How To Make A Fully Tiled Kitchen Wall Work For Your Home

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

It's no secret that tile is trending in a big way. This year, designers are highlighting wall-to-wall tile for an explosion of visual texture. If you are considering the best backsplash for your kitchen, why not think bigger? Rather than simply bringing the tile up to the bottom of your cabinets, dare to explore a bolder option. Take your tile all the way across your kitchen wall, from floor to ceiling. The color-drenching trend isn't just for paint; here's how to do it with tile.

Tile drenching is all about covering an entire room in the same color, pattern, or texture of tile. If an entire room feels overwhelming, a single wall can still make a major design statement. The key to nailing this trend is to choose a tile that represents your unique style. Because you will see so much of it, it's imperative to select a cut and color you love. For those who want to keep it timeless and contemporary, a neutral subway tile is a great go-to. A glossy finish will make your space appear larger, whereas a matte surface will help create a more rustic, textured look.

Ceramic and porcelain are two reliable materials when it comes to kitchen wall tiles. Stylistically, consider the other elements throughout your kitchen before selecting a pattern and finish. If you want a seamless look, choose a tile in a similar color palette to your cabinets. For a pop of contrast, you can opt for a contrasting shade. Although you might lean towards choosing a large tile for a large installation, consider a smaller option if you want to continue the same tiles from your backsplash. This will create cohesion and the tiles won't look crammed above your countertop. Beyond these tips, you can choose the right tile for your space with Emily Henderson's advice.

Review a few key technical considerations before you start tiling your kitchen walls. The most important step is to prepare the wall properly by ensuring a smooth surface. Always remove debris and repair any cracks or dents with a product like DAP Patching Plaster. There are tons of mistakes to avoid while tiling, but one of the most notable is using the wrong adhesive. Although a kitchen wall doesn't need to be waterproofed to the degree of a shower floor, steam and other moisture can still damage your tiles if you don't use a water-resistant adhesive like the AcrylPro Ceramic Tile Mastic.