Backsplash Design Options - Chime In

I’m going with a classic, white, subway tile for my kitchen backsplash but I’m going to install it in a cool pattern, instead of simple staggered horizontal lines. It’s a large area, about 7′ x 5 1/2′ and I’m tiling the whole thing. I love the openness here so I’m not putting upper cabinets in but I will add a couple floating shelves. The electrical cable sticking out of the wall is for under shelf lighting –in case you were wondering. 😉

I’ve sketched out four different pattern and thought it would be fun to let you all weigh in on the decision.

Here’s a larger picture of each design option to look at before you make up your mind.

Won’t this be fun?

Yes — Of course it will!

Tell me which option you like best and then let’s see what happens!

144 Comments

Though looking a pictures on-line, the diagonal nature of the herringbone patterns seems to depend largely on how much contrast there is between the grout color and tile color. Ones that have a grout color similar to the tile color seem to draw the eye a lot less, i.e. the diagonal nature of the pattern is a lot less apparent; it becomes more of a textural element. Interested in hearing what you decide.

Or you could go for broke and do basketweave on the diagonal. =)

I prefer the 2 patterns that run vertically (Basketweave and Herringbone 3), as opposed to diagonally. Of the two vertical options, I prefer the Basketweave, but it looks like a real bear to do. It also seems more textural, less flat. looking forward to seeing what you do. I imagine it will be easier to do the wall tiling than floor tiling, which I found really hard on the back.