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 a Signature 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.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Modern Farmhouse

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 (defined as any tile with one side longer than 23″ with styles 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.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Midcentury Modern

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.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Transitional Design

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.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage

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 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 (this tile is no longer available; achieve a similar look with Antigua Lis Black tile) 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 Fired Earth Designs Homespun 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.

1. Change Your Tile’s Direction to Create Distinction

This space, designed by Principle Design & Remodeling, features the Bulevard Snow subway tile installed in a herringbone pattern behind the stove and a brick-lay pattern under the cabinets. Placing the herringbone design in the center creates a sense of movement and helps provide visual separation between meal prep and cooking, making it feel like you have more room for both.

Discover a wealth of options to achieve this style with our wide selection of subway tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Classic Subway Tile Layouts

2. Add an Abstract Pattern

Fashion-forward and globally inspired, the Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile features an abstract geometric black-on-white pattern of concentric squares. Drawing from her original wallpaper designs, celebrity designer Nikki Chu created this porcelain tile to bring her distinctive motif to spaces that require a durable, easy-to-clean surface—like a hardworking kitchen backsplash.

If you love this distinctly chic style, explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

3. Add Lush Beauty With a Lovely Leaf Shape

Intricately beautiful, mosaic tile offers shapely designs to enliven your space. Just as the seamless look of large format tile makes tight spaces feel more expansive, the fine detail of mosaic tile can make a space appear larger by creating visual interest that expands the sense of scale.

This charming backsplash features the Bardot Grey marble mosaic. The interlocking leaf shapes create a gentle sense of movement that is enhanced by the stone’s natural grey veining and subtly contrasting white grout lines. The result is a graceful space defined by organic curves and soft tones.

Create a gorgeously detailed tableau with our wide selection of mosaic tile.

4. Choose Blue Hues

From dazzling sapphire to deep navy, blue across the spectrum creates spaces that connect with the natural brilliance of the sky and sea. Equally calming and stimulating, this versatile color complements virtually any style. This stylish kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features the grey-toned Signature Slate Blue Gloss tile. The cool, slightly muted blue introduces elegant serenity to the transitional space, contrasting wonderfully with the white cabinets.

If this versatile color is the hue for you, check out our expansive collection of blue tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Brilliant Blue Kitchen Tile Ideas

5. Make it Serenely Green

Gorgeous and serene, this cheery kitchen features a Glass Tea Green tile backsplash. The light green subway tile perfectly complements the blonde wood range hood, while white grout lines create a visual throughline to the cabinets and shelving.

Like blue, green comes in a range of rich shades—from mint to forest and emerald—and creates a connection to the natural world. Discover every enviable hue in our wide selection of green tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Brilliant Blue and Green Kitchen Tile Ideas

6. Decorate Your Space with an Ornate Pattern

Small spaces can showcase major style. An ornately patterned tile makes your space feel decorative and highly designed. This lovely stove backsplash features the Morris & Co. St. James Wandle River tile (also available in Farringdon Grey and blue-grey Pure Cloud). Set against a beautiful blue background, the intricate white floral pattern is lavish and alive with embellished movement.

If you love this historically detailed design, explore our exclusive Morris & Co. designer collection.

7. Add Natural Texture With Wood-Look Tile

Ruggedly refined, incorporating wood adds texture and sophistication with organic appeal. While real wood is rarely the best choice for a mess-prone kitchen backsplash, wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers a durable, easy-to-clean alternative that achieves an authentically rustic aesthetic.

Here, the Bari Aural Grey tile features alternating wood-look planks and recessed matte ribs, creating a fashionable fluted effect that adds both tactile and visual texture to the stove backsplash. While these long, skinny lines create a sense of width when installed horizontally, they can also be installed vertically to draw the eye upward and add height to a small kitchen.

Add natural appeal to your space with our wide selection of wood-look tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Ruggedly Chic Modern Rustic Kitchen Ideas

8. Bring in Botanicals

Colors, shapes and designs inspired by the natural world can boost your mood and make even a small space feel as though it’s bursting with life. Biophilic design brings the outdoors in through botanical patterns, organic color palettes and natural materials.

