The kitchen is the heart and soul of your house. It’s where people come to celebrate and talk about life’s changes. This room should be clean and appealing, rather than sterile or cold.
It can be difficult to create a setting that is both inviting and easy to maintain. You shouldn’t have to give up your dream tile backsplash because it’s difficult to maintain or keep clean.
What is the solution? Make use of a gray backsplash. It’s warm, inviting, and clean, which is exactly what a kitchen should be.
You and your visitors will want to spend every moment in this place, and it’s the ideal approach to transform your house into a home.
Why Gray?
Gray may be incredibly drab and uninspiring when done wrong. However, when done correctly, gray is the ideal hue to complement any style, type of kitchen, and home.
This color will look great with light or dark counters and cabinets. There are also a plethora of colors to pick from, giving you nearly limitless options for finding the perfect color for your home.
It’s also a wonderful option since, as previously stated, it strikes the ideal combination of warmth and cleanliness. The color itself is clean and appealing, and because it is neither too dark nor too light, it draws people in.
Using a gray backsplash can fill in the gaps in this space and completely transform it into the heart of your home.
Pattern is Important
Choosing the color tile you’ll use as a backsplash is half the battle. You’ll also need to decide the pattern you want and the lighting.
Cabinet lighting has changed drastically over the years, but one thing remains the same. Lighting in the kitchen and around your cabinets makes a huge difference on the countertops and backsplash.
Using lights under the upper cabinets to shine down can make the space feel elegant and sophisticated and even bring out different undertones in the tile.
Using pendant lights can highlight certain sections and make those sections of the kitchen a feature of their own.
Once you have the lighting down, deciding on the perfect pattern is the next step. There are tons of patterns to choose from and even different shaped tiles.
The options are almost limitless, and this is a great way to have a personal touch on this space without breaking the bank.
Now that you’ve decided on these important factors, check out these great ideas!
6 Gray Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
1. Use a Light Gray
Choosing the right shade can be difficult, especially in the early stages of building. If you’re updating an existing kitchen, you’re at an advantage because you can see what other colors need to be matched.
Whether you’re in the building stage or updating an existing space, using a light gray will make the space feel warm without being too dark or moody.
White or marble countertops will be easier to match because you can go a little bit darker without causing the space to feel too dark, and it will give this space a beautiful contrast.
Darker countertops and cabinets will be harder to work with, but using a very light shade in the backsplash will give a beautiful contrast and lighten up the space without making it feel sterile.
2. Use Multi Colored Tile
Many tile options are a color gradient or have multiple shades all in one tile. If you’re looking for movement in this space, this is the best option for you.
If you have solid color countertops and cabinets, you can make your kitchen more interesting by finding a tile package that has marbling or different shades that come together to make one fluid piece.
This creates movements in your space, making the kitchen feel alive and welcoming instead of stagnant.
Choosing this style is typically more expensive, but the finished product is stunning and worth the extra money.
Many tile stores will have discontinued tiles at a discounted price, so if this is a style that you’re interested in, you might be able to find the perfect match at a great price!
3. Use Subway Tiles
Keeping a traditional feel to your kitchen is possible, even when using a non-traditional backsplash color. Using subway tiles is the perfect way to make this space feel traditional and crisp.
Using subway tiles keeps this space clean and inviting. It’s a familiar texture and look that draws people in and makes them feel comfortable.
Whether your style is industrial, farmhouse, mid-century, or traditional, subway tiles in the kitchen will be the perfect addition.
It’s an agreeable pattern and shape that brings the perfect amount of movement and depth without feeling overwhelming or drawing the attention away from your homemade meals.
4. Consider the Finish
Select the finish for your tile backsplash is just as important as the color itself. There are several different finishes that you can choose from, and each type has unique elements and can completely change a space.
Glossy finishes are great for traditional and modern-style homes. It makes the space feel sleek and clean and adds some movement to the space because of the glare you’ll get with the lighting.
This is a typical finish and can be found from almost any tile store or online tile retailer.
Matt finishes are harder to find but can completely redefine this space. This is a great option if you have an industrial or farmhouse-style home.
The matt finish gives it a slightly rustic appearance and makes the space feel organic and untouched, making it great for industrial homes.
You can also use stone tile, which is perfect for country homes or cabins. This makes the space feel connected to the outdoors and adds natural elements.
5. Choose Your Tile Shape
There are tons of tile shapes to choose from, and each shape brings a different element to your space.
We talked about subway tiles which are rectangular, sleek, and timeless. This is a great option for any style and any kitchen.
Now let’s explore some non-traditional options. For a fun twist without adding too much movement, you can use a diamond-shaped tile to make the space feel elegant and fun.
There are also chevron-shaped tiles similar to subway tiles but have shaved edges to make a seamless chevron pattern. This is a great option in modern homes.
If you’re looking for a more modern and sophisticated option, hexagon tiles can be a perfect fit. They bring movement and interest to the space without being overbearing or too busy.
Finally, if you’re looking for an elegant tile that packs a statement, choosing an arabesque shape will be great for your style. This shape is a show-stopper and instantly elevates your kitchen.
6. Choose Your Tile Pattern
Once you have the shape picked out, consider the pattern that will be best in your space.
Try using a subway pattern to keep things clean, simple, and sleek for traditional or mid-century homes.
Consider a stacked subway tile for industrial homes to create straight lines and a symmetrical look that feels crisp and calming.
Modern homes and farmhouse-style homes can utilize the herringbone or chevron pattern to add interest and movement to the backsplash.
Whichever pattern you choose, make sure that it’s the right amount of movement for your space. If you already have marble countertops and elegant cabinets, you might not need too much interest in movement in the backsplash.
On the opposite end, if your countertops and cabinets are a solid, neutral color, you can have fun with the tile pattern and make that your focal point.
Changing the pattern of your tile can dramatically change the tone of this space, so make sure to give this detail some thought before committing to an option!
