
For decades, tiles have been the star element for kitchens’ backsplashes, thanks to their resistance and ease of cleaning. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a shift in interior design trends.
According to some interior designers, tiles are losing popularity, being substituted by materials that offer a more refined aesthetic and unbeatable durability. What does that look like? We’ll tell you all about it.
Say goodbye to tiles
Today, it’s quite rare to find walls fully covered with tiles in modern kitchens. This material, although still popular in rustic or country styles, is no longer essential in contemporary renovations.
The main reason behind this trend is the arrival of new materials that not only equal but surpass them in terms of resistance and maintenance. And all this without mentioning that these materials also offer a more modern and seamless aesthetic, which facilitates cleaning.
Modern alternatives
For those looking to update their kitchens with a more modern look, interior designers recommend several alternatives that stand out for their functionality and design:

Compact Quartz
Description: Made from quartz and resins, it is extremely resistant and easy to maintain. Example: Silestone.
Benefits: It allows you to combine the countertop and the sill, creating a continuous and elegant appearance.
Sintered Stone
Description: Extremely resistant material that offers low porosity, and it’s stain resistant as well. Examples: Neolith, Dekton, XTone.
Benefits: It imitates the finishes of materials such as marble or terrazzo, offering durability and sophisticated aesthetics.
Combining these materials
These materials can transform a kitchen, bringing elegance and sophistication. Following are 5 inspiring ideas:
- Marble-like finish
Design: A Neolith sill in the water area, combined with walls painted in a shade similar to the one used on the countertop.
Benefit: It offers resistance in key areas and a decorative touch to the rest of the kitchen.

- Matching countertop and sill
Design: Use of sintered stone that imitates marble in cooking areas.
Benefit: It’s easy to clean and maintains a bright and elegant aesthetic.
- A Touch of Sophistication
Design: Dekton in the countertop and sill that harmonize with the color of the cabinets.
Benefit: It creates a feeling of spaciousness and cohesion in the kitchen while offering low porosity and high resistance.
- Sintered stone
Design: Dekton with gray veins imitating natural stone.
Benefit: It provides a sophisticated environment, ideal for modern kitchens with furnishings based on simple lines.
- Treated Wood
Design: Use of treated wood on walls, combined with compact quartz countertops.
Benefit: It provides warmth and adds a natural touch without sacrificing durability.
The evolution of coating or cladding materials for kitchens has helped bring a new approach to the space. Materials such as compact quartz and sintered stone offer superior benefits in terms of aesthetics, resistance, and ease of maintenance. If you’re planning a renovation or a new kitchen project, consider these modern alternatives for a functional and visually appealing space.