DIY Backsplash Tile Ideas for Kitchen and Bath - Part Two

If you’re looking to give your home a refresh, a DIY backsplash remodel is a great way to start. We’re here to help you choose from the wide array of materials, colors, shapes, sizes, textures and patterns available.

In part one of this series, we highlighted how to narrow your tile selection for your DIY backsplash remodel, and we also shared some of our favorite subway tile looks. In this segment, we’ll tell you about two more popular options for kitchens and bathrooms we’re loving right now: The hexagon tile and the herringbone pattern.

Hexagon tile backsplash ideas

Hexagon tile, which was popular in the mid-1900s, is back in a big way. Hexagon mosaics resemble the honeycombs that bees build - each individual hexagon features six perfectly symmetrical sides. In the design world, symmetry provides balance and harmony to a room. If you'd like a more peaceful spot to cook or bathe, consider incorporating this nature-inspired shape into your kitchen or bathroom DIY home improvement project.

Do you plan to carry your tile up to the ceiling in some spots of the room that lack upper cabinets - perhaps above your stove or sink? If so, you could go with a larger, more dramatic five-inch tile. One such tile that's having a major moment right now is the Hex Appeal white Carrara marble trimmed in dark basalt stone. The contrast between light and dark is exciting and modern, while the natural stone adds an air of lavish elegance. This color combo looks amazing with matte black cabinets or gray basalt countertops.

If you're working in a narrow area with a low backsplash height, you might want to choose a smaller hexagon: One-inch or two-inch tiles are both smart choices. You won't have to place each individual tile - they're sold in mesh-backed sheets that you can cut as needed, making for a much quicker install.

Keep things simple, crisp and low-maintenance with one- or two-inch all-white porcelain tiles. This will allow you to incorporate any hue into the room - you could paint your cabinets a cheerful blue or opt for colorful glassware or dinnerware. If you swap out curtains and linens frequently, an all-white hexagon backsplash is the perfect blank canvas.

Achieve a fun retro look with one-inch white with black rose pattern hexagon tiles. Or pair with a white farmhouse sink and weathered wood-look porcelain tile floor for modern farmhouse perfection!

Herringbone tile backsplash ideas
The herringbone tile pattern consists of rows of rectangles arranged to form a repeated v-shape. It's a classic look that’s understated and elegant.

 Like white subway tile or white hexagon tile, an all-white herringbone tile backsplash acts as a neutral and provides a clean, crisp backdrop for the rest of the room. When it comes to the white grout vs. dark grout debate, we love the way black grout accentuates the herringbone pattern. That said, you can never go wrong with simple white grout.

We love bringing in shades of gray and white offered, so marble backsplashes are our favorite. Whether you live in a chic modern loft in the city or a classic restored home in the country, it's an elegant look that is well-suited to various home styles.

As always, we encourage you to be bold in your design choices and to choose a tile that speaks to your unique preferences.

Bring the Outdoors In with Greenery!

Want to make your neighbors green with envy at your latest home improvement project? Go with the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year: Greenery. Completely change the environment in your kitchen or patio by combining Greenery with wall or floor tiles in other colors from palettes created by Pantone.

DIY Backsplash Tile Ideas for Kitchen and Bath

If you aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves and get a little dirt under your nails, updating your kitchen backsplash or bathroom tile can result in a luxe, designer-inspired look at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. While some home improvement projects, like relocating an electric panel, are best left to an expert, others, like replacing tile, can be relatively safe and straightforward. As long as you can follow instructions, you can DIY your way to a chic space that will wow your guests and increase the value of your home.

Marrying form and function
Any designer will tell you that the key to a successful DIY home improvement project is marrying form and function. When it comes to selecting tile for your backsplash remodel, choose one that speaks to your soul and meshes well with your lifestyle. It's the same theory behind adopting a dog - if you work long hours, don't pick a breed that requires lots of attention and frequent walks, no matter how cute he may be!

Natural stone materials like marble, onyx or travertine are dizzyingly beautiful but require regular care to prevent etching and discoloration. If your heart is set on all-white Carrara marble, go for it! Just understand that you'll need to do a little extra work to ensure its integrity over time. Glass tiles, on the other hand, are stain-resistant, easy to clean and require minimal upkeep. Ceramic tile is a durable, low-maintenance choice that can be textured or created in a fun shape, like hexagon, ensuring a fun look that's uniquely you. And you can never go wrong with porcelain - in addition to having a huge variation in design options, it's perfect for the busy homeowner who wants to minimize time spent cleaning.

Once you've selected your material, you can further narrow your search by considering design elements like:

• Color.
• Shape.
• Size.
• Texture.
• Pattern.

Are you drawn to bright hues like orange and red or do you prefer subtle neutrals like cream or gray? If you love neutrals but want a little something extra, pattern and texture can elevate an otherwise basic tile. A gray mosaic tile backsplash pops against white countertops and cabinets while a basketweave tile provides interesting texture. As far as shape and size go, the options are endless.

