Backsplashes 101: Style, Trends & Tips

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design – Episode: Backsplashes 101: Style, Trends & Tips

Release Date: May 22, 2025

In this engaging episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall delve into the vibrant world of kitchen backsplashes, exploring current styles, emerging trends, and practical tips to elevate any culinary space. Drawing from nostalgic references to past design eras and spotlighting modern innovations, the duo provides listeners with a comprehensive guide to selecting and implementing the perfect backsplash.

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1. Introduction to Tile Backsplashes

The episode kicks off with a lively discussion reminiscing about the ubiquitous tile backsplashes of the 80s and 90s. Jessica (A) and Suzanne (B) share humorous anecdotes about the practicality—or lack thereof—of older designs.

[00:23] B: "Today we are talking about backsplashes. I'm talking real life backsplashes that are not slab countertops like we used to have in the 80s."

2. Nostalgia for 80s/90s Design Elements

The hosts fondly recall the simplicity and functionality of past backsplash trends, highlighting the basic builder tiles and wide grout lines that characterized the era.

[00:54] B: "Not only did we have a tile backsplash in the 80s and 90s, we also had a tiled countertop."

They humorously critique the maintenance challenges of those designs, emphasizing how far backsplash technology and aesthetics have come.

3. Current Trends in Tile Backsplashes

Jessica and Suzanne transition into discussing the resurgence of tile backsplashes, noting the shift towards bold textures, earthy hues, and artisanal details that transform kitchens into personalized spaces.

[10:26] B: "They're saying 2025 is the year of the statement kitchen tiles. Interior designers are now leaning into bold textures, earthy hues and artisanal details, turning every surface into a conversation piece."

4. Listener Question and Backsplash Basics

The episode centers around a listener query from Melissa Parrado, who seeks advice on selecting a timeless yet modern kitchen backsplash without opting for slab countertops.

[02:49] C: "And then this episode came from a listener question, Melissa..."

Jessica defines a backsplash and its primary functions, clarifying that while not mandated by code, backsplashes are essential for protecting walls and adding aesthetic value.

[03:28] A: "A backsplash is essentially an extension of your countertop... The purpose of a kitchen backsplash is preventing water, grease, and other messes from damaging your walls."

5. Slab Backsplashes vs. Tile Backsplashes

The hosts compare slab and tile backsplashes, discussing the cost implications and design flexibility each option offers. They highlight how slab backsplashes, while elegant and easy to clean, can be expensive due to the need for multiple slabs to cover extended areas.

[04:15] B: "99.9% are these projects that have slabs as backsplashes... you're going to bring that same countertop material up."

6. Tile Patterns and Rhythms

Jessica introduces various tile sizes and patterns, emphasizing the importance of creating rhythm and interest through layout. They showcase the Tiger Oak project as a prime example of using diverse tile dimensions to craft a dynamic backsplash.

[12:32] A: "If you are super old school and vintage and you just want to do a 4x4, awesome. There's so many great ones that we will reference here."

Suzanne adds insights on how different tile sizes like 4x4 and 3x6 can be combined to break monotony and add visual appeal.

[14:10] B: "Dal tile. And like most Pedrosians, everyone has a line that they have this tile, and it's usually in the 4x4, and it has that kind of undulation."

7. Grout Selection and Application

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on grout choices, advising listeners on selecting colors that complement their tiles without overpowering the design. Warm gray grout is recommended for its versatility and natural aesthetic.

[25:34] A: "I use warm gray for a majority of things... it just feels like the color of, like, natural concrete or something like that."

Jessica warns against using stark grout colors like black, which can obscure tile boundaries and diminish the tactile quality of the backsplash.

8. Creative Backsplash Features

The conversation explores innovative backsplash features, such as incorporating shelves for both functionality and style. Suzanne shares her experience with a cantilevered shelf, balancing utility with aesthetic considerations.

[30:30] B: "I have a 4 inch ledge in the middle of two thirds of the way up my backsplash above my stove top where I line all my olive oils and vinegars..."

9. Mural and Decorative Tiles

Jessica and Suzanne highlight the popularity of mural tiles, such as the reinvented Delft Blue, which add artistic flair to large kitchens. They discuss how these tiles can serve as focal points, infusing spaces with character and history.

[32:10] A: "Guys, there's mural tiles... It feels like that kind of Delft Blue, but reinvented."

They encourage listeners to embrace decorative tiles to make bold statements in their kitchen designs.

10. Tips for Designing Backsplashes Without CAD

Addressing listeners who may not have access to CAD software, the hosts offer practical advice for designing backsplashes manually. They suggest using graph paper, creating mock-ups on the ground, and collaborating closely with trusted tile installers to achieve desired patterns and rhythms.

[24:41] B: "You could also put tape on the ground 20 inches high... you could play... get an overlap on the bottles and do a little better job of display."

11. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, Jessica and Suzanne reinforce the importance of personalization in backsplash choices, urging homeowners to select designs that reflect their individual tastes and lifestyles. They celebrate the return of tile backsplashes as both a functional and artistic element in modern kitchen design.

