With their worn edges, muted colors and soft surfaces tumbled stone tiles appeal on many levels. By incorporating them into the kitchen backsplash design, it becomes possible to add an extra dimension to the kitchen design. Make even the most forma kitchen feel like a welcome retreat for guests, by creating a tumbled marble backsplash.
Choosing the Pallet
Tumbled stone tile is available in a wide array of colors. Nearly any marble, limestone or travertine tile can be tumbled to create a worn, soft appearance that can be incorporated into any design.
When deciding what color, or colors, of tumbled marble tile to use in the kitchen backsplash design, begin by looking at the kitchen counter. If using granite or an engineered stone with multiple colors in it, try to pick some of these colors up in the backsplash.
For example, if using a richly colored granite counter such as Madurai Gold, try using incorporating Jerusalem Gold tumbled stone into the backsplash. Accent the Jerusalem Gold with Rojo Alicante and Coral White travertine to create a warm, soft backsplash which reflects the granite. Use approximately 50% Jerusalem Gold, with 25% of each of the other stones, so as not to make the backsplash overly busy.
If a focal point behind the cooktop is desired, try creating a mosaic mix of the three stones, in 1” tiles. Use the same percentages, and frame the area in chair rails made of Rojo Alicante, to highlight the space. For extra detail, run two rows, or 2”, of the mosaic 1, 4” tile up from the countertop.
Incorporate Other Materials
To take the tumbled marble backsplash to another level, try introducing other materials into the mix. Handmade ceramic tiles and hand poured glass tiles can bring new dimension to the design, while complimenting and enhancing the natural stone.
If creating a traditional style kitchen, or a rustic style kitchen, try using tumbled marble tile set straight along the counters. Ever 4, full tiles cut in a 2” ceramic tile on the corners in an accenting color. Behind the cooktop, use a frame of ceramic chair rail tiles, and create a pattern of decorative ceramic tiles set into a field of natural stone.
This is a great way of bringing some extra color into the design, without overwhelming it. If using a dark granite counter, such as Uba Tuba, and light, maple cabinets try using a warm, light colored tumbled marble on the backsplash, such as Giallo Mediterranno. Accent with two toned ceramic decorative tiles, in a dark green with yellow accent, to pull the entire design together.
If creating a more updated look, try replacing tumbled marble tiles periodically with hand poured glass tiles of the same size. Keep colors fairly consistent between the two materials, to make the focus the light catching attributes of the glass. Try using a Sapphire Blue Brown counter with cream colored cabinets. The kitchen backsplash design can consist of Azul Celeste tumbled marble tile with a very pale blue 4”, hand poured glass tiles, such as Malaga Cove’s Frost scattered throughout to catch the light and enhance the design.
Use Decorative Patterns
Tumbled marble tiles are available in more than just 4” squares. Look for mosaic designs of octagon and dot or basketweave patterns made of tumbled stone. Use a 4” field tile along the counters, and use a decorative pattern made of the same color field tile with an accenting dot behind the cooktop.
Tumbled marble borders, which incorporate various colors, can be run along the counters to help enhance the design. Try keeping the pallet fairly neutral, and let the changing patterns be the draw in this case.
Tumbled marble tile can be created from nearly any stone. Try finding the exact colors desired, and contacting a custom stone manufacturer to produce the tiles in a tumbled finish, if premade stones are difficult to find. Backsplashes typically require no more than 40 square feet of material, making this a fairly reasonably priced endeavor.
Tumbled marble backsplashes can finish off and enhance nearly any kitchen design. Bring these warm, soft tiles and colors to the kitchen backsplash, and watch the kitchen become the draw and center of the home.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
