Others include lion and dragon relief carvings paired with wide lines of swivels and squares, plus simulated columns. In the details Backsplashes can even be installed sideways to give a regal crisscross pattern. Or, little inch-square tiles with imprints and flourishes can be paired between plain larger square tiles for variety. Countertop tiles are usually plainer because they get more cooking traffic, but they, too, come in a range of colors and finishes. From natural stonework looks to bright shades, countertop tiles can be laid out in patterns limited only by a homeowner's imagination.
Some tiles are actually porcelain, made of granite minerals ground to retain the rock's strength.
The edges on modern countertop and backsplash tile may seem noticeably uneven, almost cracked in appearance for that aged effect enough to make guests get a little closer to see the quality. And finishes can add color unevenly to accentuate that same old look in colors of honey and sandalwood, bamboo, adobe, dune and sedona. When reality hits and it's time to cook dinner in this world of colors, flourishes and textures, expect easier cleanup than a few decades ago. Grabhorn notes that the spaces between these new countertops and backsplashes have changed, too. The spaces between the tiles are called grout joints, and are less noticeable because their size has shrunk.