This charming sink backsplash features the Morris & Co. Hawkdale Willow Olive tile (also available in China Blue). The leaf motifs—inspired by iconic designer William Morris’s historic wallpaper patterns
—seem to sway across the wall, creating a restful yet lively tableau. The coordinating Morris & Co. Hawkdale Pure Chalk tile, interspersed between the patterned subway tile, provides a necessary neutral balance to the foliage.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Biophilic Design

9. Give Your Space a Sense of Movement

Hampton Carrara marble subway tile installed in a herringbone pattern creates a fluid sense of movement that draws the eye up and across this small backsplash, designed by Two Chicks and a Hammer. While the zigzag layout alone infuses the space with a dynamic flow, the grey and beige veining in the stone enhances that energy, as subtle shifts in tone invigorate the design with natural distinction. The result is a small space that stimulates the eye and is rich in organic detail.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Super-Chic Herringbone Tile Pattern Ideas

10. Play With a Checkerboard Pattern

Checkerboard is a classic pattern that’s always a style win. Play with this hopscotch design by bringing in unique shapes and fresh colors. This charming sink backsplash features squares of Laura Park Bespoke tile in Aegean Blue and White rotated to create a diamond checkerboard. The diagonal lines draw the eye up and across the wall for an invigorating design that makes the small space appear more expansive.

Find more winning plays on this classic pattern when you explore our curated checkerboard tile collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Unique and Unexpected Checkerboard Tile Ideas

11. Make Your Space ✨Shine✨ With Glass Tile

Naturally reflective, glass is an ideal material for brightening a room, making it a perfect choice for adding light to a compact backsplash. While all glass tile offers some shine, the Kelli Fontana Patina Siren Mirror tile (also available in Eclipse and Gilded) is specifically designed to reflect and amplify light.

In this space, it is installed on the upper backsplash and behind open shelving, which helps showcase decorative dinnerware. To further illuminate your prep area, consider installing it closer to the countertop to bounce light directly onto your workspace.

Love this classically romantic look? Explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection.

11. Add Charm With English Cottage Patterns

Backsplash designs for small kitchens don’t have to be unassuming. The Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile brings the quaint, romantic sensibility of English country cottage style to this cozy backsplash. Combining the elegance of a Jane Austen drawing room with the nostalgic comfort of your grandma’s living room, this delightful style is equal parts fanciful and fancy.

Add iconic British whimsy to your space with our exclusive Laura Ashley designer collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage

13. Stretch Your Budget: Tile Your Backsplash For Under $200

Even if your budget is as small as your space, you can afford a stylish refresh with our expansive selection of tiles under $7. This backsplash, designed by Timber Trails, features Regent Bianco ceramic subway tile. At just $5.49/sq. ft., you can tile a 20- to 30-sq.-ft. backsplash for under $200.

DIY Like a Pro!

Learn How to Install a Kithcen Tile Backsplash with this step-by-step guide.

14. Add an Antique Look

Your kitchen doesn’t need to hail from a bygone era to embrace the sophisticated elaborance of Victorian designs. Featuring raised patterns reminiscent of early 1900s tin tiles, the Victoria Blanc tile creates visual and tactile texture through its delicate motifs and authentic-looking patina.

Discover a wealth of styles to make your walls “pop” in our collection of 3D tile.

15. Embrace Simplicity with Japandi Style

The exquisite minimalism of Japandi design creates a feeling of intentionality in a small space. In this backsplash, designed by Yellow Brick Home, the slender, linear tiles of the Home Kit-Kat Milk mosaic (also available in Aqua, Forest and Grey) provide a sense of harmonious symmetry. Featuring subtle handmade-look details, the undulating shades create a rhythmic, organic movement across the space.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Japandi

16. Add Extra Space to Your Grout Lines

An essential element of your tile installation, grout is also a powerful design feature. While narrow grout joints make large format tile feel seamless, wide joints emphasize the layout of a smaller format tile. Here, the wide grout lines between the Zellige White Gloss tiles beautifully highlight the handmade tile’s inherent irregularities. Perfectly imperfect, Zellige tile is cut and crafted by hand, resulting in purposefully uneven edges. The wide joints create slightly askew lines in a subtle, neutral beige that runs throughout the layout.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color & Design

17. Add Interest by Mixing Subway Designs

One sure way to make a small space outstanding is by incorporating unique, eye-catching details. Here, the Signature Gris Matte tile is featured in subway, bevel and frame styles. The raised and recessed edges of the bevel and frame tiles add both visual and tactile texture, creating a customizable look that enlivens the compact space.

