TileTramp

I would like to begin by mentioning that I was very surprised by how many green kitchen concepts I found. When I began this post, I had over 30 photos. I have whittled it down to these 15, which is still quite a bit larger than any of my other color-related posts, but I had to keep them for one reason or another.

So bear with me; this post will be a bit lengthier, but hopefully very informative.

If not informative, hopefully my charming sense of humor will at least keep you mildly entertained.

First of all, when it comes to using green as your color of choice, I am reminded again of my personal design motto: if it’s a color combination found in nature, you will naturally find it beautiful. Meaning, particularly with green, virtually any wood will look nice alongside it. This can be wood counters, floors, cabinets, whatever. But some element of natural wood is crucial to making green look like a natural color choice in a space.

Alright, let’s get this party started.

Traditional Kitchen.

This is the easiest way to include a green backsplash into a traditional kitchen: light shaker-style cabinetry, dark counters (for contrast) and a nice shade of green. This subway style updates the space a bit, but keeps the traditional vibe going. The hint of wicker in the bar stools keeps the space feeling warm and welcoming.

If you’re completely tired of me talking about subway tile and pulling out your hair wondering why I always, always show you lots of subway tile, let me gently remind you that I warned you about this in my very first blog post. But, to appease you, I’ll also show some other options.

Here, the homeowner took a green 5×5 ceramic tile with a nice hand glaze and offset it, rather than the traditional straight set of square tile. This tactical maneuver keeps the backsplash interesting, and still gives a bit of a subway look (hah!), but without buckling in to the subway lifestyle.

You can also opt for a more subtle effect, as in this award-winning kitchen by Normandy Builders. This designer opted for a light, sage green backsplash with a white trim which gives the effect of beadboard. The white cabinetry around the room are contrasted nicely by the island, which is in a much deeper tone. Remember, adding color doesn’t have to mean a full commitment to a brilliant hue.

Contemporary Kitchen

Yes, more subway tile for you. I’m sorry! It’s everywhere. And I love it. And it’s my blog. This time, the tile is in a 1×2 glass mosaic format, giving additional movement to the room. The wood counter on the island coordinates beautifully with the bright green and adds an earthy component to an otherwise black and white kitchen. Because every color used in this room is very earthy, everything flows perfectly.

Another contemporary kitchen. This space is warmed up considerably with ivory cabinets, worn flooring and lots of glass. Again, sage green makes a nice, soft statement while still adding a dash of color.

A bit flashier than some other backsplashes, this kitchen is still within the realm of contemporary due to the shade of green chosen. Using a moderately toned, almost forest green, this kitchen also stays on the earthier side and doesn’t quite cross the line into “modern”.

Modern Kitchen

Ah yes, lime green. I do love you in a kitchen. This kitchen has the double whammy: bright color + trendy style. Lime green staggered glass tile lines the walls of this simplistic, glassy kitchen and beckon you to come have an appletini. Multiple wood tones in the room all coordinate well with green, and the added stainless steel and glass only add to the modern feel of the room.

Here is another modern use of green. This kitchen is obviously much warmer than the previous space. Why? Count the different shades of brown in the room. I see at least four, plus the ivory bank of cabinets and ivory far wall. This kitchen looks like it belongs in a forest. It’s beautiful, warm, natural, and still very modern. Not to mention, this room kept a bit of a mid-century feel, which reminds us all of cocktail hour and home-cooked meals. Perfection.

A winning combination that always works: high contrast (in this case, black and white), with a bright punch of color and a warm floor. If the floor in this room wasn’t a warm wood, this space would feel very cold and industrial. The wood is what grounds the space. Using a glossy bright green tile maximizes light, and the larger format gives more of a streamlined look.

More fun green rooms!

Cottage Chic

OK, this is one of the most foolproof ways to do green: in its natural habitat, with lots and lots of wood! It’s gorgeous, and keeping everything else relatively monochromatic really makes the green in the slate pop. This is the ideal design scheme for a chic cottage on a lake, or a Whistler retreat in the mountains.

Masculine Kitchen

It is a complete coincidence that this kitchen uses the same tile as the masculine kitchen from the blue series; the properties remain the same: lots and lots of wood, darker colors (dark green, darker cabinetry, etc.), minimal lighting, and not a lot of decor. This is definitely a man’s kitchen. Perhaps a lumberjack’s kitchen.

Feminine Kitchen

While masculine tends to be defined by dark colors, a lot of natural materials (wood, leather, etc.), the opposite could be said for feminine design. Light, airy, and more attention to detail (like the pattern in the rug matching the prints on the wall, or the delicate scrolls in the light fixture). This is a beautiful and very feminine kitchen. If this is the look you’re going for, the best advice is to keep it simple. Lots of light colors, and moderate doses of colors to balance.

Rustic Charm Kitchen

Who doesn’t love arts & crafts? While it’s not my personal favorite style, I can certainly appreciate the heaping doses of charm it provides. This kitchen looks like it should come with a hug and a spiced hot chocolate. Using a hand-glazed tile in a classic size and layout helps add character to this homey kitchen.

Green Gone Wrong

Yes, even green can be done incorrectly. Here is valid proof:

The problem here should (hopefully) be glaring to you lovely readers. In case you’re new to my blog and haven’t yet read my opinion on complementary vs. clashing, here’s the dilemna: what’s the statement? The backsplash or the counter? Are they trying to merge them into one continuous space?

Pick one.

Either the backsplash will grab your attention, or the counter. But with a color like that, it absolutely cannot be both.

No exceptions.

Hopefully this has been helpful in teaching you how to incorporate green in a kitchen. It’s really quite easy, there aren’t a lot of ways to mess it up! Except, as seen above, you take it a little too far…but as long as you keep a sense of balance in the room, green is one of the easiest colors to work with for adding interest to your kitchen.

And if you have fallen in lust with any of the tiles used above, shoot me an email at tiletramp@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you track it down