Design Tricks to Make Your Kitchen Backsplash Tile Look High-End

Kitchen backsplashes present a major design opportunity to elevate the look of any kitchen. With the right tile choice and layout, you can transform an ordinary backsplash into a stunning focal point that looks professionally designed.

From mixing tile sizes and patterns to creative grout techniques, we'll cover easy ways to get a luxe look. Read on for inspiring ideas to make your kitchen backsplash tile look like a million bucks--without the designer price tag.

Choosing Tiles for an Elevated Look

The tile itself makes a huge impact on the overall aesthetic. Carefully choosing shapes, materials, colors and accents can instantly take your backsplash to the next level.

Creative Tile Shapes

Subway tiles are a popular backsplash choice, but going beyond basic squares and rectangles can add interest. Try hexagonal, fishscale, penny round and octagon tiles for a playful pattern. Stunning marble hexagons or chic black hex tiles paired with white grout create depth and dimension.

Elongated subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern also catch the eye. Their staggered overlapping design results in a chic chevron motif.

Mix Tile Sizes and Patterns

Incorporate different tile sizes and patterns to add flair. Mixing large and small tiles or multiple shapes prevents a flat, monotonous look. Just be sure to maintain a consistent color scheme. For example, combine 4-inch white subway tiles with 1-inch gray mosaics.

Or create rows of varying heights using different tile sizes. Transition from longer tiles on the bottom to shorter stacked ones on top. This draws the eye upward for a neat visual effect.

Natural Stone and Ceramic/Porcelain

Natural stone tile like marble, travertine and slate provide an instant high-end feel. But they come at a higher price point. As an affordable alternative, today's ceramic and porcelain tiles mimic the beauty of natural stone with realistic textures and veining.

For a luxurious look, install polished granite, marble or travertine tiles in a classic bricklay pattern. Or combine natural stone accent tiles with more budget-friendly porcelain tiles in the rest of the backsplash.

Eye-Catching Accents

Add designer touches with glass, metal or mosaic accent tiles. For example, install a strip of iridescent glass tiles to catch the light. Or create a focal point with an intricate metal medallion tile.

Use mosaic sheets sparingly to add pops of color and interest. Tiny mosaic tiles act like wall jewelry!

Colors and Neutrals

Both bold colors and neutral palettes have sophisticated appeal. Deep navy or emerald green tiles make a dramatic jewelry-inspired statement. Meanwhile, creams, grays and white have a light airy feel.

For a crisp, clean look, stick to all-white backsplash tiles or mix white with light gray. Choose warmer antique whites over stark brights.

Tile Layouts for High-End Style

How you arrange the tiles also affects the aesthetic. Layout significantly impacts the overall look and feel of the backsplash design.

Staggered vs Stacked

Staggering tile rows creates visual motion and depth. This offset pattern has more interest than basic stacked layouts. With rectangular subway tiles, offset each row by half a tile. Or do a diagonal offset, installed on the bias rather than straight.

Mosaic sheets also look more upscale when staggered. This prevents rigid straight grout lines running floor to ceiling.

Horizontal vs Vertical

Horizontal tile layouts feel clean and modern with strong straight lines. Vertical layouts have an Old World vintage charm. Combine the two approaches by running horizontal tiles along the countertop and vertical tiles on the upper portion.

Framing Architectural Elements

Use tile layout to frame built-in stoves, windows or niches. Outline these features with coordinating tiles set perpendicular to the rest of the installation. This creates a polished inset effect.

For example, frame a stove hood with vertical tiles while the surrounding backsplash tiles are laid horizontally. Or accent a window with bordering subway tiles oriented vertically.

Creative Borders and Focal Points

Strategically placed decorative tile strips and geometric shapes add interest. Try framing the perimeter with a border tile in a contrasting color or finish. Use penny tile rounds or mosaic strips to accent the edges.

To create a focal point, arrange tile in a pyramid, sunburst or diamond pattern. Geometric designs look especially striking in black and white.

Grout Techniques for an Elevated Look

Something as simple as grout color can take your backsplash from basic to beautiful. Special grouting techniques also add subtle elegance.

Choosing Grout Colors

White grout suits any style, but go bold with black, gray or even metallic grout. Contrasting grout helps tiles pop and creates the illusion of more space between them.

