Tile Backsplashes: History, Function, and Timeless Design

The Origins of the Tile Backsplash

The humble tile backsplash– now a staple in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms alike– was born out of a novel problem homeowners began facing around the 1930s: how will my house evolve to accommodate running water? For the first time in history, homeowners had access to clean, on-demand running water throughout the home. This innovation revolutionized design as we know it, demanding specialized materials in indoor ‘wet’ areas that would stand the test of time and protect the home from water damage.

Wet and Dry Spaces: Designing for Function and Flow

A wet area is a space in the home with heavy water usage, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. A ‘dry’ area, on the other hand, is any space with very little or no access to running water, including bedrooms, offices, and living rooms. Often, there are both wet and dry areas within a single space, like this striking tub and vanity in Modern Walnut on Bass Lake, elevated and protected by a subtle horizontal tile backsplash throughout the room. Similarly, in the Holmes Historic Bathroom, the sink backsplash extends as a wainscoting around the entire room, with even the window trim finished in tile to protect it from water exposure. Thoughtful, human-centered design creates homes where these areas meet seamlessly while still serving their unique purposes.

From Protection to Expression in the Modern Home

Tile was initially added to wet areas of the home for its high durability and ease of cleaning, protecting walls from damaging stains, splashes, moisture, and discoloration. What began as a practical solution quickly evolved into the perfect opportunity to add depth and dimension to more functional areas of the home. 

In the Peyote & Birch Kitchen, eucalyptus tile stretches from countertop to ceiling along the main kitchen wall, providing ample protection while bringing calming color and natural texture into the space. The tile continues along the back wall behind a high-traffic area and built-in bench, where durability and easy maintenance are essential.

In the Morningside Elegance Kitchen, soft grey ceramic tile offers a more classic approach to the backsplash—subtle, timeless, and designed to complement the surrounding built-ins rather than compete with them.

Whether introducing bold color or understated refinement, tile backsplashes create kitchens that are as beautiful as they are functional. Timeless and durable, the tile backsplash is here to stay for another century of home design.