Say Goodbye To Tile Backsplashes: Dave & Jenny Marrs' Gorgeous Alternative

Tile is a reliable choice for a backsplash, but it isn't your only option. Many default tile layouts have become so ubiquitous that they look a bit boring these days. If you want the familiar look and practicality of tile but with a little more personality, home renovation experts Dave and Jenny Marrs created a gorgeous alternative to consider. It has all the allure of a classic running-bond subway tile layout, with rustic appeal.

In the finale of Season 2 of "Home Town Takeover", the couple installed a whitewashed brick kitchen backsplash idea to honor the homeowner's handiwork. The original space featured a faux brick wall the homeowner had built, so rather than simply replacing it with a typical backsplash, Jenny found a way to give the idea a fresh spin. "We removed the faux brick wall you built, but we wanted to pay homage to your handiwork by installing a new brick backsplash," Jenny explains in the episode. "We're flipping them vertically to give it a modern feel, and then we're adding a mortar wash to soften the finish."

The finished look is far more unique than the traditional tiles you're used to seeing on a kitchen backsplash. The washed brick introduces texture to the kitchen, while the vertical orientation gives the brick a more unique look. The white finish also keeps the backsplash from feeling too heavy and helps it blend with the rest of the kitchen. It's a simple design tweak that proves that the best backsplashes aren't predictable.

If you want to recreate this look in your own kitchen, you have a couple of options. Real brick offers the most authentic texture, but it can also be heavy and tricky to install, so you'll want to make sure your wall can support the added weight. Alternatively, thin brick veneer is a lighter alternative that can give you a similar look without the bulk of traditional brick.

Once you've chosen your material, create the whitewash. Start by cleaning the brick with dish soap before rinsing with warm water. Allow it to dry completely, then mix equal parts white latex paint and water. Then apply the diluted paint with a brush or sponge, working in small sections. You can control the amount of coverage as you go, adding more mixture for a more opaque finish, or wiping away any excess to let more of the brick's natural texture and color show through. Perfectly even coverage isn't too important, as a variation in the finish will give your backsplash more rustic character.

If you're whitewashing red brick, you will need to account for the brick's natural warm color when deciding how much coverage you want. For a more transparent look, for example, try a ratio of about three or four parts water to one part water to one part paint. Dave and Jenny's vertical orientation adds an unexpected touch, but you could also create interest by painting around the mortar or making a tinted wash using another paint color.