Buying a Home

The vast majority of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, but their traditions and activities vary widely

BYJOHN GRAMLICH, MICHAEL ROTOLOANDLAURA SILVER

(From left: Frederic J. Brown/AFP; Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images; MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram, all via Getty Images)

Just a few weeks after a divisive presidential election, millions of Americans will break bread together for Thanksgiving. A new Pew Research Center survey shows how Americans plan to spend the holiday this year – and which Turkey Day traditions and activities are more common than others.Here are the main takeaways from the survey, conducted Nov. 12-17, 2024, among 9,609 U.S. adults:

Around nine-in-ten Americans (91%) celebrate Thanksgiving. Large majorities in all major demographic groups observe the holiday, though some people are more likely than others to do so. For example, 96% of Americans ages 65 and older celebrate Thanksgiving, compared with somewhat smaller shares of younger adults.

Immigration status also plays a role. While 93% of adults born in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving, the same is true of 88% of immigrants who have been in the country for more than 20 years, 76% of immigrants who have been in the country 11 to 20 years, and 74% of immigrants who have been in the country for a decade or less.

Most Americans (74%) plan to have Thanksgiving dinner with other people this year. Another 5% plan to have Thanksgiving dinner alone, 2% don’t plan to have Thanksgiving dinner – whether it’s because they are working or traveling or for some other reason – and 10% didn’t know their plans yet at the time of the survey. The rest don’t celebrate Thanksgiving.

For some Americans, Thanksgiving dinner includes lots of other people. Around a quarter (26%) expect to have Thanksgiving dinner with more than 10 other people this year, including 7% who expect to have it with more than 20 others.

Smaller get-togethers are more common: 26% of Americans plan to have dinner with six to 10 other people, 15% with three to five other people, and 4% with one to two other people. The remaining Americans plan to have Thanksgiving dinner alone, don’t plan to have Thanksgiving dinner, didn’t know their plans yet or don’t celebrate Thanksgiving.

A bar chart showing that 7% of Americans expect to have more than 20 other people at their
Thanksgiving dinner.

Around a third of Americans (34%) plan to have Thanksgiving dinner at their own home this year, whether hosting others or dining alone. Another 39% plan to go to someone else’s home, while 3% plan to go to a restaurant, hotel or other public place. The rest plan not to have Thanksgiving dinner, didn’t know their plans yet or don’t celebrate the holiday.

Older adults are more likely than younger people to have Thanksgiving dinner at their own home: 40% of Americans ages 50 and older plan to do so this year, compared with 29% of adults under 50.

Afternoon is the most popular time for Thanksgiving dinner, but there’s no consensus on early versus late afternoon. Some 36% of Americans prefer to have Thanksgiving dinner in the early afternoon (that is, between noon and 3 p.m.), while 38% prefer to have it in the late afternoon (between 3 and 6 p.m.). Only 11% of Americans prefer to have Thanksgiving dinner in the evening (after 6), and just 1% prefer to have it in the morning (before noon). Another 5% have no preference.

Dinnertime preferences follow a regional pattern. Americans who live in the Midwest and South are more likely to prefer Thanksgiving dinner in the early afternoon than the late afternoon. But people in the Northeast and West are more likely to prefer the late afternoon than the early afternoon.

There are also differences by age. Americans 65 and older are more likely to prefer Thanksgiving dinner earlier in the afternoon than later. Meanwhile, adults under 30 are more likely to prefer late afternoon over early afternoon.

A bar chart showing that most Americans prefer to have Thanksgiving dinner in the afternoon.

It’s common for Americans to say grace or express gratitude at Thanksgiving dinner. Around two-thirds of U.S. adults say someone at their dinner typically says a prayer or blessing (65%) or says things they are thankful for (69%). And a majority of Americans (56%) say someone at their Thanksgiving dinner typically does both of these things.

A bar chart showing that prayers and expressions of gratitude are common at the Thanksgiving table.

Saying grace at Thanksgiving is especially common among certain religious groups. For example, 91% of White evangelical Protestants say someone at their Thanksgiving dinner typically says a prayer or blessing. The same is true for 88% of Black Protestants, 74% of Catholics and 72% of White nonevangelical Protestants. Prayer is much less common among those who say their religion is “nothing in particular” (45%), agnostics (39%), atheists (22%) and Jewish adults (22%).

