New Home Tips, Trends, and Ideas - Raleigh Custom Home Builders

Interior Design Tips for your Kitchen:

Transitional Mixed Mosaic Tile Backsplash

We were recently asked this interior design question, through "Ask Andrea": 

"I have off-white maple cabinets with hazlenut glaze and dark chocolate cherry cabinets with a White Spring granite countertop. I like transitional look. What backsplash will go with it? Glass or stone/travertine tiles or a mosaic blend?

Second, should we get the 4" granite backsplash and then do tile over that or just do tile everywhere? My husband only likes the tile in the cooktop area going over the custom hood to the ceiling and plain 4" backsplash everywhere. What is the design recommendation on doing different style of backsplash in different areas of the kitchen?"

And here's what Stanton Homes' on staff interior design expert Andrea recommends:

First of all, let me say that I love seeing a mix of cabinet finishes in a kitchen--what a great look with the White spring granite.

You have asked several good questions regarding tile choices for a back splash however since you said that you prefer a transitional look, I am going to make some specific recommendations.

Make Use of Your Design Space

Firstly, since there is not a lot of area to tile in a backsplash in the first place, you are kind of working against your look if you have both a 4" splash and then tiles above it to the cabinets.

I would go without the granite splash and just install tile from counter to cabinet to make the most of your design and the impact it will have on the kitchen.

Secondly, since I work with married couples all the time who have different preferences at times, I always try to recommend a compromise--in most cases this means a blend of both preferences.

I think the best way to enjoy your home is to make decisions together and that the decisions, where possible, should reflect both tastes. How better to create harmony?

Mosaic Tile Range Area

In this case, I think that either a glass mosaic or one of the transitional mixed mosaics would be a good choice for the range area.

There are some very beautiful mosaic blends available that incorporate natural stone, glass, and metal all in one mosaic.  They are truly works of art all by themselves.

Rectangle Tile Backsplash

Then, for the rest of the back splash area I would recommend using a large rectangular tile in a dark, rich, earthy hue. I think this would off-set the granite very well.

There are some rectangular shaped tiles now available in more irregular sizes such as 4 x 7, 4 x 9, 5 x 9, etc.

The traditional 3 x 6 brick design (the subway tile) has stood the test of time for well over 100 years, and now tile artisans are spicing it up and making it transitional by breaking into larger sizes of all sorts and by using very rich colors.

By mixing both a large brick tile for the main back splash areas with a mixed mosaic for the cooking and hood area, I think you will have a transitional look and will have created something that caters to the preferences of both you and your husband.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Finally, don't forget under cabinet lighting to make the most of everything you have done. 

Custom Home Design Series by Andrea Enns

Stanton Homes continues to offer the information you're looking for.  Check back for more interior design trend tips!

Send us YOUR design questions to "Ask Andrea", and look to Stanton Homes for the answers you need.

Andrea Enns is an on staff design expert at Stanton Homes, offering FREE professional design selection services to custom home clients as part of Stanton Homes' exclusive custom home packages. 

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Top 5 Trends for Kitchen Tile Backsplash Design

A full tile backsplash adds personality, color and easy-cleanup to any kitchen. Options come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Here are the top five most popular backsplash tile ideas for the kitchen that we’re seeing right now.

Kitchen Tile Ideas | Kitchen Backsplash Tile Picture #1:

In the tile backsplash picture above, a deep black granite countertop is even more dramatic when combined with a well-planned tile backsplash.

Inexpensive tiles are set into a pattern that looks luxurious, with 4x4 light taupe tiles set in both diagonal and horizontal configurations.  

This cost-effective kitchen backsplash tile idea for the kitchen is centered around a dark glass mini-mosaic used as a listello accent, border, and medallion accent.

The dark grout adds to the art form, and allows for easy clean-up.

Kitchen Tile Ideas | Kitchen Backsplash Tile Picture Idea #2:

In this kitchen tile picture, you’ll find your eye drawn to the smaller tile backsplash that emphasizes color.

These tiles come in 12x12 squares applied to a mesh backing, for easy installation.

The border is a pencil listello accent piece which pulls together the dark colors.

The darker approach to this kitchen backsplash idea works especially well in conjunction with oil rubbed bronze fixtures.

 Kitchen Tile Ideas | Kitchen Backsplash Tile Picture #3:

The classic white subway tiles(sometimes called “brick”) in this tile backsplash picture are designed to emphasize a more subtle decorating approach.

The white subway tiles work extremely well with lighter colored cabinetry and darker countertops, as well as your choice of black and stainless steel appliances. In this tile backsplash picture, the effect is even extended above the cooktop.

Tiles are set herringbone style for the backdrop, and incorporate a glossy black pencil listello. 

Kitchen Tile Ideas | Kitchen Backsplash Tile Picture #4:

As kitchens become more of a gathering place, tile backsplashes like the one in this picture are designed more as conversation pieces.

The design consists mainly of 4x4 tiles in a great neutral. 

The centerpiece is behind the cook top, with this a checkerboard pattern of 4x4 metallic accent tiles set on the diagonal, and an extra wide, custom metallic listello picture frame style surround.

Something like this costs a little more, but it adds a personalized dimension that’s fun and practical.

Kitchen Tile Ideas | Kitchen Backsplash Tile Picture #5:

Natural stone is usually a little more expensive than ceramic tile, but it adds warmth that feels comfortable and elegant.

The natural stone in this kitchen tile backsplash picture consists of 4x4 tiles – mostly set on the diagonal – with a few accent pieces that add character.

The spotlight behind the cooktop consists of 4x4 tiles set on the horizontal, with just a few diamond medallion accents, and a listello frame. 

Looking for kitchen tile ideas?

Talk to your builder or tile designer how to add personality to your home, with kitchen tile backsplash ideas that fit your budget.

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Get more Kitchen Design Trend ideas from these kitchen floor plan transformations, designed by Stanton Homes to fit the lifestyles of our homebuyers.

*Photos represent current new home trends. Not all photos represent Stanton Homes. Stanton Homes discusses current new home trends across a wide variety of topics.