Designing a Tile Backsplash for the Kitchen

Mission Tile West has design ideas aplenty.

Adding a new tile backsplash is a fabulous way to give your kitchen a mini makeover. You’ll be amazed at how an entire room can be transformed as the result of this relatively simple project. Here are some things to keep in mind while designing your new tile backsplash.

Determining Coverage

A kitchen backsplash typically runs between the counter and the bottom of the cabinets and/or range hood. However, some designers are extending the coverage all the way up to the ceiling to create an accent wall. Before you start looking for kitchen tile for your backsplash, consider how large you expect the backsplash to be as this may affect your choice of tile sizes, colors, and costs.

Selecting the Tile Body

Just about any type of tile will be both beautiful and functional in a kitchen backsplash, provided it is able to repel water. Glass tile is a special favorite because it is very easy to clean and also adds sparkle and movement to the backsplash. Various ceramic, porcelain, or marble tiles would also work nicely.

Choosing Colors

Though the color palette for your kitchen tile will depend on the other design elements already present in the kitchen, in general the sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing the colors for your kitchen tile. There are huge variety of shades available to you. If you have neutral walls and cabinets, you may want to install a bright, colorful backsplash, but if your cabinets or walls are already quite bold, you may prefer to choose more subdued shades. Installing one single type and color of tile can help a small kitchen look bigger and less cluttered.

Playing with Pattern

There are two ways to incorporate pattern into your kitchen backsplash design. You might install decorative tiles that are already painted or stamped with patterns, or you might use the layout of the tiles themselves to create a pattern. Using dark grout will help make layout patterns pop. If you want a change from the traditional running bond pattern, consider stacking rectangular tile in straight rows for a modern look or creating a herringbone pattern for even more visual interest.

Adding Texture

Textured tile can help bring depth and dimension to a kitchen that is otherwise dominated by sleek modern cabinets and appliances. Many types of decorative tile also incorporate texture in their designs, but you can also get texture without risking a feeling of busyness but simply choosing classic subway tile with a beveled edge or adding a special molding tile at the top or bottom of the backsplash.