Choosing A Kitchen Backsplash: From Classic Tile to Unexpected Materials

The kitchen backsplash is no longer just a practical feature—it’s a style statement. Gone are the days of a skimpy four to six inch run of material above the counter. Whether you're contemplating a cosmetic refresh or a full-on kitchen remodel, choosing the right backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of the space. With so many materials available from timeless tile to bold concrete or sleek metals, there’s something for every style and budget.

1. Classic Tile: Endless Styles and Patterns
Tile is the most traditional and versatile option for a backsplash. Whether it’s classic subway tile, intricate mosaic patterns, or hand-painted ceramics, tile offers endless customization. The most popular choice for a tile backsplash is porcelain since it is such a durable, maintenance-free material. But you can also look at tiles of other materials such as glass, metal, or stone. Mixing a gloss and matte version of a single tile can look intriguing for the subtle play of light, but for more drama, you can mix different materials for a completely unique style. Using grout colors that either blend or contrast depending on the material and what kind of feeling you want to create offers another chance for self-expression.

Black subway tile with white grout in kitchen by Corey Damen Jenkins

Small stone mosaic backsplash in kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

Glass subway tiles in kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

2. Glass: Sleek, Modern, and Reflective
Glass backsplashes offer a sleek, seamless look and reflect light beautifully, making your kitchen feel brighter and more open. You can choose from clear, frosted, or back-painted glass in any color. A full-height glass slab backsplash (instead of just a strip) creates a bold, contemporary effect. Reverse painting (called eglomisé) offers an array of design possibilities.

Glass sheet backsplash by Steffen Welsch Architects

Glass sheet backsplash by Griffin Enright Architects

Hand-painted eglomise backsplash by Billet Collins

3. Natural Stone: Rich Texture and Elegance
Marble, travertine, granite, and slate backsplashes bring natural texture and a sense of luxury. Each stone is unique, so you get a one-of-a-kind design. For a high-end look, I like to use the same material for the backsplash that was used for the counter top material. It makes the space feel more expansive. If however you would like to use a different material for the splash, I always let one of the materials be the star of the show. If you want to use a highly patterned backsplash, then a quieter counter top with little to no movement allows the splash to shine without creating a fight between materials.

Slab splash and counter in kitchen by Cari Giannoulias

Bookmatched stone slabs in kitchen by Everage Design

4. Quartz: Durable and Low-Maintenance
Quartz backsplashes are non-porous, easy to clean, and just like the stone options shown above, can match or contrast with quartz countertops. They offer a seamless, polished look without the maintenance of natural stone. Make sure to buy a reputable, well-known brand that has a high quartz to binder ratio for structural integrity.

Empira White quartz by Caesarstone

Primordia quartz by Caesarstone

5. Stainless Steel: Industrial Meets Chic
Stainless steel is heat- and stain-resistant, easy to clean, and offers a cool, industrial vibe. It’s especially popular in chef-style kitchens. Go beyond plain panels—consider pressed patterns or a brushed finish to add depth.

Stainless steel backsplash in kitchen by Cary Bernstein Architect

6. Other Metals: Brass, Copper, and Tin
Metallic backsplashes can add warmth, glam, or vintage charm. Brass and copper age beautifully, while tin offers an ornate, old-world aesthetic.

Brass backsplash

Copper backsplash by Halman Thompson

Pressed tin backsplash

7. Concrete: Raw, Edgy, and Modern
Concrete brings a raw, urban feel to the kitchen. It can be cast in panels or troweled directly onto walls for a seamless finish. So your kitchen doesn't feel too cold or sterile, you can combine with wood or warm tones to soften the industrial edge. (If the thought of real concrete is too much, there are porcelain tiles and quartz materials that accurately mimic the look and color of concrete!)

Concrete backsplash

Waxed and sealed concrete backsplash

8. Wood: Warm and Unexpected
Wood as a backsplash is a very unconventional choice but offers incredible warmth and texture. Reclaimed wood offers a great, organic and rustic look, or try slatted panels for a sleek Mid-Century or Scandinavian style. Keep in mind however that wood is a natural and highly porous material so use around a wet area means your wood must be sealed, preferably with a marine-grade varnish to keep it stain-free. With the right sealant, this material can be surprisingly durable. Additionally, there are porcelain tiles that mimic the look of plank wood and slatted wood that will provide the same look without the worry.

Wood backsplash and live edge countertop

Slatted wood backsplash

I like to think that choosing a kitchen backsplash is about more than just protection—it’s a design decision that can define your kitchen's character. Whether you're going for classic elegance, modern minimalism, or something totally unique, there’s a material out there that’s perfect for your vision. If you'd like to explore these and even more options, give me a call!

