All the most stylish kitchens in 2025 forgo this key feature – but should you follow the trend and ditch your kitchen backsplash? Designers are divided

Some features in your kitchen feel like a non-negotiable – your countertops, cabinets, and core appliances, for example. I always thought a backsplash belonged on that list, too, but the latest trend is to ditch this workhorse feature, and it's dividing opinions.

Your kitchen backsplash plays a key role functionally and aesthetically, especially behind a cooktop where food splatters, condensation, and everyday wear and tear are commonplace. But at the same time, you can understand why the sleek, minimal look of no backsplash appeals.

It's an unexpected kitchen trend that seems to be making waves, but is it really a good idea? I've turned to interior designers to discover the appeal of backsplash-free designs, and whether it's a choice they would actually recommend.

It's been a year of interesting kitchen backsplash trends, with this functional feature becoming the focus of our attention to bring style, timeless appeal, and a unique feature to our spaces.

We've seen the rise of striking tile mural backsplashes and even paneled kitchen backsplashes, another trend that divided opinions. But after so many that embrace various materials and striking designs, we're now seeing a shift towards something more minimalist.

'We’re seeing some clients lean toward minimalism in their kitchens - whether that’s expressed through fewer visual details or a more restrained material palette. A traditional tiled backsplash can sometimes feel too busy, especially when paired with heavily veined countertops or open shelving,' says Kristina Khersonsky of Studio Keeta.

'Ditching it, or opting for a more seamless option, helps create a clean, calm space, both visually and practically. Fewer grout lines means less upkeep, and that simplicity is really appealing to homeowners right now,' she explains.

However, it's not just about creating a space that feels a bit calmer or less busy – many designers and homeowners alike are continuing to seek ways to create a kitchen that feels unique while still maintaining a sense of design longevity.

'I think people are craving moments of surprise in their homes, and the backsplash has become a place to reimagine what’s possible,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan, who has experimented with backsplash designs in many of her projects, including her own home.

'In my own kitchen, I placed the range against a bank of windows instead of tile, which allows natural light to pour in and keeps the design feeling fresh and architectural. Without the visual weight of a traditional backsplash, the room feels lighter, calmer, and more connected to the outdoors.'

But while a backsplash-free design can feel sleek and seamless, the question on everybody's minds is whether this trend is actually a good idea or an approach that is totally impractical.

'The answer is both – it really depends on execution. A window or plaster wall behind a range can be stunning, but it also introduces challenges with heat, moisture, and cleaning. When supported by proper ventilation, durable finishes, and careful detailing, it’s not only achievable but can also perform beautifully over time,' says Marie.

'The key is material and mechanical performance. Choose surfaces like sealed plaster or stone that can handle high heat and are easy to maintain. Equally important is integrating a strong yet discreet ventilation system so the design feels seamless while still meeting the functional needs of a working kitchen,' she advises.

Materiality is key here, so if you want to embrace the minimalist look of a kitchen without a backsplash, you need to be willing to invest in the right materials to make it work.

'Where we see issues arise is when people skip the backsplash altogether and just leave painted drywall behind the counter. Unless it’s finished with a heavy-duty sealer, that surface is susceptible to splatters and stains,' says Kristina.

'In areas with a lot of water or cooking splatter, I think the maintenance of a painted or stained wood backsplash is just not worth it. Tile and/or a stone surface is just much easier to maintain in the long run, making it more cost-effective,' adds interior designer Nureed Saeed.

If you want to create that seamless, minimalist kitchen look without the functional concerns of a backsplash-free space that hasn't been prepared properly, there are some other approaches that give the same feel.

'Most of my clients prefer function and long-term investment over trends, so I have not had to work too hard to convince them to choose a more practical choice in the most used areas of the kitchen. Carrying the same counter material to the backsplash is an easy way to give the look of no backsplash without losing the practical use,' says Nureed.

'One of my favorite compromises is running a slab of stone just behind the range, while leaving the adjacent walls clean and minimal. This approach preserves the streamlined, architectural feel but adds an extra layer of protection where you need it most – a thoughtful balance of beauty and practicality,' adds Marie, which allows you to embrace the trend while adding extra durability to the most functional areas.

As with any trend, there are pros and cons to ditching your kitchen backsplash for a pared-back look. If you're embracing the trend, make sure you prepare your kitchen walls properly and are willing to commit to the upkeep; otherwise, it's going to become a kitchen feature you'll live to regret.

'Ultimately, it’s about tailoring the material and layout to the design of the kitchen and how the homeowner actually lives in the space,' says Kristina.

So, will you be ditching your backsplash or opting for something more hardworking? If you're worried about the wall behind your cooker, introducing your cooktop to your kitchen island is a potential solution.

But the key takeaway from designers here is that you really need to weigh up function versus aesthetics. In a busy family kitchen or a space where the regular maintenance to keep your walls clean isn't an option, it's probably not the trend for you.

However, as Kristina notes, the trend can work 'if the kitchen is more of a showpiece than a daily workspace or if the client is exceptionally tidy and willing to maintain it. In those cases, we’ll sometimes spec a higher-performance paint or even just add a minimal trim or lip to protect the edge.'

And Marie has demonstrated that it can look utterly stylish in the right space, especially where architectural features like windows or exposed stone walls are the real focal point of the room.