Explore our newly expanded Signature collection for more endlessly versatile subway and trim tiles in a variety of contemporary hues, with matte and glossy finishes.

18. Create a Coastal Chic Escape

Any home can feel like a beach retreat with the elevated, breezy aesthetic of coastal chic design. So much more than shells and nautical decor, modern coastal style embraces the organic tones and weathered textures of the shoreline. Take, for instance, this stunning kitchen featuring the Jeffrey Alan Marks Natural Zen Birchwood Ash tile (also available in Sea Blue and White). The tile’s gently raised texture mimics the look and feel of driftwood, while the muted palette evokes the calm of a hazy summer day.

If you love this serene, seaside style, explore our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Coastal Chic

19. Create a Hex-Cellent Design

What has six sides and countless design possibilities? Timelessly fashionable hexagon tile! Available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and materials, this versatile shape can be elegant, playful or organically detailed. Here, Bianco Puro marble hex tile infuses this contemporary kitchen, designed by Jkath Design Build, with subtle detail through fine grey veining and light grey grout lines.

Discover the endless potential of this many-sided shape when you shop hexagon tile.

20. Steep Your Space in Soothing Beige

Soft and serene, the Tribeca Oatmeal subway tile fills this space with warm, undulating beige tones. The rich shade variation in this perfectly imperfect, handmade-look tile creates a complex tableau across the small backsplash, even within a simple neutral color scheme. The glossy finish reflects sunlight to brighten the space and draw out the white tones, which complement the upper cabinets; meanwhile, the brownish shades harmonize with the lower wooden cabinetry.

If this warm neutral is the hue for you, explore our wide selection of beige tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas to Pair With Wood Cabinets

21. Make a Modern Farmhouse Moment

This elevated modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features the Sampson Mosaic tile. The marble mosaic’s beautiful basketweave pattern suits a variety of styles, but when paired with the open shelving and wooden accessories, it perfectly embodies the cozy, chic vibes of the refined-rustic aesthetic. While we love how it complements white cabinets and gold fixtures, it would look just as striking beneath wood cabinetry.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Modern Farmhouse

22. Give Your Space a Diamond Treatment

Pointedly exquisite, diamond-shaped tile brings sleek movement and dazzling design to a small space. This elegant Two Chicks and a Hammer-designed kitchen features the Modena marble mosaic tile along the stove backsplash. Installed horizontally, the pattern helps elongate the area, while natural white, beige and grey tones echo the room’s palette—namely the stainless appliances, cabinetry and gold hardware—creating a cohesive, yet visually complex, tableau.

If you want to make this stunning shape your best friend, shop our wide selection of diamond tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Pair With White Cabinets

21. Create a Sense of Depth With Black Tile

Reflecting the light, the glossy surface of the Signature Black Gloss Frame tile creates a sense of depth in this stylish but snug stove backsplash, designed by Albie Knows. Sleek and effortlessly chic, black is an excellent choice for any space. On a small backsplash, the dark tile adds drama and distinction without needing much embellishment. Notice how the simple tile makes this space feel stylized, even with the plethora of objects displayed on the counters and open shelves.

Add drama to your design with our wide selection of black tile.

24. Go Grey

Classically cool, grey is an endlessly versatile color that complements a wide range of designs. Zellige, handmade-look, marble-look, and natural stone tiles—like the Bianco Colorato marble tile shown here—are available in this moody hue, making it easy to find a style to suit your space. We love how the subway tile’s expressive dark and light grey tones infuse this transitional kitchen with a soothing sense of movement.

Discover a style to make your backsplash a standout when you shop our many shades of grey tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Transitional Design

25. Create a Marble Slab Look

If your budget allows, a small space is the perfect opportunity to splurge on real stone. The limited square footage means you can choose a higher-end tile without breaking the bank—and it can make even a compact kitchen feel luxurious. Large format marble tile (any tile with one side larger than 23″) requires fewer grout lines, which can make your backsplash look as if it is formed from a single stone slab.

This contemporary kitchen, designed by Angelia Guthrie, features Calacata Evora honed marble tile. The lush grey and beige veining adds a fashionable, contemporary feel, while the open shelving lets the tile take center stage.

