Krista, a Your Decorating Hotline reader, shared her great kitchen remodel in a previous post (check it out at http://yourdecoratinghotline.com/kitchen-before-and-after/) but requested help deciding on a backsplash needed to finish off the project.  When asking for input she wrote: 

“I was thinking maybe subway tile for long lasting instead of something that won’t be in style a few years from now.  I’m afraid of getting something that will date too quickly!  What do you think?”

Classic Subway Tile

For those of you unfamiliar with subway tile it is a 3″ X 6″ rectangular classic tile style made famous by the New York subway system.  Subway tile is back in a big way, although it’s never really ever been out of style.  It’s often found in kitchens and baths ranging from ultra-modern to historical.  You might say it is a trendy classic that people turn to over and over again.

Subway tile would make a great backsplash for Krista’s kitchen, meeting her desire for something that does not quickly become outdated.  Since subway tile works well in both older homes and contemporary homes it doesn’t go out of style or become an outdated trend like some tiles.  It’s also great for resell value because it appeals to a broad spectrum of buyers. 

Using Subway Tile

If she decides t0 use subway tile, Krista needs to decide how she wants to use it since the functional, rectangular shape offers a variety of options including:

1. Krista could  use standard 3″X6″ subway field tile in all white. Her black counters and white cabinets along with an all white backsplash, like shown in the photo below, would provide a totally neutral environment for any color she might want to pick up from her adjacent family room.  Using a color from the family room for the kitchen wall/ceiling paint color and countertop accessories would visually tie the two spaces together, creating a large cohesive environment.  She could also easily change the color highlights used in her kitchen if she changes her family room decorating down line.

White subway tile works in a more traditional kitchen.

 White subway tile works in a traditional kitchen (photo above) as well as in a contemporary kitchen (photo below).

Traditional all white 3" X 6" subway tile works in this contemporary kitchen.

 2.  For a slight variation and an additional backsplash detail Krista could add a black tile stripe to the 3″X6″ white subway field tile, perhaps something like the photo below.  Adding a touch of black brings her countertop color up onto the wall, adding an interesting detail but still providing a neutral environment that is timeless and works with any color she wants to bring into the room via paint and accessories.

A black tile stripe reinforces the countertop color and adds an interesting but neutral detail to this "in progress" backsplash.

3.  Using glass subway tile instead of porcelain subway tile provides a modern statement in the kitchen.  A timeless material, glass comes in a variety of wonderful colors so Krista could pick one she loves and is happy to live with through the coming years.  The photo below illustrates neutral glass subway tiles in a kitchen backsplash.

Glass subway tiles make a modern but still neutral statement in this backsplash.

4.  A mix of glass subway tile makes a very contemporary statement and adds visual texture.  Depending on the color mix selected, however, this approach could date itself more quickly than using standard or more neutral subway tiles.  The multi-color backsplash shown below is from http://blog.vintagemodernhomes.com/ .

Glass mini-subway tiles make a colorful and contemporary statement.

 Video on Laying Subway Tile

For all of you interested do-it-yourselfers, This Old House offers an instructional video about how to lay classic subway tile in order to acheive the traditional pattern.   Take a quick look at http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20046242,00.html.  You can bet Krista’s going to show it to her husband since she told me he would be installing their kitchen backsplash!

Share Your Input

What do you think about subway tile?  Would you recommend it to Krista for her kitchen backsplash?  Do you have another suggestion you think she should consider?  What about your kitchen?  What’s your backsplash and do you love it or hate it?  Post a comment below or email  solutions@yourdecorating hotline.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

GIVEAWAYS NEXT WEEK

This could be yours.

Remember our celebration next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

A pillow for spring.

On Wednesday we have 2 great freebies – and there will be 2 lucky winners.  From Bosheree08, a great handpainted sign that is sure to become a family heirloom and from Park and Beach a fabulous linen pillow cover that will usher spring into your home.  Visit the ETSY shops and see their other great offerings and be sure to visit next Wednesday so you can enter to win.  It just takes a quick comment to enter your name….

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