Goodbye Subway Tile: HGTV's Christina Haack Has A Better Solution

HGTV star Christina Haack has worked on a lot of home renovations over the years. And when it comes to kitchen remodels, she has some interesting ideas for how to keep things fresh, whether the people she is designing for are looking for modern or rustic vibes. On her series "Christina on the Coast," Haack decided to make a bold choice for the kitchen backsplash and chose not to use subway tile on Season 5, Episode 10. Instead, she opted for a beige stone backsplash that actually went all the way up to the ceiling. 

When explaining the decision to choose a natural stone in place of subway tile, Haack told the homeowners, via Realtor.com, "Everyone's going to want it. That stone is seriously my favorite new backsplash; it adds the rustic hacienda vibe. And I feel like the stone brings the outside in." She also kept the grout lighter to offset the stone and keep things looking bright in the space. 

This is not the only time that Haack has utilized stone as an alternative backsplash to classic tiles, as she has incorporated quartz and even tile that looked like stone into other designs. With stone on the walls, it adds texture to the design, it's often considered to be a more durable material, and it gives the space a more natural finish. And since natural stone is unique, it means that your kitchen will have its own personality, since every slab or stone tile will have variations that make them look different from other slabs and tiles.

Although Christina Haack chose a more rustic and natural-looking stone backsplash for her "Christina on the Coast" clients, she has also worked with other stone materials. Among the choices available for stone backsplashes are travertine, granite, quartz, and marble. Depending on the stone you choose, you can end up with a material that looks great while also being more low-maintenance.

If you opt for a granite backsplash, you will have to do some minor upkeep, as it will need resealing to maintain its appearance and keep it durable. Using marble as a backsplash will give you a more unique, one-of-a-kind backsplash that will require regular maintenance to prevent staining and damage since it's a more porous material. Quartz, which Haack has said is "beautiful and looks really picturesque — it's durable," via HGTV, is actually easy to keep clean and looks high-end, even though it doesn't cost as much as some of the other stone options.

A stone backsplash is an investment in your kitchen. Not only can it add more value to your home if you might be thinking of selling in the future, but it's also great for adding your own sense of style to the room. Choosing stone for your backsplash that blends into the rest of your kitchen design can make your home feel sophisticated, plus it's a chance to showcase your personal aesthetic.