Backsplash
You can match the slab to the counter and island, or let it be a feature on its own paired with simpler materials for the other surfaces, even combining up to three materials for a subtly diverse look. To play it safe, I would avoid choosing more than three materials, and for a no-fail option use a solid-colored slab for one area and simple subway tile for another to avoid clashing.
A slab backsplash is simply a backsplash made of a continuous material (or in cases like this one, a few large pieces with the occasional break for an appliance or a cabinet). The solid surface creates a different visual effect than, say, tile. When matched to the countertop, it creates an especially big, bold look.
Zellige tile. Every now and then a simple material seems to come out of nowhere and begin showing up almost everywhere. That’s the case for handmade square tiles in a glossy finish, known as zellige tile, like those seen in this New York kitchen by Arielle Mizrahi Design. The square tile is enough of a departure from the popular 3-by-6-inch subway tile to feel different, yet it’s similar enough to not come off as too jarring. The glossy finish and handmade look offer color variations, shimmer and subtle imperfections that give the simple shape tons of character.
Midtone or gray countertops are good for you if: ◦You want a soft, friendly vibe with muted tones harmonizing. ◦You have colorful cabinetry or multiple tones of cabinets mixed together. ◦You have a black-and-white scheme that could use a little softening. ◦You love warm metallic accents and want to show them off.
white or off-white shade with a light multitonal fleck or grain to give it subtle natural richness. This snowy, sparkling look works well in many situations since it is very neutral but also contemporary and fresh. The pale tone brings a sense of cleanness and lightness to the space with a twist of subtle sophistication.
If the thought of grout lines gives you pause, or you’ve hit analysis paralysis when trying to choose a backsplash tile, consider taking your countertop material one step further. A slab backsplash, especially in a material with lots of movement, makes for an eye-catching design statement.
picket tile, laid horizontally with dark grout
The same marble on the island was used for the perimeter countertops and the low backsplash along the window wall.
The backsplash tile is from Ann Sacks.
solid surface
Rough-textured, glazed black backsplash tile.
brick
Transitional style Subway, hexagon, fish-scale and mosaic tile can work well in a transitional kitchen as long as the color palette stays neutral. For a luxurious option, consider gray marble tile, as seen in this space from Kitchens by Eileen, combined with quartz counters and Shaker cabinets that have glass-front uppers.
rustic reclaimed barn wood frames the window and denotes the food and beverage zone. It provides a warm Rocky Mountain-style counterpoint to the lively blue backsplash tile and the crisp white cabinetry. Glass-and-brass pendant lights keep the space feeling light and open.
Another way to solve any backsplash height conundrums is to use an elegant short backsplash, just a few inches tall. This way, you can run it around the entire counter at one unbroken height and leave the rest of the wall a uniform color.
In more traditional kitchens, sometimes the tile will run even a little above the bottom of the cabinets, which gives a pleasing overlap that feels more relaxed and reduces the need to cut tiles into tiny slivers.
In a kitchen with many items at different heights, I would still use the bottom of the cabinets as a main stopping point, with possibly a little exception at the range for a taller backsplash up to the hood. Ending at the windows would leave an awkward sliver of space below the cabinets.
Windows. Sometimes there will be very small areas of wall between windows and a counter or cabinet. It may be tempting to leave these areas empty (and often easier on the tile installer), but the overall effect will be subtly tidier if you imagine the window does not exist when planning where to end the tile. In this space by Jill Cordner Interior Design, the tile continues to the end of the counter, as ending at the upper cabinet would be far too early.
Notice at the right side of this kitchen by Cabri how the backsplash aligns with the upper and lower cabinets — while the counter hangs out over that line a little bit — rather than extending to the end of the counter and sticking out past the upper cabinets (which to me would be much less tidy).
General Rule No. 2: Align Upper Cabinets, Lower Cabinets and Backsplash Edges
Big kitchens. In the case of a very large kitchen, or one with dramatically tall ceilings, taking tile to full height can bust the budget or completely overload the look. In a case like this, ending the tile vertically at the same line as the upper cabinets gives a better finish. If you use a darker color for the tiles than the remaining upper wall, it can visually help bring down the apparent ceiling line and make the room feel a little more intimate.
Small kitchens. Fully covering the wall usually is your best bet in a small kitchen
The backsplash is an iridescent picket tile composed in a honeycomb pattern.
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