Create this look with large format marble tile or durable and stylish marble look tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Marvelous Marble Tile Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

26. Make a Point With Picket Tile

Reminiscent of a classic picket fence, this elongated hexagon-shaped tile is on point! With its mix of straight and diagonal lines, picket tile creates a sense of movement and natural flow in your space. Here, Picket Florencia Super Bianco is installed using white grout for a subtle design, but you could enhance the shape’s appearance by using contrasting grout.

Updating your space is easier than you think! 

Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style, and check out our 30 Inspiring Kitchen Tile Ideas for even more inspiration. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size backsplash tile is best for a small kitchen?

Virtually any size tile will work well for a small kitchen backsplash. If you want a cohesive look that makes your space appear more expansive, use a large-format tile, while a small mosaic tile adds movement and interest.

What is the best color backsplash for a timeless kitchen?

A crisp white backsplash will adapt as your style evolves. White subway tile is a classic look that can be easily updated with colored accents or by painting your cabinets and shelves.

Should the backsplash be lighter or darker than the countertop?

Your backsplash color depends on your personal style. If you tend toward the bold, contrasting your tile and cabinet colors adds a sense of drama. A backsplash that picks up some of the tones of your cabinets–-like a gold-flecked backsplash with gold fixtures on your cabinets -–will look cohesive while adding interest. Contrasting trim or grout will add definition to matching backsplash, countertops and cabinets.

The post 26 Small Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas With Maximum Style appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Contemplating a DIY kitchen backsplash? Be sure to check out our how-to article, “How to Install a Backsplash,” to learn more about this project type.

1. Hip to Be Square

With its variations in color and surface texture and a timeless offset layout, the 6″ x 6″Marrakesh Off-White tile shown here proves that simplicity can be stunning.

2. Moody Black Travertine

Dramatic and unexpected, the Noir honed travertine mosaic brings an especially luxe feel to this chic kitchen. Boldly contrasting against the bright white cabinetry, the black stone features subtle silver veining that gently draws the eye throughout the space.

3. Mirrored Metallics

Golden and glamorous, the Patina Gilded Mirror tile adds a warm glow to this luxe kitchen by designer Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. With its softly aged finish and rich coloration, this mirrored tile brings a romantic, whimsical touch to the space. Love the look? Explore more from our exclusive Kelli Fontana collection. 

4. Hues of Blue

With its shifting tones and high-gloss finish, Marrakesh Blue brings a fluid, water-like quality to this serene kitchen backsplash. Each handmade-look tile is unique in color and texture, creating a surface that feels both natural and elevated.

Drawn to this perfectly imperfect aesthetic? Explore our full collection of handmade-look tile.

5. Handcrafted Character

Beloved for its handcrafted charm, Zellige tile brings one-of-a-kind character to kitchen walls and backsplashes. Crafted entirely by hand, each tile features organic texture and tonal variation that create a richly layered look. Our Zellige tile collection features a variety of shapes and sizes, including the petite subway used in this gorgeous ceiling-height backsplash.

6. Bright & Geometric

This crisp and clean kitchen achieves elegant dimension through its hex tiled backsplash. Not only do the six-sided shapes create visual interest, but the Bianco Puro marble elevates the entire space with an extra luxurious look and feel.

7. A Touch of Gold

With its graceful arches and luxe palette of gold, grey, and white, the Lalique marble mosaic sets a glamorous tone for this backsplash. The tile’s sculptural pattern echoes the curves of the custom cabinetry, creating a cohesive, softly sophisticated look that nods to vintage elegance with modern flair.

8. Modern Classic

A go-to for a reason, marble tile brings a unique timelessness to any space it’s in. With an elegant blend of warm and cool tones, the Royal Satin White marble backsplash perfectly embodies this kitchen’s “modern classic” design style.

9. Herringbone Haven

The high-contrast palette in this bold and beautiful kitchen is emphasized by the incredible dimensionality found in its angled herringbone mosaic backsplash.

10. Statement-Making Sheen

Whoever said white subway tile had to be boring? The Retro Lino tile showcased in this transitional kitchen’s backsplash is double-fired with a clear coat glaze, resulting in a radiant sheen that demands attention.

