Three Experts Discuss: Kitchen Tile Trends Worth Adopting
Spice up your kitchen style with tiles that add colour, pattern and texture – and not just on the splashback
Tiles are back in a big way in kitchens – in all shapes and sizes, colours, patterns and textures. And there are so many ways to use them – on feature walls, splashbacks, around the island bench, and (of course) on the floor. The right tiles will transform any kitchen from bland to beautiful – they are indeed the secret styling ingredient. But with literally thousands of different styles on the market, how do you find the one that’s right for you? We chat to three experts about what’s cooking in the world of kitchen tile trends and how to make them work for you.
Our experts: Crystal Amesbury, interior designer at Crystal Amesbury Creative; Stephanie O’Donohue, interior designer at SmarterBATHROOMS+; Chris Simpson, product director at Earp Bros Surface Evolution.
Our experts: Crystal Amesbury, interior designer at Crystal Amesbury Creative; Stephanie O’Donohue, interior designer at SmarterBATHROOMS+; Chris Simpson, product director at Earp Bros Surface Evolution.
Mad for mosaics
One way to add vibrance to the kitchen is to cover the splashback (or a whole feature wall) in a single, bold colour. High-impact brights introduce equal measures of energy and style, especially when played out in one of the season’s on-trend mosaic shapes.
“We’re really trending towards rich emerald greens and deep blues,” says Simpson. Subtle shade variations add movement and depth to these single-colour mosaics, drawing the eye in and keeping the look from becoming static or boring.
One way to add vibrance to the kitchen is to cover the splashback (or a whole feature wall) in a single, bold colour. High-impact brights introduce equal measures of energy and style, especially when played out in one of the season’s on-trend mosaic shapes.
“We’re really trending towards rich emerald greens and deep blues,” says Simpson. Subtle shade variations add movement and depth to these single-colour mosaics, drawing the eye in and keeping the look from becoming static or boring.
High-contrast grout is an essential component of this look, helping both the colour and the whimsical shapes of the tiles to pop. These fabulously ’70s-inspired arabesque mosaics, and the Moroccan-inspired fish scales pictured previously, soften the decor with their curvaceous, exotic lines.
There are also plenty of geometric options still trending, says Amesbury: “We’re seeing a huge assortment of shapes such as hexagons, diamonds, parallelograms, a resurgence in penny rounds, and even the good old square, but with brighter grout colours or unexpected proportions.”
Browse spaces featuring statement tiles
There are also plenty of geometric options still trending, says Amesbury: “We’re seeing a huge assortment of shapes such as hexagons, diamonds, parallelograms, a resurgence in penny rounds, and even the good old square, but with brighter grout colours or unexpected proportions.”
Browse spaces featuring statement tiles
Tip: From a purely practical perspective, tiny mosaics such as penny rounds (which are bang on-trend at the moment, according to O’Donohue), can be harder to clean due to the higher volume of grouting. Ask your tiler to use an epoxy grout that resists staining, and to add further protection by finishing the splashback with a nano-technology coating.
Tactile style
If you’re colour shy, our experts suggest adding interest with texture instead. Handmade tiles, or those with a handmade look, catch the light beautifully with their slightly uneven edges and surfaces to deliver depth and subtle visual interest.
Simpson and O’Donohue both draw attention to handmade subway tiles. Their slightly irregular finish adds character and takes this tried-and-true classic look to the next level. Handmade subway styles are available in a range of colours and materials, from crackle-finish glazing to lightly undulating glass.
If you’re colour shy, our experts suggest adding interest with texture instead. Handmade tiles, or those with a handmade look, catch the light beautifully with their slightly uneven edges and surfaces to deliver depth and subtle visual interest.
Simpson and O’Donohue both draw attention to handmade subway tiles. Their slightly irregular finish adds character and takes this tried-and-true classic look to the next level. Handmade subway styles are available in a range of colours and materials, from crackle-finish glazing to lightly undulating glass.
