Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas, Designing a Tile Backsplash and Custom Ceramic Tile Designs for Kitchens
Swanson Studios--Glen and Linda Swanson in CA make classic hand made custom-painted Malibu tile, Monterey tile, Catalina tile, and one of a kind mosaics. They can make any kind of tile backsplash youhave in mind. For over 25 years, Glen Swanson has worked in the tradition of the old Malibu & Catalina Potteries, from Northern California to San Diego. The website has very inspiring photos of fabulous tile installations. Much better than the photo here, do have a look ! I know for a fact that Glen can make any kind of tile you want. The colors are amazing. Talk to Glen and Linda about your ideas and he will work with you to create a one of a kind masterpiece. The prices are not as high as you might imagine either. www.swansonstudiossd.com
A distinctive tile backsplash has the ability to create a focal point in your kitchen or wet bar and really dress-up or jazz up your decor for a personal look. The area that a backsplash covers is really not so large, so your expense is small compared to the visual impact you achieve. Most kitchens look so very similar, and all kitchens that are really used get their share of splatters and drips, so a ceramic tile, mosaic glass tile, stainless steel or creative metal backsplash makes good sense too. You can get some great ideas for designing a tile backsplash by looking at some of the ceramic tile artist's websites examples. Another good resource are Dover books. Even Dover's children's coloring books make great design tools. I often use them for basic outlines for mosaic designs.
Villa Lagoon Tile--fabulous patterned and solid colored cement tile. They offer the old world type of tile that you have probably seen in public buildings all over Europe aand Latin America. These tile are rare (but not costly) in the USA, so you will not see them at the neighbors house ! See a lot of designs, some with sea shells and some with fish. You can even do coordinating floors with these encaustic cement tiles. The owner will help you create a cool design if she sees your fabric or colors. www.VillaLagoonTile.com
Clayworks of Austin, Texas--Clayworks designs and creates murals in large and small format, suitable for use indoors or out. They work in a cut tile mosaic technique which has roots in the American Arts & Crafts movement. In the best tradition of public art, these murals are strong and durable in material, in design and in theme. This technique is something of a jigsaw process where elements of the design are cut by hand from soft clay, fired and reassembled. Color is derived from pigmented clays and from satin glazes applied over terra cotta clay. Clayworks does beautiful work and have quite a gallery of residential and commercial jobs they have done. www.clayworks.net
Anderson Ceramics--Neal Andersen of Round Rock, TX makes decorative backsplash tiles, high relief ceramic tiles and tile murals for your kitchen backsplash. His custom ceramic tiles are unique and he specializes in large ceramic decorative tiles, but they also make several tile liners and flat tiles. These decorative murals have a high relief French architectural style You can use these dramatic tiles as accents for your kitchen, bath or living areas. You can use just one tile with ordinary, less expensive tile set around it or use a set of ceramic tiles customized to fill a specific area. Most of Neal's customers install them behind the range, in the shower enclosure, above the bathtub or around the fireplace. To assist you during your design phase, they have line drawings for all of the ceramic tiles that they make. These drawings can be used to generate sample layouts by printing them and taping them up on your wall. This way you can get a better idea of how the tile backsplash will look in the space that you have. www.andersenceramics.com
Tiles with Style--You gotta see this site !!! Decorative handmade kitchen tile including cool leaf shaped tiles in natural organic shapes and glazed in natural earth colors. Tiles with Style can create any ceramic tile kitchen backsplash, per your specifications or per their tile design ideas. They will talk to you on the phone, or you can email your kitchen tile ideas for feedback from them. If a tropical fish kitchen backsplash isn't your thing....how about a prehistoric tile kitchen backsplash or a fossil tile backsplash! Tiles with Style is a decorative ceramic tile studio specializing in custom hand made tile. They are well known for quality craftsmanship, elegant designs, and custom colorations. www.tileswithstyle.com
