Invigorate Your Craftsman Kitchen with the Perfect Backsplash Tile

With their warm, earthy aesthetic, Craftsman style kitchens epitomize vintage charm. The rustic features like exposed wood beams and natural stone materials create a cozy, timeless look. But while Craftsman kitchens evoke the past, the backsplash presents a chance to incorporate modern tile designs that add pops of color, various textures, and eclectic mixed materials.

From brick to subway tile to reclaimed wood, there are endless options for achieving the ideal balance of vintage and contemporary.

Complementing the Craftsman Aesthetic

What is Craftsman Style?

The Craftsman design movement originated in the late 19th century as a reaction to mass-produced furniture and ornate Victorian styles. Craftsman style emphasizes simple, handcrafted elements made using natural materials. Some key features include:

• Exposed wood beams and trim
• Earth tones like brown, tan, and green
• Stone and brick accents
• Thick, substantial wood cabinetry
• Metal hardware and lighting fixtures

Today, the warmth and rustic charm of Craftsman design continues to be popular for kitchen remodels. The vintage look paired with modern conveniences results in kitchens that feel timeless yet fresh.

Backsplash Materials for Craftsman Kitchens

When designing a Craftsman kitchen backsplash, choose materials that complement the natural, textured look. Excellent options include:

• Natural stone tiles: Marble, travertine, and granite backsplashes with earthy neutrals and dramatic veining add organic texture.
• Brick: Real or faux brick tiles give a raw, industrial vibe. Set in a herringbone pattern for extra rustic appeal.
• Subway tile: Classic white or colored rectangular subway tiles offer a clean, vintage look.
• Concrete: For a modern Craftsman style, concrete backsplashes provide an on-trend urban edge.
• Reclaimed wood: Weathered wood planks make a bold, natural statement.

Colors and Textures to Consider

When selecting materials and hues, keep the Craftsman palette in mind. Yet don't be afraid to incorporate modern touches like vibrant accent tiles. Recommended colors and textures include:

• Warm neutrals like tans, grays, and browns found in natural wood and stone
• Earthy terra cotta and sage green for splashes of color
• Weathered wood grains and natural stone veining for visual interest
• A mix of matte and glossy finishes

Popular Backsplash Styles and Patterns

Brick Backsplash

From old Chicago warehouses to Brooklyn brownstones, exposed brick walls add vintage urban edge. Brick backsplashes offer the look without the masonry work using real or faux bricks. Laying the rectangular tiles in a herringbone pattern amps up the visual appeal. Whether kept natural red or done in earthy neutrals, brick backsplashes complement Craftsman spaces. Contrast the brick colors with a bold grout hue like navy or charcoal.

Subway Tile Backsplash

Subway tiles offer a classic, versatile option for Craftsman kitchen backsplashes. The rectangular shape installs in a stacked pattern reminiscent of vintage architecture. Sticking with traditional white is a safe bet, but subway tiles also pop in earth tones like sand, gray, and beige. Add interest by laying them in a herringbone, chevron, or basketweave design. The small size allows endless creativity with patterns and textures.

Stone Tile Backsplash

Slate, travertine, and marble backsplashes magnify the natural Craftsman aesthetic. Stone tiles add organic texture, especially with tumbled finishes and chiseled edges. Neutral granite and marble pairs well with wood cabinetry, or make a statement with dramatic blue and gray veining. Beyond traditional rectangles and mosaics, explore hexagonal stone tiles for a modern geometric twist.

Concrete Tile Backsplash

For contemporary Craftsman spaces, concrete tiles offer an on-trend, ultra-durable option. The matte finish and cool gray palette create an industrial vibe. Concrete tiles also come in warmer beiges and dynamic colors like navy, emerald, and terra cotta. Pair with wood open shelving for a modern rustic aesthetic. Geometric shapes like hexagons and chevron patterns work especially well.

Wood Plank Backsplash

Wood backsplashes allow Craftsman kitchens to revel in natural rustic charm. Reclaimed barn wood and salvaged oak planks make a bold statement, either as horizontal boards or vertical shiplap siding. For a more seamless look, run the wood backsplash into open shelving instead of upper cabinets. The rich grains and knots of weathered wood add lovely texture and warmth.

Design Tips for Craftsman Kitchen Backsplashes

Mix and Match Materials

Don't limit yourself to just one backsplash material in a Craftsman kitchen. Mixing natural stone, brick, tile, and wood makes for a dynamic, eclectic look. Try a wood plank backsplash with a brick or geometric tile accent. Or combine stone and brick patterns. A ceramic mosaic medallion also adds artisan style.

Add Pops of Color

While Craftsman palettes are neutral, a pop of vibrant color through the backsplash breathes new life into the space. Deep blue, green, and terracotta tiles energize traditional wood cabinetry. Use multicolored mosaic tiles sparingly as eye-catching accents. Varying the grout color from the tile is another subtle way to inject color.

Take Backsplash to Ceiling Height

Most backsplashes stop halfway up the wall, but extending stone or tile all the way to the ceiling makes a dramatic design statement. Still incorporate wood elements like an open shelf or exposed beam to maintain the Craftsman charm.

Partial Height Backsplash

For a more balanced mix of materials, take the backsplash about 4 feet high, ending below open shelving or reclaimed wood panels. This allows you to incorporate wood or metal touches while still enjoying a stylish tile backsplash focal point.

Enhancing Your Craftsman Kitchen Backsplash

The backsplash isn't just about tile and materials. Decor details can make it even more eye-catching. Try adding wrought iron pendant lights above a marble subway tile backsplash or wooden shelves with ceramic accents. Stain or paint surrounding walls and cabinets in complementary browns, greens, or grays to unify the look. Extending stone or brick patterns onto nearby walls pulls everything together wonderfully.

With natural materials like weathered wood, brick, and stone, Craftsman kitchens embody laidback vintage style. Yet the backsplash presents the perfect chance to incorporate modern tile designs, colors, and patterns. From retro subway tiles to contemporary concrete and sleek metallics, there are endless ways to create a focal point full of life and texture while honoring the cozy Craftsman aesthetic.

Hopefully the backsplash ideas and combinations explored above have sparked inspiration for your own Craftsman kitchen remodel. Just remember - have fun mixing materials, textures, colors and don't be afraid to add a touch of the unexpected. A blend of old and new design is what makes Craftsman style continue to feel special and current.