[35:44] B: "Guys, tile, it's back. I can't wait for you."

They conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to explore bold and exotic tile options to enhance their kitchen's personality and aesthetic appeal.

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Notable Quotes:

• Jessica (A) [03:28]: "A backsplash is essentially an extension of your countertop... It can extend as low as a few inches off the wall or as high as the ceiling."

• Suzanne (B) [04:15]: "99.9% are these projects that have slabs as backsplashes, which means you're going to bring that same countertop material up..."

• Jessica (A) [14:07]: "Dal tile. And like most Pedrosians, everyone has a line that they have this tile, and it's usually in the 4x4, and it has that kind of undulation."

• Suzanne (B) [25:34]: "Are you matching the grout to the tile, or are you just doing, like, a nice neutral sort of that dark, taupe color that we love?"

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Key Insights:

• Evolution of Backsplash Design: From functional but basic designs of the past to today’s expressive and artistic installations.

• Material Choices: Balancing aesthetics with practicality; opting for tiles over slabs can offer more design flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

• Design Techniques: Incorporating varied tile sizes and patterns to create visual rhythms and prevent monotony.

• Grout Considerations: Selecting grout colors that enhance rather than detract from the tile design; warm grays are versatile.

• Personalization: Emphasizing the backsplash as a key indicator of personal style and kitchen personality.

• Practical Tips: Utilizing manual design methods for those without access to digital tools; collaborating closely with experienced tile installers.

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Conclusion:

This episode of Dear Alice serves as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to update or design their kitchen backsplash. By blending nostalgic elements with contemporary trends, Jessica and Suzanne provide a roadmap to creating a backsplash that is both functional and a true reflection of the homeowner's style.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Dear Alice, a lifestyle approach to interior design.

[B]

Hi, everyone. Welcome to Dear Alice. Today we are talking about backsplashes. I'm talking real life backsplashes that are not slab countertops like we. Like we used to have in the 80s. Remember when tile backsplashes were a thing?

[A]

Yep. But it was just like, really, really basic builder. Beige, weird porcelains and things like that.

[B]

Yeah. Like, yeah. Also, can I just throw in a shag ball really quick?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Not only did we have a tile backSplash in the 80s and 90s, we also had a tiled countertop.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

That tile came right on down and was a countertop. And then the countertop was surrounded in a wood. An oak edge.

[C]

Yeah. I'm so jealous of the people that got to clean those.

[B]

No, wait, wait. I'm not done. Splinters and really big, wide grout lines.

[C]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Super functional.

[B]

Super grouty. Yeah.

[C]

Caught everything for you.

[B]

Guys, guys, guys, guys. It's back. Tile backsplashes are back.

[C]

Okay. Not tile countertops, though.

[B]

I don't know. Some of you could just get wild.

[A]

I did read an article that, like, did clout some tile countertops.

[C]

I could see you doing it in a powder bath or something.

[A]

I'm Stuart Little in that kitchen. My mom requested that when we were doing her remodel because she's just, like, so old at heart, and she's just like, oh, I just love that look. Look at the Stuart Little kitchen. They have tiled, like, countertop, and there is something vintage about it. And if you're that cool person, you could get away with it. It's just not going to be the easiest to clean.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Functionality. I think that that's why we've migrated.

[B]

Do you know what's fun about the 80s and 90s? We didn't care about cleanliness.

[C]

No.

[B]

Nobody talked about it. They didn't sell a Lysol wipe.

[C]

It was all style points.

[B]

The only kind of wipe you could get was for baby's diapers. That was it. We didn't carry Purell in our purses. We were not concerned about cleanliness.

[A]

Ladies did not prep us for that.

[B]

We were more carefree. It was fun. The big grout joints were fun.

[A]

Shinier metals.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

You just ran around. You ran around outside until the street lights came on, and that's when you had to go, there's no cell phones, man. I love it.

[B]

We had tetanus shots. We were good.

[A]

Yeah, we did.

[B]

Yeah, totally.

[C]

What a time.

[B]

Well, buckle your seatbelts, guys, because we are going to be talking about the tile backsplash today in those kitchens and beyond. We're going to share some of the things that we're doing here at Alid and share what they're doing out in the world of design. So whether you're ready for it or not, I just wanted to say it's coming, and so brace yourself.

[A]

It's really, really fun. Yeah. I'm excited to share.

[C]

And then this episode came from a listener question, Melissa, from Melissa Parrado. I wish you guys would do an episode on kitchen backsplashes. Wish come true. Yep. We just built a house, and I have haven't done one yet because I can't decide. I don't want a slab, but what is timeless but also not dated. Love your show. Exclamation point.

[B]

Thanks, Melissa. Well, this one's for you, girl. Yeah, we're gonna do it. We're gonna show you all of the different ideas that are swirling about in our design center and also what we're seeing in shelter mags. But let's first define what the backsplash is.