These embossed tiles have a rough-hewn quality that’s reminiscent of hessian or calico. Using texture allows you to add that extra dimension and transform a user-friendly neutral colour scheme into something special.
Tip: Textured tiles are all about the interplay of light and shadow. Highlight the effect by installing concealed LED strips in the overhead cupboards to illuminate the tiles from above.
Hex appeal
The hexagon-shaped tile remains a perennial favourite: despite being around for the past four or five years, the trend “shows no sign of slowing”, says Simpson.
With their fabulously pleasing symmetry, they’re more interesting than squares. Plus hexagons are a great way to introduce pattern without the result being fussy or over the top. If you think the geometric lines of hexagons are too harsh, think again – the latest interpretations see hexagons being presented in beautiful, lightly textured glazed pastels, such as the azure beauties pictured here.
The hexagon-shaped tile remains a perennial favourite: despite being around for the past four or five years, the trend “shows no sign of slowing”, says Simpson.
With their fabulously pleasing symmetry, they’re more interesting than squares. Plus hexagons are a great way to introduce pattern without the result being fussy or over the top. If you think the geometric lines of hexagons are too harsh, think again – the latest interpretations see hexagons being presented in beautiful, lightly textured glazed pastels, such as the azure beauties pictured here.
Imaginative hexagon patterning adds a bit of mischief to a contemporary look. Here, a simple monochromatic palette feels fun and fresh thanks to the slightly irreverent laying pattern, with the dark tiles pooling along the top of the bench.
Tip: Taking the tiling right up to the ceiling behind the stovetop transforms the splashback into a striking feature wall.
Let Hex Tiles Put a Spell on You
Tip: Taking the tiling right up to the ceiling behind the stovetop transforms the splashback into a striking feature wall.
Let Hex Tiles Put a Spell on You
Hexagons aren’t just for walls – oversized hexagon tiles transform this floor into a talking point of its own. To create the best effect, choose large-format tiles in a pared-back matt stone finish. The earthy texture of the stone and subtle tonal variations provide a lovely unexpected contrast with the graphic, bold shape of the tiles.
On the floor, Simpson says it’s best not to make the grout a feature. He recommends using a neutral colour that matches the tiles.
On the floor, Simpson says it’s best not to make the grout a feature. He recommends using a neutral colour that matches the tiles.
Marvellous marble
We love marble. We love its understated luxury and cool elegance. Simpson says that on the whole, they’re seeing grey-and-white variants such as Carrara being used in the kitchen – particularly as small-format wall mosaics. The mottled effect of the marble creates a stunning visual texture that’s elegant, classic, but also absolutely contemporary.
Marble mosaics work with almost any kitchen decor, adding an irresistible softness to crisp contemporary architecture, as well as traditional or Hamptons-style rooms.
One disadvantage of using marble in the kitchen is its susceptibility to staining and damage from cleaning chemicals. You can avoid these issues by choosing a porcelain tile that emulates the appearance of marble.
We love marble. We love its understated luxury and cool elegance. Simpson says that on the whole, they’re seeing grey-and-white variants such as Carrara being used in the kitchen – particularly as small-format wall mosaics. The mottled effect of the marble creates a stunning visual texture that’s elegant, classic, but also absolutely contemporary.
Marble mosaics work with almost any kitchen decor, adding an irresistible softness to crisp contemporary architecture, as well as traditional or Hamptons-style rooms.
One disadvantage of using marble in the kitchen is its susceptibility to staining and damage from cleaning chemicals. You can avoid these issues by choosing a porcelain tile that emulates the appearance of marble.
The luxe look of marble can also be perfectly replicated with extra-large-format porcelain slab tiles, digitally printed to mimic the look of the real thing. “The good thing about the tile industry at the moment is that any surface can be replicated in tile, it’s a real game changer,” says Simpson.
