Hey there! So last summer, after my husband Dave accidentally set our old backsplash on fire while making flambe (don’t ask), we decided it was time for an upgrade. Three Pinterest boards, countless sample tiles, and one very patient contractor later, I’ve learned more about backsplashes than I ever thought possible.
Quick backstory: Our kitchen used to have those basic 4×4 beige tiles that came with the house. You know, the ones that scream “builder-grade special.” My cat Pixel refused to look at that wall – I swear she has better taste than we do.
Fair warning: This post is gonna be long, and I’ll probably go off on tangents about grout colors (who knew there were 50 shades of beige?). But stick with me – I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to!
1. Classic Subway Tile With a Twist
We went with handmade ceramic subway tiles in a gorgeous azure blue. They’re slightly irregular, which gives them that perfectly imperfect look. Our installer Marco said it was “interesting” (contractor speak for “you’re making my job harder”), but the result is stunning.
2. Moroccan Fish Scale
These mermaid-inspired tiles nearly broke both our budget and Marco’s spirit, but WORTH IT. The pattern makes me feel like I’m cooking in an underwater palace, even if I’m just making mac and cheese.
3. Large Format Marble
Splurged on real marble slabs. Dave nearly fainted at the cost, but it’s like cooking in front of a work of art. Just don’t let anyone near it with tomato sauce (learned that one the hard way).
4. Geometric Hexagons
Did a mix of matte black and white hexagon tiles. Installation was like putting together a puzzle after three cups of coffee, but the result is mesmerizing.
5. Herringbone Heaven
Classic white subway tiles in a herringbone pattern. Marco said some words I can’t repeat when working out the angles, but now it’s everyone’s favorite feature.
6. Mixed Metal Mosaic
Found these incredible metal and glass mosaic tiles. They catch the light like disco balls, which means my kitchen is basically a dance party at sunset.
7. Zellige Tile Drama
These handmade Moroccan tiles have so much character, each one is slightly different. My mother-in-law called them “rustic” (not a compliment), but I’m obsessed.
8. Waterfall Edge Quartz
Extended our countertop material up the wall. Seamless, stunning, and surprisingly practical for someone who cooks like they’re auditioning for a chaos cooking show.
9. Vertical Stack Bond
Took regular subway tiles but stacked them vertically. It’s amazing how something so simple can look so modern. Plus, Marco didn’t curse once during installation.
10. Patterned Cement Tiles
These cement tiles make me feel like I’m cooking in a European café. Just don’t look too closely at the corners where we had to make some “creative” cuts.
11. Glass Penny Rounds
Installed these iridescent penny rounds that make the whole kitchen glow. Cleaning between the tiles is like a meditation practice I never asked for.
12. Natural Stone Brick
Used thin stone veneer that gives major rustic vibes. My dad walked in and asked if we’d knocked down a wall (architectural compliment?).
13. Geometric Pattern Play
Mixed three different geometric patterns in the same color. Marco thought I’d lost it until he saw the final result. Now he shows pictures to his other clients.
14. 3D Textured Tiles
These tiles have actual texture and depth. They’re like art you can touch (though maybe not, because of cleaning).
15. Mirror Mosaic
Tiny mirror tiles that reflect everything. Bonus: I can check my teeth for spinach without turning around.
16. Chevron Drama
Did a bold chevron pattern in contrasting colors. The installers had to take a coffee break halfway through to “realign their chakras” (their words, not mine).
17. Stacked Stone Elegance
Natural stacked stone that makes the kitchen feel like a luxury cabin. Though explaining to my mom that yes, rough stone is a design choice, was interesting.
18. Wood-Look Porcelain
Used porcelain tiles that look like weathered wood. All the charm of actual wood without the “why would you put wood behind your stove” lectures from literally everyone.
19. Mixed Width Stripes
Played with different-width tiles in alternating stripes. Marco said it was like “doing math but with more cursing.”
20. Copper Penny Tiles
Installed copper penny tiles that patina over time. They’re basically a science experiment and backsplash in one!
21. Oversized Arabesque
These large arabesque tiles make such a statement that my neighbor Janet actually gasped (in a good way) when she saw them.
22. Abstract Mosaic
Created a custom mosaic pattern that looks like abstract art. My kid says it looks like his kindergarten artwork, which I’m choosing to take as a compliment.
23. Dimensional Wave Tiles
3D wave-pattern tiles that create actual movement on the wall. They’re hypnotic – I’ve burned three dinners because I got lost staring at them.
24. Terrazzo-Look Porcelain
All the fun of terrazzo without the commitment. Plus, I can pretend our kitchen was inspired by a cool mid-century building.
25. Laser-Cut Marble Pattern
Had a custom laser-cut marble pattern installed. It’s so pretty I almost don’t want to cook anything that might splatter.
26. Industrial Metal
Used metal tiles for an industrial vibe. Bonus: they make me feel like I’m cooking in a professional kitchen (even if my skills suggest otherwise).
27. Graphic Pattern Punch
Bold geometric pattern tiles that make such a statement, we had to tone down everything else. Even the toaster had to be relocated for being “too extra.”
28. Handpainted Spanish Tiles
Each tile is like a tiny piece of art. Yes, they were expensive, and yes, I ate ramen for a month to afford them, but WORTH IT.
29. Stainless Steel Modern
Went full commercial kitchen with stainless steel tiles. They show every fingerprint but make me feel like a professional chef.
30. Ombre Effect
Created an ombre effect with graduating tile colors. Marco said it was like “installing a sunset” (after initially saying it was like “installing a headache”).
Edit: WOW, this blew up! Thanks for all the comments. And yes, Marco is still taking my calls, though he sighs deeply every time.