Christina Haack Unveils A Stunning Subway Tile Backsplash Alternative That Looks So Sleek

The kitchen backsplash is a great way to add extra beauty and visual appeal to the space. Tile is used most often to cover the backsplash because of its limitless design possibilities that add dimension and vibrant color. Classic styles like brick, thin stacked stone, or modern artistic elements like sparkling glass are also creative backsplash ideas for your kitchen. However, the go-to of a horizontal subway tile backsplash is starting to feel overused and is falling out of popularity in favor of a newer design.

For example, HGTV star Christina Haack selected a herringbone pattern for the backsplash of a kitchen remodeling project on her show "Christina On The Coast." She chose herringbone tile that resembled the look of stone with simple veining to match the countertops in the kitchen. At first, one of the homeowners was skeptical about going with a less traditional backsplash design, but came around when the finished product was revealed. The crisp herringbone layout was taken up fully on the wall, being installed around the range hood and blue cabinetry to create a stunning kitchen space that felt cohesive and welcoming. In the end, Haack proved that herringbone design is back with a twist and is capable of making a style statement on any surface.

Herringbone is an intricate visual pattern that zig-zags back and forth to create the look of V-shapes. It is most popularly recognized on floors as hardwood, but is increasingly being used in tile formats for kitchen backsplashes. The style is tasteful and classic while also feeling playful and lending itself to current trendy designs. Herringbone is versatile and can be achieved with long and wide planks or subtle, smaller tiles. There are so many possibilities with herringbone; it's up to you whether to make your kitchen backsplash a fun accent or the star of the space.

Herringbone can be used as a beautiful tile alternative to give the kitchen a rustic look. The eye-catching pattern takes full advantage of how backsplashes can act as a canvas for artistry. For a textural touch, you can decorate the kitchen backsplash with a hardwood visual that will give the herringbone layout a farmhouse or industrial feel. Tile lovers can utilize metallic tiles for a contemporary herringbone design that resembles a mosaic. Herringbone should be applied to the backsplash with a neutral color or an established visual like wood or stone. This way, the style will not look too eccentric in the kitchen space and will blend in well among surrounding accents.

The biggest difference between subway tile and herringbone is the stylistic properties that both have to offer. Think about the aesthetic you want to achieve with your kitchen backsplash. Rows of subway tile will establish a classic, structured look. Conversely, herringbone is a great choice for those open to experimenting with bolder visuals. The edges of each inlay draw the eye up and down rather than left to right, which may even make the space feel bigger.

While it does have a long history and proven reliability, there are unavoidable disadvantages to using subway tile for kitchen backsplashes. Grout lines are highly visible with subway tile and will need to be addressed often to be kept clean and looking like new. (Herringbone patterns typically include thin grout lines since the visual adds so much depth on its own.) Subway tiles could also crack, which may be a problem in super active kitchens that see a lot of traffic.

Labor will likely be at a higher cost for herringbone installation due to the pattern's intricate layout. Unlike a herringbone floor, though, installing herringbone on the backsplash may be a cost-effective compromise because it will require less square footage. Consider looking into DIY-friendly options for the backsplash, such as peel-and-stick tile. These formats look identical to a full tile installation but can be completed in less time and do not include the extra steps that are required when applying grout.