Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Secret Weapon? White Backsplash Tile

Sarah Sherman Samuel’s signature organic modern style is everywhere these days. From features in Architectural Digest and Domino to exclusive collections at Lulu and Georgia and her own SSS Atelier, the designer and founder of SSS Design Studio articulates an elevated yet approachable look that has captivated the design community–and a common theme in her designs is white backsplash tile from Fireclay.

Sarah has elevated this classic product into a powerful tool in her design arsenal, using it to create spaces across the country that are fresh and enduring. Whether it’s the handmade allure of Ceramic Tile or the textural feel of Glazed Thin Brick, our white tile adds a unique characteristic that sets the tone for Sarah’s nature-inspired looks.

To understand the role of white tile in her designs, we chatted with Sarah in an exclusive conversation that explores how these elements harmonize in her projects.

Why SSS & White Tile Backsplashes Are a Natural Fit

Sarah gravitates toward white in her designs because of its ability to establish an ideal neutral environment that allows for a vibrant interplay of other elements. "It's a timeless and clean backdrop to layer in color with cabinets, countertops, shelves, and wall color. Things that are easier to change in the future," Sarah explains.

The concept of layering is integral to Sarah’s approach–her design philosophy draws heavy inspiration from nature, where nuanced textures and colors create rich, dynamic environments. "Layering is a key element in my designs, and white is a blank space to build on," she says. This foundation allows her to play more freely with other materials and colors, from the cabinets and floors to the furniture and art, to construct layers, ensuring that the white tile serves as a clean slate that highlights rather than overshadows these elements.

The Transformative Power of White Tile

White tile is no doubt a beautiful base that can be augmented with other elements, but it also stands on its own as a design feature that can inspire staggering change in a space. The renovation of Vanessa Carlton's SoHo loft bathroom, for example, is a project that was particularly impactful to Sarah based solely on how thoroughly the white tile transformed the space.

Originally a "dark narrow hole," the bathroom underwent a complete transformation with the strategic use of our beautiful white Lewis Range Brick. "We used the white all over and built a custom arch with it. It totally opened up the space and was unrecognizable after," she recounts.

Brick: Lewis Range | Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel | Image: Nicole Franzen; before images courtesy of Sarah Sherman Samuel

Glazed Thin Brick brings a tactile feel to the space, especially contrasted against the wainscot of smooth grey and white marble. The Lewis Range Brick also echoes the brick found throughout the rest of the loft, cultivating a design that feels cohesive with the entire space.

How Sarah Makes White Backsplashes Interesting

Whether it’s the humble white subway tile or a specialty shape like hexagon, Sarah’s white backsplashes are always eye-catching. So what’s her secret? “It’s important when working with a white palette to use different textures and materials to keep interest,” she divulges. Combining elements like marble, tile, and wood ensures the space retains a sense of dynamism and intrigue within a singular palette.

Sarah’s go-to companions for a white backsplash are pulled straight from her wabi-sabi approach that appreciates the beauty of the natural world’s imperfections. “Natural materials like woods and stones are always a favorite to pair with white tile. Warm woods and natural colored stones,” she shares.

Lighting is another crucial consideration that makes white tile the obvious choice for virtually any design. “Anywhere you use white tile it is automatically going to brighten the space,” she attests. “I like it in a space with a lot of light to enhance the brightness, and in a darker space to brighten.” This versatility allows her to create an inviting atmosphere in any setting with the perfect white backsplash.

Of course, designing with white tiles isn’t as straightforward as it may seem at first glance. The shade and undertone play a critical role in the overall feel of a space, and as Sarah’s designs foster an environment that’s inviting and organic her white tile preferences fall on the warmer side.

The Fireclay whites Sarah frequently reaches for feature a hint of ivory or beige and a sumptuous matte finish, like Calcite and Feldspar, ensuring the white backsplash creates a base layer of richness in a space. "A common mistake is to go too stark white,” she advises. “It's important to use a white with warmth and depth. You don't want it to look like a primer on the walls."

And for those who wonder about the longevity of white tile backsplashes in a world with ever-increasing design trend cycles, Sarah offers her expert opinion: “I don’t see [the role of white backsplash tile in kitchen and bathroom design] changing,” she affirms. “A white backsplash is such a timeless choice, it will never go out of style.”

If you’re eyeing a new bathroom or kitchen backsplash, take a page out of Sarah Sherman Samuel’s book with our collection of white Glass, Ceramic, Brick, or Handpainted tiles all made responsibly right here in the USA. Bring home color samples of your favorite shades of white to see how the tile looks in your space and find your perfect match. Your first 5 samples are free through a rep—book an appointment here.