While the general rule of thumb is to design according to your architectural home style - for example, avoiding über-modern finishes if you live in an antique farmhouse - we encourage you to think outside the box and be bold in your design choices. While black beveled arabesque tile might overwhelm a space if you cover an entire wall or floor with it, chances are it'll add just the right amount of pizzazz to a smaller area such as a kitchen backsplash or bathroom floor or wall.

(By the way, using floor tile as backsplash is completely acceptable, so if the tile you adore was made for the floor, go ahead and buy it!)

In need of some inspiration? Here are some of our favorite looks:

Subway tile backsplash ideas
Decorating residential kitchens and bathrooms with subway tile is a trend that doesn't show any signs of losing steam. It seems as if almost everyone likes this look; if you're remodeling your home to sell, white subway tile and white grout is a safe bet. It looks nice in virtually any style of home and brightens up a space.

If you're looking for something a bit more edgy, try white subway tile with black grout. Not only does dark grout make your white tiles sing, it's much easier to keep clean than light-colored grout! We love the way the combo looks when accented by bronze fixtures and Edison bulbs.

Subway tiles are available in a variety of finishes and patterns, too, from glossy to matte and from a bold diamond texture to a more subtle honeycomb texture.

Look for part two in our DIY backsplash tile ideas series for more design inspiration!

New Year, New Shapes

Are you tired of the same ol' look? Are you thinking of something a bit different that will really make your living space stand out? We have some really simple ways to add a designer touch to any environment without breaking your wallet.

When it comes to tiles, it's really all about the shape. The pattern and the shape you choose are ultimately what will give character to your room so it’s important that you use the tile that best complements your room.

Whether it be a hexagon tiled floor or a beautiful mosaic design throughout the walls, the use of shapes can provide that eccentric atmosphere to a room you desire. You can also combine various shapes within the same area to allow for variety.

But let's take a step back. The first step in adding some dimension to a room is finding the perfect tile shape. Pick a shape that speaks to you and your style. Or a shape that you normally wouldn't see. Do not be afraid to be bold with your decisions. Being different will make you stand out.

Two shapes that are really dominating the trend chart now are Mod Picket and MidPoint. The way these two types of tiles interlace between each other, can bring your backdrop or bathroom walls to life without overwhelming the space. If you're not sure about covering big areas of your room, then a decorative wall piece is the way to go and, no, we're not talking about classic canvas wall art. Framing a mosaic and layering that over a basic tile is the new trend now. This easy yet stylish motif allows a simple room to become artistic and compelling. Talk about a statement piece!

Using different shapes is a non-traditional way to make your space one of a kind. Any classic look can be given an edge. The key aspect is to think outside the box--Start getting your creative juices flowing. Create different boards on Pinterest. Look through magazines. Follow blogs. Compare and Contrast. Pick your favorite shapes.

Let shapes take over your imagination and have fun!

Color Palettes We Love

The start of a New Year is the perfect opportunity for fresh beginnings, resolutions and, yes, a brand new look. This year it’s all about the cool colors: Chalk whites, shoreline grays and iceberg blues.
Picture an all-white room, clean, crisp and pure - a blank canvas - and start adding accent colors that will really bring out the room’s personality. After a long and stressful work day, coming home to a calming environment with cool colors can create a relaxed and cozy space that will be easy on the eyes and soul.

How to pick the right accent color is always the big decision, but with the Essentials Collection the choice is really easy. Our Shore Thing tiles can brighten up any room with just a touch of the blue of your dreams. Their cooling tone can be versatile and soothing creating a unified but elegant appearance. Those timeless subway tiles come in various patterns and shapes and can be the perfect backdrop to any environment, adding that extra element of flare.
The blue palette is always a safe and fresh color, but if you really want to give a spin to your room, green is the way to go. Green represents all things natural and has a proven uplifting effect that can brighten up any space. Every room should have something living in it, whether it be plants, flowers, or succulents bring earth-like tones that make the room feel alive and well.

Purple, bold and beautiful. The richness and contrast of purple can create a feminine flare but still stay within the cool color family.


Accenting with the cool colors has become a popular design trend, start the year right with a
clean and relaxing look!

Cement Tiles: An Artisanal Touch

If you're looking for a softer, more artisanal look in your home, you may want to consider cement tiles. Cement tiles give the appearance of a handmade product. And in the case of the tiles you see here, you can get the look of an encaustic tile, which is known for the use of multiple colors of clay within a single tile.

They're a bit different than the typical tiles you see at Mission Stone & Tile. While porcelain tiles gain their strength from firing in a kiln, cement tiles gain their strength from curing. The saturated pigment on these cement tiles ensures that the material will remain beautiful and durable for years to come, while the inherent characteristics will give it a natural patina over time. The tiles will get worn a bit - like your favorite pair of jeans.

