A kitchen backsplash can be eye-catching, pulling the whole kitchen together. It can be the base element that a kitchen is designed around. Selecting a backsplash is a significant decision. Considering how much time you spend in the kitchen, the space should inspire you and bring joy to otherwise mundane tasks like cooking and cleaning while functioning effectively. Choosing a timeless design for tile installation that suits your kitchen helps the space look cohesive and protects your home.
Usually applied over drywall in specific kitchen areas where food splatter or humidity are common, wall tiles serve a protective purpose. They shield the surface from potential dents caused by pots, pans, knives, or other kitchen equipment. Additionally, wall tiles create a water-resistant surface that’s easily cleaned. Beyond their practicality, backsplashes can also work decoratively to add an aesthetic design element to your kitchen.
When considering designs for tile installation, don’t fall into the trap of trends. Find a tile design that suits your space and will look good for many years.
Tips Before Starting Tile Installation
Consider how your ideal kitchen looks before buying tiles and practicing grout techniques. Tile and other remodeling materials are expensive, and it’s a lot easier to think through the design first than return things later if they don’t work out. Think over these points before you begin the remodeling process.
Timeless VS Trendy
Trends might be challenging to resist, but you can’t decorate your home based on what’s currently in fashion if you want to love it later. Select something you can appreciate in ten years or more when choosing a tile design.
A marble-inspired porcelain offers enduring appeal. Natural stone remains a classic, timeless choice that ages gracefully. Traditionally, homeowners have avoided using stone on a backsplash because they must reseal it yearly. However, tile installation technology has made significant strides, and maintenance has become minimal.
If it’s not your permanent home, and you anticipate selling in a few years, opt for something that excites you while sticking to a neutral color that can appeal to a diverse range of home buyers.
Kitchen Colors
What is the color scheme you’re working with or want to work with? Some tile designs work better with colors, like porcelain tile versus natural stone. If you already have a kitchen you love, consider those current colors and pick a backsplash that compliments your existing pallet.
There are plenty of timeless neutral options for the kitchen, including white, grays, and softer tones of green and blue. But going for a timeless look doesn’t mean you can only choose from neutrals. Plenty of bolder colors fit well with certain materials and will help bring your kitchen to life for many years.
Style of The Space
The backsplash can be a centerpiece or seamlessly blend in with the kitchen. If you’re doing a complete kitchen remodel, you may have the luxury of starting from scratch and crafting a unique kitchen with any backsplash style as an option. But if you already have certain kitchen aspects in place, like flooring or countertops, you may need to choose a backsplash that works well with those features.
Think about where you’re starting from and how you want the room to feel. Depending on the tile design, the backsplash can draw a lot of attention or go mostly unnoticed.
Cleaning Considerations
Consider care and maintenance when choosing a kitchen backsplash tile. Different materials come with varying levels of required upkeep and cleaning. Always assess the demands of each material you’re considering for your kitchen backsplash. For instance:
- Tiled backsplashes connect with grout, which can accumulate dust and grime over time.
- Solid slabs can trap dirt between seams.
- Natural stones may not react well with certain cooking products.
- Glass and stainless steel backsplashes require polishing.
- Other types may need a simple wipe-down, while some demand a thorough scrubbing.
You must be well-informed about these facts as you evaluate backsplash options. Being fully aware will help you plan for the future accordingly.
While the decorative aspects of your kitchen backsplash may be more exciting, it must also serve a practical function: catching and deflecting splatters, splashes, and other messes. You’ll likely regret your choice if you end up spending hours cleaning the backsplash.
Timeless Tile Designs
Backsplashes previously found their place exclusively behind sinks or stoves. Typically, these were crafted from tiles, serving the practical purpose of safeguarding walls from water, food, and grease damage. Nowadays, backsplashes have evolved, expanding throughout the space under the cabinets.
When seeking timeless backsplash styles, the aim is for designs that withstand the test of time. There might be a better fit if you’re searching for trendy color options or innovative materials. The tile ideas below offer ideal choices for those looking for lasting design concepts they can live in and love for years.
Subway Tile
Subway tile remains a timeless and adaptable material that effortlessly complements various decorating styles. Its name originates from the white tiles that grace the walls of New York subway stations, making it a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower surrounds, and beyond.
Typically, glazed ceramic subway tiles are white and twice as wide as tall but can come in various sizes and materials. This versatility enables subway tile to create a clean, classic appearance that harmonizes beautifully with modern, traditional, farmhouse, and cottage aesthetics. The overall effect largely depends on the arrangement and tile installation. To find the ideal backsplash for your home, explore different subway tile patterns, such as a classic running bond, verticle, and basket weave.