Majorities across religious groups also say someone at their Thanksgiving dinner typically expresses gratitude. Many religiously unaffiliated Americans say this, too: 59% of those whose religion is “nothing in particular,” along with 61% of agnostics and 48% of atheists, say someone at their dinner typically says things they are thankful for.

Driving and Thanksgiving go hand in hand. The vast majority of Americans who plan to have Thanksgiving dinner away from home this year (89%) say driving is the main way they’ll get there. This works out to 38% of U.S. adults overall who expect to drive to their destination.

Only 2% of Americans overall expect to fly, while even fewer expect to take some other form of transportation, such as local or regional transit.

Most Thanksgiving travel takes less than an hour. A majority of those who plan to have Thanksgiving dinner away from home this year (69%) expect their trip to take less than an hour. That may have to do with the proximity of their family members: In a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 55% of Americans said they live within an hour’s drive of at least some of their extended family.

Looking at adults overall, 29% expect their Thanksgiving travel to take less than an hour. Another 13% expect it to take longer than that, including 6% who expect it to take three hours or more.

Apart from eating, Americans expect to do a wide range of things this Thanksgiving. Certain long-running Thanksgiving traditions, like watching football or a parade, are still fairly popular: 35% of Americans say it’s extremely or very likely that they’ll watch sports on Thanksgiving, and 19% say the same about watching a parade. Men are more likely than women to say they’ll watch sports, while women are more likely than men to say they’ll watch a parade.

A bar chart showing what Americans expect to do on Thanksgiving this year.

When it comes to conversation, 35% of Americans say it’s extremely or very likely that they’ll talk about work or school on Thanksgiving. And in the wake of a presidential election that saw more than 154 million Americans cast ballots, 26% expect the election to come up. A similar share (24%) expect to talk about pop culture like music or movies, though far fewer (4%) expect to go to a movie.

Thanksgiving is a time for charity for many Americans, and 19% say it’s extremely or very likely that they’ll donate food or goods, while 4% expect to volunteer somewhere.

Thanksgiving is also the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Accordingly, 15% of Americans say it’s extremely or very likely that they’ll shop for the holidays on Thanksgiving Day this year.

Getting some exercise on Thanksgiving is a less popular idea: Only 4% of adults say it’s extremely or very likely that they’ll play sports, while 3% expect to participate in a community walk or run, like a turkey trot.

Following Donald Trump’s reelection on Nov. 5, Trump voters are more likely than Kamala Harris voters to say they’ll talk about the presidential election this Thanksgiving. Some 36% of Americans who voted for Trump say it’s extremely or very likely that they’ll talk about the election on Thanksgiving. A smaller share of Americans who voted for Harris (24%) say the same.

A bar chart showing that more Trump than Harris voters expect to talk about the election on Thanksgiving.

Trump voters who identify as conservative are the most likely to talk about the election: 39% say it’s extremely or very likely that they’ll do so on Thanksgiving, compared with 28% of Trump voters who identify as moderate or liberal. Among Harris voters, 28% of self-described liberals expect to talk about the election at Thanksgiving, compared with 20% of those who identify as conservative or moderate.

In fact, conservative Trump voters are about as likely to talk about the election this Thanksgiving as they are to talk about work or school (36%) – and much more likely to talk about it than to talk about pop culture (17%). By comparison, liberal Harris voters are more likely to talk about work or school (42%) and pop culture (38%) than the election.

6 Rules for Arranging Furniture Like a Design Pro

Fix the flow of your space By Lisa Milbrand Published on October 20, 2024 Orange sofa in cozy living room interior with pastel green wall and wood furniture. Wall mockup

PHOTO: VASYL CHEIPESH/GETTY IMAGES

Sometimes, the hardest part of designing and decorating the spaces in your house is figuring out what to put where. And arranging furniture to suit your space can feel a little bit like a very expensive game of Tetris, where you’re looking for just the right way to situate everything to make it look—and feel—like home.

Fortunately, the design pros have a set of rules—everything from how close you should situate your furniture to how big your rug should be—to ensure the rooms in your home look and feel as beautiful and comfortable as possible. So do a little shuffling and rearranging following these rules, and get the stylish space you seek.

