Goodbye, Boring Tiles: Joanna Gaines' Stylish Alternative To Classic Backsplashes

There's a reason why tiled backsplashes are such a mainstay in kitchen design. They're a cheap, durable, and low-maintenance option, but despite their many practical benefits, they can look a bit same-y. If you're ready to ditch the basic subway tile backsplash for a stunning alternative, Joanna Gaines has an option that offers a clean and sleek look with more character, and it's all thanks to a unique material: limestone.

In Season 2, Episode 8 of "Fixer Upper", the HGTV star gives a kitchen a modern upgrade. At first glance, she keeps things classic with a subway tile backsplash, but look closer, and you'll notice the tiles themselves are made of limestone. "I used Silestone Quartz countertops with a 'Chenille White' limestone tile backsplash and a Tilebar Imperial Cumulus Cloud backsplash accent," Gaines wrote on her blog, Magnolia, in reference to the project. The result is a neutral backsplash with a textured finish that adds rustic charm.

Sometimes it pays to keep kitchen backsplash ideas simple. A subway tile in a brickbond layout is a timeless choice, but choosing a material like limestone instead of a porcelain tile can make a huge difference. It's versatile, too. As a neutral stone, it adds an organic touch to a space and, being neutral in color, it will pair with a variety of other shades.

The Simena Beige Textured Subway Limestone Tile from Tilebar has a beautiful textured surface and subtle color variations, just like Gaines' tile. You can purchase it in a range of different finishes. However, the textured option is the best choice if you want to recreate the rough and uneven look.

Because kitchens often feel overly clinical with high-shine surfaces, an organic and textured backsplash is a great way to add interest and soften the overall feel of the space. You could copy Gaines' idea and pair limestone tiles with a quartz countertop and white cabinets for a timeless and neutral kitchen. Or, for a more country, rustic kitchen idea, lean into butcher block countertops instead.

It is worth noting, however, that while natural stone tiles add beautiful textural details to a kitchen, they're not always the most practical choice. Food and grease splatters can be difficult to clean from the uneven, porous surface. So, regular cleaning and sealing will likely be required to prevent staining. You also need to avoid using harsh, acidic cleaners on limestone tiles. This is because the pH reacts with the calcium carbonate in the material, dulling the surface. Instead, a special limestone cleaner or a simple mix of soap and warm water is best.