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- Why combine subway tile with a herringbone accent
- How Joanna Gaines applied the idea on a renovation show
- Where to place a herringbone accent for maximum effect
- Practical tips for measuring and installing mixed tile patterns
- Material choices that keep the design unified
- Design decisions that help the accent read intentional
Joanna Gaines shook up a kitchen classic by turning a familiar subway tile into a striking focal point. Her subtle switch—keeping the same tile color but changing orientation—transforms a plain backsplash into a design statement. The result feels both modern and timeless, and it’s an idea many homeowners can recreate without a full remodel.
Why combine subway tile with a herringbone accent
The subway tile backsplash is a staple for a reason: it reads clean, bright, and versatile. But when every kitchen uses the same stacked layout, the effect can fade into the background. Adding a herringbone insert creates contrast through pattern, not color. That keeps things cohesive while making the cooktop area visually important.
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Mixing installation styles adds depth without changing materials. You get drama from pattern orientation rather than a loud finish. That makes the look easier to update over time.
How Joanna Gaines applied the idea on a renovation show
On a recent Fixer Upper project, Gaines left the main field of the backsplash in the traditional stacked subway pattern. Over the range hood she swapped in a herringbone layout using tiles of the same hue. The switch pulls the eye to the stove and hood, turning a practical zone into a design centerpiece.
She chose slightly longer tiles than the classic subway piece. Longer tiles cover more area and simplify the visual transition between patterns. The result reads intentional rather than pieced together.
Where to place a herringbone accent for maximum effect
- Over the range or cooktop—this is the natural focal point in most kitchens.
- Behind an open shelving niche to highlight styling items.
- As a framed panel between upper cabinets.
- On the wall near the sink for balanced symmetry if the stove is off-center.
Look for existing visual anchors—appliances, lighting, or centered features. Use the accent where the kitchen already calls for attention.
Practical tips for measuring and installing mixed tile patterns
Switching grout lines and directions partway through an installation adds complexity. Measure carefully before you cut anything. If you’re attempting this as a DIY, prepare for more precise planning and more cuts.
- Map the layout on paper or with a digital mockup.
- Choose tile sizes that simplify alignment. Longer tiles can reduce joint clutter.
- Dry-fit pieces before adhesive to confirm pattern flow.
- Expect to cut many pieces for the herringbone area. Have a wet saw or tile cutter ready.
- Match grout width and color across both patterns for a cohesive look.
Professional installers often prefer to set the herringbone first so that the surrounding field can be aligned to it. If you reverse the order, you may find it harder to keep the patterns tidy where they meet.
Material choices that keep the design unified
When the goal is pattern contrast rather than color contrast, select tiles that share the same sheen and pigment. Matte next to matte and gloss next to gloss will maintain visual continuity. If you change finish, the eye will notice texture before pattern.
- Use identical tile color for both patterns to emphasize form.
- Pick a grout color that complements both patterns rather than competing with them.
- Consider ceramic or porcelain for ease of cutting and durability behind the stove.
Design decisions that help the accent read intentional
Frame the herringbone insert with a narrow border of stacked tile or trim. That creates a deliberate edge and avoids the look of a mid-project change. Symmetry helps too. When the accent aligns with cabinets or countertops, it feels integrated.
Think of the accent as a framed artwork within the kitchen. The frame, the background, and the piece itself should relate, but each plays a different role.
Cost and time considerations
Expect slightly higher labor and waste when introducing a herringbone panel. More cuts mean more time. The materials themselves may be similar in price. Budget extra for installation if you hire a pro.
If you choose to DIY, allow a cushion for tile breaks and practice small sections first. The precision pays off when the finished backsplash reads polished rather than tentative.