Think About How You’ll Use the Space

Gallery of trendy posters in elegant grey living room interior with brown corner sofa — KATARZYNA BIALASIEWICZ/GETTY IMAGES

You’ll want to make your design choices based on how you’ll actually use the space. For example, if you tend to eat in your living room, choose lower side tables around your living room seating to make it easier to drop your drinks and snacks there. And if you want to put your feet up at the end of the day, you’ll want to sneak a stool or coffee table a bit closer to your sofa. Leave Enough Room for People to Move

Side view of a blue bedroom interior with a modern lamp, double bed, plants and cabinet — KATARZYNA BIALASIEWICZ/GETTY IMAGES

People shouldn’t have to shimmy past the furniture in your home, so make sure that you leave clear pathways around your furniture.

The amount of space you should leave, however, varies. For high traffic areas, Rosanna Bassford of Memmo Interiors likes to leave three to four feet of space, but a smaller space—like two to three feet, in between furniture and in lower traffic areas. “For example, if your sofa backs up to a major walkway from one room to another, be sure to leave plenty of space,” she says. “I like to plan at least three feet of space around a dining table for the dining chairs to be comfortably pulled out.”

In bedrooms, Helft recommends four feet of clearance around the bed, if possible, to allow for easy movement.

Hang Artwork Lower Than You Think

living room with gray couch, wall of artwork, wooden coffee table, lamp and wooden chair

An across-the-board concern for designers: most people are placing their artwork way too high on their walls. Goldberg advocates for placing it at gallery height, about 57 inches high, while Helft varies art placement. “Artwork is supposed to be eye level, which is usually around 55 inches from the floor,” she says. “Over sofas, it needs to go slightly lower—you need to be able to see it while you’re sitting on the sofa. The bottom of the artwork should be 10 inches above the top of the seat back.”

Break a Large Room Into Smaller Spaces

Living room separate space — MALKA HELFT

You don’t want to spread out your furniture too much. So if you’re lucky enough to have a larger open living area, use rugs and furnishings to help break that into smaller spaces. Helft likes to create a separate game space with a small table and a pair of chairs that’s outside of the main conversation area—but you could also transform a cozy corner into a reading nook, crafting space, or a little office.

Size the Rug Right

Living room with large area rug — HERO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

When you’re choosing area rugs, make sure that you choose one large enough to fit the space appropriately. That means that for a conversation area in the living room, all of the seating and tables should at least have the front two legs on the rug. In a dining area, you want to ensure that everyone can slide their chairs out and still have all of the legs completely on the rug—you don’t want someone accidentally tipping a chair if your rug is too plush and their chair legs end up off the rug.

Remember That Rules Are Made to Be Broken

Yes, it’s a little bit of a cheat, but even the most common interior design rules around furniture arranging are made to be broken, depending on the unique aspects of your own space and how you plan to use it.

“It’s okay to break the rules on occasion to give a space a custom feel and represent the homeowner,” Goldberg says. “It’s dependent on the space and the heights of our clients, as we want everything to function best for those who live there. And if there is a piece you love, find a way to make it work in the space.”

The 20-Minute Cleaning Routine You Should Do Every Night

According to a Professional Organizer, Wake up to a serene space each morning by performing this short “closing shift” ritual.

By Mary Cornetta

white farmhouse kitchen with shiplap walls and black granite countertops — PHOTO: BRIE WILLIAMS

Even if you’ve never worked in retail or a restaurant, you’ve likely heard of the term ‘closing shift.’ This refers to the end-of-day cleaning routine that typically takes place in a business, but it can be applied to your residential space too. Recently, content creators in the lifestyle space have taken to social media to share their opening and closing shift routines. Essentially, this involves either starting your day by tidying your home, or spending a few minutes before bed getting your house in order. As a professional organizer, I recommend the latter, because it’s all too easy to skip the early routine on busy mornings.

Rather than spend an entire Sunday resetting your home, a 20-minute routine every night is an effortless way to keep your space clean and clutter-free all week long. So, before you hit the hay, set a timer and tackle the following tasks so you can start the next day on the right foot.

1. Clear the Sink (5-7 Minutes)

The kitchen sink is among the dirtiest spots in a home because they harbor bacteria and moisture, especially throughout the day. After dinner, either load and run the dishwasher or handwash dishes and add them to the drying rack. If you have a garbage disposal, use it to remove any lingering debris. Next, thoroughly clean the kitchen sink, including the drain, faucet, and handles. Wipe the entire area dry with a clean cloth. If you feel motivated, do the same with any hand-washed dishes and put them away so you don’t have to do it the next day.

