by Julia Millay Walsh 3

White subway tiles are a classic and quite pervasive design element. While I applaud their timelessness, I love to see something new and different every once in a while. So when I stumbled across this kitchen with black subway tiles, I thought, "Huh. How clever and simple." There's nothing outrageous or trendy about these tiles, but the alternative — and very versatile — color choice is refreshing. Plus, the dark hue is also a wizard at camouflaging cooking splatter. What do you think of this black backsplash?