Skip Traditional Tile Backsplashes: Joanna Gaines' Chic Alternative Is More Unique

The queen of home renovations and "Fixer Upper" star, Joanna Gaines, has a chic design tip for every corner of your house, including your kitchen backsplash. "You don't have to be limited to just using tile for a backsplash," the HGTV personality wrote in a blog post for Magnolia, advice she has put into action on more than one occasion. 

In recent years, kitchens have finally started to inch away from the ultra-modern, all-white aesthetic, shifting more towards warmer materials and contrasting textures. So, if the ubiquitous white subway tile backsplash isn't quite your taste and you're looking to stay on trend, Gaines has some thoughts.

White-washed brick pavers, paired with a patterned tile on another wall, can make for a unique backsplash alternative for homeowners eager to upgrade their kitchens, as demonstrated by Chip and Joanna Gaines in Season 3, Episode 17 of "Fixer Upper." The nice thing about this tip is that it doesn't require you to ditch tile entirely. Instead, it opens the door to choosing a more audacious tile pattern that won't overwhelm your space. And despite being more interesting than subway tiles, it meets another Joanna Gaines maxim: "One of the things I tell people is anything from the countertop up, keep light," she says in an episode clip of a smaller kitchen. With the backsplash, it helps give "this feel of a light and airy space."

The first step is to decide which portions of your kitchen you want to tile, and which parts will be brick. "We did a patterned tile backsplash to define the kitchen's main spaces, and, to add subtle texture, tried something new by installing a second backsplash — white-washed brick pavers," Joanna Gaines explained, referencing their Episode 17 renovation. "This prevented the patterned tile from looking busy while also adding another level of interest to their kitchen." The juxtaposition of the two materials can create a unique look, making this a great choice for homeowners unafraid of the unconventional.

However, uneven surfaces are harder to clean than slick tile, so you might want to reserve the brick for an area away from greasy cooking splatters. Gaines went with tile behind the range, and brick on the wall by the sink. Placing the brick behind a coffee bar nook could also be a practical choice. 

This design option allows you to combine the personality (and easy-cleaning nature) of patterned tile, with the rustic charm and texture of painted brick as a second backsplash. Your next step, choosing your backsplash tile pattern, is where you get to introduce color and character to your kitchen space. You could go for a geometric print like Gaines did, or opt for something totally different, like a vivid floral motif, or a playful patchwork of contrasting tiles. Just make sure that whatever tile you choose will complement the existing elements of your kitchen, such as the cabinetry, flooring, and wall color.