2. Tidy Visible Clutter (5-7 Minutes)

Knocking this off your list will automatically make spaces look neater and lower your stress levels. Talk about a win-win! Take a few minutes to go through high-traffic areas like the living room, entryway, and kitchen and re-home stray items that have piled up throughout the day. Declutter countertops, corral chargers and remote controls, toss kids’ and pets’ toys back into their respective baskets, put back bathroom products, and place shoes onto racks. Depending on each day’s level of clutter, this part of the closing shift may take a little longer, but it’s worth the effort once it’s done.

3. Wipe Down Surfaces (1-2 Minutes)

Now that you have a clean slate to work with, give commonly used surfaces a quick wipe down. Clean kitchen countertops (including the island) and the stovetop by first removing crumbs and then spraying an all-purpose cleaner. If you ate at the kitchen, dining room, or even the coffee table, don’t forget to wipe those as well. Bathroom counters are quick to collect stains from makeup, skincare, and toothpaste. So, since you cleared products in the previous step, you can easily scrub your vanity before bedtime. Have a few more seconds to spare? Clean splatters on the mirror while they’re fresh rather than wait to scrub them on the weekend.

4. Make the Couch (1-2 Minutes)

Just like making the bed each morning is a good habit, it’s just as important to make the couch in the evening. Even if you only spent an hour or two enjoying your favorite show, chances are the sofa could use some straightening up. Most nights, you can get away with simply fluffing the cushions and throw pillows and refolding and putting the blankets back where they belong. If you notice crumbs or excessive pet hair, remove them with a handheld vacuum cleaner or lint roller. Any food that’s fallen between the cushions can encourage pests, so it’s not something you should wait to address. This part of the closing shift sets up the sofa so you can relax without worrying after a long day tomorrow.

5. Empty the Trash (1-2 Minutes)

You most likely do this on a nightly basis already, but you can tack it on at the end of your closing shift to signal that the day is officially over. First, collect any small bags that are full (such as those from bathroom wastebaskets) and add them to the kitchen trash. Take that bag and any recycling you may have to the curb or into their respective outdoor cans on the nights you don’t have a pickup. Clean trash can spills or stains right away so odors don’t linger. Finish by replacing any empty cans with new bags.

Optional Add-On Tasks

If you have an extra few minutes or a bit of extra energy before bed, try tacking the following tasks onto your closing shift for a smoother morning routine.

Sweep the floors or, better yet, run the robot vacuum after cleaning surfaces and while finishing up your closing shift.
Tidy up the bedroom by putting away clothes and accessories, including laundry that was folded and abandoned earlier in the day on the dreaded clothes chair.
Prep for tomorrow by setting the coffee maker, laying out your outfit, and packing lunches and bags.

8 Front Door Decor Ideas That Will Instantly Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Visitors will have a great first impression. By Amanda Lauren

Colourful stained glass wooden door of a traditional Victorian house — PHOTO: ALENA KRAVCHENKO/GETTY IMAGES

A home’s curb appeal is so important. After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So if you’re trying to make your home look more stylish and welcoming, it’s always a good idea to start at the front door. While you might think there isn’t much you can do with this simple area, you’ll be surprised at all the ways you can elevate this space. Even just one or two of these front door decor ideas might make you feel as if you are entering a different home entirely.

Amy Switzer is an interior designer and the founder of Amy Switzer Design
Sierra Fox is an interior designer at Studio Mountain

Swap Out Your Current Front Door

Is your door looking a little old? Or is it a little boring? Why not replace the door itself? Whether you want something traditional with windows or stained glass, or a modern aesthetic with reclaimed wood, don’t miss this opportunity to change the look of your home’s exterior. You don’t even have to get something new, there are vintage doors that can give this spot a new life.

Paint the Door

If you want to keep your old door and elevate it inexpensively—get out your can and brush. A new coat of paint not only adds curb appeal, but the options are endless. “When painting a front door, you can go bold or stay classic, depending on your home’s vibe,” says interior designer Amy Switzer.

Not sure what front door color to go with? “Deep navy, matte black, or even a rich jewel tone like emerald green can add sophistication,” she explains. “For a more playful look, consider something like coral or soft turquoise.”