11. Mosaic Masterpiece

The ornate basketweave pattern made of two contrasting marbles in the Sampson mosaic transforms this light and airy kitchen into a sophisticated work of art.

12. Cool & Graphic

Bring a modern edge to your kitchen with a creative layout twist. In this space, alternating vertical and horizontal stacks of Coco Amber Grey Glossy tile create a graphic, eye-catching pattern. The soft grey hue and high-shine finish reflect light beautifully, adding brightness and depth. The unique layout draws the eye upward—an ideal design trick for tall walls or smaller, more compact kitchens.

13. Artisanal Farmhouse

This modern farmhouse kitchen blends cozy character with a clean, contemporary edge. The glossy Nuovo Riad Bianco square tile adds subtle shine and dimension to the backsplash, nodding to handcrafted tradition while keeping the space feeling bright and polished. Paired with the deep blue Look Avio tile used on the kitchen island, the result is a fresh take on classic farmhouse style.

Ready to find the perfect kitchen backsplash of your own? Schedule a free design consultation to get started on your next project – whether it’s a weekend DIY refresh or a major renovation, our tile experts are happy to answer any questions you may have!

We love to see all of your creative spaces! Don’t forget to share your projects with us by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery.

The post 13 Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

The designer behind Minnesota-based West Bay Homes brought her artfully designed tile collection to life with elegant fluted, mirrored patina and intricate floral designs.

Inlay Proper

The Inlay Proper by Kelli Fontana features a natural stone look with a bone-inlay-look floral design for an ornate, feminine elegance.

These tiles, available in Naples Beach (above), Florence Lace and Eden Ode (below), can be installed individually or together for artfully designed patterns.

The Florance Lace and Eden Ode are used here to create an elevated checkerboard pattern that is both bold and whimsical. Watch how the tiles beautifully transition from day to night with subtle shifts in tone.

Tommas Classico and Tommas Carrara

The fluted Tommas Classico and Tommas Carrara by Kelli Fontana will enliven your space with natural dimension and shading. The Tommas Carrara features soft grey veining, while the Tommas Classico has a winter-white surface. A foundational element that will complement a variety of design styles, this stunning, marble-look tile is soft and poetic, while still maintaining a strong presence.

The Thomas Classico by Kelli Fontana fluted tile adds texture to this elegant and inviting dining room wall. The large-format tile requires fewer grout lines, making this wall feel tall and expansive.

Patina Mirror

The Patina Mirror tile by Kelli Fontana, available in Siren, Eclipse and Gilded, captures the light, transforming your space as the room dims and brightens. The patina finish gives these tiles an antique appearance, blurring the lines between old and new and creating a chic timelessness.

The Patina Gilded Mirror lends a touch of glitz and glamour to this kitchen backsplash. The reflective surface adds a sense of depth, which transforms the space as it transitions from day to night.

The patina tiles are strong enough to function alone, but they also make for a dazzling accent. This pantry uses the Patina Gilded Mirror tile to add shimmer to the design. The patina effect complements the glossy sheen of the Splendours Brown for a sleek, sophisticated space.

We hope you found inspiration to use the timeless pieces from the Kelli Fontana tile collection in your home or business.

We love seeing your spaces! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery (you can find even more design inspo there, too)!

The post Introducing The Kelli Fontana Collection appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Warm Neutrals

One of the most prominent overall themes we’re seeing in 2022 is the embrace of soft, comforting elements–and color is no exception! While bright whites and cool-toned greys are tried-and-true options, there’s been a definite shift towards warmer, richer color palettes recently. Creamy whites, taupes, beiges, and browns are quickly becoming the new go-to hues for the cozy, inviting atmosphere they instantly lend to any space.

Nature-Inspired

With many of us spending increased time at home, it has become more important than ever to bring elements of the outdoors in. Intricate floral patterns like those displayed in our Morris & Co Pure Net tiles give a nod to the charm of the English countryside, while options from our Laura Ashley and Annie Selke collections feature a variety of grounded, earthy tones and beautiful botanicals. Create an oasis-like bathroom with soft blues and muted greys that evoke the calming sense of the ocean, or achieve an invigorating atmosphere with bold greens and leafy prints that speak to the lush essence of a tropical rainforest.

Dive into the trend of coastal-inspired blues and greens for even more ideas!

