Custom tiling is just about as gorgeous as it can be scary. Nothing quite beats the end result of an iridescent tile wave flowing through your kitchen or an organic transition from one tile shape to another. However, from choosing glaze color to getting the right measurements in your space, it can be a confusing process. We’ve created this 7 step guide based on our custom DIY mosaic backsplash collaboration with Construction2Style to help make your custom tiling process simple and efficient with a guarantee of achieving the exact custom tile you’ve been dreaming of.
Looking to calculate your space's measurements? Watch our helpful how-to below and download our interactive Tile Guide and Calculator.
1. Get Inspired
Gathering inspiration for your custom mosaic backsplash is the first step and the best part! Browse the internet, flip through magazines, wander the aisles of your favorite store, take a walk in nature…whatever is it, get inspired!
A good place to start with this is to create a mood board – gather images of specific materials that you vibe with such as countertops, light fixtures, tile colors, tile shapes, hardware finishes, etc. Don’t hesitate to throw in some broader images, too. Is there an Instagram influencer who’s style you absolutely adore? Grab some of your favorite photos of theirs and put them on your mood board!
Morgan from Construction2Style's mood board inspiration came from black and white kitchens, gold hardware, dark cabinets, open shelving units, organic transitioning handmade tile, and quartz countertops.
Learn more about Construction2Style's inspiration on their blog - "Our Kitchen Remodel - Design Process"
After your vision is in front of you, it’s time to purchase samples! Morgan and Jamie from Construction2Style went through 130+ colors and 4 different tile shapes until they narrowed it down to one shape and eight magical glazes.
2. Measure your Space
Label your sections in terms of height and width, take notes, and be specific. The more specific you are, the easier it is during the design process and the closer you are to your tile dream!
You'll need a tape measure, paper, pencil and a calculator. Multiply the height and width to find the total area in inches, then divide by 144 to find the amount of square feet needed.
For example, if your space is 48” (width) x 18” (height) = 864.864/144 = 6 square feet.
Other details to pay close attention to while taking your measurements are any breaks in the wall such as outlets, faucet, hood range, cabinets, etc.
Learn more about measuring in our blog "How to Measure Your Kitchen Backsplash"
3. Contact Us
Now that you have your inspiration and measurements, it’s time to get our team involved! Reach out to our sales team with your type of project, inspiration, budget, and measurements and let’s get this party started!
You'll receive the initial pricing estimate and an option for our design package. When dreaming up a custom mosaic backsplash, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of our design services so we can help bring your tile dream to life!
4. Design
When deciding the overall design of your backsplash, Mercedes, our mover and shaker, offers this tip -
"When choosing colors and designs for your home, always remember that colors and trends will come and go, so create a space that makes you happy and your life will launch off that."
One thing we love is creating personal relationship with clients. Whether you are local or halfway across the world, we want to make sure your exact tile vision is seen and heard. We created this design process to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident from start to finish.
1. Work together with a sales superstar to choose a shape, color palette and design that best fits to your ideas and inspirations.
2. A CAD (Computer Aided Design) will be created based on your space’s specific measurements, tile shape request and design.
CAD 1
6"x6" Subway Tile
Large Moroccan Fish Scales
Bubbles
CAD 2
4"x4" Subway Tile
Large Moroccan Crosses
CAD 3
2"x6" Subway Tile
Medium Diamonds
3. The design team will color the CAD based on your color choices, keeping in mind the degree of variation in our tile.
4. You'll receive the colored CAD with your chosen color palette along with a grout color suggestion.
When we first started this collaboration with Morgan and Jamie, they were both certain of one thing: they wanted something different. They also wanted something that would inspire people for their own renovations in the future. We knew we were on the right path but the collaborating and design process was just getting started.
Learn more about Jamie and Morgan's design process for this collaboration - "Our Kitchen Remodel - Custom Backsplash"
5. Re-Design
We can't stress enough that we are here to help create your dream so whether that means redesigning or starting from scratch, we're with you the whole way! The transformation of designs from the Construction2Style custom backsplash went through many edits and re-designs until we arrived at one final cohesive design.
Option 1
6"x6" Subway Tile: 130 White
Large Moroccan Fish Scales: 60 Silver Lining, 77E Grey, 130 White
Bubbles: 366 Satin Black
Option 2
4"x4" Subway Tile: 130 White
Large Moroccan Crosses: 60 Silver Lining, 77E Grey, 130 White, 366 Satin Black
Option 3
4"x4" Subway Tile: 130 White
Large Moroccan Crosses: 60 Silver Lining, 77E Grey, 130 White, 366 Satin Black
Option 4
2"x6" Subway Tile: 130 White
Medium Diamonds: 130 White, 77E Grey, 60 Silver Lining, 815W Light Grey, 912W Cloudy Grey, 155 Steel, 366 Satin Black, 613 Black
Final Option
2"x6" Subway Tile: 130 White
Medium Diamonds: 130 White, 77E Grey, 60 Silver Lining, 815W Light Grey, 912W Cloudy Grey, 155 Steel, 366 Satin Black, 613 Black
Morgan and Jamie both loved that the focal point of the backsplash was around the hood from start to finish. Morgan was keen on an organic look with a raw edge while Jamie wanted a transition from one tile shape to another. They suggested a slanted focal point similar to an ocean wave that flowed diagonally through the range hood. And with that, the pieces started to fall into place to create this beautiful, inspiring and one-of-a-kind custom backsplash.
6. Production
For every project, each tile piece is hand extruded, cut by hand, brushed with glaze, fired to a sheen, and laid out to perfection. Every piece goes through 16 pairs of hands before it is ready to ship. The Construction2Style backsplash was no exception - our tile elves kicked it into high gear creatively, mentally and physically to create this ground-breaking backsplash.
The layout is adhered to a mesh backing with 1/8" of space between each tile allowing for grout. Upon completion it is cut into sheets and numbered according to where the tiles will be installed on the wall. You'll be provided with a map of your space with numbered sheets for an easy and efficient installation!
7. Custom Backsplash
Get your DIY mosaic backsplash tile shipped right to your door and plan an install. Feel free to reach out to us during any point of the installation if you have questions or need advice. We're here to help!
For more before and after photos check out our blog - "Construction2Style Before & After: Kitchen Backsplash"
Order the Construction2Style sample pack to see, touch, and fall in love with our handmade tiles in person. We would also love to hear what inspires you! Tell us more about your future project and get the ball rolling.
The post 7 Steps to Designing a Custom Backsplash appeared first on Artisan Tile Company: Handmade Ceramic Tiles by Mercury Mosaics.
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