As the heart of the home, the kitchen plays a central role in the functionality of your property, as well as the design theme. Tiles are a practical addition to any kitchen, as these are naturally impervious and also easy to clean. But what are the effective kitchen tiling options that make a statement? And what are the important considerations to take into account when using tiles to create visual interest?
What are the effective kitchen tiling options that make a statement?
If you want to use your kitchen tiling to make a bold statement that will draw the eye and direct attention, there are a number of factors you can consider. These include:
- Feature wall tiling
- Decorative tiling
- Trends/timeless tiling
Feature wall tiling in the kitchen
One of the most popular options for making a statement with tiles in any room, is to create a tiled feature wall. This can be an excellent way to draw attention and create a focal point in your kitchen. It involves tiling one prominent wall in a way that contrasts with or enhances the rest of the kitchen’s design. To achieve the best possible results you should consider:
- The feature wall location- there are a number of different locations within the kitchen that can be perfect for a feature wall including behind the cooker, sink, hob, or the wall next to the kitchen island or breakfast bar.
- Tile styles for feature walls- it’s important that your feature wall tiling complements the rest of the kitchen, while still standing out. As such, you could consider using bold patterns or colours, textured tiles, or large format tiles. Each of these options can complement a contemporary, traditional or rustic kitchen depending on the colour choices you make and the finish options.
Decorative tiling to make a statement
Decorative tiling allows you to add flair to your kitchen in a subtler way than a full feature wall. There are a wide range of decorative tiling options, including:
- Border tiling
- Patterns and layouts
- Mosaic tiling
Border tiling
Border tiles are an excellent way to frame an area or add definition to your tiling. They can be used in a number of different ways, with different purposes. These include:
- Along the top or bottom of a splashback to create a polished look.
- Around the perimeter of the room for a classic, framed effect.
- To separate two different types of tiles, such as a plain section and a patterned section.
It’s important to consider the style of your space when choosing border tiles. For traditional, rustic or country kitchens, border tiles with a traditional pattern, such as floral tiles, can be very effective. However, for modern kitchens you should focus on minimalist design and colours that complement the colour style.
Mosaic tiles
Mosaic tiles are small tiles arranged to form a pattern or image. They’re a great way to introduce intricate designs and can be used as:
- Splashback borders.
- Insets within a plain tiled area.
- Full panels for a vibrant, artistic effect.
Tiling patterns
The arrangement of your tiles can also serve as a decorative feature. Instead of the standard grid, why not consider:
- Herringbone tiling- This is ideal for creating a dynamic, contemporary look.
- Chevron tiling- This creates an interesting visual feature that draws interest and attention
- Basketweave or offset- This type of pattern adds texture and a sense of movement.
Popular trends vs timeless tiling options for kitchen tiling that makes a statement
Finally, when creating tiling to make a statement, you should consider choosing between popular tiling trends and timeless tile designs. Some of the popular trends include:
- Terrazzo tiling- The terrazzo trend shows no signs of fading, with its speckled design adding a playful yet sophisticated look.
- Earthy tones- Tiles in shades of terracotta, sage, and sand are becoming increasingly popular, bringing warmth and grounding to the kitchen.
- Bold patterns- Geometric and retro patterns are perfect for making a statement.
Some of the most effective timeless options include:
- Subway tiles- Classic, rectangular tiles laid in a brick pattern remain a favourite for both traditional and modern kitchens.
- Neutral colours- Whites, greys, and beiges never go out of style and provide a versatile backdrop for evolving trends.
- Natural effect tiles- Stone effect tiles like slate and marble, as well as timber effect tiles offer a timeless elegance for any kitchen.
What are the practical considerations when choosing kitchen tiles that make a statement?
There are a number of practical considerations to take into account when choosing tiles that can make a statement in your kitchen. It’s important to make sure that your tiles don’t just draw attention and interest, while complementing your overall design scheme, as these need to be practical too. These practical considerations include:
- The overall style of your home- Traditional homes might favour classic subway tiles or patterned Victorian tiles, while modern homes can experiment with bold colours, large formats, and sleek textures.
- Existing colour schemes- You should be sure to choose tiles that will enhance your kitchen’s palette. Neutral kitchens can benefit from colourful tiles, while brightly painted kitchens might call for subtle, complementary tiling.
- Size and proportion- Small kitchens can feel larger with light-coloured, reflective tiles, while oversized tiles reduce grout lines for a seamless look. In larger kitchens, you can afford to experiment with bolder patterns and darker colours.
- Grout colour- Grout plays an often overlooked role in your tile design. Choosing the right grout colour can enhance the visual impact of your tiles. Why not consider matching grout and tile colour to create a seamless look. Alternatively, a contrasting grout colour highlights the shape and arrangement of the tiles.
For tiles for your latest tiling project, why not take a look at what we have in store, or online today. Here at Tiles 2 Go, we are Preston’s leading tiling experts.