Less is More: Simple Design Idea for Backsplash...

You are thinking of tiling your backsplash with a 3x6 or 4x8 subway tile. You think to yourself, "I want to jazz it up a bit!" So you start to consider different kinds of decorative tiles to intersperse as accents or a band. That can be a good idea, but not always. Backsplashes are narrow areas set between the counter top and the bottom of the upper cabinets. Often decorative tiles or accent bands can end up causing the splash area to feel busy or congested, i.e. too much in too small of an area. This can be especially true when the tile is set over a "busy" granite countertop. Still, it's a subjective judgment. What seems crowed to one person appears just right to another.

So, here's a simple idea to create an appealing look with a subway tile backsplash without adding deco tiles. Using the subway tile, simply change the layout at the bottom two rows of the backsplash lining up the vertical joints. Add a pencil liner or half round tile as a border division.


Then install the subway tile in the customary split joint fashion. Grout with a closely matching grout color. The result is an elegant look that will wear well on the eyes for years to come.
Less is often More...