• Glass tiles in bright colors proivde a dramtic display in the kitchen.Tile wall structure background (Red) image by Dmitriy Lesnyak from Fotolia.com
  
  Tile back splashes for the kitchen add flair and color to the room, as well as tie the space together. Creating ornate patterns or keeping the tiles simple and light help to highlight the kitchen and rest of the décor. Large and small tiles mixed together create an appealing backdrop. Sprinkle in a fun color like bright red or orange in a solid-colored design for a whimsical display and to offset other bright hues in accessories, floors and countertops.
  
  

Slate Tile

• Add slate tile to the kitchen back splash to create a natural design. Small 1-by-2 inch slate tiles laid across the kitchen are not only durable, but also blend well with kitchen appliances. Tumbled slate, a variety of slate that has an uneven surface, works well if you want a rustic look to the room. Slate is nonporous, so it creates a virtually maintenance-free tile idea to hide dirt and other grime often found in the kitchen. Slate is also soft, so any scratches are easily buffed out for an updated, fresh look to the room. To add sheen to a slate kitchen back splash, rub lemon oil over the stones to create a "wet" design that enhances the rich grays, deep blues and dramatic purples often found in slate.
  
  

Glass Tile

• Create a mosaic design using glass tiles in colors that echo the kitchen floor or accessories found in the room and nearby areas. The transparent design of glass tiles helps to offset harsh and overly modern pieces found in a kitchen like a range hood or stainless steel refrigerator. Hues of blue, green, brown--all earth tones--create a subtle yet dramatic backdrop for the kitchen and don't overpower the room. For an unusual design, try arranging the tiles into a gingham pattern using dark glass tiles mixed with light to white tiles, where no hue overpowers another, but the checkerboard effect is dramatic. Try bright reds or cobalt blues as the darkest color to animate the kitchen and pull the space together.
  
  

Subway Tile

• Subway tiles provide a neutral backdrop without overpowering the space. The sandy tones of cream-colored subway tile or the stark white varieties blend in beautifully with a wide range of countertop hues. Oftentimes glossy, subway tiles also bounce light around the kitchen and evoke elegance to the room. Typically subway tiles are arranged horizontally. For a twist on the traditional pattern, try angling the subway tiles to create a vibrant design. Have fun creating a pattern and repeating throughout the design.