Subway tiles, the workhorses of the design world, are beloved for their clean lines, versatility, and timeless elegance. However, their classic simplicity can sometimes veer into "basic" territory. But fear not! With a few clever tricks, you can elevate your humble subway tiles and create a space that exudes luxury. This guide will unveil the secrets to transforming your subway tiles into a showstopping feature. Explore how these tiles can enhance your space at Edward Martin.
Exploring Materials and Finishes
Subway tiles, the ubiquitous rectangles that grace countless kitchens and bathrooms, are more than just a design staple. They're a blank canvas waiting to be transformed. While the classic white, glossy subway tile holds a timeless charm, venturing beyond this familiar aesthetic can unlock a world of design possibilities.
Selecting the Right Tile
We all know the crisp, clean look of white subway tiles. But the design world offers a vibrant spectrum of colors and textures that can elevate your space.
Embrace the Bold and Moody
Ditch the traditional white and embrace the drama of rich jewel tones. Picture a deep emerald green backsplash that evokes a sense of serenity and luxury. With our augmented reality (AR) tool, you can instantly visualize how sapphire blue subway tiles would add a touch of coastal elegance to your space, or how charcoal or navy hues could create a bold and sophisticated statement. Don't be afraid to experiment! Consider using a color that complements your existing cabinetry or artwork, and see it come to life in your own environment with just a few clicks.
Textured Tiles for Added Depth
Introduce a touch of the unexpected with textured subway tiles. Handcrafted options with a subtle variation in surface can add visual interest and depth. Weathered finishes, reminiscent of antique tiles, can bring a touch of old-world charm to your space. Consider using a textural contrast with your countertops – smooth marble countertops paired with a subtly textured subway tile create a layered and visually appealing effect.
Metallic Touches for a Glamorous Vibe
For a touch of glamour, consider subway tiles with a metallic sheen. Brushed nickel or copper tiles can add a hint of luxury and effortlessly elevate the overall design. Play with the scale – smaller, metallic subway tiles can be a great accent for a backsplash, while larger format metallic subway tiles can make a bold statement on a shower wall.
Choosing the Perfect Finish
The finish you choose for your subway tiles plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic. Here's a breakdown of the two most popular options:
The Power of Gloss
Glossy subway tiles are a classic choice for a reason. Their reflective surface bounces light around the room, creating a brighter and more expansive feel. This is ideal for smaller kitchens or bathrooms where maximizing the sense of space is crucial. Glossy tiles are mostly for wall applications since they can be slippery. Glossy white tiles are a timeless choice, but consider exploring colored gloss finishes like pale blue or soft green to add a touch of personality while still maintaining the light-reflecting benefits.
The Sophistication of Matte
Matte subway tiles offer a more subdued and timeless aesthetic. They create a softer and more serene ambiance, making them a perfect choice for creating a spa-like feel in your bathroom. The lack of shine allows the color and texture of the tile to take center stage, offering a more sophisticated look. Consider a matte black subway tile for a dramatic statement wall, or explore earthy tones like terracotta or sage green for a warm and inviting feel. Keep in mind that matte finishes may require a bit more effort to keep clean, as the surface texture can trap dirt and grime more easily.
Grout – More Than Just Mortar
Often overlooked, grout plays a surprisingly significant role in the overall aesthetic of your subway tile installation. It's the mortar that binds your tiles together, but it can also be a powerful design element in its own right. Let's delve into the world of grout colors and application techniques, transforming this "unsung hero" into a design asset.
Exploring Grout Color Options
Gone are the days of defaulting to white grout for every subway tile project. The design world offers a vast spectrum of grout colors, each with the power to completely transform the look and feel of your space. Here are two key strategies to consider:
Dark Grout for High Definition
Embrace bold and dramatic statements with dark grout colors like charcoal gray or black. This approach creates a strong visual contrast between the tile and the grout, making each individual tile stand out. Dark grout is particularly effective with larger format subway tiles, where the increased surface area allows the contrast to shine. It also complements vibrant tile colors, adding depth and definition. Imagine a deep emerald green backsplash paired with dark grout – the result is a luxurious and sophisticated focal point.
Matching Grout for a Seamless Look
For a clean and unified aesthetic, consider using grout that closely matches the color of your subway tiles. This creates a seamless visual flow, making the tiled area appear larger and more expansive. Matching grout is a perfect choice for classic white subway tiles, where the goal is to maintain a timeless and elegant look. It's also ideal for smaller kitchens or bathrooms, where maximizing the sense of space is crucial. By minimizing visual contrast, matching grout allows the beauty of the subway tile itself to take center stage.
Grout Application
The magic of grout goes beyond just color choices. Proper application techniques are essential for achieving a polished and professional look. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Use the Right Grout for the Job
Different types of grout are formulated for different applications. Ensure you're using a grout suitable for your specific tile material and location (e.g., sanded grout for walls, unsanded grout for countertops).
Proper Grout Mixing
Achieving the right grout consistency is crucial. A mix that's too wet can be messy and difficult to work with, while a mix that's too dry won't properly fill the gaps between tiles. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing ratios and water content.
Meticulous Application
Apply the grout evenly between the tiles, using a grout float at a 45-degree angle. Ensure the grout completely fills the gaps without leaving any voids.
Cleaning Up Promptly
Once the grout has set slightly, use a damp sponge to remove excess grout from the tile surface. Work diagonally across the tiles to avoid pulling grout out of the joints. Remember, a clean and even grout application is the hallmark of a professional finish.
Layouts Beyond the Brick Pattern
The classic brick pattern, where tiles are stacked in neat rows and columns, is a tried-and-true method for installing subway tiles. However, by venturing beyond this familiar layout, you can unlock a world of design possibilities and elevate your space to new heights. This section explores unique layouts and creative ways to highlight special features, transforming your subway tile installation from ordinary to extraordinary.
