No More Subway Tile Backsplashes: This Trendy Alternative Has Rustic Charm

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If you're contemplating a kitchen renovation, nix outdated backsplash trends from your list of contenders. Subway tiles have lost their luster, glass feels too tedious to maintain, and small mosaics might be better left in the early aughts. If you'd like to make a statement without running the risk of going out of style, why not stick to a tried-and-true classic — one with roots dating back to the mid-1600s? Delft tiles are making a resurgence across kitchens and social media feeds, providing a sense of comfort and nostalgia without being overly whimsical.

Chances are you've stumbled upon this rustic selection while searching for subway tile alternatives. The simple blue and white slab features a bucolic motif — a meadow, a body of water, florals — typically in a tin glaze. Though it's credited to the Netherlands, it's possible that this style got its start even earlier in China or, at the very least, the Delft creations are a nod to blue and white porcelain imports from Asia. Like anything else, interest in this aesthetic ebbed and flowed throughout time, hitting peak popularity in the 17th century as it made its way over to Britain, only to be cast aside a century later. Fast forward to the present day, and it's a perfect way to capture that lived-in feel and soften up a utilitarian kitchen — or even fireplaces and bathrooms.

Back in the 17th century, the tile's motif was meant to evoke a personal anecdote. The same rings true today, as homeowners opt for personalized takes and unique designs, like a beloved animal or a favorite flower. Now, it's not uncommon for recreations to deviate from the traditional white-and-blue color scheme and feature hues like light green or a soft red, both of which complement rustic kitchen ideas. All in all, they're highly sought-after and equally expensive. Individual tiles can start at around $20, while higher-end selections average in the hundreds. 

Though they err on the pricier side, there is a way to achieve the look for less. For a no-fuss approach, try peel-and-stick Delft tiles, like the Mi Alma Floral Vinyl Peel and Stick or Faccito Delft Classic Blue White Flower Tile Stickers. Or, you can take the creative route. DIY Delft tiles are raking in tens of thousands of likes on social media, and you can follow suit by grabbing white tiles from Home Depot and porcelain paint to create your own. (Keep in mind that this will require baking the tiles in your oven and installing them on the kitchen wall, so it can be labor-intensive.) 

However you decide to achieve the aesthetic, make sure to use complementary colors in your textiles and cabinetry and keep natural elements nearby, like wooden cutting boards. Don't be afraid to try something playful like a sink skirt in a similar shade to your tiles. And to really capture that bucolic essence, keep plants and fresh herbs nearby. You'll have a charming, rustic ambiance in no time.