Kitchen Décor | Back Splash Tile

We’ve had a few posts now on kitchen design elements that can work together to create a versatile and stylish cooking and entertaining space. Another one of those elements – one that really allows you to make a statement – is the back splash.

But not just any old rimmed countertop back splash. We’re talking fully decking out the walls between the top of your counters and the bottom of your cabinets with beautiful, eye-catching tiles.

And the design possibilities are seemingly endless.

Wowing Through Tile

According to Andy here at HA Construction, a tile back splash is the crown of the kitchen – the cherry on top, if you will. Not only does a tile backsplash make for an easily cleanable service, but it provides opportunity for aesthetic appeal. While your countertops and cabinets are generally a neutral tone, the tile back splash can be that pop of color and creative whimsy that really pulls everything together.

From a builder standpoint, the tile is mounted directly to the sheetrock between the back of your countertops and the bottom of your upper wall cabinets. Square tiles can be anywhere from one inch to the common four inch option.  You can choose tiles all the same color, some with hand-painted designs,  or a mix and match colors and designs to create something unique.

Types of Backsplash Tile

Don’t limit yourself to simple square options, especially if you want to let out your creative side. Other backsplash tiles include:

• Subway Tiles – usually something like 3x6 inches
• Glass Tiles – provide a reflective surface for another dimension t the design
• Mosaic Tiles –often come in one foot squares of several tiles put together on a mesh backing to save time
• Laser Cut Tiles – cut in beautiful shapes to create elaborate designs when pieced together on the wall
• Diagonal Design – turn ordinary square tile on the diagonal to take it up a notch
• Wallpaper Style – some companies can customize overscale patterns to repeat, producing a wallpaper effect through tile
• Herringbone Tile – also available on a mesh 12x12 backing, herringbone provides a chevron design (very popular right now)
• Custom Shapes – don’t be afraid to think outside the box and look for oval tiles or other shapes

HA Construction previously used a lot of tumbled stone in backsplash designs, but recently glass tiles have become popular. Again, don’t be afraid to get creative – the space over the stove usually lends for plenty of room for a fun pattern even if you plan to keep the rest of the backsplash neutral.

Maybe that’s why it’s called a “backsplash” – so you can add a splash of excitement to your kitchen décor. (Okay, we know that’s not the case, but we’ll go ahead and take the liberty to believe it to be true anyway.)