Swap Out Your Hardware

Sure, your current doorknob opens the door, but it might not be doing much more than that, according to interior designer Sierra Fox. “If you’re looking to add an interesting and artistic moment to your front entry, adding a vintage door knocker or doorbell plate is a simple yet impactful way to enhance this space,” she says. “Look for a design that resonates with your style, and opt for a living finish to allow the piece to develop a timeworn beauty with age.”

On the other hand, if you have a more modern home or prefer hardware you can easily order online, Switzer suggests going with matte black or antique brass, which can be found at most hardware retailers. “These are really on-trend right now and contrast beautifully with bright or dark door colors.”

Add Some Plants

Want to add some charm? Consider layering container plants at different heights. “Think about oversized statement planters in ceramic or concrete, and fill them with seasonal blooms or greenery like ferns or grasses. A few small topiaries or succulents in unique pots would work, too,” Switzer says.

If you have trouble keeping plants alive (we’re not judging), that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve this look. You just need to be creative. “As someone who always has dead plants, faux plants are a great option for planters outside as well,” she explains.

Hang a Wreath

Wreaths aren’t just for the holidays, they’re a gorgeous way to welcome guests to your home all year round. There are so many types of wreathsout there—from flowers to olive branches, and even beautifully scented ones made from eucalyptus. If you live in a location with inclement weather, consider going with an artificial wreath because it’s a more durable choice.

Welcome Guests with a Doormat

Doormats are highly underrated. Whether you get a statement doormator perhaps a practical yet stylish one to remind guests and family members to wipe their feet—these accessories can add both color and texture. Not sure what style you want? A simple monogram doormat is a timeless choice you likely won’t regret.

Brighten Up the Way with Sconces

Having good lighting at your front door isn’t just about being able to see when you fumble for your keys—adding a fixture or two can level up the space in a new way. Consider adding sconces to each side of the door or one bold one depending on the space. You can even choose one with a sensor so the bulb turns on automatically as you approach the door.

Create a Seating Area

If you have a little bit of extra space, consider adding a seating area to your front door. Go with a bench or perhaps even an old-fashioned porch swing. Even if you only have room for just one chair—go for it. A bold seat can be fun and sophisticated. Don’t forget to accessorize with a pillow and cushion.

Antique Homes and Halloween

October 28, 2024

By: Amethyst Marroquin

Welcome, dear readers, to a hauntingly delightful journey through time! As the crisp autumn air fills with whispers of ghost stories and the excitement of Halloween night looms, there’s no better moment to delve into the mysterious allure of old and antique homes. With their creaky floorboards and shadowy corners, these architectural gems hold tales of yesteryears and secrets waiting to be unearthed. In this special Halloween edition, we invite you on a journey through the charm, history, and occasional eerie tales that surround these distinguished residences. Whether you’re a history aficionado, a believer of the supernatural, or simply intrigued by the beauty and craftsmanship of antique homes, this post promises to enlighten and entertain.

Curious about what qualifies a home as “old”? The answer is more straightforward than you might think. According to the National Register of Historic Places, a home must be at least 50 years old to be considered for inclusion on their registry. While a home needs to reach the 50-year mark to be considered for historic status, the definition of an antique holds a higher bar. According to Merriam-Webster, an antique is defined as an “item that not only embodies the fashion and style of a bygone era but was also crafted during that period, typically being at least 100 years old.”

Doughnut graph: New, Old, and Antique Homes

According to the 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 34% of homes purchased that year were old (built between 1924 and 1972) and antique (built before 1923). Older Millennials (those born between 1980-1989) and Gen Xers (1965-1979) bought old and antique homes. Of the old homes purchased in 2023, 24% were purchased by Gen Xers, and Older Millennials purchased 22%. Of the antique homes purchased in 2023, Older Millennials purchased 29%, and 24% were purchased by Gen Xers.

Bar graph: Old and Antique Homes Bought in 2023, by Buyer Generation

Forty-seven percent of antique homes buyers said they chose their home because of its charm and character. Forty-one percent of buyers of old homes said they chose their home because it was a better price. The most cited reasons buyer purchased a previously owned home built in the past 50 years was because they offered a better overall value (41%).

