Tile Backsplash Ideas for the Kitchen
Top 5 Tile Design Ideas for Behind the Cooktop
Whether you're considering buying a new home or remodeling your current home, a tile backsplash can add both value and drama to your kitchen, while making those walls easy to clean.
While you can add a full height tile backsplash later, it can make sense to install at the same time the new countertops go in. You'll have a clean line from countertop to cabinets, and won't have to worry about removing a standard 3"-4" laminate or granite splash later.
Here are some great ideas for your kitchen tile backsplash, with a focus on design themes behind the cooktop or range!
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Idea #1
Use 3"x6" subway tiles in contrasting colors.
This tile backsplash incorporates two different colors of subway tiles, installed using a bricklay pattern. The exposed edges are finished with bullnose pieces.
The inset pattern uses the same tiles in a contrasting color, set on the diagonal, surrounded by a pencil width listello accent.
The cost of your tile backsplash will depend not only on the cost of materials, but also on the complexity of the pattern.
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Idea #2
Lots of stainless steel in the kitchen? Bring the look together with metallic accents.
The main kitchen tile backsplash is composed of mini mosaics in a natural stone color.
A focal point was created behind the cooktop and under the range hood by using a combination of 4x4 natural stone tiles, 4x4 metallic accents, and a 1" metallic listello.
Metallics can be some of the most expensive pieces to choose from, but used sparingly they can bring some real interest without a huge cost.
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Idea #3
Keep in monochromatic.
This natural stone tile backsplash adds plenty of interest and contrast without contributing a heavy labor cost.
The tile pieces come on 12"x12" mesh, but look like hand-designed old world random patterning.
The color variations are just enough to contrast beautifully with the deep cherry cabinetry.
Kitchen Tile Backsplash Idea #4
It's all about the cabinetry. This tile backsplash is inexpensive and sleekly beautiful.
The entire backsplash is composed of 4"x4" ceramic tiles set on the diagonal. The arched valance and glass cabinet doors above the cooktop draw the eye upward.
Below, the bump out is set off by fluted accent pieces.
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Idea #5
Mini-mosaics can be used all kinds of different ways in the kitchen.
Here, a glass mini-mosaic is used as a comparatively inexpensive border for a 36" range. The color really sparkles and pulls together the dark cabinetry and light countertops.
The remainder of the backsplash is composed of 4"x4" ceramic tiles, set horizontally for the backsplash and on the diagonal in the accent area.
Planning ahead with your kitchen design will make your new kitchen that much more functional and enjoyable. A good tile designer will help you select a fabulous tile backsplash and accent area behind the cooktop, that reflects your personality AND fits in your budget!
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*Photos represent current new home trends. Not all photos represent Stanton Homes. Stanton Homes discusses current new home trends across a wide variety of topics.
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Article copyright Stanton Homes 2010. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of above lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Great presentation, great post, great photos!
Best of lucks to you!
Lots of variety in choices...I think I feel an update coming on...thank you !
The photos say it all! As they say, "A picture speaks 1,000 words." These show the choices one has in backsplashes. It all comes down to personal style.
I just installed my own backsplash, and what a difference it makes! Nice photos.
Great choices Penny & presentation is great...thanks for the visual too
This is just the tip of the iceberg for kitchen backsplash ideas - I feel another post coming soon on this topic!
Sara - you're right, a good backsplash can make an incredible difference in the look and feel of the kitchen.
Thank you for sharing and posting your very informative article.
Hi Penny, I love your photos!!!
I'm getting ready to remodel my kitchen with a tearing down of a 3 arched wall with Z-brick and going into the "former laundry room" to expand it... I'll be adding medium cherry shaker cabinets, with the smaller drawers very plain and my backsplash is going to be environmental green translucent wall single sheet... I originally wanted tiles but I thought, "everyone else has tiles", and since I have a home with 28 ft ceilings and very contemporary, it needed to be different. Atlantic Canada has granite rock & quartz in our backyard, so I'll be installing either granite or engineered quartz (since this doesn't stain like granite which is porous). Thanks! ;>))
These are gorgeous, Penny. I've been a fan of the subway tiles, and glass tiles, for years. Hope to install them in my own kitchen....someday.
Penny,
I've grown to appreciate the contrast between the granite flat surface and the tile backsplash.
Great post,
Steve
Ann-Marie - you're going to have to show us photos of the project, sounds fabulous! Shaker cabinets are really in right now, and I love the unique backsplash idea.
Thanks for the ideas. We're just getting started on a partial kitchen re-do and hadn't made our tile selections yet. I'll share these photos with my husband.
Hi Penny,
I really enjoyed your presentation for backsplash ideas. Terrific photos! Good information for people who are building a new home or remodeling. Thank you for your excellent post! Have a great Sunday!
It's always powerful to have "show and tell" information for sellers and potential buyers. Nice job!
Steve - yes, tile can add a terrific contrast to both the countertops and the cabinets. We have a fabulous designer on staff who can really help with the color and design selections to make sure everything flows together - flooring, cabinets, countertops, and backsplash.
Tracy - and this is just a very small selection of ideas! I see more backsplash posts coming in my future....