Subway Tiles make great splach backs. Capping the subway tiles with an Atrim aluminium trim would add the finishing touch, nothing looks worse than the raw edge of tiles being exposed. (It just looks unfinished) You could use powdercoated white trim which would finish the tile while blending into the tiles or you could get a much bolder look by using the anodized matt silver which will match your grout and frame your splash back.

My current kitchen has black subway tiles with white grout and everyone loves them. I bought my house with the existing kitchen and have changed the accent colour of the light shades and accessories from red to green in the last year (photo is pre green!) as I love retro mid bright green. Herb plants and glass containing cut herbs from my garden plus cheap black metal indust chic shelves that house lovely green china items also help soften the tiles. I would ideally change the benchtops from white laminate to med rimu type wood and steel, go for a darker grout for practical reasons and change the cupboards from this grey/dark brown laminate to lighter wood (not scandi white type though - I think is now getting dated and is to me a very cold style and not practical). I have my own style, love colour pops and I would best describe it as eco retro boho industrial chic - eclectic. Go for your style and if its not your forever house - think budget and what will be easy to update. I think subway tiles work well for updating and are classic but perhaps think colour instead of white or black as well and also grouting colour - it makes a difference.

when i think of subway tiles i think lots of grout - which i personally dislike. but put in what makes you smile and happy! we have gone super large tiles to reduce the amount of grout :)

Hi Caroline, A few inspiration photos for you, try using subway tiles in a stacked style for a modern contemporary look, much more stylish than the overdone normal subway look, would look great in both areas, your tile store will advise the size of tile that will best suit your requirements.