1. Keep it Simple…and Chic!

A backsplash staple, white subway tile is a timeless classic with endless versatility. This modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Esslinger Design Co., features an Imperial Bianco Gloss tile backsplash behind open wood shelves. The simple brick-lay tile provides a neutral background, allowing the dark green range hood and brass swing-arm sconce light fixtures to stand out. If you love this cozy-chic style, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

2. Create a Stylish Slab Look

A backsplash crafted from a large block of stone is a popular feature of high-end design, but you can achieve this look on a more modest budget with large-format tile. These supersized tiles (up to 48″ x 48″) mimic the appearance of a single piece of stone while offering the durability and easy maintenance of ceramic or porcelain. As demonstrated in this contemporary kitchen, a counter-to-ceiling backsplash featuring extra-large marble-look tile makes your space feel expansive as well as elevated.

3. Show Off Your Style with a Graphic Pattern

Patterned tile offers the ornamentation of wallpaper with the superior protection of ceramic or porcelain. Perfect for adding design to a mess-prone backsplash, patterned tile can easily be stretched to the height of your wall to further celebrate your style. This fashionable kitchen features the graphic-patterned Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. The eclectic hand-drawn print is bold in its simplicity, adding definition to the space while allowing flexibility to swap out accessories and change paint colors for easy updates. Discover more unique, fashion-forward designs in our exclusive Nikki Chu collection.

4. Display Your Taste with Diamond-Shaped Tile

When your tile covers a large area, choosing a design that creates a sense of movement and rich visual texture not only makes your space feel more expansive but also adds interest. This can be achieved through pattern, shape or material. This beautiful kitchen features the Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton tile, a diamond- and chevron-shaped mosaic made from vividly veined marble. The zigzag pattern, combined with the grey and beige veining, draws the eye up the wall, creating the illusion of height and adding a touch of luxury. Shop diamond-shaped tile for more brilliant designs.

5. Tile the Range Hood

When you have a tile as elegant and expressive as the Firenze Calacatta marble subway tile, you’ll want to display it without interruption. That’s exactly what Christie Juncaj did in her magnificent contemporary kitchen. By using the tile to disguise the range hood, the kitchen maintains a cohesive appearance from the counter to the ceiling and across the wall.

6. Showcase Mid-Century Modern Design

Even if you don’t have an A-frame house, you can embrace the simple sophistication of mid-century modern style with The Tile Shop’s new Stoneware collection from Fired Earth. Featuring a sleek elongated subway format in five retro-inspired colorways, these tiles celebrate the best of 20th-century design. Here, the Stoneware Rainwashed tile runs along the expanse from the counter to the tip of the angled ceiling, creating a vibrant statement wall that feels contemporary while evoking a vintage appeal.

7. Marvel with a Mosaic Tile

Perhaps counterintuitively, a small-format mosaic tile can have the same space-widening effect as a large-format tile. The petite pieces provide visual texture that draws the eye across a space, adding depth and a sense of movement. This charming kitchen, designed by @dwellwithmichelle, features the Hex Matte White with Black Flowers mosaic. The repeated retro floral pattern guides the eye up the wall, while the open shelving makes the space feel light and airy.

8. Create a Work of Art

A tall backsplash allows for creative use of the space behind your stove or kitchen sink. Take advantage of the expanse by showcasing a beautiful patterned or mosaic tile within a tiled picture frame. Using trim to “frame” the decorative tile, this design technique elevates your space while providing a pleasing focal point you can admire while cooking and cleaning. This elegant transitional kitchen features the Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey tile, framed by a double layer of Firenze Carrara Somerset trim.

9. Achieve Artisanal Excellence

Zellige tile is handcrafted using ancient techniques, ensuring that each tile is authentically unique. Showcasing this singular tile from counter to ceiling creates a one-of-a-kind backsplash that celebrates artistry. This chic kitchen, designed by Fox Homes, features the Zellige White Gloss tile. The square format aligns with contemporary design, while the traditional craftsmanship connects it to the past.

