Farewell To Subway Tile: Joanna Gaines Has A More Unique Idea For Rustic Kitchens

Subway tiles are a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes and because of that, they can be too common. There are so many other options out there that create a more unique tiling look, and if you find yourself drawn to rustic styles, you might be tempted by an option used by Joanna Gaines. The designer and star of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" shared a beautiful renovation completed in Season 4, Episode 14, where she and her team updated a country home into a European-inspired space featuring a beautiful handmade backsplash behind the stove. If you've been searching for Subway tile backsplash alternatives to inspire your next creative project, this could be a more unique choice.

The backsplash in question? A handmade tile featuring a barbed quatrefoil pattern. The finished result brings an artisanal quality to the kitchen that makes the space feel cozy and characterful. "Our clients really wanted a rustic Italian feel, so I wanted to really be purposeful on all the design that we implement, whether it be these really pretty pendant lights or even this really unique handmade backsplash," Gaines says in the HGTV episode. "All of these elements, I think, make it feel just warm and inviting." 

The tile used in the "Fixer Upper" episode appears to be manufactured by ARTO in the colorway Concrete Color Winslet. It's made of a mix of raw cement and aggregates and made in small batches, meaning each tile results in a unique surface texture that's slightly pitted. They're not perfect, but that's the whole point. Since Gaines wanted to replicate the sort of rustic charm found in Italian kitchen designs, this variation in color and texture between each tile is exactly what brings so much character to the kitchen.

Inspired by Gaines' backsplash idea? You might want to look beyond replicating the exact look, as  handcrafted tile often requires a significant investment. For something more cost-effective, consider a rustic-effect tile in similar tones. Warm earthy hues like terracotta with low sheens work especially well. The key is to keep the textured look. This porcelain D'Anticatto Decor Varenna tile from The Home Depot, for example, has a faux textured effect printed onto it with variations in color that look like a natural patina. Then, round out the design with warm finishes as Gaines did in her project. Copper, bronze, and rich woods will all echo the charm of a rustic backsplash.