Applying subway tile in a classic running bond pattern, reminiscent of conventional brickwork, adds effortless allure to the kitchen. This pattern is straightforward and demands fewer intricate tile cuts than other patterns. With running bond subway tile, the joints are offset and centered in the middle of adjoining tiles, presenting a symmetrical layout that exudes a crisp and cohesive look, perfect for busy areas like kitchens.
For expansive wall applications, go for individual white subway tiles available in sizes like 3 x 6, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12. Using white or light grout prevents the tiled walls from appearing overly busy. However, if you desire eye-catching texture, consider using a contrasting grout color like black, which makes each tile stand out. This approach works best for smaller applications, like a kitchen backsplash, where the dramatic effect can truly shine.
Herringbone
Named after the intricate bone structure of a herring fish, Herringbone remains a timeless pattern that has permeated various design aspects. Its presence is widespread in interior design, adorning elements like rugs, favorite throw pillows, wood flooring, curtains, and tiles.
Herringbone tiles bring a touch of enduring elegance to any design, whether on a bathroom floor or a kitchen backsplash.
For enthusiasts of classic aesthetics, a simple white herringbone tile with crisp white grout is the perfect choice. While this look is commonly associated with traditional kitchens, it effortlessly complements contemporary and modern designs as well. When considering tile installation, opt for the classic 2 x 4 or 3 x 6 size for a more traditional feel. Alternatively, you can create a more dramatic design with a 2 x 8 size showcasing the herringbone pattern.
For a more contemporary vibe, go with a slightly cooler neutral, such as a light gray. This color tone seamlessly complements any design style but truly shines in modern kitchens. Pair it with fresh white cabinets to create a clean, contemporary space with the right texture, dimension, and personality.
While herringbone tiles have deep-rooted traditional origins, they can easily embrace a modern style. Add a dark, moody color like charcoal gray and contrast it with a lighter grout line. The color instantly infuses a modern feel, while the grout line accentuates the overall herringbone pattern, adding a graphic appeal to your space.
Herringbone and color make a perfect match. This pattern, often seen in neutrals, works wonders as a vibrant pop of color in your kitchen. Experiment with a splash of blue or rich green for a kitchen needing color.
Natural Stone
Considering a stone kitchen backsplash? Stone tile works incredibly well in the kitchen. Stone backsplashes offer timeless beauty and add significant character to any kitchen. When choosing, there are two distinct aesthetic paths: rough, textured stacked stones that create a rustic, organic look or sleek, modern stone options like quartzite or marble.
However, stone backsplashes do come with some considerations. If you love cooking and spend ample time in the kitchen, avoiding stacked, rough stones might be wise. Otherwise, you should commit to a regular cleaning schedule. Grease and spills easily find their way into the nooks and crannies of these surfaces. Additionally, natural stone requires consistent resealing. The frequency depends on the type of stone; for example, travertine, being more porous than granite, needs more frequent resealing—typically annually or bi-annually.
If you’re willing to invest a bit of maintenance, stone backsplashes bring endless charm and elegance to everyone’s favorite room for gathering.
Patterned Porcelain
Porcelain tile comes in many shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. It can liven up the space with a floral design, add geometric lines to your modern kitchen, or a splash of color with simple, penny tile designs.
One of the remarkable aspects of patterned porcelain tile is its ability to add visual interest and personality. It is one of the most versatile choices in terms of design aesthetics. These tiles can serve as a focal point, elevating the kitchen’s overall aesthetic and creating a lasting impression on anyone entering the room. If you want a more toned-down look, porcelain tiles offer simple solutions that work visually and functionally.
Patterned porcelain tile boasts exceptional durability and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for a kitchen backsplash. Its non-porous surface ensures it can withstand daily wear and tear, effectively resisting stains, scratches, and moisture. Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only regular wiping with a damp cloth to keep the tiles pristine and vibrant.
Better Backsplash, Better Kitchen
When you’ve chosen the perfect tile to suit your kitchen, the next step is purchasing materials and beginning the tile installation. Some people are comfortable working with those materials, measuring and cutting the tile, aligning everything, and sealing it to be functional. But the DIY method isn’t for everyone, and an expert touch can help your kitchen backsplash last.
At LA Carpet, we use only premium materials sourced from top industry manufacturers, ensuring the utmost quality in all our endeavors. From flawless cabinets and luxurious countertop replacements to captivating kitchen backsplash designs and exquisite tile installations, we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet your exacting standards. Whether you only need a new backsplash or want to begin an entire kitchen remodeling project, LA Carpet has you covered. Reach out today for an estimate or to learn more about our services.
