Update a tired kitchen or add flair to your kitchen renovation by installing an attractive tiled backsplash. A tiled backsplash offers the functional convenience of an easy-to-clean surface while providing an opportunity to add color, texture and personality. A tiled backsplash will stand up to many more years of cooking splatters and soapy scrubbing than standard painted drywall.

The backsplash should run from the countertops to the bottom of the cabinetry and complement the color and material of both. A continuous backsplash that wraps around the entire room can create continuity between countertop and cabinetry materials and make a small space seem larger. Tile and Granite supplied by Gravena Tile.

The opposite is also true. A distinctive pattern above the cooktop will create a focal point and can help a large space feel cozier.

For a traditional look, choose tiles that work well with the colors of the countertops, cabinets and floor. This homeowner chose a softer green glass tile to accent the deeper green granite countertops. Tile and Granite supplied by Gravena Tile.

Add variety to a backsplash design by choosing different sizes and shapes of the same color or consider slightly different shades of a dominant color with tiles of the same size. Tiles that contrast with the rest of the kitchen (or each other) create a more dynamic statement and add a modern twist. In this case, the randomly placed dark brown tile becomes an accent and breaks up the white-on-white. Tile and Granite supplied by Gravena Tile.

Simple tricks like turning square tiles on a point, or laying them in a diagonal pattern can spice up a kitchen without breaking the bank. Tile and Granite supplied by Gravena Tile.

Consider texture, too. Rougher finishes feel more casual, while slick, shiny surfaces communicate elegance or a contemporary feeling. Tile supplied by Gravena Tile.

The roughly textured tiled backsplash tones down the formality of the fancy woodwork and ornate details of the cabinetry in this kitchen. An arched design with larger square tiles turned on a point inside a listello frame creates a perfect focal point above the oversized range.  Small grayish tiles tie-in the color of the countertops. Tile and Granite supplied by Gravena Tile.

Who says you have to tile the entire backsplash? The homeowner chose black beadboard to contrast the lighter tones of the cabinetry. Neutral colored brick-layed stone mosaic tiles will perform better above the range than the bead board. Tile and Granite supplied by Gravena Tile.

For a timeless look, it’s hard to beat white-on-white. Non-square backsplash tiles add subtle elegance to the kitchen in this Philadelphia town home and allow the bold checkerboard floor to take centerstage. Although this tile has been discontinued, Gravena Tile can help you select something similar. Marble counter top also supplied by Gravena Tile.

Want more inspiration? View our portfolio of award-winning kitchen renovations from Philadelphia and the Main Line.