[A]

Happy to. Okay. All right. You're probably asking yourself, do I have to have a backsplash? And a backsplash is essentially an extension of your countertop. It can extend as low as a few inches off the wall or as high as the ceiling. The purpose of a kitchen backsplash is preventing water, grease, and other messes from damaging your walls, particularly behind stoves and sinks. So, yes, I read, like, is it a code? It really isn't a code to have a backsplash, but it does protect the wall, and we love it because it's just such an expression of who the home is. It is the money shot. Whenever we're designing a kitchen and looking at that range wall, like, Elevation, like, that's. That's what you do it for. You do it for the range. You do it for that hood and that whole backsplash moment. So it is a real key indicator of who. What the personality of the house is.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so we.

[B]

And let me just first start by saying when she first. When we first got this question, I was like, oh, man, we're kind of teetering in this. In the zone. All the images of all the projects we've had shot, we have only shot Mostly other than 1.9percent, 99.9% are these projects that have slabs as backsplashes, which means you're going to bring that same countertop material up, and you're going to clad that whole back wall. Above the stove and anything between the countertop and those lower counters with the same slab. So this means that that slab that you're spending for, you just doubled at least or more, because you're at least five or six slabs for. For the kitchens that we're doing today, which can really add up, depending, you know, on what you're doing. So I'm just showing you a few of these so you guys can get a feel for what the slab backsplash is. Oh, guys, guess what? Lean in. I gotta tell you something great. We're on Spotify now.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Damn.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

So those of you that love to watch us on YouTube, fantastic. You're gonna see all these images, but Spotify is now sharing the videos that we make for YouTube on Spotify. So you can be driving down the road, you can have your little phone there. You can peek out the corner of your eye at a stoplight and see some of these things happening. I love. I love watching a podcast on Spotify.

[C]

Me too.

[B]

I don't know why I haven't gotten into the YouTube thing yet, but Spotify means I'm watching everything now, which is so fun. So tune in, because we're showing you all the visuals. Okay. So again, we're just showing you a few of them. You know, the projects we've done throughout the years, just using that beautiful natural stone as backsplashes.

[A]

It was fun to pull these images just because even as Jess has been showing them, some are more quiet than others. I will say that at the beginning of this trend of seeing the slab, like, really reach up and, like, go behind the backsplash and be other parts of the kitchen, they were a little more quiet, and I think that's what was available in the marketplace. You know, like, we started to see, like, white marbles coming to Calcutta. Gold was a big one, you know, and then we start to see courtside thing, you know, and then we're seeing, like, the white Maka Ubis. We're seeing, you know, you see Taj Mahal, you're seeing these court sites. And then as people are, like, wanting more interest, they're going to the slab for this trend. So even as you go, you know, more current in our portfolio, you're seeing more opinionated slabs, the violas, the. You know, just the more dramatic veining just because you can. And people want that. And I think that individualized interior in those spaces to really express who you are. That's been such a big thing. And especially when we're talking about timeless interiors, like what is timeless, personally for you, you know, post that Washington Post or the Washington Post article that, like, every doing something basic and meant to resell was making people sad. Going just. The beige and going neutral was making people sad. And every. This is a response to that, you know, especially to that. To the pandemic, to really appreciating your interiors to be more expressive in your choices. And I think the backsplash is a huge way to add art to the room. The countertop, for sure, is like what we start with, honestly. We pick out our slab, and then that can kind of cater what paint color we are and just the whole mood of that kitchen. So, anyway, so I still think the slab backsplash, the reason why it's great is because it's easy to clean. I mean, you obviously get a massive movement. You have a monolith in your kitchen that's really expressive, you know, especially in the grid of cabinetry and things happening in a kitchen. So to have, like, big veined moments, I think is still beautiful. And I'm really, really excited that not only is the more interesting, like, veining popular, but also colors like colored marbles are a huge trend right now. So if you wanted to take, you know, and they. They mentioned this Rosa, we have it in a couple of our marble accessories. But what is it called?

[B]

The obelisk. This is for those of you aren't watching. This is what, oxblood. It's like a really deep, dark maroon in color. And then the veining in it is white. And it's called Rosa. The. The mop. The marble is. This is being used as kitchen countertops. So ASUS is saying is the countertops now are becoming even more opinionated. We're not just using those white field marbles anymore. We're using colored marbles as a countertops. And then that's your jumping off point to then either. Either do that, and then take, like, a similar color in tile and start to make your rhythms with this so beautiful, which is, like sue said, really individualized, very personal, really interesting. I have to say, when people first did the marble slab as the backsplash, do you remember the impact it had? Because you hadn't seen it before, so the wow factor was there. We're so used to seeing that now. Our eyes are that it's kind of lost its punch. And now the. The T is giving you that wow factor. And the rhythm and the glossiness or the pooling of the glazes, that's the new wow factor.

[A]

And the section. The saturation.

[B]

Yes, the amount of color. Sue, how do you unwind at home?

[A]

The second I get home, I light a candle and I change into my like buttery soft loungewear from Cozy Earth. I love it so much. It is changing from. So from the time I get home, circa like 5, 30, 6 o' clock, I get that stuff on and I have it on till the next morning and it just changed my whole routine. It's amazing. I love that it like never peels. I've had some of these sets for, I have multiple sets, but I've had them for, you know, a year plus and they still don't peel. Their color fast is amazing. And they really have made me so much more relaxed, you know, especially with the stresses of home. I have three little boys. There's a lot going on.

