’ll never tire of the pattern!
![Handmade tile backsplash in blue and white coastal cottage kitchen by Lisa Furey.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/coastal-cottage-blue-white-kitchen-lisa-furey-farm-sink-handmade-encaustic-backsplash.jpg)
And sometimes budget will dictate how much of a handmade tile you’ll use.
![Delft Tile in the Kitchen. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/008-michelle-rein-blue-kitchen-design.jpg)
A checkered pattern is one of those timeless classics that is as relevant now as it was a century ago.
![The kitchen features blue and white tiles found in a French market and a wooden table once used for drying cheeses. “Our interior decoration is not something we managed in a short period,” says Clementine, “but is the result of a lifetime of collecting nice brocante furniture and vintage items.” Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/014-blue-kitchen-victoria-mag-checkered-backsplash.jpg)
![The custom vent hood above the Thermador range is mostly wood with a band of stainless steel closest to the heat. The patterned concrete backsplash tiles have color that goes all the way through. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/013-blue-kitchen.jpg)
Stone or Quartz Same as Countertop
A custom marble, granite, or quartz backsplash can be beautiful when you want to repeat the same material.
![Big Crittall style windows flooded the Chester Kitchen with the loveliest light and there were stunning views out onto the customer'sâ¦](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/be/24/bb/be24bb14e96aca518d38d9d55b9ff1a1.jpg)
If you’re a DIYer, it can also save a lot of labor to get countertops AND backsplash installed by someone else in one fell swoop.
![Beautiful blue traditional kitchen with white cabinets - design by Mark Sikes. #bluekitchen #blueandwhite #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mark-sikes-blue-traditional-kitchen.jpg)
Let’s face it. Choosing a tile or material to coordinate with your countertop material can be challenging so having a sure thing decided is one less headache!
![Breathtaking kitchen with light blue by Matthew Quinn. The sink wall with arched window is a shining moment amidst countless others! #bluekitchen #farrowandballlightblue #timelesskitchen #kitchendesign #traditionalkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/traditional-blue-kitchen-light-blue-farrow-ball-painted-cabinets-color-southeastern-designer-showhouse-2017-028.jpg)
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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