Artisanal Handmade-Look

One of our favorite recent trends that is only growing more popular in 2022, handmade-look tile brings an effortlessly whimsical feel to any design with its unique artisanal style. Beautifully imitating the nuances found in tile that’s authentically crafted by hand, such as uneven surface texture and color variation, this style creates one-of-a-kind dimension and interest while maintaining a softer overall appearance.

Learn more about the special characteristics of handmade-look tile, and see some of our favorite spaces featuring it, here.

Sculptural

If you’re looking for an easy way to create a striking focal point, sculptural tile is your answer! While it’s true that sculptural/3D tile has been around for a number of years, it’s certainly having a moment in 2022 as designers and DIY-ers are embracing texture and utilizing tile as a true artistic element like never before. With styles ranging from bold geometric patterns to gentle flowing waves, you’re sure to find the perfect option to achieve that wow-factor.

We have a more in-depth breakdown of the sculptural tile trend here, where you can also see it used in a range of unique spaces.

Organic Shapes

Continuing the theme of soft and comforting elements is the use of more organic shapes. Whether it’s through tile installations, structural designs, fixtures or decor pieces, you’re sure to see more curved lines, rounded shapes and arched details this year. In contrast to ultra-modern design that offers a sense of order and structure with crisp lines and rigid elements, organic shapes tend to feel approachable and harmonious by representing a more natural state, instantly easing the atmosphere in any room.

Keep an eye on our new arrivals as we have a number of gorgeous tiles coming (very!) soon that fit this trend perfectly.

Custom Patterns

As more and more people are reinventing their style and taking creative risks–which we love to see–the final trend we’re highlighting for 2022 is custom tile patterns. The sky truly is the limit when it comes to the one-of-a-kind designs you can achieve – all you need is a little creativity!

If you’re looking for help getting started, we’ve got an entire blog post dedicated to our favorite custom tile patterns that’ll be sure to spark some inspiration.

That’s a wrap on these six major trends for 2022! We hope you’re feeling inspired and energized to try something new in your next design. If the last few years taught us anything, however, it’s the importance of having a home that brings you joy, comfort, and inspiration. So keep in mind that the ultimate design trend is creating a space that reflects you. Cheers to more beautiful, meaningful spaces in 2022!

You can find even more inspiration on Instagram and our Customer Room Gallery where our tiles are used in a variety of real spaces! Or, if you’re looking for some guidance on an upcoming project, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post 6 Major Design Trends for 2022 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Welcome back for Part 2 of our Spring 2021 One Room Challenge™ reveals! In case you missed the first half of the season’s stunning renovations, be sure to catch up here. It’s been so much fun watching each space come to life through the incredible artistry of our featured designers. Prepare to be wowed by these final four transformations!

Gray Space Interior Design

Starting us off is a glamorous primary bedroom and en suite bathroom renovation completed by Rasheeda Gray of Gray Space Interior Designs. The two areas of her home that she felt lacked purposeful design, Rasheeda aimed to turn her bedroom and bathroom into a personal oasis that she and her husband could enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Inspired by the rich browns, golds, and burgundies found in a sunset, Rasheeda transformed her bedroom into an elegant haven that fully achieved the moody feel she was going for. By integrating bolder decor pieces like a striking chandelier, she was also able to maintain consistency with the black-and-white color scheme that flows throughout the rest of her home.

Rasheeda’s favorite part of her updated bedroom? A lavish marble-look fireplace that maximizes the space’s cozy atmosphere. Her choice of our large-format Invisible Grey tile creates an extra sleek focal point that draws the eye in with dramatic veining. Plus, the tile’s gold accents tie in perfectly with the warm sunset-inspired color palette.

See more of our favorite tiled fireplace designs on the here. You can also explore our diverse assortment of large-format tile to bring an especially grand feel to any space.

Continuing the Invisible Grey tile into the en suite bathroom, Rasheeda was able to create ultimate cohesion between the two spaces. Unlike the bathroom’s previous appearance, it was important to her that the updated design felt clean, bright, and high-end. Not only does the floor-to-ceiling marble-look tile create an air of sophistication, but it adds a nice amount of movement and dimension to the space.

Explore hundreds of marble-look tiles here.

I went with the Invisible Grey porcelain wall and floor tile because it felt so luxurious and alluring. The sleekness of the grey, silver, and hints of gold complement the light and airy feel, but its marble look also feels very luxurious and spa-like.