[B]

I also have to say, like, you look incredibly chic in them because they drape. It's true. Right?

[A]

It kind of frumpy.

[B]

It feels like a dressy sweat the way it sort of drapes off your body. It looks more expensive than just like the average sweats.

[A]

No, I feel so much cuter in that than just like a normal cotton sweat set.

[B]

Yeah. Let's just call it luxury loungewear.

[A]

Luxury loungewear, right. Luxury loungewear made from viscose, from bamboo.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. The drape, the hand, it's so, so soft. Yeah. I'm a huge fan too. Also love that luxury sweatsuit. And I feel cuter in that than anything else. Luxury shouldn't be out of reach. Visit cozyearth.com and use my exclusive code Dear Alice for up to 40% off Cozy Earth's best selling sheets, towels, pajamas, that great lounge set we've been talking about. Trust me, you won't regret it. That's cozyearth.com code Dear Alice. And if you get a post purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth from Dear Alice. Sanctuary awaits at Cozy Earth. This is a quote from Martha Stewart. Not from her herself, but from her magazine. Yeah. They're saying 2025 is the year of the statement kitchen tiles. Interior designers are now leaning into bold textures, earthy hues and artisanal details, turning every surface into a conversation piece. These trends fit right in with the movement toward more inviting, personality filled interiors. Kitchens are becoming more expressive and the right tile choice can add dimension and feeling overpowering.

[A]

Amen.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

Amen.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I love that so much.

[B]

So good.

[A]

So, so as we're going to show you a couple of again spaces that we've designed that we have used tile in on the backsplash Actually, Jess.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Let's start us off.

[B]

You guys remember Tiger Oak. We've referenced this project quite a few times. This is a parade home we did in 2019, 2018. So this home was built to look like an older home. All the charm of an older home. And one of the beautiful tile installations I've seen in all of our years at Alice Lane. You can see that backsplash wall is entirely tile tiles surrounding the windows all the way from the countertop to the. To the ceiling hoods made out of tile. And there's these beautiful brass liners making this really pretty rhythm. You can really see it on this. So you can see that tile backsplash surrounds and goes to the ceiling on all the walls.

[A]

I think. I think one thing to note when these were being drawn up, when you are looking at backsplashes and like, you can look at most like materials and say it comes in a 4 by 4, then it also comes in a 3 by 6. And it comes in all these different sizes. I think that those ones are the best ones to use because it does give you flexibility in the rhythm and the patterns that you can create with your tiles. So if you are super old school and vintage and you just want to do a 4x4, awesome. There's so many great ones that we will reference here. Um, but if you like this idea of like, really, like you have a whole wall, not just from the countertop to the top, you know, to the bottom of your hood, but you can like go up the whole wall. In Tiger Oak's case, we went over the whole hood. But when you have varying dimensions of tile that you can access for that installation, like, I just think, I don't know. The world is your oyster and you can do so many cool, I think, bands and rhythms and things to break it up and make it more interesting.

[B]

Yeah, totally. This is a little pantry that we did. We're putting an image on the scre right now. This is color drenched in this really, really great dark green color. And the whole back wall countertop all the way up to. Would you say 12ft, 10 foot ceilings.

[A]

They're like 10, 6.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Are all clad in this great. Just 4x4 zellage. Green marble or green tile. Handmade tiles.

[A]

Tomato, tomato. I don't know how, like, there's so many different. That Moroccan tile. And I remember when you first brought it to the scene and it was like, it was from. I can't remember. And it was like a black one. This was like back when we were in Aurum days, like, so long ago. So it's something that we sell on.

[B]

Our backsplash for a long time.

[A]

And since then.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Dal tile. And like most Pedrosians, everyone has a line that they have this tile, and it's usually in the 4x4, and it has that kind of undulation. I have it in both bathrooms that I just recently did. And the colors are just so much fun because you really can springboard you your whole idea from these tiles. So I would go tile shopping, slap shopping first, before you select anything else in your kitchen, because that's going to be the players. And. And honestly, I just think it's so, so great.

[C]

Yeah, I was just gonna say the other thing I love about that tile, too, is there's, like, from tile to tile. Sorry. There's, like, depth in the color, and the color changes just slightly. So.

[A]

Yeah, and I'm so glad you said that, because with, like, the original types of these Moroccan tiles, you would get that natural pooling and undulation and, like, glazes. Glazes would, like, feel differently on each one. So you get lights to darks in some of these more mass produced ones. You do have to be careful when you're talking to your tile layer to make it random, because we have had installations, like, out of state, where they've sent us a picture, and they're like, they made it a check checkerboard. They did light, dark, light, dark, light, dark. And it doesn't feel as natural or beautiful as I think it is when they do it random. So be cautious with that.

[C]

When my. So I have the pink one in my bathroom, you know, when I was talking to the tile layer, who did that? Who also did our backsplash here at the showroom? Oscar.

[A]

You did my bachelor guy.