Table: Why Previously Owned Home Was Purchased

Buyers of old and antique homes often had to make compromises regarding condition, price, and size. Specifically, 32% of antique home buyers compromised on the home’s condition, compared to 36% of old home buyers. Regarding price, 30% of antique home buyers and 35% of old home buyers had to settle. In terms of size, 21% of antique home buyers and 28% of old home buyers made concessions.

Table: Characteristics of Home on Which Buyer Compromised

The allure of old and antique homes remains strong, especially during the spooky season of Halloween when the charm of these historical residences is amplified by their mysterious pasts. As we’ve explored, these homes are not just structures, but stories frozen in time, offering a unique blend of architectural beauty and historical significance. Despite the need for occasional compromises on condition, price and size, buyers—particularly Older Millennials and Gen Xers—are drawn to these homes for their distinct character and overall value. Whether it’s the creaky floorboards that tell tales of generations past or the architectural details that capture a bygone era, old and antique homes continue to captivate and inspire.

11 Beautiful Kitchen Tiling Ideas to Elevate Your Space

This is your sign to go bold with tile for kitchen backsplashes, walls, and floors.

Updated on October 23, 2024

neutral kitchen with luxury appliances and textured tile — PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Kitchen and tile go hand in hand, but therein lies the crux of the issue. Given its ever-presence in kitchens across the world, it becomes very easy to opt for an expected option when designing your space. Think: a wall of white square tiles that could use a little personality, or a been-there-done-that neutral backsplash begging for the slightest hint of oomph. Expand your horizons even slightly, though, and an entire world of tile opens up, taking your space from predictable to extraordinary. From statement-making floor tiling to bold backsplashes that set the tone, let these designer kitchen tiling ideas from experts stir ideas for your own space.

1. Textured, Shiny Black Walls

kitchen with black tiling and pink cabinets — FRENCH BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY

This rich and brooding tile contrasts brilliantly with soft cabinetry, marble countertops, and simple design details. The imperfect finish on the tile itself makes the aesthetic more approachable, lest things feel tooperfect. “We selected an irregular solid colored tile that added texture and a reflective quality to the kitchen that would not compete with the beautiful countertops,” says Rainey Richardson, founder and principal of Rainey Richardson Interiors. “The design aesthetic is a modern and moody approach to the Art-Deco Style with an emphasis on geometric shapes, rich high-contrast colors, symmetry, and brass accents that allude to the era of opulence and luxury.”

2. Vintage Charm Backsplash

distressed kitchen blacksplash with black stove hood — LUKE GOTTLIEB

For a one-of-a-kind kitchen tiling idea that doubles as a conversation piece, consider sourcing vintage tiles and creating a focal point above your stove. This approach makes a lot of sense if you want to embrace a home’s vintage charm like the owners of this historic Victorian home in the Denver Highlands did.

“They’re antique Dutch Delft tiles sourced from Europe. I chose to source antique tiles because they display that authentic wear and patina we love to see in older homes,” says Julie Brayton, principal and lead designer of Brayton Interiors. “Even the neutral field tiles in this grouping show so much variation compared to generic subway tiles. The depth in the variation provides a subtle texture and dimension which translates perfectly in this 125-year-old kitchen.”

3. A Pop of Color on the Walls

kitchen with white cabinets and blue tile — NATALIA ROBERT

Your kitchen is the perfect place to dabble in vibrant color. When utilizing a bold tile, like this Fireclay hexite design in turquoise, the key is to create balance with more neutral details in the rest of the space. “The Fireclay adds a pop of bold color and pattern, while the main cooking area utilizes a clean white to keep the focus on the food,” says Jennifer Verruto, the CEO and founder of Blythe Interiors. “Mixing styles can be done effortlessly by using a common element for both. Here, we stuck with clean lines and organic finishes to combine the two.”

4. Rustic and Multi-Textured Walls

rustic kitchen with neutral tiles — STACY GOLDBERG

To create a rustic and organic space, but one that still has depth, opt for multiple complementing textures on one wall. “We achieved this by using a 4 x 4 handmade tile paired with the wall backsplash. I love how the tiles are uneven, creating a very timeless space,” says Tanya Smith-Shiflett, lead designer at Unique Kitchens and Baths.