Match your grout to the tile color for a seamless look. Beige grout blends in with travertine tile, for example.

Minimize Grout Lines

For a clean, streamlined look, choose larger format tiles with tighter grout joints. Mosaic sheets also minimize grout lines since tiles are mounted on meshes for quick installation.

On the other hand, some designs purposefully feature wide grout lines as part of the aesthetic. This adds prominent stripes throughout the backsplash.

Special Grout Techniques

CNN grout lines are a stunning effect achieved by alternating the direction of grout between tiles. This creates intricately patterned grout lines tailor-made for a showstopping backsplash.

Applying grout in varying thicknesses also adds handcrafted appeal. Vary grout lines from 1/16 to 1/8 inches--or go freestyle.

Lighting and Accessories

The right lighting and accessories complete the high-end look. Illumination and decorative touches enhance an already beautiful backsplash.

Task Lighting

Install undercabinet lighting or puck lights to illuminate your lovely backsplash. Accent lighting casts a warm glow over the entire kitchen when natural light is low.

Floating shelves with built-in lights provide both storage and shine. Sconces flanking the backsplash offer targeted task lighting as well.

Mirrors and Shelving

Mirrors visually expand smaller kitchens and reflect light. Try a full backsplash height mirror or individual circular mirrors. Mirrored sections highlight specific areas like niches.

Floating glass or wire mesh shelves layered over the backsplash add a designer touch. Open shelves keep the area light and airy.

Fixtures and Decorative Trims

Update basic brackets and fixtures to elevate the look. Sleek stainless steel or black iron pot racks and shelves feel modern. Choose an ornate range hood in a matte black or brass finish for a classy accent.

Affix decorative trim strips along the top or base of the backsplash. Tin ceiling tiles or crown molding caps off the design beautifully.

Protecting and Maintaining the Backsplash

Take proper care of your investment to extend its beauty. Follow best practices for protecting and maintaining your high-end backsplash.

Sealing and Caulking

Seal natural stone tiles and grout lines with a penetrating sealer to prevent stains and damage from moisture. Reapply sealer periodically for continued protection.

Caulk where the backsplash meets countertops, sinks and other surfaces. Quality silicone caulk in a matching color keeps water from seeping behind tiles.

Cleaning Tips

Use a gentle pH-neutral cleaner for regular backsplash cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers or steam cleaners which can etch, dull and deteriorate grout.

Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and dry with a soft cloth. Allow 24 hours before sealing newly cleaned backsplashes.

Preventing Damage

Immediately clean up food, grease and water splashes to prevent staining. Add an auto-shutoff timer to the stove to avoid burns which can crack backsplash tile.

Use trivets, hot pads and cutting boards to protect the surface. Don't place extremely hot pots or pans directly against backsplashes.

Hiring a Pro vs DIY Installation

Carefully consider your skill level when deciding between professional installation or DIY. Complex patterns and large format tiles often require an expert.

When to Hire a Pro

Licensed tile installers have the know-how to handle tricky tile layouts and challenging kitchen elements. They have the right tools for hard-to-cut natural stone and can properly incorporate built-in appliances.

Professionals save time and minimize mistakes. Experience also allows them to identify and avoid potential problem areas before installing.

DIY Considerations

For simpler subway tile backsplashes, DIY installation is achievable. Watch online tutorials to gain techniques. Invest in a wet saw for clean cuts and have a helper to assist.

Take it slow and be precise. Opt for smaller, uniform tile sizes rather than large format tiles. Allow extra time and tiles for mistakes and re-cuts.

Incorporating Appliances and Obstacles

Kitchen appliances often impact backsplash design. Integrate these items seamlessly for an ideal finished look.

Plumbing Fixtures

When tiling around sinks, faucets and soap dispensers, add thin accent tiles or minis to fit into tight spaces. Leave adequate clearance for accessing and using fixtures.

Cut holes for plumbing hardware using a tile hole saw before setting tiles. Reinforce cutouts by edging them with metal washers.

Electrical Outlets

Outlet placement may dictate cutting and notching tiles to accommodate them. Take electrical requirements into account when planning tile layout.

Swapping ordinary outlets for splashproof GFCI models allows you to integrate outlets directly into the tile design itself.