[C]

Oh, really? Oh, yeah.

[A]

Amazing.

[C]

He's awesome. He was saying when you're. When you're tiling with that tile, you want to open multiple boxes and pull from different boxes, because then you're, like, getting from different batches, most likely. And so it's not going to all be the same rhythm.

[B]

It's going to look.

[C]

It'll. Yeah, it'll look more random, which is.

[A]

Also great because you're also. When you're, like, picking out your cabinet color and all those things have several samples because you want the dark and the light to try and figure out what that final color cabinet is going to be. Because we just ran into that where the client thought it was just going to be like the lighter one. But there is a lot more depth. And so more samples were sent and so then she could have a real view of what this installation will look like. And you are going to get deep ochres and lights and hands and all the different colors, which is why it's so beautiful when you get that.

[B]

But yeah, sue, you were talking about the different shapes and making rhythms with tiles. I just wanted to hold up this elevation and you can tell them about this project. So we don't have this project shot yet because this is currently under design. But I wanted to share with you some of the tile installation work that's being done on these now that we're not using slabs as backsplashes.

[A]

Well, and slabs. That's interesting because, like, whether you kind of know, I think this is where the individuality goes. Some people will always be a slab backsplash. They, like, love the look, they love the majesty, the. You know, I think it's a really big impact. And some people are a tile, not. You don't have to be a tile if you're listening to this. But for this case, we did tile in the pantry or the accessory kitchen because it does feel more culinary, I think. I think there's something that just feels more French, like, bistro about, you know, that even just like a white artisanal subway, I think it's so beautiful. So in this kitchen, you can see, like, this is a straight shot from the kitchen. So we did do just to relate to the slab that's happening in their kitchen. And then we introduced these different size tiles to create these bandings. And again, you can imagine just like in architecture, you know, that it's like the real deal when it's not the exact same stack going all the way up just at the very same, like, level. The 3 by 6 is like for brick, for example, on exterior buildings, they would turn them for stability and it. And it adds to the authenticity. And this is the same thing, I think, for the look and interest on your backsplashes, when you can change that and you're doing a straight lay and then you're going to turn them vertical to create a soldier stack. And you start to create these bands and bracelets happening in the kitchen that line up with, you know, where the hood height is and where the windows hit. And I think tiger oak is a real good example of that. For, like, if you're studying tile layouts, look at where the window heights are, look at where the tile lands there. And we're elevating all that. And it's all Very purposeful. And that's a consideration that should and can be done when you're designing a kitchen. So. And I think that, that it makes it so much more interesting than just going like straight, you know, three by six, laid horizontally, bricklayed from the countertop to the ceiling. Like, change it up.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Interior designers out there, I mean, you can, you can picture doing this work, right? Like you've got your kitchen elevated and now you're going to start to find those common lines to be able to play with rhythms. Because in the past we just sort of elevated and put a few veins in CAD and we're like, oh, this is just going to be slab. So now this is honing in this new skill of creating rhythm and playing with shapes and patterns and colors. And it's going to call on this new side of your brain that maybe you haven't had to access in a decade. It's kind of fun.

[C]

Jess, we've been getting a ton of questions on who makes your glasses.

[B]

Oh, really?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[C]

Everyone wants to know you guys.

[B]

I. So I'm at this age now where my near vision is leaving me. You're not quite as old as I am. Yeah, but sue, you're experiencing this 40.

[A]

Hit and like, yeah, I needed my glasses before, but I really, really need them now.

[B]

Yeah, between 40 and 45, that cell phone type gets really tiny. So I was in search for the perfect of readers and I tried look optic and I have to say I've loved them so much that I've actually began working with them a little bit as an advisor. And my dad's an eye doctor, my brother in law is. I really, really love eyewear and it's been really fun to be back in the game. And I love the readers, I love the fashion frames. It's not a pair of frames that looks like I'm wearing something made for men. You know those readers when you go to Walgreens or, or when you go to the grocery store or somewhere and they're just like a three pack and they all look like they. For men, Look Optic actually has really cute frames that are made for women.

[A]

Especially for again, those ones that look like men's. They look like a giant man on my little head.

[B]

Yes. Suzanne Small. Suzanne has a child sized head and they actually have minis at look Optic. The Diane Keaton collection. I gave you all my Diane. Diane Keaton.

[A]

I love the Diane Keaton collection. They fit my like head great. They're comfortable. They have the cutest colors. Like Some from a matte. They have the bone ones. I love them so much.

[B]

Yeah, they're cute. And one of. One of my little, like, fast passes I want to tell everybody is that if you do the progressive lens, it's clear up top. You just get magnification in the bottom where you need it, because that's how you're looking in a cell phone or you're reading paper down here or on your laptop. You don't need magnification out the top because that's going to make your eyeballs look huge.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And then you really look like you're wearing a reader. So we're trying to, like, keep this low profile. And so I always go with the progressive. My favorite styles, I really love the Laurel. And they have this cool one that's like the Muse. It kind of looks like a 70s update. It's cool. They have one with the pink lens, too. In fact, my daughter stole that one from me. It's great. Anyway, you guys can discover your own styles. But I will say Look Optic has been such a gateway for me as I've needed to jump into that reader category.