5. Neutral Glossy White Walls

white kitchen with blue cabinets and white tile — KYLIE FITTS

If you want a clean, classic kitchen tiling idea, consider a neutral glossy white tile—but incorporate some unexpected features that minimize any potential for overly sterile starkness. For example, taking the tile up the entire wall creates an element of surprise while lending to the crispness, and the vibrant cabinetry adds character. “This house is a darling Denver bungalow built in 1929. We wanted to capture an authentic jewel-tone color that was present during the era in which this house was built in some capacity, and we chose to inject the color into the cabinetry,” says Brayton. “To balance out the boldness, we chose a backsplash that had a bit of depth and variation, but was ultimately light, bright, and current but exuded a timeless quality.”

To create more dimension within a simple white backdrop, Brayton recommends sourcing tiles with a handmade quality and subtle, almost vibrational texture reminiscent of the Shaker/Craftsman era. Also consider opting for a less-expected shape. “We chose a subway shape, the shape of which was prominent in America during the turn of the last century, but updated it by shrinking the scale to 2 x 4 versus the original 3 x 6 shape,” she says. “This made it feel the slightest bit more graphic.”

6. In-Lay Tile Backsplash

For an unexpected, artistic touch in your kitchen, opt for a tile-on-tile in-lay feature. Essentially a built-in art piece, it’s a simple and effective way to add pizzazz to an otherwise simple design scheme. “In this neutral kitchen, we selected a glazed cream tile and framed a fun blue patterned tile to accent other colors used in the adjacent rooms,” says Sarah Eilers with Lucas Eilers Design. Blue is a classic choice for a kitchen, but there’s an entire world of color and pattern to choose from that embrace your preferred aesthetic.

7. Patterned Kitchen Flooring

patterned kitchen floor tile — NATALIA ROBERT

“A bold floor is such a wonderful statement that also helps ground and define a space,” says Verruto, whose client wanted to lean into a classic Parisian aesthetic for this project. “Choosing the right scale for the pattern can also help make a small space feel much larger.”

According to Verruto, a well-executed bold floor is a two-choice process involving color and scale. Black-and-white patterns are an easy option, since they tend to complement most color palettes. For scale, pay attention to the size of the pattern. “If you choose a large pattern, be sure that you can see the full pattern in a few places with no obstruction,” Verruto says. “Also avoid selecting a pattern that is too small. This can make a space feel busy.”

8. Tone-on-Tone Backsplash

green kitchen with tiled backsplash — JULIE SOEFER

While contrast always works, you can also get playful in your kitchen via a monochromatic color scheme. “The clients’ overarching goal was an elegant, yet fun and functional home, which made the lacquered green cabinetry, walls, and ceiling an easy yes,” says Courtnay Tartt Elias ofCreative Tonic Design. “The tiles are the perfect complement to the lacquered walls, offering a touch of green against the neutral body of the tile, and the geometric shape is whimsical, but not too busy, in such a decadent and verdant space.”

Elias adds that when creating such a richly colored space, it’s important to include touches of neutral here and there. In this example, the tile backsplash is both white and green, which creates a nice break for your eyes.

9. Reclaimed Concrete Backsplash

Concrete Kitchen Backsplash — GETTY IMAGES

Using reclaimed concrete is a sustainable way to bring a unique texture and grey tone into your space. “They offer a timeless yet contemporary look, providing both durability and distinctive character while introducing pattern and texture to create a space that is as inviting as it is enduring,” says Sandy Lucas with Lucas Eilers Design.

10. Terracotta Tiled Floors

Kitchen with blue island cabinets — ERIN KONRATH

Terracotta tiled flooring adds depth to an all-white kitchen with its orange and brown tones. The variety in the shape of tiles can be used to create patterns and add a pop of color to your kitchen, resulting in a more inviting space. “Terracotta tiled floors in Los Angeles are a staple of the Spanish Mission Revival style and is an easy way to add warmth and a cozy ambiance to a kitchen,” says Alexandra Peck at Alexandra Peck Design.

11. Brick Backsplash

Kitchen with brick wall/backsplash — GETTY IMAGES

Using brick throughout any home is a timeless feature, offering texture and neutral tones. “If I want to make a kitchen feel homey and rustic a brick-tiled backsplash is a nice textural accent and especially works well in a transitional style home,” says Peck. When designing your kitchen backsplash with brick you can play around with different patterns to make it your own. “Besides the typical running bond pattern, you could consider vertical stacking the bricks or doing a herringbone pattern too,” adds Peck.