Design Reduction Using Tiling Theory of Computation

David Tsay

Between choosing a layout, appliances, and a color scheme, there's a lot to consider when designing or sprucing up a kitchen. And that's exactly why we're focusing on the fun part right now: a backsplash, which basically refers to the kitchen wall material. Backsplashes can span the entire wall, they can be a pop behind the range, or they can cover the area between the countertops and cabinets. And then there's the big wide world of texture and color they open up. It doesn't matter if your dream kitchen is rustic and cozy, or modern and sleek—you're sure to fall in love with at least one of the kitchen backsplash design ideas below.

🏡Love looking at designer spaces for inspo? Us too. Let's obsess over them together.

Read McKendree

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Shiplap

Another tileless option? Shiplap. It's perfect for a kitchen that has a coastal theme, like this Nantucket-inspired one designed by Kevin Isbell. The white oak counters warm up the freshly painted space.

Studio Helder

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Full Coverage

Designed by Studio Helder, this striking kitchen is completely covered in glossy tiles. It straddles a unique line between retro and futuristic.

Paige Rumore

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Windows

Or if you're not sold on painted walls and want a bit more natural light, plan your kitchen around a wall you can install counter-to-ceiling windows in. This entertaining kitchen—designed by April Tomlin and owned by Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins—is a prime example.

Katie Charlotte

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Neutrals

Patterned tiles featuring neutral colors give designer Cortney Bishop's kitchen an extra layer of warmth. The cabinetry painted in Ball Green by Farrow & Ball and the checkerboard marble flooring give the room a nature-inspired aesthetic.

Catherine Kwong

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Sky-High

Instead of merely doing a backsplash, run tile up to the ceiling. It makes more of an impact that way. In this Catherine Kwong-designed space, the subway tiles complement both the formal, sophisticated elements as well as the more casual and approachable parts.

KARYN R MILLET

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Marine Tones

This Eric Olsen kitchen has serious tile game. If you live by the coast but want something moodier or you simply love blue, take inspiration from the rich navy, gray, and cobalt tones throughout.

Nicole Morrison

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Tiny Triangles

The tiny triangle backsplash Finley placed in this breakfast nook adds just the right amount of color to the space. The black coffee table and light wood cabinetry all the backsplash to take center stage.

aaron dougherty

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Vertical Grain Wood

In this dirty pantry by Stephanie Sabbe—designed for our Whole Home 2021—a vertical grain wood backsplash blends with wood counters and open shelving of the same color. The seamless look adds elegance and warmth to the narrow room.

DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

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Matching Island

Lacquer, marble, tiles, oh my! This fabulously over-the-top kitchen designed by Michelle Nussbaumer isn't afraid to have fun. For a similar look, choose a backsplash that corresponds with the kitchen island and then use tile on the floors.

Danielle Colding Design

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Painted Glass

For something a little more special than the go-to subway tile route, consider this high-shine option. Interior designer Danielle Colding used a glass backsplash for a shinier, more modern and cosmopolitan touch in this city apartment. It goes perfectly with the lacquered cabinets.

Chango & Co.

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Stripes

Subway tile offers tons of room for creativity in the kitchen, so if you want to use subway tile but also want to feature a more unique backsplash, look no further. Here, Chango & Co. created two stripes of olive green to add color and break up the white backsplash. They're placed under the white floating shelves, playing up the linear motif further.

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Calcutta Marble

Marble can be as traditional or as modern as you want it to be, based on the materials you pair with it. In this sleek kitchen designed by Arent & Pyke, the marble backsplash blends seamlessly with the countertops and both contrast and complement the gray natural stone island.

GRT Architects

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Stainless Steel

To combat the inevitable oil splatter, choose a stainless steel backsplash, like those used in restaurant kitchens. But that doesn't mean they can't also look unique and stylish. In this kitchen designed by GRT Architects, the warm wood countertops, forest green pops, and edgy brass hardware do the trick.

