Zooey Deschanel's twist on the classic checkerboard pattern is the chicest backsplash I've seen this year – and it perfects an undying trend

How can we bring the classic checkerboard pattern into 2025 (or, better yet, 2026)? We may have found the answer courtesy of Zooey Deschanel, who has mastered a top tile trend via her stunning kitchen backsplash.

While we have already covered the green cabinetry in Zooey's LA home, her statement kitchen backsplash is equally worthy of note. The black and white palette may initially appear to break trend cycles (with this color combination transcending fleeting design movements). However, its unique shape is in fashion for 2025, as designers explain.

'Bold backsplashes will be weaving their way into the kitchen in 2025, offering those who are looking for a change a way to make a strong visual statement while enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of their culinary spaces,' comments Mike Whitfield, a luxury interior expert at LUSSO.

Zooey's kitchen tiles master this perfectly. They're bold without feeling overpowering, and they're surprisingly easy to clean, making them refreshingly functional.

Shop the dichromatic kitchen edit

What makes this kitchen trend so prevalent? And why can we expect it to prolong into 2026? 'Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to express their personal style and creativity, and using tiles as backsplashes is a great way to make a strong visual statement,' Mike says.

'Characterized by intricate patterns, diverse materials, and bold colours, backsplashes can serve as statement pieces that transform a kitchen’s overall look and feel.'

Zooey Deschanel's classic monochromatic pairing is part of what makes her kitchen feel so timeless. It's the perfect twist on the checkerboard pattern that has already persisted for centuries.

However, if you want to introduce color, Mike suggests opting for green and pink hues. For adding extra excitement, you can also experiment with a more playful placement.

'Bold tones such as green and pink are trending colors in kitchens next year and can be incorporated through mosaic tiles, including kit kat, metro, baton, and linear, which can be laid out in various patterns such as herringbone and brick bond to create an interesting appeal,' Mike says.

How would you introduce a pattern to your backsplash? For ageless inspiration, Zooey offers the ultimate blueprint, but with this look, it's hard to go wrong.