Backsplashes make a kitchen design come together. Whether square tile, subway tile, stone tile, ceramic mosaic tile, and combinations thereof, a kitchen backsplash makes a statement. It ties together cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and other kitchen details and accessories. It can stand out or blend in. And, it can make a statement with a strong focal point.
As you will notice, backsplashes offer limitless design possibilities. One shape, depending on how it is installed and even what material it's made from, can create a completely different result.
1. Use Custom-Etched Decorative Inserts
You'll notice that the installation features a design element over the stove. It's a beautiful curvilinear etched design bordered with white pencil liner inserts.
This kitchen features a related design element over the faucet area. It consists of custom-etched decorative inserts that Stone Art created to echo the motif over the stove.
2. Combine Same-Size Backsplash Tile in Different Patterns
An interesting way to create contrast using the same-size backsplash tile is to install it in different patterns.
Combine Same-Size Backsplash Tile in Different Patterns
Above the cooktop, we created a custom mosaic framed with a stone chair rail border.
The overall backsplash blends nicely with the countertop whereas the custom mosaic ties in the existing cabinetry.
3. Try Subway Tile
We love the effect of subway tile for backsplashes. Depending on the size (2x4, 2x8, 3x6, 3x9...) and the type (marble, glass, ceramic, travertine...) of subway tile, the design possibilities are truly inspiring as you'll see from the installations below.
Marble Subway Tile
Imagine a classic backsplash made from marble subway tile. That's what you see in the next two images where the backsplash is made from 2x4 Calacatta marble tile. The marble offers enough natural variation to create strong visual interest without taking away from other elements of this kitchen.
Glass Subway Tile
Glass subway tile adds an additional dimension to kitchen backsplashes: it reflects light.
In this next kitchen renovation, we used Spirited II 2 x 8 Glass Tile in color Rain Clear in a 50% offset pattern.
Glass subway tile adds an additional dimension to kitchen backsplashes: it reflects light.
Who would think that white 3 x 6 Glass subway tile could be so perfect for a kitchen? The shine adds visual interest without distracting from the cabinets or the gorgeous countertop.
Who would think that white 3 x 6 Glass subway tile could be so perfect for a kitchen
Ceramic Subway Tile
Here's a 2 x 4 Subway tile we installed. This particular style has variation from tile to tile which adds subtle visual interest without conflicting with the countertops.
A 2x4 subway tile backsplash
4. Combine Subway Tile with Decorative Inserts
We're not done with subway tile and have several more kitchens to show you! What's different here is that we've combined subway tile with other decorative elements.
Travertine & Modern Mythology
In these next two images, you see 2x4 Travertine subway tile combined with a decorative band of Crossville Modern Mythology tile.
Combine Subway Tile with Decorative Inserts
In this kitchen renovation, we replaced the countertops with Giallo Ornamental granite and the cabinets with Fabuwood Cherry Cabinets.