I Swore I'd Never Have a 'Boring' White Backsplash in My Kitchen, But Dakota Johnson Just Changed My Mind
Think white tiles make a dull kitchen? Dakota's kitchen proves that sometimes, they're the most elegant choice
If you're a fan of maximalism, you've likely never spared a thought for plain, 'boring' white kitchen tiles. Personally, I love nothing more than a feature wall, and my dream kitchen would be a riot of color and pattern – so you can imagine my surprise when I spotted Dakota Johnson's white-tiled backsplash, and I loved it.
Granted, Dakota's small kitchen is rather unique, and the space is known more for its stunning green cabinet color than its white walls. I wasn't expecting to be struck by such a simple detail, but I've never been so impressed by sleek white tiles. (I'm tempted to recreate the look using the Strait ceramic subway tiles from Wayfair.)
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Sleek, versatile, and utterly timeless, these white subway tiles will compliment any kitchen design scheme. Pair them with gold fixtures for a rustic look, or, like Dakota, use silver accents to create a contemporary feel.
If you don't fancy experimenting with brand new kitchen cabinet color combinations, you can always bring a bold touch to your countertops with pieces like this butter dish. I love the earthy green hue and delicate scalloped edge.
Channel the serenity of 'Cloud Dancer' with careful additions like this utensil crock. It will help you to organize your kitchen drawers and ensure all your kitchen essentials are within reach. Plus, it adds a sense of rustic charm to any space.
Dakota proudly displays a sculptural, Grecian-style fruit bowl on her counter, and this scalloped piece will help you get the look. The intricate detailing and pedestal base brings a sense of grandeur to even the most minimalist kitchens.
Continue the Grecian feel – and expand Dakota's vibrant green color palette – with this handsome vase. Fresh blooms and foliage always brighten up a kitchen, and a statement vase will make an ideal centerpiece, too.
Dakota's kitchen features a farmhouse-style copper tea kettle, but this white enamel version will really enhance the breezy feel introduced by the white tiles. The wood accents fit seamlessly into a nature-inspired scheme, too.
Paired with the grassy hue of the cabinetry, Dakota's backsplash creates the perfect contrast. It isn't designed to compete with the rest of the palette or make a dramatic statement, but instead to open up the room and invite a sense of calm.
In smaller spaces like this one, deep colors and busy patterns can be a little overbearing – so a crisp, white backsplash feels like a breath of fresh air. The glossy tiles reflect light to make the kitchen feel expansive and serene.
If you've been plugged into design trends this year, Dakota's tile choice might bring to mind Pantone's Color of the Year for 2026: 'Cloud Dancer'. It might be seen as a controversial choice, but Pantone is championing breezy white shades this year, and I think Dakota's kitchen is proof that neutrals can be transformative.
Reaching all the way up to the ceiling, the white tiles create a backdrop that allows the green palette to really sing. Finished with a white marble worktop, the kitchen is striking and yet effortlessly sophisticated, with a feeling of serenity that isn't always associated with bolder kitchen color ideas.
According to designers, white hues are a brilliant way to enhance that serene feeling – especially if you choose a more gentle shade.
'The preference for softer whites over stark white continues to show up in homes,' comments Gena Kirk, Vice President of Corporate Studio at KB Home. 'It offers an inviting warmth that makes a space feel restorative rather than cold or overly bright, supporting kitchens that feel comfortable and lived-in.'
White tiles are also an ideal companion to earthy shades like Dakota's green. 'White represents a move away from visual noise and toward spaces that allow homeowners to disconnect and tune back in at home,' explains Gena. 'As a rare blank canvas, it pairs easily with earthy hues and softer, nature-inspired colors that are shaping kitchen design into 2026.'
If you're always wary of stark neutrals, Dakota's picture-perfect kitchen proves that plain tiles can turn out to be the most stylish choice. With a backsplash like this one, understated elegance is guaranteed.