Mosaica Botanica--some very innovative mosaic tile backsplashes. I love this contemporary look with the happy colored streamers.Since 2004, Lorie has devoted herself to the creation of traditional and contemporary mosaic art. Lorie studied early mosaic history and techniques in Ravenna, Italy, and continues to develop her artistic style with references to the patterns and styles of many artistic traditions. Lorie finds inspiration for her designs in art, nature and good design of all types. Lorie has a degree in French Literature from Yale University--wow. She would love to work with you on a custom mosaic piece for your home or business. Pricing is based on materials specified, complexity, and size of mosaic art being commissioned. www.mosaicabotanica.com
The Swanson Studio--I have found a wonderful tile artist, Swanson Studios--handmade tile murals and tiles custom sculpted by ceramic artist Gary Swanson. You must see his multi-piece tile fish. One on the websiteis shown unglazed, so I can imagine it in bright tropical colors. Gary says, "Although I produce tiles pressed from hand made molds, my tile murals are the primary focus of my work. They are developed from the initial idea or primary subject into a line drawing of the basic elements. Then a working 'cartoon' is crated and modified until I am satisfied.My tile work is earthenware tile created through several steps: A clay slab is rolled to thickness, the 'cartoon' is transferred to the clay and each piece of tile is cut from the slab. The tiles are bisque fired, then glazed and fired again. All my ceramics are fired glaze for permanency. Unmounted murals are provided for installations but I can also mount and grout murals on a backer board." The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Mural designs can feature a wide variety of themes, from natural landscapes to architectural. They are used in bathrooms, kitchens, wet bars, for public art, commercial signs, fireplace surrounds, and framed art. Single tile sized murals can be used as accents and to replace damaged tiles. The Swanson Studio
Artworks by Julia--tile murals, accent and decorative tiles, hand painted ceramic tiles for kitchen backsplashes and decorative effects. Her scenic mural backsplashs can be used to add pizzaz to a wet bar, butler's pantry, bathroom as well as in the kitchen. All of Julia’s ceramic murals, decorative tiles, art tiles and tile paintings are kiln fired which will make your painting permanent - it will not rub off, wash off, fade or be affected by heat, splashing or splattering of hot liquids or foods from the sink, stove or moisture from shower or bath. Shown is her "Old World Style # 3" painted kitchen backsplash. See nice examples of her work on her website. Julia will do custom work based on your color scheme, tile or wallpaper. You can send samples and she will coordinate the clay body and glazes and send back sample tiles for inspection for a reasonable cost. www.artworksbyjulia.com
ColorBakery--Mindy Sommers' offers some really unusual and unique ceramic tile designs with wild, colorful and sometimes futuristic patterns and designs. They come in three different finishes. One of her tile murals or a ColorBakery tile border could really bring some life and pazazzzz to a kitchen. . She also offers her designs on assorted home furnishings like placemats and even clothes ! www.ColorBakery.com
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Mexhapati--You can order direct from Mexico--check out the tile backsplashes on their site. http://www.mexhapati.com/murals.htm
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Jerusalem Pottery Backsplash Tile--Hand painted tiles for kitchen backsplashes, made by family tradition since 1922 . This Birds of paradise tile murals is $290 and sized 18 x 18 inches. It would make a spectacular focal point in any klitchen. They have lots of colors including the popular blue and white tile designs.
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Broan / Nutone Instant Ceramic Tile Backsplash-- Broan has come out with some pre-fab instant install ceramic tile kitchen backsplashes that will fit most people's kitchens. They offer three styles: Tuscany, Florence, and Cape. These pre-assembled back splashes add drama and function with a few simple tools. You hang these tumbled marble with pewter look ceramic pieces but they look as if they are permanently installed tile. No adhesives, no cutting residue, no grouting, no sealing and can be easily replaced when kitchen decor changes. www.broan.com
Turn-of-the-Century Tile Designs in Full Color
Sintra Antique Tiles --they can make any old world style tile you wish. From traditional blue and white decorative tiles to elaborately hand made and hand painted tiles, the variety shown on their site is unbelievable. Sintra Antique Tiles brings these very exquisite European traditional tiles to clients in North America. They have put together a collection ranging from well priced, good quality hand painted tiles, to hand made and hand painted period reproduction tiles. Browse and decide, or be original and send them your own creation. Sintra Antique Tiles can faithfully reproduce it and produce it in large quantities within three to six weeks. Other tile is available for immediate shipment from their warehouses in Florida. www.sintraantiquetiles.com
