Kitchens can be one of the most difficult places to decorate in the home, no matter what size they are. All thecabinets and appliances make that spacemore for practicality than decorative. So when you don’t have wall space for those food prints and you’ve already painted the cabinets, it’s time to think about new ways to put some life into your kitchen. Enter the patterned backsplash. There will always be a little space on the wall between the countertop and the cabinet. Even the tiniest kitchens have it. So make the most of that space and fill it with a pattern that will put a smile on your face. Check out these 15 fun backsplash patterns that your kitchen definitely needs.

Black and white is always safe when it comes to permanent home design. No matter what color your kitchen is or ever will be, that black and white patterned backsplash will shine and bring a sense of chic and glamour to your kitchen. (via Lonny)

For a clean and minimal look, opt for white tile in a geometric design. It will give you some pattern playfor your eyes to rest on while not taking away from the minimalistic style of your home. (via Cantilever Interiors)

If your inclination is to be bold in your interior decorating, let that decide your backsplash too. A bold pattern under your cabinets will make a huge statement in your kitchen. And if your kitchen is one room with the rest of your home, that bold pattern will help set it apart from the living and dining areas. (via Lauren Nelson Design)

Checkered is such a classic pattern. Consider adding it to your kitchen, especially if family friendly is your decorating style. It promises to bring the fun to all your family dinners and definitely make the perfect backdrop for your Instagram shots of your cooking kids. (via @braunadams)

How can you resist a good two toned backsplash? Choose a pattern that compliments the color of your cabinets and have fun! Food bloggers, the quality of your photography will suddenly just be better. (via House Beautiful)

Got bland cabinets in your kitchen? Install a contrasting backsplash that will make them seem fresh and new without a single coat of paint. You’ll be surprised at the effect it has! (via BHG)

Yes, there is even an appropriate backsplash for water-side homes. You’ll want to snap up some scales backsplash like this. It brings to mind fishing and mermaids and oceanic adventures while you’re cooking away. (via Urban Grace)

Sometimes soft and subtle does it best. Using small white tiles in a delicate pattern can add that touch of femininity that your bachelorette kitchen has been searching for. (via Centsational Girl)

Will chevron ever be out of style? I don’t think so. Separate tiles in a chevron pattern can make you a rustic look or an ombre design or even just that bit of classic you’ve been pining for. Whatever the case, you can’t go wrong. (via Decor Pad)

Maybe you’re thinking that you don’t have the money for the exact patterned backsplash you want. If that’s the case, take a little time to collect all your favorite patterns, tile by tile, and create a patchwork look in your kitchen. Talk about color! (via Coffee Break)

Just like chevron and black and white patterns will always be a hit, I’m pretty sure we can also put hexagons in that category. Whether they’re a color or plain white or marbled, they’ll make your kitchen a place you want to spend all your time. (via @threebirdsrenovations)

Forget the rule that everything has to match in your home. Sometimes the best decorating pieces are the ones that don’t match! Pick a bright patterned backsplash to go with your soft painted walls or a white design to compliment some darker tones. (via Coffee Break)

Believe it or not, there is backsplash that is rather floral in design. So for a home where the kitchen is the gathering spot for the girls, go all in by choosing something with flowers so even your winter soirees will be swathed in blooms. (via Decor Pad)

Everyone says that your home should have many different materials to create diversity in feel. Look beyond the velvet and fur on your sofa to a patterned backsplash that has a texture. You’ll win the interior textures game. (via Becki Owens)

Many kitchens boast open shelves nowadays. If that sounds like yours, let your tile go all the way to the ceiling and make a pretty backdrop for your dishes and canisters and whatever else your open shelves hold. (via Magnolia Market)