The kitchen is the centre of the house which unites the whole family. Every detail adds to its overall feel. The backsplash is a the heart of the space. It’s not just a practical shield against splatters and spills; it’s a the main instrument for personal expression and a key element in defining your kitchen's style.

If you’re thinking about a kitchen update, the backsplash is one of the most important changes you can make. Let’s have have a look into the world of tiles, exploring the materials, the multitude of designs, and how to style them perfectly.

   What are the main differences:

Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tiles

It is important to start with the right description for each material.

Perugia Vecchia honey crackle glazed ceramic tiles 235x38mm

Ceramic Tiles:

They are: are made from red or white clay fired at high temperatures, ceramic tiles are then coated with a durable glaze that adds the colour and pattern. 

• Affordable: A budget-friendly option for a tight budget.

• Versatile: Available in a big array of colours, prints, and finishes.

• Less Dense: Softer and more porous than porcelain, making them easier to cut and  lay but  less resistant to heavy impact and moisture over time (even if the glazed surface is perfectly protective for a backsplash).   

 Porcelain tiles: 

These tiles are made from a denser clay fired at even higher temperatures. They can be through-bodied (colour runs through the entire tile) or glazed.

Dubrovnik Blue Matt Porcelain Tiles 62x235x9mm    

• Highly Durability: Very hard, scratch-resistant, and non-porous, making them ideal for high-moisture areas.

•  Ultra Low Maintenance: Their resistance to staining and water makes them a hassle free product especially for cleaning.

• Versatile in Design: Advanced printing technology allows porcelain to perfectly mimic natural stone, concrete, and wood and even natural leaves and flowers.

  For a kitchen backsplash, both options are excellent choices. Your decision may come down to your finance and the specific design you want to achieve.

  
  

  
  

  How to find the right personality for your backsplash?

  Nowadays the market is very generous with a lot of pastel colours and intricate patterns able to give personality for the kitchen backsplash.

      Plain & Pastel Colour

 Copper Breeze Silver ceramic gloss 75x300x9mm

• Crisp Whites & Creams: very popular for their ability to illuminate a space, create a clean, timeless look, and to enlarge the kitchen.

• Soft Pastels: Shades of sage green, sky blue, pale pink (blush), or buttery yellow are having the main spot light at the minute. They inject a gentle, calming, and sophisticated character into the kitchen, complementing beautifully with both white and wood cabinetry.Nature inspired designs

     Leaves Patterns: From large, tropical  leaves to delicate fern prints, these will add the  organic texture and energyFlorium 15x15cm

• Floral Prints: When you choose a classic, intricate William Morris-inspired print or  oversized floral motif, these tiles will bring  a piece of art, creating a stunning central point behind the range or sink.

 Geometric designs

Rustic Heritage Taco Grey 165x165mm

For a modern and sophisticated look you can choose geometric patterns.

• Hexagons, Arabesques, and Fish Scale: These shapes add a visual impact and movement. A classic white hexagon can feel modern yet timeless, while a  coloured fish scale tile will make a dramatic feature.

• Zellige & Irregular Shapes: Handcrafted-look tiles with a subtle colour variation and undulating surfaces add texture and a touch of artisanal charm, perfect for spaces for of personality.

 Fluted tiles

Deco Lingot White 32X62.5cm

Their vertical grooves add a tactile and dimensional feeling to the space. A sculptural element  which creates a stunning effect. These tiles pair well with plain worktops and cupboards.

 Marble and stone effect tiles

You can achieve the opulent look of natural marble and stone without the high cost by using large format porcelain tiles which are able to deliver a very realistic natural print.

• Marble Effect Tiles: Porcelain tiles that copy Calacatta Gold, Carrara, or Nero Marquina marble are quite popular. These deliver the elegant, veined look of marble but are more durable, stain-resistant, and consistent.

• Stone Look: Impement the rustic, earthy touch of slate, travertine, or limestone with easy-to-clean porcelain tiles, suitable for  a warm, organic atmosphere.Zoro Stone Decor beige 15x60cm

      How to style a kitchen tile backsplash - Tips and colour combinations

Styling process is the key to a functional and beautiful backsplash.

 Start by matching your countertop, if this is busy use plain subway tiles or a corresponding colour  for the worktop. If this is plain you can add a bold and dramatic feature.

Create a centrepiece with a pattern tiles behind the cocker

 or the sink and go plain for the rest.

Consider the grout colour: . Match the grout colour to the tile to helps the pattern blend seamlessly, making the space feel larger, or go with a darker colour to create a stylish contrast.

Florida Green Porcelain tiles 20x20cm

   What are the most interesting colour combinations?

 Fresh look interiors : Sage green cabinets + White Quartz Counters + Creamy Zellige Tile. These colour complement each other and create a balanced look.

• A Dramatic Feature: Navy Blue Cabinets + Gold Hardware + White Marble Effect Tile with grey veining. An elegant end everlasting classic look which will frame out the kitchen.

• Use the Warm and Earthy: Warm Wood Cabinets + Butcher Block Counters + Terracotta or Amber Fish Scale Tiles. An ambience which is full od Mediterranean spirit and style.

•  Add some Soft & Romantic tones: White Shaker Cabinets + Pale Pink (Blush) Backsplash + Brass Fixtures. Create a modern and rejuvenating space.Botanical Romantic ceramic tiles 25x75cm

        Final Thoughts

Choosing the best kitchen tile backsplash helps to infuse the personality and style of your property.

Whether you prefer the quiet calm of a pastel hue, or the  bold statement of a geometric pattern, or even the timeless elegance of marble there is so much choice available which will outline the unique features for your kitchen backsplash area! Have a look through our collection of kitchen tiles for more ideas!