10. Embrace English Cottage Style

Put the kettle on and take in this charming kitchen backsplash featuring the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile. With a whimsical floral motif inspired by historic prints from the iconic British brand’s archive, this patterned tile is made to be displayed. We love how it pairs with white cabinets, but a bold blue or sunny yellow would look equally delightful. As enamored with this style as Mr. Darcy is with Elizabeth? Click here to discover how to bring English cottage design into your home.

11. Showcase Your Stove

If your kitchen cabinets cover most of your counter-to-ceiling space, the area behind the stove might be the only place to showcase this design trend. However, even this limited space can deliver big results, as is evident in this stylish kitchen designed by Georgia Pepperberry Interior Design. The Liria Negro tile adds a pattern that helps to highlight the stove and the dark copper range hood. The use of white subway tile below the white cabinets prevents the room from feeling too busy and ensures the stove remains the star of the show.

12. Make “Hex-Cellent” Choices

The six-sided hexagon is a classic tile shape that’s surprisingly versatile. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials, hex tile offers a wealth of possibilities and timeless design. This contemporary kitchen features the Royal White polished marble hex tile. The stone’s natural tonal variation, combined with the tile’s shape, gives the backsplash a sense of movement that draws the eye up the wall.

13. Tile Above the Cabinets

Your wall cabinets don’t have to define your backsplash. This elegant kitchen takes the Cheverny Blanc patterned encaustic tile to the ceiling by tiling the space above the cabinets. The result is a stunning statement wall that maintains a sense of continuity.

14. Go Retro

An expanded backsplash offers a unique opportunity to showcase your style. This groovy kitchen, designed by Total 360 Interiors, embraces flower-power ideals with the Star Olive/Grey Encaustic tile. The bold, bright geometric floral pattern exudes 70s vibes, while the modern stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets ground this space firmly in this century.

15. Create Contrast

Contrasting colors–whether they be classic black-and-white or contemporary neutral-and-bright–add depth to your space. This chic kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features Noir Amalfi limestone tile installed with contrasting white grout. In addition to complementing the white cabinetry and window frame, the white grout lines highlight the tile’s classic brick-lay pattern. By extending the tile to the ceiling, the designer enhances the dramatic effect of the stark contrast.

16. Find Historic Inspiration

Popular in the Victorian era, tin tiles were embossed with decorative patterns, adding both texture and visual interest. The 19th-century-inspired Victoria Gris Fonce tile (also available in Blanco) features the characteristic raised pattern in a durable ceramic format. Here, You Neek Designs updates Victorian aesthetics for a contemporary kitchen. The tin-look tiles behind the stove are flanked by white subway tile, another popular style of the era. However, the Annie Selke Artisanal White tile’s handmade look and the horizontal straight-stack layout add a modern twist. Extending the subway tile behind the open wooden shelving makes this design feel fresh.

17. Add Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

If you love the sleek, chic silhouette of subway tile but want a more dynamic design, consider installing your favorite tile in a herringbone layout. The zigzag pattern of this classic format evokes a sense of movement by drawing the eye both up and across the space. We love how this backsplash, designed by Twigg + Lu Design Company, uses the Look Oliva subway tile as both a backsplash and window frames.

18. Choose Classically Chic Chevron Tile

Another classic tile pattern that adds dynamic interest, chevron tile offers the same zigzag as herringbone, but with tiles specially cut to form the characteristic V-shape. This elegant kitchen, designed by Accent on Cabinets, features the Bianco Puro Honed Chevron tile. The luxurious white marble enhances the sophistication of this gold-accented white kitchen.

19. Add Rustic Details

You probably wouldn’t put real wood behind your stovetop, but wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers the contemporary rustic aesthetic of a cabin in an easy-to-clean, flame-retardant material. Available in a range of realistic designs–like the distressed Colonial Wood White Brillo tile shown here–wood-look tile makes your kitchen feel rugged without sacrificing modern conveniences.

