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One Kitchen Backsplash Trend Is Totally Dating Your Home, According To A Pro Designer

Although a kitchen backsplash has little impact on the functionality of your kitchen, it can make or break the visual appeal of the space. The last thing you want is to be left with an outdated backsplash that makes the area unsightly. Vintage design elements can add character to a room, but certain choices have simply gone out of style. According to Beth Diana Smith, Owner of Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, this is the case for kitchen backsplashes that feature traditional subway tile. 

"I can honestly say that I would be delighted if I didn't see traditional subway tile as a backsplash anytime in the near future, it's been very overdone and the trend is far from over," she revealed while speaking exclusively to House Digest. If you have a backsplash that features traditional subway tile in your kitchen, the space might feel like a time machine. Luckily, there are ways to modernize this design feature without having to scrap it entirely.

How to make traditional subway tile more modern

Smith revealed there's a way to make subway tile your own and give it more refreshing vibe if you're still in love with the design. This way, you can enjoy the look while giving your kitchen a slight upgrade. "If you want to keep the linear look of subway tiles but want to modernize it, opt for a longer tile such as 2x8 or larger, and change the orientation to vertical instead of horizontal," the expert shared while speaking exclusively to House Digest.

You have quite a few options when it comes to finding tiles that are at least 2-by-8 inches in size. The Limestone Ivory Porcelain Tile from Floor & Decor fit these dimensions. They come in a neutral tone that would not disrupt your kitchen if it already contains neutral colors throughout. The Amagansett Fog Gray tile from Ivy Hill Tile is also 2-by-8 inches and comes in a glossy finish. There are a variety of color options of this tile to choose from on the Home Depot website, which should make it easier to find a shade that is compatible with your existing kitchen color combo

Options for homeowners who cannot remove existing subway tile

Having a kitchen backsplash removed and replaced is expensive and time consuming. As a result, it simply is not a choice for many homeowners. Luckily, this does not mean you have to live with outdated traditional subway tiles. Smith revealed that there is another option if a renovation is not possible. "Unfortunately, tile is semi-permanent so it's not an easy change or fix. But if you're desperate, opt for adhesive tile that you can use to 'tile over' the existing tile," she explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest.

You can find self-adhesive tiles that work well with any kitchen cabinet colors. The Longking 10-Sheet Self-Adhesive tile, for example, comes in a variety of patterns and colors. You can place it on top of smooth ceramic tile to give your outdated backsplash a modern makeover. The Stickgoo Backsplash Tile is another great choice that comes in different shades as well. You could place this tile onto your backsplash and remove it wherever you are ready for a full remodel.

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