Kevin Scott

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Romanek Design Studio

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Quartz Extension

A simple, clean transition in an all-white kitchen, extend the quartz countertops a few inches up the wall. Using the same material will protect your walls and maintain visual consistency. In this modern, bright country kitchen by Romanek Design Studio, the floating shelves are also the same material, creating even more flow.

Matthew Williams

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Non-repeating Pattern

The pattern of the tiles in this kitchen by Studio DB changes ever so slightly as it crawls across the wall, creating a unique and chic non-repeating pattern.

deVol Kitchens

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Cubist

Yes, even a backsplash can be a work of art. In a small kitchen, every inch should be both functional and communicate the right style statement, so creating a unique backsplash is well-advised. In this deVol Kitchen, the tiles are laid to create abstract shapes. It almost looks like a Cubist painting.

MICHAEL PERSICO

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Extra Glossy

Designed by Matthew Ferrarini, this kitchen is bursting with clever small-space solutions. The folding wood pocket doors conceal the entire counter and cabinet area against the wall, but when they're open, the glossy statement tiles add so much personality.

Nicole Franzen

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Penny Tiles

Though most commonly used in bathrooms, penny tiles can also make for a striking kitchen backsplash. This glossier finish is dynamic, playful, and full of texture.

deVol Kitchens

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Copper Counters

In this deVol kitchen, the custom copper countertops stretch up the walls as a backsplash and cover a slim shelf for decor display and extra storage space. The rich patina gives it a historic appeal.

LAURE JOLIET

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Mirrored Tiles

Mirrored tiles maximize light. If your kitchen doesn't have many windows, this trick will save you—and make you feel like you're in a fun disco ball universe. Case in point? This kitchen designed by ETC.etera for L.A.'s Firehouse Hotel. The mirrored tile backsplash contrasts nicely with the casual wicker stools. The key is to keep them low-profile as to not take up too much visual real estate.

Nicole Morrison

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Multicolor Geometric

For a colorful but not overwhelming display, consider a geometric arrangement with blue, coral, green, black, and white tiles. In this kitchen, designer Kelly Finley mixed this backsplash with another tiny triangle-themed one in the breakfast nook—plus, she included three cabinet colors and three metal finishes.

Brigette Romanek Design

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Half Tile, Half Marble

In this kitchen by Romanek Design Studio, one of the walls is covered in a slab of natural stone while the other is lined with edgy matte black tiles. Not only does this create a cool, unexpected contrast, but it also cuts cost, as tiles are more affordable than natural stone surfaces.

Jenn Feldman Designs

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Chevron Pattern

For this Los Angeles kitchen, Jenn Feldman Designs chose a tonal grout to blend in with the navy tile, which is set in a chevron pattern. The tiles feel unexpected and interesting but fit in well since they match the lower cabinets.

Chango & Co.

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Dark Grout

Consider this the edgy version of a farmhouse kitchen. Designed by Chango & Co., the white-tiled walls are set in geometric repeating bond pattern with an inky grout to create a graphic impact.

Danielle Colding Design

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Brick

If you live in a space with exposed brick walls, take a cue from this space by Dainelle Colding Design. Brighten up the room with crisp white cabinets, colorful dish towels, curtains, an area rug, and a gallery wall comprised of small, eclectic pieces.

CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE

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White Brick

For a more modern look, consider white-painted brick as seen in this Portland home by Donna Dufresne. Dark counters and brass hardware add contrast.

Akin Atelier

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Mirrored

Small kitchen? Here's your solution. A mirrored backsplash gives the illusion of more space. This one designed by Akin Atelier feels open and airy, thanks to the wall-to-wall mirrors.

David Duncan Livingston

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Corresponding Colors

Don't be afraid to play with color. Burnt orange can actually look warm and inviting in a kitchen.

Lisa Romerein

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Bright Pattern

Try a bold tile to bridge the transition between a darker and lighter colors. We're obsessed with the blue encaustic tile in this kitchen by Steve Pallrand, especially when warmed up by classic wood cabinets and a little plant collection.

Design Reduction Using Tiling Theory of Computation

Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/kitchens/g1412/kitchen-backsplash-ideas/

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