20. Reflect Your Style

Glass tile’s naturally reflective surface adds brightness and depth to your space. This contemporary kitchen, designed by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, features the Winter Morning glass tile. The light playing across the surface makes the small backsplash feel more expansive. While it looks amazing in this bright and open kitchen, glass tile would also help illuminate a space that doesn’t receive much natural light.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style. If you’re up to tackling a DIY project, check out our guide on how to tile your backsplash yourself. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

history of subway tile

Created more than a century ago by architects Heins and LaFarge, the original subway tiles were used for, you guessed it, a subway—specifically the New York City subway in 1904. These tiles were perfect for subways because they were simple, clean and economical. They were so efficient that other major cities adapted subway tiles, from London’s Underground to Paris’ Metro. Soon, subway tiles became popular above ground as well, adorning Victorian kitchens and bathrooms because of their sanitary qualities.

Today, subway tiles are much more of a style statement, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still functional and durable. Many people love them for this exact combination. However, there are more choices than ever to consider so knowing what is right for you can be tricky. That brings us to our top three things to consider when you pick out your tile.

Top 3 Things to Consider

Subway Tile Design Tips

Once you know what you want as far as size, finish and shape, it’s time to explore different subway tile designs and what makes them work.

Try using a patterned, wallpaper-look tile above a wainscot and subway tile in a complementary color on the bottom. This will add color and interest to a powder room, and you can still keep the palette neutral.

The vertical straight set pattern in the charming space below adds height to the small shower in a contemporary way. We love how this pattern continues right through the nook and brings mid-century modern style to this soothing room.

With subway tile, pattern is everything. In the frame below, a herringbone pattern defines a focal point without straying from a soft, neutral color palette. There are so many interesting details here to attract the eye.

Subway tile is wonderful as a blank canvas to support other points of interest. A dazzling waterjet mosaic (first photo) or an artistic piece of Laura Ashley art glass (second photo) stand out on a subway tile background. Grout in a complementary color helps the true centerpiece shine. To transition between your subway tile and focal point (and to show it off!), incorporate layering pieces that do double duty.

The character of brick and the versatility of subway tile come together in this beautiful space. An elongated tile in a herringbone pattern gives this cozy nook a unique, textured design.

One of the best things about subway tile is the variety of patterns possible. Here, a mix of vertical and horizontal straight stack on the wall lend a modern appearance and a bold, colorful pattern on the floor is a jolt of energy.

Ask Kirsty

You asked, she answered! Kirsty offers her advice on some of your most common subway tile questions.

How do I decide on a gloss or matte finish for my subway tile? Is gloss more timeless? What’s easier to keep clean?

Glossy finishes typically present a more traditional and elegant look. Their reflective quality can also make your space appear brighter. Matte finishes offer a more casual, relaxed appearance. They don’t reflect as much light and will give the space a softer look. As far as cleaning, both matte and glossy tiles have their benefits. Matte tile does not show smudges or splashes as easily as a glossy tile, but glossy tile is very easy to wipe down and clean.

What color grout should I use with white subway tile?

Grout has an incredible impact on your tile and the space around it. You have three options: matching, complementary or contrasting grout. The best option for you depends on your goals for the final look. Matching grout to the tile color gives a classic, clean, monochromatic and seamless appearance. A neutral and complementary grout color adds subtle contrast without being a focal point. Opt for a color that accents the tile and overall design. Contrasting your grout color to your tile adds character, creates a bold, dramatic look and shows off the tile pattern. The grout becomes a part of the design rather than the backdrop.

How do I match subway tile with my cabinets?

There is no one formula for matching tile and cabinetry. It’s about what appeals to you. One tip I recommend is to look at your closet. What color clothing do you have? To which colors do you tend to gravitate? Just like your clothing style, you want your home to reflect you and your individuality. It’s also important to think about contrasts. Do you want a monochromatic look or do you want your tile and cabinets to contrast one another? Deciding this will also help guide your tile choice.

What subway tile pattern should I use?

(Tip: Refer to our blog post on subway tile patterns and layouts for examples of these looks!)