Happy designing!

Choosing the Right Refrigerator Style For Your Remodel

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or replacing an old appliance, choosing the right refrigerator style is crucial—not just for aesthetics, but also for functionality. Today’s refrigerators come in a range of configurations that cater to different styles (some come with the capability of taking panels to match your cabinetry so the refrigerator effectively disappears), kitchen layouts, and design preferences. From classic top freezers to high-end French doors with multiple drawers, let’s break down the pros and cons of each style.

1. Top Freezer Refrigerators

Overview:
The top freezer is the classic refrigerator design, with a freezer compartment on top and a refrigerator section below.

Pros:

--Affordable: Typically the most budget-friendly option.

--Energy Efficient: Uses less energy compared to more complex models.

--Compact Size: Ideal for small kitchens or apartments.

--Simple Design: Easy to operate and maintain.

Cons:

--Less Ergonomic: You'll need to bend down frequently to access fresh food.

--Limited Features: Often lacks advanced features like water dispensers or adjustable shelving.

--Less Stylish: May not suit modern or high-end kitchen aesthetics.

Best For: Traditional kitchens, rental properties, budget-conscious homeowners.

2. Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Overview:
This style places the fresh food compartment at eye level, with the freezer drawer below.

Pros:

--Ergonomic Design: Easier access to frequently used fresh food.

--Better Organization: Freezer drawers often include baskets or compartments.

--Modern Look: Sleek and updated design options.

Cons:

--Heavier Freezer Drawers: Can be difficult to open and sort through.

--More Expensive: Typically costs more than top freezer models.

--Less Freezer Access: Less convenient if you frequently use frozen items.

Best For: Home cooks who prioritize fresh food and want a slightly modern look without going full high-end.

3. Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Overview:
Split vertically, with the freezer on one side and refrigerator on the other.

Pros:

--Easy Access: Eye-level access to both fridge and freezer.

--Narrow Doors: Great for tight kitchen spaces.

--Extra Features: Often includes water and ice dispensers.

--Ample Shelving: Plenty of organized storage options.

Cons:

--Narrow Compartments: Hard to store wide items like pizza boxes or large platters.

--Less Energy Efficient: Uses more power than simpler models.

--Frozen Food Storage Can Be Cramped: Narrow freezer compartments can get crowded quickly.

Best For: Households that use fresh and frozen food equally, kitchens with limited space for wide-swinging doors.

4. French Door Refrigerators

Overview:
Features two side-by-side refrigerator doors on top and a bottom freezer drawer.

Pros:

--High-End Look: Very stylish and popular in modern kitchen designs.

--Spacious & Flexible: Wide shelves for large trays, party platters, and full-width items.

--Energy Efficient: Only open half the fridge when retrieving items.

--Convenient Storage: Good combination of fridge visibility and freezer capacity.

Cons:

--Pricey: Typically more expensive than other types.

--Requires Space: Wide doors need room to open fully.

--Freezer Drawer Can Be Disorganized: Items can get buried or hard to reach.

Best For: Large families, frequent entertainers, and high-end kitchen renovations.

5. French Door with Multiple Drawers

Overview:
An extension of the standard French door model, this style includes additional drawers—usually a flex zone or secondary fridge drawer—between the fridge and freezer.

Pros:

--Ultimate Customization: Separate drawers can be set to specific temperatures.

--Family-Friendly: Dedicated snack or drink drawers are easily accessible.

--Luxury Appeal: Sleek, modern, and often feature-packed.

Cons:

--Very Expensive: Among the most costly refrigerator types.

--Takes Up More Space: Larger footprint and requires more clearance for drawers.

--Can Be Overkill: Features may go unused for smaller households.

Best For: Gourmet kitchens, design-forward homes, or families who need hyper-organization.

Your refrigerator is more than just an appliance—it’s a functional focal point of your kitchen. Whether you’re seeking efficiency, luxury, or a balance of both, there’s a refrigerator style that can complement your kitchen design and meet your daily needs. When we are designing your kitchen, I always consider your layout, cooking habits, storage needs, and design preferences before recommending choices. So if you're considering a new kitchen, give me a call and we can explore appliances and features!

Happy designing!

A Country Manor Kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned.

One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering.

From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal.

To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life.

Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way.

All photos above by Bernardo Grijalva. Before and after photos below...

If your kitchen needs a new look, give me a call!

Happy designing!