Three Interior Designers Discuss the Dynamics of Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash

In a modern kitchen, the work that goes into a beautiful meal is often on display. Open floor plans have made a casual show out of cooking, so much so that "entertaining" can involve slicing and stirring while sipping wine and hearing the latest joke. When guests are expected to take their seats around an island, then the space between appliances can be thought of as a stage. 

And if a host wants to set a scene, then it's best not to forget about backsplashes—think of them as the backdrops that help bring the performance to life. As a design detail that protects walls from the unpredictable ad-libs of cooking, like splattered sauce, backsplashes have long served a subtle function that can easily go unnoticed. But now that they've stepped into the spotlight with a fresh variety of bold shapes, bright shades, and interesting textures, it's worth giving backsplashes your careful consideration. 

Dwell asked interior designers Emily Henderson, Bobby Berk, and Katie Hodges to share some tips on how to choose backsplashes according to color, design, and budget. With their input, you can narrow down the choices and create the show-stopping backsplash that's right for you. 

Color 

What are your top five suggestions for figuring out the best color for a tile backsplash? 

Consider what you want in a countertop. "This is obviously a no brainer, but you should decide if you want a seamless look where the colors blend together or a bold look where both materials pop — like a white marble countertop with a black-tiled backsplash," Henderson says.

Beware of the pressure to follow trends. "Trends are great and push us outside our comfort zones, but tile and installation can be expensive," she adds. "Unless you know you will love that trend forever—or you're ok with changing it out sooner than you'd want to—go with what you actually want in your kitchen, even if it's not trendy." 

Test out samples before you buy. "Just like paint, light affects a tile's color and can look different at different times of day," Henderson continues. "My suggestion is to get samples of the ones you are considering and lean them against the area they will be installed in. If you have the countertop either installed or even just a sample, that will also massively help you decide if the colors work together. Also, know that some tiles made in small batches will vary slightly from a sample, so be prepared that your tile might not look exactly the same." 

A kitchen backsplash doesn't have to be boring. "If you are someone who loves color then consider a colorful tile," she says. "Resale value for a home is always important when renovating, but you have to live in the house first so it should look and represent you." 

Look at patterned or textured tiles. "If you are a bit color averse, but you want something more than a plain white tile, then look at patterned tiles," she adds. "Even something as basic as a subway tile can be leveled up with a beveled edge or a hand-applied glaze, which would count as a texture. This way you can keep the color neutral while still having a visually interesting backsplash." 

Take grout color seriously. "It is a game changer if you don't choose the right one," she notes. "When choosing a color for your grout, know that if you choose a contrasting color to the tile itself, then this will make the pattern of the layout stand out. If you choose a matching grout color, it will make the tile's color stand out and give your backsplash a more textured feel. I would recommend consulting with the tile company you purchase your tile from or the installer." 

For those who are committed to having the traditional white subway tile in their kitchen, what are some suggestions for choosing the "right" shade of white? 

Work with the style of your home. "If it leans more traditional, then a 'bone' color tile with a matte finish might work better in this space than in a modern home, where a high gloss, ultra-white tile would do better," she says. 

Pay attention to tones. "Do you want a bright white kitchen or something a little softer on the eyes?" Henderson asks. "This is the first step in deciding on your perfect white tile. If you want that bright color, look for whites with blue undertones. For a softer white, look for yellow undertones—just not too yellow." 

Don't forget about glaze. "The glaze of your tile will also impact how the color looks," Henderson says. "Figure out whether you want a 'high gloss' look or something more matte." 

Consider the other materials you have already chosen. "White picks up on everything, so if you have a bunch of warm-toned materials, maybe contrast those with a brighter white so the whole space doesn't look too yellow," she adds. "Always test it out with samples before you buy and install."

For those who want a bold backsplash, what are a few tips to make sure the rest of the kitchen is balanced? 