The most popular layout is a traditional horizontal brick. To make that appear more modern, use a larger size tile. Vertical and horizontal straight stacks are more contemporary layouts. Any vertical pattern will add height to your space—an offset brick pattern is more traditional and a straight stack is more contemporary. More unique layouts, like crosshatch and herringbone, add dynamic patterns, whether in a monochromatic or multicolored palette. The beauty and glamour of a herringbone pattern are unbeatable.

Between all the shapes, sizes, finishes and patterns available for subway tile, there are countless designs to be discovered. However you decide to use subway tile, just make sure to follow The Tile Shop golden rule, and make it your own!

The post Subway Tile Design Ideas & Tips appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Jenni Radosevich

Can you give us a little background about your education and work experience and how you got started before you created I SPY DIY?

I went to the University of Wisconsin—Madison for magazine design and journalism and then I moved to New York and started working at InStyle magazine. While I was there, I started a DIY column and it ended up taking off. That’s where I SPY DIY came from.

The column led to my blog, and then Random House asked me to write a book which came out in 2012. Eventually DIY fashion turned into DIY home when I moved back to Wisconsin. My fiancé convinced me to buy this fixer-upper house to renovate, and then a friend suggested I pitch the renovation to HGTV. I ended up doing a pilot that aired three or four times. They decided not to pick it up but I was fine with that because I learned doing a TV show is a lot of work! Since then I’ve been working on different renovations for my fiancé’s rental properties and then began my next big project: the Barnhouse.

How long ago did you make your I SPY DIY blog and renovating a full-time career?

In 2012. Right when my book came out, I left InStyle, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Were you surprised that everything took off so quickly? It sounds like a whirlwind!

Yes, it was crazy! That was back when DIY was just becoming a “thing”. I had CNN calling me and asking me to tell them about DIY. It took off really quickly and it’s crazy to see how many other girls have been doing DIY since then. It went from being 3 or 4 of us to a ton of DIYers.

Was your first renovation intimidating? How were you sure you could redo a house from the bottom up?

Having TV cameras film your every move was good motivation. I had to fake it until I made it! It was a bold move, and it paid off. It was a quick way to dive into the renovation process, and I didn’t really have a chance to fail because I just had to keep on going. (Note: She redid the entire home in just 4 months!)

What was your process like? Did you have a vison for the house as a whole or go room by room?

I have no idea how I pulled that off! We had a budget, and The Tile Shop was awesome for that. I started by picking out what I could afford for materials, and it ended up being a lot of subway tile. In the bathroom, I used more interesting patterns to use these simple subway tiles and elevate the look.

“Every other room I just kind of tried to go with my gut instinct and not second guess myself. If I liked something, I moved forward with it because there wasn’t time to rethink.”

It’s been interesting with the Barnhouse because I have more time to make decisions and ask my readers. It’s more interactive, but it comes with definite pluses and minuses.

Your style certainly inspires a lot of people. Where do you find inspiration and ideas?

It’s tough because I try not to do what everyone else is doing. I think that with the last house, I did look at other people’s projects too much because I didn’t know what I was doing. Now, I try to go with my gut. The Barnhouse has an older feel so I look more at European-type kitchens. I was just there for a couple weeks, and I tried to pull a lot of inspiration from what I was seeing. Since we’re calling it the Barnhouse, I’m trying to do more antiquing and finding older pieces so the house has a more authentic feel because it was built in 1875. I’m trying to stay away too much from Pinterest and all those places that you typically get inspiration because I don’t want to be too influenced.

How do you describe your design aesthetic? Or do you have one? It sounds like it changes based on the project you’re working on.

I used to think I should have a certain aesthetic that you can tell from house to house is mine. But ultimately, I think every house needs something a little bit different. The last house we fully gutted, and we were starting from a clean slate. And this one, there was already a character about it and the super-modern vibe didn’t feel right. Painting the exterior red is something I never would have done but everyone in the neighborhood loved the big red house that become known as the Barnhouse. I didn’t want to lose that uniqueness. I try to take the character that the house has given me and work with that.

“Every house needs something a little bit different. I try to take the character that the house has given me and work with that.”

What is a typical day, if there is one, like for you? 

