The Distinctive Life

MODERN SUBWAYTILE

Shannon Kadwell tells Martha Stewart Living that high-contrast veining in your marble pieces may be the answer: “Dramatic black and white marble brings contrast and movement on the counter and backsplash to an otherwise balanced design....” COLORFUL STATEMENTTILES The bolder colors designers and homeowners are already embracing in cabinets and high-end appliances have found their way to backsplashes, both in the kitchen and the master bathroom. As Nancy Epstein, founder and CEO of Artistic Tile, told Martha Stewart Living , “the past several years have been dominated by dramatic white and grays—but color is finally making a comeback.” Shades of blues and greens are at the forefront of this luxury design trend because they can bring either vibrancy or a sense of calm depending on the hues’ richness and how they reflect the room’s décor. Designer Karen Williams, creative director and principal of St. Charles New York, explains to Martha Stewart Living why she went with a stunning cobalt blue tile for one of her recent redesigns: “The dramatic kitchen backsplash was created from thousands of smaller cobalt blue tiles that give it a beautiful undulating texture, almost like the surface of water....” The glimmering, hand-chiseled style of Zellige tile inspired designer Justina Blakeney. The founder and director of Jungalow loves green, and she wanted to bring a custom, high-quality feel that would highlight a variety of green shades when renovating her own kitchen. Not only did she use “handmade Zellige tile from Badia Design” to bring her favorite color into her space, as she explained

to Martha Stewart Living , but “went with a dark green grout to really let the tile shine.” It is a strong choice to move away from the traditional white or black grouting, but finding a complementary shade adds a twist that can really catch the eye. Want something even bolder in your redesign? The experts at InStyle want you to consider a splash of red-orange for your kitchen backsplash, particularly if it can visually connect to another spot of red-orange in the space, like a counter island or banquette seating. Why? The magazine advises: “In cool weather and gloomy light, even small accents of vivid reds brighten and warm the space.” SHIMMERING GLASS Bathroom backsplashes aren’t just for behind your double sinks. They are much-appreciated additions anywhere you want to protect your walls from water and/or soap splashes. More and more people are showing their design flair by incorporating awe-inspiring backsplashes by and around their tubs – essentially creating stunning wall art that is highly functional. One of Southern Living’s favorite examples is a glass-tiled master bathroom. The wall is curved and accented with windows that, while lovely, presented some décor challenges before the designers found their answer in striking glass tiles. The editors of the magazine marvel: “The curved tub wall, striped with iridescent glass tiles in various shades of blue, strikes a spa tone in the master bath.” And if you needed another reason to love this choice, the glass tiles bounce the light from the windows and the overhead chandelier, making the space bright without sacrificing privacy or the naturally intimate feeling of the room.

Subway tile is a classic backsplash choice for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Not only does it look elegant, but its glazed finish makes it entirely practical – subway tile is easy to clean and helps bounce light (a must in smaller spaces). It’s a timeless charmer, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take it in a modern direction. Consider selecting a dramatic color or an array of colors rather than the traditional white. Also, the placement of the tiles can bring an unexpected visual boost. Interior designer Anne Hepfer confides to Martha Stewart Living that “for a more traditional or transitional look, stagger... for more contemporary look, stack or soldier.” Hope Hassell, director of project development at Case Architects and Remodelers, agrees. She reveals to the magazine that choosing a slightly smaller format tile in a non-traditional pattern worked particularly well when covering a smaller space: “Laying it in a herringbone pattern allowed us to maximize the small backsplash area with a design that was interesting, yet timeless.” GORGEOUS MARBLE BACKSPLASHES Much like the subway tile, marble is a timeless addition to any kitchen or bathroom. Are you searching for something polished and elegant? Designer Jessica Gersten proposes that a “sleek slab” might be the way to go if you already have marble countertops. Why? She explains to Martha Stewart Living : “A slab marble backsplash that bleeds into the countertop creates a sleek look in the kitchen,’... ‘it eliminates the ‘choppiness’ of backsplash tile, and lends itself to a more calm, streamlined feeling.” Want an upgrade that feels dramatic yet luxurious? Designer

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