[A]

Right now, you can receive some free glasses from Look Optic. All you have to do is text ALICE to 21252. That is text ALICE A L, I, C, E to the number 21252. The first 20 new customers will get a free pair of readers. And if you're an existing customer, we also have an amazing discount for you. If you go to lookoptic.com you can use the code ALICE15 for 15 off. Designer's got a design. We said this, like, in a color episode, too, that I'm just like, you really have to, like, know be good with color. You have to know color because you're not calling it out with just, like, white everywhere. You have to be good, you know, as far as with rhythms and finding interesting patterns. And it's really fun creatively to I think, flex that part of the muscle.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Anyway, so I. I'm. I'm here for it, and I think it's so much more interesting and again, so much more personalized to the client.

[B]

And if sue hall were a kitchen, she'd for sure be a tile 100.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, no doubt.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

That's a fun question to ask yourself. Go around the kitchen table at a party and say, go around your design firm. What's your back? What's your backsplash? Soulmate? That's a really great question to ask yourself.

[B]

Sue Hall. What's your backsplash? Soulmate.

[A]

I don't want to, like, pin myself down, but it's going to be something really rad.

[B]

Are you a stone? Are you a zellage tile?

[A]

Like what a tile? I'm a tile in different because I'm a tile hood too. Yeah, I'm going to be a tile hood. I'll be tile. I'll be tile around the windows. And just the whole thing, I think just the backdrop that it creates to, like, the stuff that Tom's cooking.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or now Nolan. I just think the universe, like the universal, like, tone of it. And I love a color drench. You know that. So my cabinets will probably be some color color too. And. Yeah. And the countertop will get along with it.

[B]

I do love a tiled windowsill or a marble windowsill. Right. And then you've tiled around it with.

[A]

All your herbs and stuff just growing there, just like baking in the sun. So, so much so good. You know who you are.

[C]

I do have a question on. Yeah, the just creating a rhythm if people want to get that done. I mean, obviously not everyone has CAD to, like, throw that in. What's the best way? I mean, I. I totally agree. It's. It adds so much interest and yeah, like dynamic to your backsplash, I think. But honestly, it's really hard, especially because I think some people, like, oh, just create a rhythm. But it's like, how is that rhythm going to react with like, the height of your window or like, you know, where that is quarter turned? Is it going to be too tall for, you know, is it going to get cut off at this windowsill or something like that? So what's the best way to do that?

[A]

I think if, again, if you don't have cad, you're not working with the designer, but you want to do something interest, interesting. It's likely that you have a, like a basket of great images and things of like, these are rhythms that I like. And this is the look that I'm going for then. Q. A great tile installer, you know, or your builder that you trust impeccably. If you're a new build and you're going to bring those people in, you know, you can do the whole thing on graph paper and whatnot. And you can look at the shop drawings. If you're a new build and you're building cabinetry, look at the shop drawings because then you understand at least heights from your countertop to the bottom of your upper cabinets, which that dimension is. It's usually 18. We. We've been doing it 20. If you want, like, a cheat sheet.

[B]

You could also put tape on the ground 20 inches high. Right. Get a box of tiles, lay them out la out on the ground. You know what I mean? You could play. You could take the physical challenge. You do the graph paper challenge. I do think Susan's point to if you're just using a cabinet shop and they've got the elevations, then maybe you make lots of those photocopies. And then you start doodling in there, knowing kind of the scale that is, you're working with 18 inches and that you're working with subways and squares, and you're creating a rhythm. And then you could go get a box of things and work it out on the ground. And those concept photos are really going to come in handy.

[A]

They're going to come in clutch.

[B]

One of the questions that is on here, or one of the points to make is about grout. So when they are playing around with those rhythms, we're really tight together.

[A]

Like a tight grout.

[B]

Yeah, totally. And then are you matching the grout to the tile, or are you just doing, like, a nice neutral sort of that dark, taupe color that we love?

[A]

I use warm gray for a majority of things. It's from Mape or Maypei M A P E I is the grout that I use use majority of the time, and I use warm gray just because it kind of just feels like the color of, like, natural concrete or something like that. It just has, I don't know, just.

[B]

Some earth mortar you'd use between stones. It's just. Yeah.

[A]

If I'm, like, doing a light marble or something, or you're white, you might be frost if you're brighter. And that's also from Mape. Like, whatever. Yeah, yeah. I would say frost. Warm gray is what I use majority of the time for, especially for color tile. If you don't. Because even with dark, like, say I had a really dark tile like this guy, which I'm holding up a black zellidge, one that this is probably what we do have in the kitchen anyway. These are going to be so tight, and so you're really going to barely feel that reveal. But I want to feel the difference. Even though it's slim and slight, I want to feel the difference. So I wouldn't put a black grout here because I want to feel when one tile starts and one tile ends.

[B]

Great advice. I love it. This is an example, those of you tuning in of a childhood. This is Sue Hall. If you were a kitchen only, it's you wouldn't be white?

[A]

I probably would be colored.