-Rasheeda

Stay up to date on all of Rasheeda’s design work by visiting her website.

Zig & Co.

If you recognize the name Zig & Co., it’s because we previously partnered with Courtney Wafzig, owner of Zig & Co., during the Fall 2020 One Room Challenge™ when she redesigned her primary bathroom. This time around, Courtney wanted to tackle her home’s large sunroom. After years of using it as an ever-changing catch-all space for various projects, she knew this was the perfect opportunity to make better use of the space by turning it into a functional living and dining area.

Known for her signature floral style, Courtney completely transformed this multipurpose room into a dreamy, inspiring space with bright colors, bold patterns, and one-of-a-kind decor.

The biggest project of the renovation? Upgrading the worn floors. Last updated in the 1990s, Courtney was more than ready to freshen up the room with new tiled flooring. Using our Manhattan Mercury wood-look porcelain tile, she created the perfect neutral foundation for the space. With a charming parquet-style pattern, it offers just the right amount of visual interest while still maintaining an overall soft and subtle appearance to balance out the bolder design elements.

Loving Courtney’s bold style as much as we do? See even more real spaces featuring florals, patterns, and maximalism for endless design inspiration.

Follow along with all things Zig & Co. on their website.

Haneen’s Haven

Uninspired by her home’s primary bathroom, Haneen Matt of Haneen’s Haven was ready to give it a much-needed makeover. With tons of underutilized space and a dated appearance that didn’t fit her style, she envisioned a more functional bathroom that featured a beautiful blend of both modern and traditional elements.

Ready to swoon over some breathtaking before-and-afters?

Haneen opted for our Truewood Beige porcelain tile to bring a charming, rustic feel to the bathroom’s floor. The creamy tan hues with woodgrain detailing contrast gorgeously against the space’s darker design features.

I decided to warm things up with the Truewood Beige wood-look tile on the floors. It did just the trick! This room is both classic and modern, simultaneously, and the look of wood on the floors really keeps things cozy.

-Haneen

Learn more about the increasingly popular transitional style and how to incorporate both contemporary and traditional elements into a single space here.

A self-proclaimed lover of marble (us, too!), Haneen chose the Bianco Puro honed marble subway tile for her shower walls. With minimal veining, it offers a clean and modern appearance. To incorporate a bit of traditional style, Haneen used our Hampton Hermosa polished octagon marble mosaic on the shower floor, complete with small hints of black for added dimension. Last, but certainly not least is the whimsical Saltus porcelain tile featured in the shower niches. Keep scrolling to get a closer look!

By far our favorite part of the bathroom makeover, the decorative wallpaper-look Saltus tile acts as an elegant work of art in this one-of-a-kind shower. We absolutely love the creativity Haneen showcased in this space.

Designing with wallpaper-look tile is easier than you think! We do a deep dive here with all the helpful tips and inspiration you’ll need to get started.

Head to Haneen’s website to keep up with all of her design projects.

At Home with Ashley

Another returning featured designer, Ashley Wilson of At Home with Ashley transformed her laundry room during the 2019 One Room Challenge. This season, she decided to do a major kitchen renovation. While she’s made a few temporary updates to the home’s original kitchen, she had bigger plans for the space. Her goal? A light-and-bright design that felt traditional, yet playful.

Keep scrolling to see the different phases of Ashley’s kitchen before turning into the radiant space it is today.

We can hardly believe this is the same space as the original kitchen! From dark and dull to light-filled and bursting with color, Ashley has wowed us yet again with her creative vision.

When it came to flooring, Ashley knew she wanted something that was both beautiful and durable. She decided on the Baltimore Beige porcelain tile for its rustic white oak appearance that coordinates with the existing stair railing.

Ashley opted for the Regent Bianco subway tile as her kitchen backsplash for its classic, simple style. The crisp white color allows the rainbow wallpaper and pastel pink appliances to shine without becoming too overwhelming.

I just adore subway tile because it works with the history of the house and it will reflect light.

-Ashley

All about the bright and cheery hues? Ashley let us in on her top six tricks for designing with color.

To cozy up the dining area, Ashley included a vintage-style fireplace that features our Imperial Bianco gloss hex mosaic. She opted for a white grout color in order to achieve a smooth and calming appearance. We love the way the hexes offer a lovely hint of dimension!

