I remember at one point while planning our wedding I felt so overwhelmed by the choices of flowers, colors, dresses, and details that I didn't want to make one more decision. I began to tell friends and family to do what they thought would be best. I wanted to enjoy the day and not have to worry about the overall aesthetic; all the planning was too much. This is how it feels sometimes when you are designing a new home or remodeling a space.

One way of approaching a remodel, like a kitchen, for example, is to focus on one detail, like backsplash. Choose a backsplash you absolutely love, regardless of the space or the rest of your home, and then build around it. All other decisions can be made based on the backsplash that you choose. It seems risky and maybe backward, but the backsplash is somewhat the heart of the kitchen.

And yes, subway tile is lovely, simple, and timeless…but you don’t have to settle there if it’s not what you love.

Matching your backsplash with your cabinets can set the tone for a warm and cozy home. While in our modern world it’s a matter of intention, in the past, this was done out of necessity (saving money, practicality). Choosing a beautiful, soft color, like this “Evergreen Fog” is a lovely option.

Beadboard, finished in a medium wood stain, makes this kitchen feel warm and classic. This would be perfect for those that love antiques and traditional elements. If you’re a fan of “cottagecore” this could work in the most basic tiny kitchen, with a splash of moody blue paint.

How about plaster? I love this pinkish plaster wall paired with the rustic shelves and open pantry. It’s utilitarian and warm, a place that would feel rustic enough for baking a loaf of sourdough bread.

The combination of warm woods, white, and stone is beautiful. Only part of the kitchen has backsplash, and because of the gorgeous marble feature, with floating shelves above, there is no need to cover the rest of the walls. I would want to make sure to use a paint finish that is easy to wipe down (especially behind the stove). This kitchen is lovely.

Give the kitchen some movement with a statement backsplash tile in a traditional pattern. Herringbone doesn’t look trendy when choosing a beautiful tile and placing it in a sophisticated white kitchen.

Are you living your farmhouse dreams? If that’s the case, then shiplap is always a great option.

If you’re all about organic, earthy, and maybe a little modern, a straight set stone tile is a beautiful option. I love this kitchen.

This color is just lovely, and the hexagons with the hardware hexagons would maybe seem like “too much”, but it’t not really. I love how the place a floating shelf across the backsplash - it helps the tile not feel overdone.

Color lovers and lovers of folk and bohemian design should definitely consider Talavera tile, or any other folk-inspired tile (Turkish, Scandinavian, Moroccan, Italian) - they all have beautiful motifs and bring culture into the kitchen.

Stone or brick, especially in a traditional kitchen makes the home feel sophisticated.

And let's not forget completely about subway tile! But this option, glossy and colorful is much more fun, and unique.

Try not to be too overwhelmed when making a decision about backsplash. Choose something that you love, and trust that it will work. Design isn't about perfection, it's about creating something that represents you.

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Instead of Subway Tile - Kitchen Backsplash Ideas