Ditch Subway Tile: The Fence-Inspired Alternative For Your Kitchen Backsplash

When you're planning a kitchen renovation project, you'll need to make a decision about what you're going to do for a backsplash. This surface isn't just a protective layer for the wall behind your sink and stove — it's also a decorative element that can serve as a focal point and alter the aesthetics of your space. Playing it safe with basic rectangular subway tiles might result in you missing an opportunity to make the heart of your home standout. However, you don't have to go in too radical a direction to get an appealing look. Picket tile might be the perfect solution for those who want to introduce a distinct geometric pattern to their kitchen without going too far overboard. Its shape is timeless, elegant, and well-suited for a wide variety of kitchen design styles.

Picket tiles are so named because their basic outline closely resembles the stakes of a classic wooden fence. They have an hexagonal shape with straight but elongated sides, and pointed ends. It's these angular ends that differentiate them from standard subway tiles and give them a more distinctive pattern. Their shape tells everyone that the tiles were clearly an intentional choice from the homeowner; they don't have that builder-grade look that sometimes comes from plain rectangular versions. However, they can still have a relatively subtle appearance, and don't necessarily steal focus from countertop materials, kitchen islands, or pendant lights that are more specifically meant to catch the eye. They're undoubtedly a good choice for those who are renovating with this year's most popular kitchen design style in mind.

When you're weighing different kitchen backsplash options, you won't want to overlook how customizable picket tile can be. Yes, it can have a standard horizontal orientation and a basic white color that mimics subway tile — but it doesn't necessarily have to look that way. For starters, you can alter its color to make it a bit more noticeable. Blues and sage greens are lively options that steer well clear of the colors that interior design experts wouldn't recommend using in your kitchen. The color you choose for your tile will likely also influence your decision-making process when it comes to choosing between matte and gloss finishes for your backsplash. Gloss-finish picket tiles are more reflective, and therefore handy for brightening up your kitchen. Matte picket tiles have a softer look and often do a better job of hiding smudges.

Changing up the orientation of your picket tiles is another way to customize their appearance. The hexagonal shapes can look just as elegant in a vertical configuration as a horizontal one. For those who want their backsplash to look like modern art, braided picket tiles are also an option. Lastly, you can mix up the aesthetic of your picket tiles by playing around with grout color. A contrasting grout will better outline the unique geometry of your picket tiles. A grout that matches the tile, meanwhile, will likely create a more cohesive, subtle aesthetic instead. Once you've finally decided on a backsplash design, you can continue the process of renovating the heart of your home by looking at unique kitchen island ideas for any budget.