Built-In Appliances

Frame built-in appliances with border tiles that complement their finish. For stove backsplashes, select fire-resistant, heat-tolerant tiles.

Only apply backsplash tile up to hood vents. Avoid tiling right over vents as this can block proper airflow and ventilation.

Preparing the Surface

A proper foundation is key to a backsplash that withstands daily use. Don't skip these important first steps.

Cleaning and Priming

Start with walls that are clean, dry and free of old adhesive and grease. Use degreaser and sandpaper to remove glossy paint or wallpaper adhesive.

Prime surfaces with a paint-grip primer and allow it to fully dry. This helps tiles adhere evenly across the wall.

Leveling and Smoothing

Fix any dents, nail pops or uneven spots using drywall joint compound. Sand bumps smooth for flatness.

Check for level and plumb. Shim out the wall if needed before tiling to prevent slipping and lippage issues.

Cutting Tiles Accurately

Meticulous tile cutting prevents uneven edges and gaps in the pattern. Use specialized tools for quality results.

Wet Saws vs Tile Cutters

Wet saws feature a reservoir of water to cool diamond blades while cutting. They deliver smooth, precise cuts in porcelain, stone and glass.

Manual tile cutters are more affordable and portable. Score and snap tiles up to 16 inches. Use nippers on smaller cuts.

Measuring and Marking

Carefully measure and mark tiles to be cut with a pencil or wax crayon. Account for the width of the blade when aligning marks.

Consider rental large format tile cutters for big subway, rectangular or square tiles. They provide straight cuts on tiles over 18 inches.

Outlets and Obstacles

Measure and mark where to cut tiles to fit around outlets, corners and appliances. Cut tiles 1/8 inch from the edge for a clean fit.

Use an oscillating tool for detailed contouring around sinks and plumbing. Make small precise cuts around built-in fixtures.

Applying Grout

Grout is the final step to pull the whole backsplash together. Follow best practices for smooth attractive joints.

Mixing Grout

Mix grout thoroughly according to package instructions, using the manufacturer's recommended sealer. Let it slake for 10 minutes before applying.

Only prepare small batches so grout stays workable. Discard any unused mixed grout after an hour.

Using a Grout Float

Apply grout diagonally over the tiles using a hard rubber float. Push grout firmly into crevices and joints between tiles.

Hold the float at a 45 degree angle and use an even pressure for consistent results. Take care not to scratch tiles.

Removing Excess Grout

Let grout slightly harden on the tiles for 10-15 minutes. Then use a damp sponge in a circular motion to lightly buff off residue.

Rinse the sponge often to remove excess grout. Wipe diagonally across tiles to prevent pulling grout from the joints.

Sealing the Edges

Sealants provide an impermeable moisture barrier along countertops and edges. This fortifies the backsplash against leaks.

Preventing Water Damage

Apply a steady bead of flexible silicone caulk along the intersection of the backsplash and countertop. Tool the caulk gently to smooth it out evenly.

Quality caulk prevents water from penetrating behind the backsplash and damaging the wall over time.

Sealing All Gaps

In addition to countertop joints, also caulk along the top edge, side edges, openings and around fixtures.

Look for any potential gaps where water could enter. Fully seal the perimeter to waterproof the entire backsplash.

Finishing Touches

Attractive extras lend an upscale look. Create a designer space with these eye-catching finishing touches.

Adding Trim

Installing backsplash trim pulls the whole look together. Brushed nickel, copper or brass metal trim infuses industrial vibrancy.

Bullnose trim tiles help protect outside edges from cracks and chips. Contrasting tiles like pencil mosaics frame a backsplash nicely.

Peel-and-stick backsplash murals make a lively statement. Geometric designs and floral motifs add flair.

3D tile inserts provide depth and dimension. Field tiles serve as a classic backdrop for ornamental accents tiles.

The right backsplash tile layout and design can transform an ordinary kitchen into a luxurious statement space. With creative tiles, cool patterns and clever finishing techniques, your basic backsplash can look like it came straight out of a magazine.

Use this guide to pinpointeasy yet impactful ways to make your backsplash tile look designer and elegant. Draw inspiration from timeless looks that suit your personal taste and kitchen style.