Porcelain slab tiles are available in sizes up to 1200 x 600 millimetres, and can be used on benchtops, walls and splashbacks, as well as on the floor. “If you want a certain vein through your marble or you want to book-match it [when slabs of stone are laid so that the adjoining surfaces mirror each other, like an open book], the porcelain slab is perfect because you know exactly what you’re getting: you see it in the showroom and that’s what you get in the kitchen,” says Simpson.
Manufacturing technologies are now so advanced, he adds, that “you really can’t tell that it’s a porcelain tile. But because it’s porcelain, it’s impervious to water and stains, chemical attack and things like that. It doesn’t need to be sealed or re-polished, it’s got certain advantages over natural stone”.
Porcelain slab tiles are available in sizes up to 1200 x 600 millimetres, and can be used on benchtops, walls and splashbacks, as well as on the floor. “If you want a certain vein through your marble or you want to book-match it [when slabs of stone are laid so that the adjoining surfaces mirror each other, like an open book], the porcelain slab is perfect because you know exactly what you’re getting: you see it in the showroom and that’s what you get in the kitchen,” says Simpson.
Manufacturing technologies are now so advanced, he adds, that “you really can’t tell that it’s a porcelain tile. But because it’s porcelain, it’s impervious to water and stains, chemical attack and things like that. It doesn’t need to be sealed or re-polished, it’s got certain advantages over natural stone”.
Flawless floors
Floors are, for the most part, neutral canvases from which the rest of your kitchen design can grow. “Today’s floor tile palettes feature neutral tones … they are like paint, where it’s a broad base and you use the splashback to give the kitchen the colour. Tiling the floor is also often an expensive exercise, so while a statement floor might be fun, it’s wiser to consider longevity and to go with a more timeless finish,” says Simpson.
Amesbury says industrial-inspired looks are trending for floors, most notably large-format concrete-inspired greys, which are as practical as they are stylish. Keep the look contemporary with a matt rather than polished finish.
Floors are, for the most part, neutral canvases from which the rest of your kitchen design can grow. “Today’s floor tile palettes feature neutral tones … they are like paint, where it’s a broad base and you use the splashback to give the kitchen the colour. Tiling the floor is also often an expensive exercise, so while a statement floor might be fun, it’s wiser to consider longevity and to go with a more timeless finish,” says Simpson.
Amesbury says industrial-inspired looks are trending for floors, most notably large-format concrete-inspired greys, which are as practical as they are stylish. Keep the look contemporary with a matt rather than polished finish.
Simpson and O’Donohue both say that terrazzo-look tiles – already popular in bathroom applications – are slowly migrating into the kitchen. “That sort of cheeky, almost retro look is becoming really big,” says O’Donohue. The modern renditions of this mid-century favourite are playing out in a neutral palette of greys, white and beige – which makes it a perfect match for almost any colour scheme.
In terms of size, the larger the tile, the better – from both a practical and aesthetic point of view. Simpson recommends going for 800 x 800 millimetre, 600 x 600 millimetre or 450 x 450 millimetre tiles. The idea is to minimise the number of grout lines and create a more streamlined effect. “Kitchen floors get so much wear, and you’re going to get more messy spills, so the bigger the tile and the less grout there is, the more durable the floor will be,” says O’Donohue.
Tip: For the most refined appearance, choose rectified floor tiles. These tiles are cut after the firing process, making them completely uniform in size and shape, with finely honed flat edges. This means they can be laid closer together with minimal grout joints.
In terms of size, the larger the tile, the better – from both a practical and aesthetic point of view. Simpson recommends going for 800 x 800 millimetre, 600 x 600 millimetre or 450 x 450 millimetre tiles. The idea is to minimise the number of grout lines and create a more streamlined effect. “Kitchen floors get so much wear, and you’re going to get more messy spills, so the bigger the tile and the less grout there is, the more durable the floor will be,” says O’Donohue.