Balian-Armenian Ceramics of Jerusalem--Unique handmade bathroom tiles, kitchen wall tiles, decorative ceramic tile murals, tile backsplashes from one of the oldest tile studios in the world. The website is easy to use and quick to load. They have links to backsplash design idea photos too and a whole section on swimming pool tiles. The Balian Family of Jerusalem has been producing hand painted ceramic tiles and pottery since 1922. The ceramic tiles and pottery of Balian Armenian Ceramics have been exhibited all over the world in various museums and institutions including the solo exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum of Washington D.C. in 1992. Original and authentic Balian Pottery is sold only at their factory and retail outlet on 14 Nablus Rd. East Jerusalem and now on their web site. www.armenianceramics.com
Stone Age Murals--ceramic, porcelain and marble tile murals for kitchen or bar backsplash. Most examples show fruit or flowers, some are words...almost all done in earthy colors. They do not do hand painting, but transfer artwork or custom images onto marble, porcelain, or ceramic tile. Stone Age Murals says it is durable..In biz since 2004. www.stoneagemurals.com
Gooseneck Tile Designs--WOW!!! These guys have made the most unbelievable kitchen backsplash tile groupings that I have ever seen. They seems to specialize in custom tile designs that feature wildlife and nature themes.Out of the ordinary hand made tiles, and custom sculpted murals are their specialty!www.gooseneckdesigns.com
E J Harpham of E J Tilescapes-Pacific Tilescapes, Custom Handpainted Ceramic Tile Backsplashes. This is an artist that makes everything from individual accent tiles to full kitchen back splashes, murals and swimming pool tiles. EJTilescapes hand painted artwork is a distinctive unique addition to any home. Each individual tile is hand painted and combined to form a large mural design for kitchens, bathrooms or outdoor applications. See her website to see the large scale ceramic tile murals. I am sure she can come up with some great ideas for kitchen tile backsplashes if you are not sure what you want. www.pacifictilescapes.com
Alora's Handpainted Tile Murals, Alora specializes in wildlife paintings on tile that are original works of art. She has numerous examples of her nature and landscape themed hand painted scenes. She is even generous enough to offer a tutorial page for those interested in making their own handpainted ceramic tile wall and backsplash designs. www.aloratile.com
Linda Paul--Decorative tile wall murals of Italy & France & the Southwest for your kitchen backsplash, dining room or wine bar. Wine art and Southwestern kitchen cuisine ceramic tile wall murals. You can buy Linda Paul's paintings on Italian tumbled stone tile for use as a kitchen decorative accent or stove backsplash. .also individual tiles for accents or use in borders. http://www.lindapaul.com/links_to_tile_paintings_artists.htm
Dy Witt is a ceramic artist with over 20 years experience who does custom ceramic tile backsplash work. She uses only the true fired ceramic process, which is the bonding of color to the clay body, as opposed to low-fired china painting which only bonds on the surface of the clay, and is less durable. Dy is happy to make custom ceramic tile murals, kitchen and bar backsplashes, countertop tile, kitchen wall tile, shower tile and bathroom tile designs. She would love to help you come up with a one-of-a-kind idea for the kitchen backsplash to give your home more personality. www.dyztilz.com
Ceramic Tile Photo Murals-if your room lacks windows, or if your sink has a backsplash instead of a window, you might like the look of Aristophanes Murals. They offer old master paintings and photographs reproduced on tiles that are assembled like a puzzle to create a vista type effect. Better inquire to see if the color is fired on before you use any strong cleaners. www.aristophanes.com
A Workshop of Wonders Ceramics Studio describes itself as offering a variety of handmade and handpainted items featuring animals of the northwest. It is owned and operated by Melanie and Robert Jeffs & located in Missoula, Montana. They specialize in hand painted tile designs and designing kitchen tile backsplashes. Workshop Wonders has an exciting line of ceramic tile murals too. They are reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts Style Movement, and add unique architectural detail to any room. Besides using them in a kitchen as wall tiles or for a sink or counter backsplash, they are great for a fireplace frieze or a handcrafted bath feature. This ceramic tile studio's tile murals are able to stand on their own as an architectural feature or to be incorporated into any large tiling project. Each mural shown on their website is composed of 15 tiles, each tile being approximately 4" x 4" in size. Each tile is handmade and hand painted. Contact them about custom work. www.workshopwonders.com