Visit Ashley’s website to see even more of her one-of-a-kind design work.

That’s officially a wrap on the Spring 2021 One Room Challenge™ reveals! We hope you were just as inspired by these incredible spaces as we were. If you’re ready to get started on a project of your own, be sure to schedule a free design consultation with one of our tile experts to get all your questions answered.

Don’t forget – the Fall 2021 One Room Challenge™ season is just around the corner and we can’t wait to introduce you to the featured designers we’ll be working with. Stay tuned!

The post Spring 2021 One Room Challenge™ Reveal – Part 2 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

We’re kicking the list off with this charming transitional kitchen by Timber Trails. A mix of contemporary and traditional design elements combine for a truly one-of-a-kind space. We love the way the light blue shelving adds a subtle pop of color against the crisp white backsplash.

Learn more about transitional design style here!

While natural wood and shiplap give this cozy kitchen a soft, rustic feel, the tiled focal point behind the stove adds a touch of glamour we absolutely adore!

Mid-century modern meets tropical-boho in this refreshing kitchen. Mediterranean-inspired colors, like the stunning emerald green cabinetry, are a huge trend we’re seeing everywhere this year, and We. Are. Here for it.

Another new trend we’re loving is handmade-look tile, like the Annie Selke Artisanal White featured here. Its unique, crackle finish lends a beautiful softness to this kitchen.

Classic and elegant, the navy island cabinetry grounds this space and blends effortlessly with surrounding gold accents.

Artisanal meets geometric in this one-of-a-kind backsplash tile. It brings such a fun, dimensional element to this otherwise simple and classic space.

See 10 backsplash designs we love here!

Dark wood and white marble blend beautifully in this contemporary kitchen. The island countertop is a total show-stopper that adds the perfect amount of glam!

Handmade-look tile makes another appearance in this rustic Scandinavian-style kitchen. With a gently imperfect texture, it adds just the right amount of character to the space.

A crisp glass backsplash extends up to the ceiling in this modern Russo Residential kitchen, emphasising the generosity of the space.

Check out Russo Residential’s modern-day Gatsby home for more contemporary design style inspo!

Mid-century modern design elements pair beautifully with open wood shelving to create this stunning space. Oh, and there’s some more dazzling emerald green cabinetry to swoon over!

Bold, black subway tile elevates this sophisticated kitchen design. Eye-catching silver veining throughout the Noir Honed Travertine Mosaic brings a truly sleek and glamorous feel to the classic subway shape.

A geometric patterned tile by Laura Ashley adds dynamic interest to this light-and-airy kitchen. Learn more about achieving a wallpaper-like effect with tile on the blog!

Lofty ceilings with natural wood beams bring a breathtakingly grand feel to this kitchen. The marble herringbone mosaic backsplash is the perfect design element to pull the space together with a dimensional pattern and varying grey tones.

Traditional with a twist! Cement tile is the perfect backsplash option for a more sophisticated space, mixing old-world style and modern appeal.

Learn more about cement and cement-look tile (plus see some of our favorite ways to style it!) here.

Love modern farmhouse style as much as we do? Read our best tips and tricks on how to achieve a similar look here.

The hand-pressed and hand-colored Liria Negro Encaustic tile creates a fun statement wall in this whimsical kitchen. Coordinating black accessories and olive green cabinetry pull the space together perfectly.

This kitchen goes bold with a unique mix of patterns and colors that make for an eye-catching space. One of our favorite details? The thick, imperfect grout lines in both the backsplash and flooring – they add dimension and loads of character.

Whites and blues create a lovely coastal-inspired design in this bright kitchen. The tiled backsplash and coordinating island cabinetry help the space feel grounded and cohesive.

Traditional with a touch of modern glam brings this kitchen to life! The elongated hex mosaic backsplash offers unique dimension to the space, along with a shimmering glossy finish.

We’re all about bold wood accents! A unique mix of rustic and contemporary, this space exemplifies an effortless blend of design styles.

Feeling inspired to take your kitchen to the next level? Us too! Schedule a free design consultation to get started.

We love seeing all your fun spaces! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery (you can find even more design inspo there, too)!

The post 20 Dreamy Kitchens appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.