Custom Glass Tile Backsplash—Cherry Blossoms and Butterfly Mosaic for a Texas Kitchen
Caterpillars, branching blossoms, and fine china tones—this custom backsplash mosaic reflects a blend of inspiration and expert craftsmanship, tile by handcrafted tile.
Collaborating with Leslie Pemberton for the Miller residence backsplash meant diving into a design process as layered as the mosaic itself. With references from fine china and playful elements like butterflies, every decision added depth and meaning to the final piece.
The journey began with Oksa, a popular floral mosaic celebrated for its soft blue flowers and clean white background—especially in kitchens.
But this wasn’t going to be just another Oksa backsplash. Collaborating with Leslie Pemberton, principal of Pemberton Interiors, we transformed the design into something entirely unique. Inspired by a cherished set of fine china, the mosaic became a canvas for colorful blossoms, whimsical butterflies, and even a surprise caterpillar.
A Fine China Palette for a Custom Butterfly Mosaic
When Leslie reached out, she brought a thoughtful vision to the table. The client loved Oksa but wanted something more personalized. Their fine china served as the perfect reference, with its palette of soft blues, vibrant greens, warm yellows, and delicate pinks.
Leslie’s email laid out the plan:
This was the starting point for a truly custom cherry blossom and butterfly mosaic, one that would weave the client’s personality and inspirations into the design.
Designing the Perfect Floral Mosaic
The first step was reimagining Oksa’s classic simplicity into a more dynamic, colorful design. We introduced greens, yellows, and pinks to complement the blues while keeping the overall look cohesive. The white background remained, allowing the details to stand out beautifully.
Leslie also suggested adding small surprises: butterflies that seemed to flutter between the branches and a playful caterpillar resting on a twig. These elements gave the design charm and movement, transforming it into more than just a backsplash—it became a work of art.
We presented the initial design to Leslie, who provided thoughtful feedback:
- Adjust the blue tones to match the range of the client’s china.
- Confirm overage tiles for flexibility during installation.
- Share samples to ensure the colors translated perfectly from screen to real life.
Her keen eye ensured every detail was just right.
From Concept to Visualization: 3D Renderings
To help everyone visualize the final piece, we created a 3D rendering of the custom mosaic. This step brought the design to life, showcasing how the colorful glass tiles and intricate details would interact with the kitchen’s layout and lighting.
The render highlighted the balance between the playful butterflies and the elegant floral elements. Seeing the mosaic in the context of the Miller kitchen helped refine the details further and built excitement for the finished piece.
Handcrafting the Mosaic
Once the design was finalized, the fabrication process began. Each tile was carefully selected and placed to create a seamless flow of branches, blossoms, and butterflies. The handcrafted approach ensured that the mosaic wasn’t just beautiful but also structurally flawless.
Special attention went into the vibrant blues and greens, ensuring they matched the fine china palette perfectly. The butterflies and caterpillar added a playful element that invited closer inspection, making the mosaic both a functional backsplash and a conversation piece.
The Collaboration Behind the Magic
Working with Leslie Pemberton and her team at Pemberton Interiors was a seamless and rewarding experience. Her attention to detail and creative vision played a vital role in bringing the client’s dream to life.
This project reminded us of the beauty of collaboration. Whether it’s a designer’s expertise, a client’s cherished china, or a mosaic artist’s craft, every detail contributes to a piece that’s truly one of a kind.
Thinking About a Custom Mosaic?
A kitchen backsplash can be so much more than functional—it can be a statement, a reflection of your personality, and a piece of art.
Thinking about your own mosaic project? Whether you know exactly what you want or need help finding the right design, we’re here to guide you through every step. Let’s create something you’ll love for years to come.