5 Secrets to Making a Silver Ash Backsplash Look Expensive and High-End

Upgrading your kitchen backsplash is one of the easiest ways to give your cooking space a quick style boost. While there are tons of trendy backsplash tile options out there, silver ash backsplashes are a particularly luxurious choice. The soft metallic gray tone and sleek contemporary vibe of silver ash tile can make even the most basic kitchen look high-end and elegant.

But not all silver ash backsplashes are created equal. Use these five design secrets to ensure your new backsplash has that ultra-luxe look you’re going for.

Combining Silver Ash Tile With Marble Surfaces

Pairing cool-toned silver ash tile with pristine white marble countertops or backsplashes is one go-to trick of designers. The subtle gray veining in marble complements the gray ash backsplash beautifully. Using marble tile inserts with your silver ash tile also adds visual interest.

Marble’s natural elegance works well with the modern metallic vibe of silver ash. Experiment with different marble patterns to find the perfect complement to your gray backsplash tiles.

Using Natural Stone Accents

Incorporating other natural stone accents is another way to amp up the luxurious appeal of your silver ash backsplash. Gray and white quartzite, limestone or travertine inserts add earthy texture. Sleek granite or onyx tiles also pair nicely with the contemporary metallic tiles.

Keep the natural stone accents minimal for the most impact. Just a few stone tile inlays, trim pieces or a mosaic design can make your backsplash resemble one found in a chic restaurant or high-rise condo.

Adding Metal Finishes

Since silver ash backsplashes have an inherent metallic modern vibe, you can really play this up with other metal finishes. Stainless steel appliances already complement silver ash tile beautifully. Consider adding other metal details like bronze cabinet hardware, satin nickel faucets or a sleek metal range hood.

For bonus luxe points, install a few hammered copper, galvanized steel or rustic zinc penny tile insets within your gray backsplash. Metallics on metallics create serious designer flair.

Incorporating LED Lighting

Proper lighting can make a basic backsplash look a million bucks. For silver ash tile, LED strip lighting or puck lights add eye-catching drama. Concealed lighting cast against a silver ash backsplash creates dazzling illumination that screams expensive.

Install LED lighting below wall cabinets or upper backsplash ledges to get that self-illuminated glow. You can even add remote-controlled lights to change up the color as needed. The sparkle and shine LEDs add to silver ash tile is pure luxury.

Installing Under Cabinet Lighting

Another way to make your silver ash backsplash shine is with under cabinet lighting. White, cool-toned LED strips underneath upper cabinets cast a gorgeous glow off the metallic gray tiles. Just be sure to get soft diffused lighting, not harsh spot lighting.

Task lighting focused on the backsplash also highlights the depth and dimension of real metal, glass or stone tile. The right lighting makes silver ash tile pop while adding useful visibility when prepping meals and cooking.

Choosing Oversized Tile Formats

Oversized tiles like 12x24” or 16x32” rectangular subway tile help create a seamless, expansive look that screams high-end. Compared to a mosaic backsplash, fewer grout lines from large tile sizes make silver ash appear more premium.

The wide planks of rectangular subway tiles also have an elegant, contemporary feel that pairs perfectly with silver ash’s modern metallic aesthetic. Keep grout lines minimal with neutral shades like gray or white as well.

Using Long Subway Tiles Vertically

Installing longer rectangular subway tiles vertically rather vertically adds even more height and drama. The floor-to-ceiling look makes rooms feel grander. Go for offset vertical patterns for extra interest.

Avoid busy tile designs or layouts. Clean lines and lots of negative space keep the look luxe. Let those gorgeous silver ash tiles be the star.

Getting Creative With Tile Patterns

While silver ash backsplashes look amazing as simple subway tile designs, some creative tile patterns can really add that designer twist. Herringbone patterns add visual flair and dimension. Try a herringbone pattern using metal, marble and silver ash tiles.

A marble hexagon or diamond inset pattern paired with silver ash subway tiles also looks wonderfully elegant. Mixing metal finishes like hammered copper with silver ash in a geometric design kicks the style up a creative notch.

Using silver ash tiles beyond just the backsplash is another inventive trick. Lining upper cabinets or the inside of open shelving with complementary silver ash tiles makes them feel custom and expensive.

Or turn basic furniture like a kitchen island or dining buffet into a focal point by adding silver ash tile. This elevates the entire room’s design cohesively.

With the right tile materials, patterns, lighting and accents, a basic silver ash backsplash can gain that million-dollar look easily. Use these designer secrets to make your new gray backsplash tile the stunning showpiece it deserves to be.