Tip: For the most refined appearance, choose rectified floor tiles. These tiles are cut after the firing process, making them completely uniform in size and shape, with finely honed flat edges. This means they can be laid closer together with minimal grout joints.
Another trend driven in large part by manufacturing technologies is timber-look tiles, which we simply can’t get enough of in the kitchen. “Although nothing to date can replicate the feeling of real wood underfoot, those who are looking for a low-maintenance option in the kitchen now have timber-look ceramic and porcelain floor tiles,” says Amebsury. “These are available in various plank dimensions and colourways – both natural and abstract.” These planks, with their textural variations and slightly weathered look, are particularly striking when laid in a herringbone pattern, as pictured here.
9 Reasons to Love Timber-Look Tiles in the Bathroom
9 Reasons to Love Timber-Look Tiles in the Bathroom
Modern boho
Looking to infuse your kitchen with a touch of Middle Eastern spice? It’s hard to go past the exotic, artisanal quality of encaustic, cement and Moroccan-look patterned tiles. Simpson says that we’re seeing a more understated colour palette on the Moroccan-look tiles, which are being used to great effect in more minimalistic settings. “Moroccan-inspired patterns are still directional, but we’re seeing it pared right back – using the stylised motif in a single colour such as white,” he says.
Looking to infuse your kitchen with a touch of Middle Eastern spice? It’s hard to go past the exotic, artisanal quality of encaustic, cement and Moroccan-look patterned tiles. Simpson says that we’re seeing a more understated colour palette on the Moroccan-look tiles, which are being used to great effect in more minimalistic settings. “Moroccan-inspired patterns are still directional, but we’re seeing it pared right back – using the stylised motif in a single colour such as white,” he says.
This kitchen sums up the modern interpretation of these age-old patterned tiles: playing out in soft neutrals, the tiles form a carpet-like effect on the floor, and the pattern picks up as an accent in the storage nook on the wall. The muted colouring of the tiles works with the contemporary architecture to deliver an elegantly restrained aesthetic.
Wild islands
Splashbacks aren’t the only place to add extra flavour in the kitchen: more and more designers are opting to use the island kickboard as a decorative canvas. “This is another place to be creative, to add some more texture and flavour into the kitchen,” says O’Donohue. “You can be really daring, but it’s easy to change if you get tired of it.”
In this kitchen, the striking black-and-white patchwork tiles echo the wall art and provide the only visual relief from the blocked-out colouring in the rest of the room. The island – visually and literally – takes centre stage.
Splashbacks aren’t the only place to add extra flavour in the kitchen: more and more designers are opting to use the island kickboard as a decorative canvas. “This is another place to be creative, to add some more texture and flavour into the kitchen,” says O’Donohue. “You can be really daring, but it’s easy to change if you get tired of it.”
In this kitchen, the striking black-and-white patchwork tiles echo the wall art and provide the only visual relief from the blocked-out colouring in the rest of the room. The island – visually and literally – takes centre stage.
Another clever option is to anchor the island into the room by extending the floor tiles up the kickboard. This is also a great way to marry form and function: “Tiles are also really practical here,” says O’Donohue. “With feet kicking the island all the time, tiling this area makes it easier to keep clean.”
Tip: As with the splashback, you can double the impact of feature tiling on the island by lighting it with some concealed LED strips.
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Tip: As with the splashback, you can double the impact of feature tiling on the island by lighting it with some concealed LED strips.
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And the perfect way to do this is with show-stopping tiles. The splashback in particular is often a prominent decorative feature of the kitchen, and overwhelmingly, designers are eschewing beautiful-but-bland glass in favour of tiles – fun, fabulous and sometimes downright frivolous. In fact, O’Donohue says the splashback is the ideal place to go a little wild with design: “I urge my clients to be daring and do something a little bit out of their comfort zone, because if you get tired of it within a few years, it can be easily changed with little expense.”