Electra Encaustic Cement Tiles are available in Marine Bone (blue) and Steel Grey and can be used on walls and floors. Just be sure to understand the inherent characteristics of cement tile before you buy! The material will scratch and patina, showing a worn, or patinaed look over time. If you like the artisanal look (and so many of our customers do - and we do too!) then cement tile is for you. If you prefer a material that holds up to wear and tear while remaining relatively unchanged over time, check out our Electra Grande Porcelain Tile, which has a similar look, a larger size, more colors - and a different material composition & production process, making it very durable.

Electra - Steel Grey

Decade-adent: Classic Subway Tiles

Shag carpeting. Olive green refrigerators. Geometric patterns. Trends come and go. So isn't it delightful when we see a design element that spans decades? The original subway tile is one of few design elements that remains every bit as popular today as it was when it was first invented. And - in the case of the subway tile - that would be the early 1900's.

You probably already know that, as its name suggests, the tile was originally used in subway systems. It became known for its durability, ease of maintenance, low cost and simplicity in design. Today, we find that it complements some of the most beautiful kitchen and bathroom designs in the world.

The original white subway tile is a classic. And with some styles around only $3 a square foot, it's one of the most economical ways to give your kitchen or bathroom a makeover.

Snow White - 2x4 Glossy Subway Tile 

Whether you're looking for the classic white subway tile or a new, modern take on the classic subway tile, you can find it here in our Essentials Subway Tile Collection.















Get inspired!

PINTEREST
Check out today's modern take on the 1900's style in white subway tiles on Pinterest.
Find trends and classic styles in backsplash tiles on Pinterest.

BLOGS / INTERESTING READS
See what Design Milk has to say about subway tile in Design Milk's Article: Tactile Subway Tiles: An Updated Spin on a Design Classic.


And check out this write-up in the New York Times about the original subway tile.

Apartment Therapy also did a wonderful article called A Brief History of Subway Tile.

The Essentials Collection

The Essentials Collection

The Essentials Collection

The Essentials Collection 

The Essentials Collection

Photos courtesy of Leslee Mitchell

The Many Shades of Grey: Selecting Grey Finishes

Whether you are renovating your kitchen or bathroom, the many shades of grey are popular choices for your cabinetry, countertops, and tile. You can transform your space and take it from drab to fab with some paint and tile! You can complete a tone on tone look with grey painted cabinets, a grey and white countertop, and grey tile. This subtle look is luxurious and updated, especially when you install a lighter shade of grey tile, or go for a white and grey mosaic!

A medium grey paint is a good choice for your cabinets, and here is a little tip: be sure to sand and prime your cabinets before you start painting! This will save you time and money in the long run. Your paint will easily chip or scrape off if your cabinetry is not properly cleaned, sanded, and primed before you start with your paint color. When you have prepped your cabinets, it should only take one to two coats of the grey paint.

If you have your heart set on a specific grey backsplash, bring the tile sample with you to the paint store. There is nothing worse than coming home with the wrong shade of paint when you are ready to go gung ho and start painting! Grey can be tricky. There are cool greys and there are warm greys. The cooler greys have a bluish undertone, and warmer greys have a brownish undertone. If you love our Carrara mosaics then you will want to select a cool grey paint color, but if you love our Spain Grey Curve Appeal Mosaic, then you will want to select a warmer, taupe grey. Your local paint store would be able to help you select the right shade, but you may want to purchase a couple of test paint samples and bring them home. Paint a few spots of the paint samples on your cabinets and hold your tile sample next to them when the spots are dry.

Lighting plays a big part in how your new paint will look in your space. You can purchase our tile samples online, and play with the many shades of grey paint until you find the right one for your home!

You can buy your SHADES OF GREY HERE.

Cheers to the Classics! Black & White Designs That Take Us Back

A little black dress is always a good choice, just like black and white tiles. You can dress them up or dress them down. They live in upscale lofts downtown, and quaint little kitchens in the country. Black and white tile designs work with so many styles, and we offer these retro inspired looks fit for your Craftsman or contemporary city lifestyle.

Flooring to Bar Countertops, our Hex Appeal Stone Hexagon Mosaic is not only a popular choice, it graces the home of one of Country’s crooners. Luckily for you, you do not have to have a CMA to get your hands on this beauty. This beautiful stone mosaic looks oh so pretty with our Antique Mirror Tiles too! Is there really anything more glamorous? Unwinding after a long day, or getting date night ready would be a joy in this bathroom space!

From mini Hexagons that donned ice cream parlors of the past, to scintillating modern designs that you’ll want to design your whole home around! Our Mini Hexs in Black and White Flowerette Patterns are perfect for bathroom and shower floors, and you can go for an all vintage look with white Subways on the walls. Add a little black pencil liner in your design for a sophisticated and classic look, and black vanities look luxe against all white Subways!

If you love this vintage look, you’ll also love the classic Black and White Basketweave mosaics! Offered in ceramic or natural stone, you can have all the elegance on a budget and ready to ship to your doorstep in about a week! Take a look at our popular and classic Black and White Mosaics, and the hardest thing you’ll have to do is decide which one you like best!

Photos by Alyssa Rosenheck