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!

 

Small kitchen? No problem - Backsplash solutions for a designer look

Tile is a great way to add a personal touch to your kitchen. And the more you use, especially in smaller spaces, the bigger the design impact. Counter-to-ceiling tile, in fact, is a smart (not to mention beautiful) way to extend the vertical appeal of any kitchen, and it's especially beneficial for smaller ones. When designing a larger kitchen there's usually a longer run of backsplash and tile, and more room to get a sweeping view of the space,in a smaller kitchen, where you're not using as much tile and the counter lengths are shorter, going all the way up the wall to the ceiling where there are no upper cabinets (over a sink, say) allows you to showcase your tile selection, and can add more drama.

Read on for more design advice
 

A Focal Point
Installing counter-to-ceiling tile is great choice for coverage especially because it eliminates the boring wall space because it provides infinite design possibilities. A really gorgeous tile, or an intricate design of tile, is like art. It creates a wonderful point of visual interest



If you splurge on a counter-to-ceiling tile you love, then you could save in other areas of the kitchen. Keep the rest of the kitchen simple, and don't add much more detail to the cabinet faces, countertop or hardware, allow the tile to be the focal point; it will be more powerful that way.


Making a Statement
When used prominently on the walls of your kitchen, tile can make a big impact. Depending on the tile used and the colors and qualities it possesses, tile can create more warmth, more sparkle, more drama, more light or more of a zen feeling. The possibilities are really endless. Think about how to lay your tile: a very modern look is to stack rectangular tiles in a straight up and down grid, another modern and interesting look is to lay a skinny rectangular glass mosaic vertically not horizontally, a brick patter or staggered is a classic but can look really unique if you use an oversized tile and another option with rectangular tiles is a classic herringbone.  So you can have a less expensive tile laid in a unique way to make the backsplash really special.

 
There are a wealth of colors and styles to choose from so it really depends on your budget and what mood you want to create. Below, the warm, earth-toned tiles make this more modern kitchen feel slightly rustic.

 
Personally, a kitchen with a boring or no backsplash at all is like seeing a woman in a beautiful dress with no jewelry or make up - it's nice but not WOW!

 

Keep It Simple
Whether your style is traditional or contemporary or somewhere in between, neutral colors are the best choice if you weigh resale value and design longevity into your decision. Creating a counter-to-ceiling installation is a big design commitment and can be expensive depending on your space and materials. Go with a safe bet like grays and whites, which are hot colors in kitchen design and also work in a variety of decors.

 

But get creative with the material - glass, marble, tumbled stone are great options that can really transform the look of the kitchen and you can still keep it neutral.  And in a small space, it's best to keep the design streamlined and simple so you're kitchen feels spacious and cohesive. A popular (and always appropriate) choice are subway tiles with their industrial feel.



If you have a small kitchen, don't be afraid to add an expanse of tile. It can make a dramatic difference in your kitchen design, and it's a creative decision that will allow you to express yourself. And that's always a good thing!

Trend alert: Kitchen backsplash tiles

I personally love a fabulous back splash in a kitchen.  In my opinion it is the cherry on top!  It is a great way to add visual interest and it can easily be a connector piece to pull the whole kitchen look together.  There are so many different options - glass, stainless steel, marble, mosaics and more.  But we starting to see a new trend emerge...over sized tile back splashes. 
 
If you watch the TV show Property Brothers, you've probably seen them do this a lot lately.  With the right colour and materials you can get a very chic and streamlined look without busting the bank.



Seen in these images, a very sleek modern kitchen with some wood elements but the counter top give it a very clean and streamlined look.