The best days are the ones where I get to run around all day and go shopping for the houses. Today I was running around getting lighting, working with the electrician and now I’m off to find a mirror for the bathroom. My days involve a lot of troubleshooting for the houses and figuring things out. I do a little computer work, but I try to stay off it as much as possible. I’ll post Instagram stories to get my readers’ opinions and show them the process. I try to cut things off at a decent time, and then I hang out with my puppies.

Do you have a favorite Tile Shop tile you find yourself coming back to?

In the Barnhouse’s upstairs bathroom and kitchen backsplash, I used Splendours in white. It’s a subway tile, but it has a hand-glazed look. I just love that it’s irregular, organic and handmade looking. I definitely see myself using that one again because it’s an elevated version of a subway tile.

Featured: Splendours White, Laura Ashley Mr Jones Charcoal Matte

I love the Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey tile I used in the master bathroom, too. It’s patterned, but it’s not too overwhelming. It feels serene in the bathroom. I am so happy with how that one turned out. I would love to use that one again in another bathroom.

Featured: Imperial Bianco Gloss, Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey

Oh my gosh, the Bricklane White tile that is on my kitchen floor and entryway floor is my favorite thing. I think that’s my favorite tile in the house. I love that The Tile Shop always has something for my budget, whether it’s large or small.

Featured: Bricklane White

Do you have any tips for people designing with tile? 

Tile can be overwhelming, but you can do really cool things on a budget, like I did in my bathroom upstairs. We used a herringbone pattern. Installing the tile in unique patterns and using a darker grout can have a high impact. The combination of black and white always pops. If you’re going to use a statement tile like Laura Ashley, pair it with something less busy like a subway tile and use similarly colored grout so you don’t have an overwhelming tile on both the floor and the wall. Pick which one is going to be your statement and then have the other one be more neutral. In a small space (especially one without a window), consider using lighter tiles to brighten up the room. Look at size of your space and the light before you pick the tile. If you have a bathroom with a lot of light, you have the option of using a darker, bolder tile.

Featured: Imperial Bianco Matte, Silver Hex

What do you pick out first in a room?

It depends. For me, I like to use neutral tiles because they’re more permanent than everything else in the bathroom. Then I use accessories and other pieces in the room to add pops of color. It works great for me because I love to change things up so often and everything I decorate with can be an accent.

What do you like about working with tile?

Since it is more permanent, it can be daunting. It’s not as easy as changing up a paint color. But I like the big impact that it makes. In this house, we did a lot of fully tiled walls. The bathroom tile goes up to four feet all the way around the room and it just makes it look expensive and finished. It really elevates a space. Especially in a kitchen, once you put the backsplash in, it ties everything else together.

What advice would you give someone trying to get into remodeling or someone that has never redone a house before?

My advice is to make a decision and stick with it. There are always going to be a million options. The most important thing is to be decisive. When you start second guessing things and making changes, that’s where things start getting costly.

What’s your favorite part of your own house?

The upstairs bathroom, the clawfoot tub and how that whole room came together. It’s super serene. It’s also one of my most popular rooms in my house on Instagram.

Featured: Imperial Bianco Matte, Hex Matte Black

The Fun Five

What’s your dream vacation?

3 weeks in the south of France.

What are you streaming right now?

I’m desperately looking for something to watch! I liked watching Queer Eye. I watched them all on the plane for my recent trip. It’s great to have in the background and I cry in 90% of the episodes.

What is your favorite hobby when you’re not working?

Antiquing, even though it is kind of work. I love thrifting. Whenever I’m having a super stressed day I got to Antiques on Pierce. It’s a four-floor massive antique store. I go there and wander around for an hour and it relaxes me. Everyone is nice to me and they have me a VIP (very important picker) card. It makes me calm.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Who I’d want it to be would probably be different than who it would be. It’d probably be a cute girl like Ginnifer Goodwin. I’d want it to be Rachel Bilson.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would your career be?

Something in the creative field. Maybe graphic design, which I did earlier on, working at an advertising agency or visual merchandising in a store.

Follow along with Jenni’s Barnhouse projects and more on her website, Instagram and Facebook page.

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