Posted by Dan O'Malley in Home Design

​Tile: we see it on the floor, as a kitchen backsplash, or as a way to make our showers look better and add sophistication to a space—but it really contributes to the look and feel of a room.

​When guests walk into your kitchen, the first thing they will notice is your backsplash, because it is the first place their eyes will be drawn to. Choosing your backsplash is your one opportunity to make a statement in the kitchen, and it’s your choice whether you make it with color, texture, or pattern.

​Let’s look at all of the different factors that play into the decision to select the perfect, eye-catching backsplash.

Tile Materials

There are many different types of tiles used in home improvement, but the most popular types used in the kitchen are ceramic and porcelain.

Ceramic and porcelain both offer versatile, clay-based surfaces and they can look like whatever you want them to look like in terms of shape and finish. These are great because they stand up well to water, are very resilient, and make the most economical sense compared to other types.

Tile Textures

​If you love the rectangular subway tiles but want to make sure there is some character in your kitchen, you can choose to have beveled subway tile or handmade subway tile.

Beveled tile has sloped edges, which can give the backsplash texture, the illusion of dimension, and lend a retro feel to the space while maintaining a polished look. Handmade tile, on the other hand, has subtle, natural-looking imperfections to soften its look and add personality to the space.

Subway Tile Backsplash Handmade Subway Tile

Beveled Tile Backsplash

Beveled Subway Tile

Tile Patterns

While a classic horizontal display of subway tile is something that will remain a staple, tile patterns such as Herringbone tiles are growing in popularity as well. If you decide to use Herringbone tiles, it will level up your backsplash and add a sophisticated touch.

Oversized hexagons as your backsplash can give your kitchen a mid-century modern style.

Tile Colors

​Color plays a large part in how your backsplash will affect the space. Soft whites and light grays have reigned as the top choices for interior design recently, but colors like black are making headway into the design world because of their natural ability to make a space pop!

Lighter, neutral shades are trendy because they make your space feel brighter and larger; however, if you are bold and brave enough to go darker, you will create a more dramatic appearance in your kitchen.

Kitchen With Blue Backsplash

Maybe you like to keep things simple and neutral, or maybe you want to make jaws drop at the sight of your kitchen. Either way, your home design should be unique and timeless to fit your lifestyle.



Author

Dan O'Malley
Dan O'Malley

Author

Dan O’Malley is the Vice President of Product Development for M/I Homes.With over 30 years of expertise in residential architecture and design, Dan has been overseeing the product needs of the company's 16 divisions located throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Nashville and Texas for the past 12 years. Before joining M/I Homes, he was a partner in the Chicago office of BSB Design, a national residential architectural firm, for 14 years. Dan is an expert in all aspects of single-family and multifamily design and has received several awards for his successful projects. He is also a popular speaker at various industry events, including the International Builder’s Show, Midwest Builder’s Show, and Multi-Housing World.

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