[B]

Yeah. But we've got. This is four by fours.

[A]

Yeah. It looks like a square, which I will say that's 4x4.

[B]

I love squares. Yeah, that's cute.

[A]

Yeah, it's really, really cute. Four by four just feels like the most, I think old school, you know, not necessarily rectangle, but the 4x4 just like, it feels almost basic. Even when we were doing, like, the boys bathrooms, I'm like, what would be, like, true to a 1970s home? I'm like, they would use a square tile, you know, because that's what would have been available. But we're going to, like, amp it up because that's who I am.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So the 4x4 is a really cool.

[B]

Do you offset?

[C]

Yeah. Do you like the offset?

[A]

I think it's really cute.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I know historically see it, like, stacked, and that's why I did in the boys bath. But I do like the offset or like the little zipper leg that just like, feels like barely not completely set.

[C]

But yeah, I. I actually love. Yeah, I love that just because it's like. It feels historic. Like, it was like, they're not all.

[A]

The same size, so we had a, like, zipper layout.

[C]

Exactly.

[A]

Anyway.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So I think that's creative.

[B]

That's so fun. This is another example. This is from.

[A]

This is like. I can't remember if it was from, like, El Decor or like, one of those articles, but it's like this. I love brutalist. So this is like a brutalist, like, pattern tile, which they're coming out with more of them, and I'm super jazzed about it. I could be one of these. I could do this.

[C]

Yeah, for sure.

[B]

Like, tacos would taste so good in here.

[A]

Amazing. Like, who. Where are we? Highland, Utah.

[B]

Makes the greatest taco tacos in the world.

[A]

Yeah. No one should do that as a business. Anyway, add into the list.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But just that textured, like, artist dimensional.

[B]

Dimensional backsplash. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, I love it so much. And you know what? I like that they even, like, broke it, you know, like, they didn't take it all the way up. They're like, you know, this is a good thing, and I'm not gonna, like, overwhelm the looker, you know, So I like the way they broke it. And I think those shelves are also a really, really fun trick to do as you're exploring your backsplash, you know, so behind your range. Or if you're going all the way up.

[C]

If. So, if you're going to Create a shelf, let's say. Yeah, your budget can't take you all the way to the ceiling and you want to create a shelf at what height are you doing that? And what lines in your kitchen do you need to like look for to make sure you're putting at the right height?

[A]

This is a great question. Okay, so just so you know, like the, when you go into a builder grade home, they're just going to do 4 inches on most things and it looks super basic. And you're not going to do that. Of course. At very minimum on any backsplash or bathrooms, anything, I'm at 6 to 8 inches. No, I'm talking about just like height above the countertop. Well, no, I'm just saying. Yeah, this is, this is going up a lot higher. But I'm saying at the very minimum, like for like bathrooms and things in a kitchen, you're again from like countertop to the bottom of your cabinets or upper cabinets is like standard of 18. I like to go 20. And so around there is where I'm going to probably draw a consistent line going over my range. Like if I'm usually behind the ranges for dimension wise, from your range to the hood, like is. You have a minimum. You have to do 30 inches. Like 24 to 30 inches is what Google's going to tell you. Depending on the like size of your range. If you're a 48 or a 60 inch, you can like get. You'll have a more powerful vent and so you could get up to 36, which is majority of what we're drawing. So what she's saying 6 inch height.

[B]

Yeah. So off the top of Your range inch 36 inches to the bottom of your hood. So that's going to be the size of your backsplash. It's 36 inches high underneath there. Sorry, keep going.

[A]

No, which I would say like in that whole cavity, I would suggest just always tiling the whole thing. But you can do a shelf there. It's when you get to like the perimeter cabinets where you don't have like a grease and things like flipping up from the actual, you know, oven or stovetop that that's when you're going to do a shelf. Like what was shown in that brutalist tile movement. But for the actual depth, like if you are above a range, this will depend on if you have a pot filler. If you have a pot filler that gets trickier as far as where that shelf can hit. Jess, you have, you have a shelf that's. You wish that it was Deeper.

[B]

I have a 4 inch ledge in the middle of two thirds of the way up my backsplash above my stove top where I line all my olive oils and vinegars and all of that stuff. Salt and pepper shakers. And it's really beautiful. I always wanted it. I didn't go deep enough. I went four inches. And you're cantilevering. I mean, I did a slab backsplash, so I had to cantilever a piece of slab out. So I didn't know, engineering wise, how far out I could go. So I chickened out and just did four inches. Should have done six or seven.

[C]

Just so you can kind of fit.

[B]

Like get an overlap on the bottles and do a little better job of display because those things are all in use. But you also want it to look really artisan. Mine all have to stand like soldiers, shoulder to shoulder. All my bottles with very little depth. Depth change. And that. That's a little bit. A little bit of a bummer. Still. Glad I have it so utilitarian. I use it every day. It's great.

[A]

Yeah. And that depth will just depend on just like how far your range, you know, like how much. I don't know. That's just something you'll want to work out with your contractor, I guess.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But yeah, I love that. And to answer your question, probably about that 18 inches. I think it's like a good height.