"I would still keep your tile in the neutral family unless you definitely don't want to—so that's blues, greens, rusts, sands, and so on. This way you have the ability to change the style a bit as you grow with the space. If you choose hot pink, that's harder to transform," Henderson says. "Try not to have the backsplash be the only thing that's colorful in your kitchen. Maybe consider painting the cabinets a complementary or tonal color. If it's too bold it will take away from the other beautiful elements." 

Design 

Choosing a tile is one thing, but figuring out the right layout for the tile is another. How do you determine the best design for a backsplash? 

Base your choices on the natural layout of the room. "If your kitchen lacks upper cabinets, then this gives you an opportunity to take your backsplash all the way to the ceiling, which will increase the visual height in the room," Berk says. "The same goes for if you have open shelving, you could go all the way up to the bottom of the first shelf. Allowing your space to determine the layout of the backsplash will help it feel intentional." 

Figure out what you need the backsplash to add to your kitchen. "Analyze the room and determine if you'd like to create the illusion of more width or more height," he adds. 

Don't go in different directions. "There is always going to be an exception to the rule, but typically you want your backsplash to run the same direction all the way throughout your kitchen," he notes. 

Let's go through the standard layouts for tiles. When is it best to choose each design? 

Go horizontal: "When you want to create the illusion of a wider space and open a room up," he says. 

Try vertical: "When you want to emphasize the height of a space, instead of width," he adds. 

Opt for staggered: "When you're going for a classic and clean look," he notes. 

Pick herringbone: "When designing an accent wall, where it's not too overwhelming," Berk adds. "Less is more in this case." 

Budget 

Choosing the right tile for a kitchen often comes down to budget. Typically, what's the range for how much a backsplash costs in a kitchen renovation? 

"It really depends on the overall budget of the project, and what type of look you're going for," Hodges says. "I typically love using handmade tiles, such as Heath or Fireclay tile, which are on the medium-to-higher end of the spectrum and cost about $45 per square foot. If that's too expensive, I can typically find something a little less showy in the $15 per-square-foot range than can look semi-handmade." 

What should someone consider in order to make sure that they're choosing the right tile based on their budget? 

"I think the main consideration comes down to figuring out which element will drive the design—whether it's cabinetry, stone, or tile," Hodges notes. "The lead design should be supported by the selections around it, and if that's realized early on in the process, it could help prioritize spending. For example, if your kitchen design is being led by beautiful walnut cabinetry, it's probably ok not to go all-out on the backsplash tile." 

"But, if you have unlimited funds and can choose any backsplash, don't be overwhelmed by choice," she adds. "Select what's right for the style of your home, kitchen, and general architecture, keeping function in mind as well. Most backsplashes are under 24 inches high, so if you have a small area to tile, look at the overall cost versus cost per square foot." 

If someone is on a tight budget, what are some ways they can save money on backsplashes and still create a stylish look? 

Stack the tile vertically. "It creates a clean silhouette," Hodges recommends. 

Choose non-traditional shapes. "Penny tiles or hexagons are great examples," she adds. 

Go beyond white grout. "Delorean grey, driftwood, and natural grey are some of my favorite grout colors that can create contrast without it being too bold," she says. 

If someone can splurge on backsplash tiles, what do you recommend they do? 

Pick a handmade tile in custom colors. "The beauty of these tiles is that no two are exactly alike," Hodges notes. "When they're installed, the subtle variability and tonal effect looks incredible, especially when the sun hits the tile from an angle." 

Choose a custom patterned tile in a custom color palette: "A tile pattern in a custom color would be an amazing focal point in a kitchen," she continues. 

Go for glazed brick tiles: "They come in a variety of whites, and can be a great substitute for traditional subway tiles," Hodges concludes.  

Related Reading: 

A Classic Midcentury Home in Napa Gets a Kitchen That Complements Its History

10 Backsplashes That Add a Touch of Flair to the Kitchen 

A Portland Pastry Chef Customizes Her Kitchen to Meet the Needs of Her Profession—and Her Family