5 Inspiring Kitchen Tile Ideas & Designs

Choosing to use tile in your kitchen can open up an assortment of design possibilities that are practically endless. The benefits offered when using tile include durability and variety, especially when considering the large collection of materials, colors and sizes available today. Tile is easily adaptable, and can fit into any style kitchen - from contemporary to traditional. Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing tile for your kitchen? Here are 5 creative tile design ideas to think about when visualizing what your future dream kitchen will look like.
 

1. Subway Tiles
 

Horizontal subway style tiles are a classic, timeless look in the kitchen. They're traditionally 3” x 6” ceramic tiles with a gloss finish that brighten the whole kitchen and are easy to clean with simple water. Ceramic subway tiles also come in a multitude of colors, finishes, and sizes so you're not restricted to only white. You can keep the look monochromatic, but also add depth to the design by mixing in herringbone tiles as a backsplash behind the oven and/or sink.  You can also run the tiles vertically for a completely different look.
 

2. Stone Mosaics
 

The use of stone mosaics is a growing trend among today's kitchen tile ideas, especially because mosaic tiles immediately draw the eye and enhance the entire design of your kitchen. You can have them installed over every wall of the kitchen or in a few specific areas like over the stove or around the sink. If your looking to create more depth and dimension, glass mosaic tiles are a great choice. The colors can appear to change depending on the source of light, which will always keeps your kitchen feeling new and interesting.  Another popular choice to consider when thinking about your kitchen’s overall look is basket-weave stone mosaics for the floor.
 

3. Rectangular Floor Tiles
 

Perhaps the strongest trend in floor tile design today is the use of larger rectangular porcelain and natural stone tileson the floor.  The days of using 12” x 12” square tiles are mostly gone.  Instead, we see designs incorporating porcelain tiles ranging from 6” x 24” to 6” x 36” to 12” x 24” to 18” x 36”.  The tile styles themselves vary from wood looks made from porcelain, to stark cement looks, which provide a clean, overall feel.  By the same token, the use of white natural stone tiles in these rectangular formats is also gaining popularity.  The most sought after natural stones for the kitchen include Calacatta Gold, as well as Statuario.  Coming on strong, however, are greyish stones like White Oak.
 

4. Pops of Colors and Texture
 

If you are worried that having too much color in your kitchen is overwhelming, then consider only adding color to one or two key areas. Choosing brightly colored tiles and mixing them in among painted walls and cabinetry, can add a new hue to a neutral space and texture among otherwise flat surfaces. Placing the tiles as a backdrop to the oven, frame around the window or accent in a custom nook, brings color in without drowning out the calm of the kitchen.
 

5. Tile Artwork
 

Think beyond traditional mosaic tiles with a custom piece of artwork created from tiles. Having the tiles in the piece containing a mix of glass, ceramic, and stone guarantees that it's one of a kind and impossible to duplicate. When mixing materials, keeping them along the same palette with only a few touches of colors for aspects, like flowers and grapes, prevents the piece from being an assault on the eyes. Handmade stone tile with art deco inlays and touches, is another option you might find desirable. Whatever you do, lay it out in sketches or samples before committing to it in your kitchen.

Incorporating your unique taste is vital in any of the kitchen tile ideas you choose for the space. Whatever material you choose for tile, from glass to natural stone, it needs to stand up to the amount of traffic and use your kitchen receives. Today's kitchen tile ideas and designs combine form and function into a flowing and comfortable space for family and friends to socialize in. Tile has the potential to create a modern, yet timeless design in the sanctuary of your home.

Tags: subway tiles , stone mosaics , floor tiles , textured tile , colored tile , tile artwork , porcelain tile , natural stone tile

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