We Answer Wednesday - Contemporary Backsplash Ideas

“My home is mostly contemporary style with some pops of colour throughout. I am planning to add a back splash to my kitchen in the near future but want to make sure it’s a similar style to the rest of my home. What are some contemporary tiles I could consider?”

Great question! There are so many great products on the market, we know the choices can be overwhelming. A lot of these tiles can be laid in different patterns, some more contemporary than others. Clean lines and a monochromatic colour scheme are what helps to define what a contemporary design is.

Here are some great options for a contemporary back splash:

Subway Tiles: Probably the most popular choice for a contemporary space.. Subway tiles come in many colours and sizes. You can get smaller or larger. 4x16 or 2x3 and many sizes in between. They come beveled or with a slight texture. They can be laid in a classic brick pattern or for a more contemporary look, try them straight laid. These are a simple, clean option that will brighten up any space. The flexibility to lay them in a variety of patterns makes them a super versatile option for your space. 

 

Mosaic Tiles: Depending on the colour palette that you chose, this can vary from a traditional tile to a contemporary tile. Again, a monochromatic colour scheme is more contemporary than a variety of bright colours. Sticking to neutrals and shades is sure way to keep the style consistent. 

 

Textured Tiles: All tile doesn’t have to be flat and boring. Adding a wavy geometric tile that is raised adds a different dimension to your design. If you’re a person who likes a monochromatic colour scheme this is probably the best option for you.

  

Slabs: Adding a solid slab to your back splash is definitely a pricier option, but it is very contemporary, depending on the piece you choose. A marble or solid colour (with subtle veining) is a great choice for a contemporary space. It’s important to ensure that that it complements the existing counter top. The colour and material needs to flow together to make the space look harmonious.

 

Glass Tiles: Adding a simple, straight or brick laid glass tiles with a subtle colour is a great look for someone who is a little bit more edgy. This option pairs great with high gloss cabinetry. Neutrals are great too! Glass tile comes in many soft colours such as sea foam, aqua and so many other shades. The colour options are truly endless!

 

IDS Toronto 2015 : what we saw and loved in tiles....

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to attend the trade day portion of IDS in Toronto, Canada.  We saw some amazing pieces and looks, here are some of the highlights that caught our eye.



Patterned tiles:  these were almost everywhere.  They look a little crazy but they look sensational as a back splash with a basic kitchen.  We also saw these as an accent in bathrooms.

Tile shape: Another trend in tiles is the hexagon shape. Ceragres had an excellent display for both floors and walls with this shape. The colours were very neutral (although there are many many choices) but the shape is so interesting!

 

 It just adds an interesting twist to any space (and we are looking at hexagon tiles for our next project, too)  The IKEA kitchen display even had hexagon floor tiles!



 Another shape we saw was the 'lozange' . Again, nothing too wild but just a twist to add to your space. what was great is that the colour waves were still very classic but the shape adds the next level of sophistication to the space.



 Arabesque tiles were also a new and interesting shape.  It adds something new to a classic kitchen or bathroom.  It's an elevated look in the room and adds visual interest.  You can still keep a neutral colour palette.



Herringbone tile formation: again another tile trend we saw a lot of at IDS and we loved!  Again it's visually interesting and makes an impact with going over the top. 

 


This was seen in flooring and on walls. although this image is a more traditional look depending on the actual tile you could create a more modern or contemporary look.


 
And finally the last tile trend we saw a lot of at IDS was the 'wood' tile.  Basically floor tiles that look like wood from a style standpoint they look great and comes in many sizes (we like the 8" x 36"). 

 

And there is a range of looks - reclaimed wood (even a look with old paint residue), light to dark stain, grey tones, white tones and brown tones and some have great texture too! For a busy house hold this is a great option as it doesn't scratch plus if you love the look of hardwood in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchen but you are nervous about water damage this is for you!  It look incredible installed and in the showroom and apparently is something we will be seeing a lot of in new condos....



Overall, shape was the biggest trend we saw.  For the most part colours were neutral (ranging from taupes, beiges, whites, greys and some shades of blue and green and some metallic, too) but herringbone, hexagon, lozange, and arabesque were hot!  And the 'wood' tile was also a big favourite!  If you are not convinced that these 'wood' tiles are for you, definitely check out a showroom near you - I'm sure you will be convinced (I was)