Tresorelle Home Designs--Hand-Painted Stone Tile Murals for kitchen, bath, or garden. Pretty standard themes like fruit, wine, Tuscany, The murals are hand-painted with heat-cured enamels, (water, heat, and scuff resistant) on your choice of tumbled marble or stone and can be customized to fit your personal style, and needed size. Custom orders can be arranged via e-mail, fax, or by telephone. The murals are shipped with the tiles only ( stone borders are sold separately) to be installed by local installer. Tre Sorelle (tray-sor-e-lay) means Three Sisters. Three artistic sisters and their best friend started a very successful mural/faux finishing business, Lilies of the Field Fine Interior Art. www.tresorellehomedesigns.com
Tile by Design--Here you can find artists that offer their original work on tile . If you are an artist that would like to be added to the Original Artist page contact them. Tile by Design is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was started by Brian Robertson and Lori Stout in the fall of 2004.This company prints the designs onto the tiles in some way that is pretty durable. I couldn't find info about the exact process used but I am sure if you call them they'd fill you in. If you don't mind tile that had a printed look, this might be a great choice due to the vast number of kitchen backsplash designs available. There are plenty of tropical backsplash designs and also traditional food themed kitchen backsplash designs. They offer many famous paintings on tile. You have several choices, glossy, satin finish, and even glass tiles that have the design printed on the back side. I can imagine some great ultra-modern effects by using this method. www.tilebydesign.net
- An interesting thing is that in the UK a backsplash is called a splashback :o)
Pressed Tin and Faux Pressed Tin Backsplash
ACP- Pressed Tin Style Backsplash--For something really different, ACP makes a pressed tin style product out of plastic with a metallic finish for kitchen backsplashes. ACP`s decorative thermoplastic panels create an instant cottage look. These panels look like classic tin tiles but function with the many benefits of thermoplastic construction. Attractive, highly durable panels show a custom finished look. There are several styles and finishes to choose from available at half the price of metal panels. The pressed tin look panels are suitable for wet environments with resistance to impacts and stains. They are imple to clean using warm water and soap with a soft cloth. Matching finish trim options are available to treat corners and edges with a professional look. You can also get matching finish outlet cover laminates to make the electric switch and outlet covers blend with the pressed tin look. They say it is easy to install. http://www.acpideas.com/index.cfm?XlinkID=12
Talissa Decor Faux Tin PVC ,--Polystyrene ceiling tiles and kitchen backsplashes
Manufactured from High Quality Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Sheets approximately 0.01" thick. It is dimensionally embossed to create 3D effect. This product can be used in Homes, Offices, Hospitals, Schools, Hotels, Motels, Business complexes, etc. All PVC ceiling tiles available in 2’ X 2’ size and you can order your tiles almost in any color shade or even combination of 2 or more colors. Various effects like wooden grains, Metallic (Gold, Silver, Copper etc.), Pearl shine etc. This product can have the look of the traditional molded plaster of paris ceiling, painted wood carving, pressed tin ceilings. Backsplashes come in a 2' wide rolls and available at 10' and 25' lengths (for special orders, contact them). Shipping and handling for one roll - $25. Backsplash rolls - made from the PVC approximately 0.01" thick. Come in half a dozen different designs in whole variety of finishes - plain metallic, antique etc. The backsplashes are the best option when you want to make fast upgrade to your kitchen. They come in a 2 ft wide rolls (10 to 50 ft. long) and could be installed in one piece without seams at all. www.talissadecor.com
M-Boss Metal Backsplashes--from a leader in tin ceilings comes an easy to install, easy to cut backsplash that will quickly dress up your kitchen. This product is available in any of 3 and 6-inch repeating patterns and in any one of our 10 traditional and specialty finishes as well as solid copper. Standard tin snips can be used to easily cut around cabinets and outlets. They say it's so easy you'll be able to install it in one afternoon. Might be the lowest cost metal backsplash on the market. www.mbossinc.com
Stainless Steel Tiles-
Just to get an idea of the hundreds of ready-made kitchen backsplash designs available, do an image search on Google or www.Altavista.com and you will find that there are many attractive mosaic designs imported from Turkey and other countries where labor is inexpensive compared to the USA and Europe. Popular mosaic backsplash designs include fruit baskets, grapes, and Greek borders.
Did you know that in the UK kitchen backsplashes are called Splashbacks ?
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