[B]

If you want to pull something like this off.

[C]

That's probably like your minimum 20.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I think it's really beautiful. But you will pay attention to like where windows are, where grids of windows are. Like, there's some common lines and things that I think can be like, paid attention to, to make it look really smart. Where you place that shelf.

[C]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[B]

Yeah, that's good. Another little trend that you're seeing percolate up to the top that we'd be remiss if we didn't mention, since we're talking about backsplashes is.

[A]

Guys, there's mural tiles.

[B]

The tile mural on a mural tile.

[A]

Yeah, Murals. Yeah, that's.

[C]

That's rad.

[A]

It's so beautiful, especially for like these large, expansive spaces. And like when I first pulled this up, just like, oh, it feels like that kind of Delft Blue, but reinvented.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Right. So if you are the Delft Blue person, like, this is a really fun thing that you should look into. It's just kind of a more modern interpretation of it. I'm just gonna pull up some other ones.

[B]

This Is, you know, the Delft blue. I'm seeing this really come back. It's so, like, 80s.

[C]

It feels really weird to me because that's where it lives in my mind is in the 80s. When I see it, I'm like, I don't know how to feel about it.

[A]

Historic and European, though.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Let me just say this. I got. I have bad news for all of us at this table. We are getting older, and we know that because when we see things like this come around, we're like, oh, I was alive when that happened. And we have this sort of trigger in my memory. I often. The first time. The first time I was old enough to realize this was when I. When plaid was a really big thing. When I was, like, in middle school and my mom was like, I will never wear plaid again. I wore that in high school. And I was like, who cares? Like, wear it again. Be cool. Right? And now I'm at that age where I'm like, I will never. And this feels like our 80s, 90s kitchen with the big grout lines. Totally European. So beautiful. If you didn't live this life once before, go for it. You're gonna have no weird ghosts about the whole idea of it, but totally get it.

[C]

It.

[B]

Yeah. This was our 80s and 90s.

[C]

I would say, like, thinner. Yeah. Thinner grout lines.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, there's just ways to modernize it, to, like, not live in the mistakes of the past, I think.

[A]

Oh, I. I completely agree. And a lot of these are from a line called Country Floors.

[B]

It's called that.

[A]

But they have a lot of really darling ones. If this is your style, we're doing this, like, party barn at a client's home. And, like, it feels like it should have this. And, like, when I think of her, I'm like. Like, this is her with, like, a fabric curtain underneath the sink. And, like. You know who you are.

[B]

So cute.

[A]

You know who you are.

[B]

Those of you that aren't watching. I'm just holding up some Delft tiles. Some white 4x4, 6 by 6 or 8 by 8 tiles that have blue flowers, painted them. A little. Little corner details. Anyway, really sweet. Very European. Yeah.

[A]

So pretty. And you can make a lot of different patterns depending on how you stack back them, too, so. Which is a fun trick.

[B]

So fun. So great. Any other details that we should point out about tile backsplashes that you guys are doing? And in any of the up, up and coming work.

[A]

Up and coming work. I think just, like, be fun with it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Honestly, I think, like, again, we said it before. You know who you are. If you are a child, backsplash. Go start to research and see, like, start grabbing samples and, like, live with them and, like, look at them again. And. And I remember I. When I did that, even just for the most recent remodel of the bathrooms, I'm like, what green am I? I think you were shocked when you saw the green that I. I thought you. You thought I was going to go darker green. And I think I had a couple people be like, I'm surprised you went with that mint. And I was just like, I know. I just sat with it for a long time and it was the right thing for the house. That's what it needed to be.

[B]

It's actually perfect. I'm so glad it's not darker because it's. It's a tiny little space, but I feel like the light can come in and bounce around off the surface of those tiles. And it feels fresh like morning, but deep and sophisticated because of your cabinetry choice.

[A]

And it's dark enough to be interesting.

[B]

It's so you. Yeah, it's perfect. It's so perfect. And I can't even imagine what it's like taking a shower in that space. Yeah, it's gotta be so good.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Guys, tile, it's back. I can't wait for you. And if you're going. If you're going countertop shopping, definitely keep that in mind that you could go tile and go a little bit bolder than what? Than what you think. I don't think you're going to regret it. It will just look more exotic, more European, more you personality packed. That's what we're doing in kitchens today. Yeah. Thanks so much for tuning in, you guys. I was going to tell you. We have a free design service available here at Alice Lane Home. It's called Home Furnishing Design. And our designers are available to help you find new furniture, get that perfect rug. We can custom size almost anything, change colors. You can just reach out to them on our [e-mail] and then visit that design tab. And they can help you put together just a room full of beautiful furnishings. Whatever project you want to work on this year, they can pop those in AutoCAD and really design you down to the inch. It's going to be foolproof, and they can make it totally you.

[A]

So you can check off your summer bucket list.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Project before the holidays happen, guys.

[B]

Definitely. If you guys have any episode ideas that you want us to talk about, just send those to dear Alex [e-mail] we'll catch you next time. Hey, thanks for listening. If you like our show, please leave a five star rating.