Exploring Unique Layouts
Let's ditch the predictable and embrace the potential of these unique layouts:
Herringbone for a Classic Charm
Herringbone is a timeless and elegant layout that adds visual interest and dynamism to your space. Picture subway tiles laid in a zig-zag pattern, creating a sense of movement and flow. This layout works beautifully in both modern and traditional settings. In a modern kitchen, consider pairing white herringbone tiles with sleek black countertops for a clean and sophisticated look. In a traditional bathroom, explore a classic grey herringbone pattern with chrome fixtures for a timeless appeal.
Basketweave for a Textured Look
For a more intricate and sophisticated look, consider the basketweave pattern. Here, subway tiles are arranged in a square grid formation, with alternating rows and columns offset by half a tile. The resulting effect creates a textured and geometric pattern that adds visual depth to your space. This layout is particularly well-suited for smaller subway tiles, as it allows the intricate details to shine.
Chevron for a Playful Touch
Inject a touch of whimsy and movement into your space with the chevron layout. Similar to herringbone, chevron involves arranging tiles in a zig-zag pattern, but with a pointed V-shape instead of a rectangular one. This playful layout is ideal for creating a unique backsplash or a statement wall in a powder room or laundry room.
Highlighting Special Features
Subway tiles are incredibly versatile and can be used to accentuate specific areas within your space. Here's how to make the most of niches and accent walls:
The Niche
Niches, those recessed areas in your wall, often found behind the stove or in the shower, present a perfect opportunity to introduce a touch of drama. Instead of mirroring the main subway tile layout, consider using a contrasting color or pattern within the niche. Picture a kitchen backsplash featuring classic white subway tiles in a brick pattern, with a vibrant emerald green niche showcasing a basketweave layout. This unexpected pop of color adds visual interest and draws the eye to the niche area. You can also explore using geometric or mosaic tiles within the niche for a truly unique touch.
Statement Walls
Create a dramatic focal point in your space with a statement wall featuring contrasting subway tiles. This could involve using a darker color, like charcoal gray, or even a different material altogether like glass mosaic tiles. Picture a bathroom featuring a white subway tile shower surrounded with a bold, black accent wall behind the vanity. This creates a sense of visual separation and adds a touch of sophistication to the space. Remember, statement walls work best when used sparingly. Limit them to one wall to avoid overwhelming the room.
By venturing beyond the ordinary brick pattern and embracing these creative layouts and accent techniques, you can transform your humble subway tiles into a design element that truly captures your unique style and elevates the overall aesthetic of your space.
The Finishing Touches
The magic of subway tiles doesn't stop at color, texture, and layout. By incorporating the right finishing touches, you can elevate your entire design scheme and transform your space from simply functional to undeniably luxurious.
Trim Pieces
Trim pieces are the finishing touches that frame your subway tile installation and create a polished and professional look. Here are some key players to consider:
Base and Chair Rail Tiles for a Tailored Finish
Base tiles act as a protective barrier along the bottom edge of your tiled wall, safeguarding it from moisture and wear. However, they can also add a touch of architectural detail. Consider using a base tile that complements the color and style of your subway tiles. Chair rail tiles, installed horizontally about a third of the way up the wall, offer another layer of visual interest and can create a feeling of height in a room. Imagine a classic white subway tile backsplash finished with a charcoal gray chair rail tile. This subtle detail adds a touch of sophistication and defines the boundaries of the tiled area.
Bullnose Tiles for Seamless Transitions
Bullnose tiles feature a rounded edge, designed to create smooth and finished transitions at corners and edges of your subway tile installation. This is particularly important for areas like countertops and shower surrounds, where sharp edges can be uncomfortable or aesthetically unpleasing. Bullnose tiles come in a variety of colors and materials to seamlessly match your subway tiles.
Schluter Strips for a Modern Touch
For a sleek and contemporary alternative to traditional bullnose tiles, consider Schluter strips. These are thin metal profiles that come in various finishes and can be installed along the edges of your subway tiles to create a clean and modern look. Schluter strips offer a wide range of functionality, including edge protection, waterproofing, and transition between different materials.
Fixtures and Hardware
The hardware and fixtures you choose play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your space. By carefully selecting these elements, you can create a cohesive design and elevate the luxurious feel of your subway tile installation.
Coordinating Metallics for a Cohesive Look
Ensure a unified design aesthetic by coordinating the metal finishes of your faucets, cabinet hardware, and other fixtures with any metallic accents within your subway tiles. For example, if your backsplash features brushed nickel mosaic tiles, choose faucet handles and cabinet pulls in a matching brushed nickel finish. This creates a sense of visual harmony and reinforces the luxurious impression.
Statement Lighting
The right lighting can elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Consider incorporating statement lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights or sconces, to add a touch of elegance and highlight your beautiful subway tile installation. Play with the scale and style of the lighting to complement your overall design. For a modern kitchen backsplash tile, sleek pendant lights can create a dramatic focal point. In a traditional bathroom, vintage-style sconces can add a touch of timeless sophistication.
High-Quality Countertops
Don't let your beautiful subway tile installation be overshadowed by a lackluster countertop. Invest in high-quality countertops that complement your subway tiles and elevate the overall look. Consider materials like granite, quartz, or butcher block, depending on your desired style and budget. Remember, the countertop serves as the foundation for your space, so choose wisely to complete the luxurious feel.
Planning and Professional Installation
A successful subway tile installation is all about meticulous planning and flawless execution. Here's how to ensure your project goes smoothly and transforms your space into a luxurious haven.
Mockups and Visualization
Before diving headfirst into installation, take the time to carefully plan your design. Here are some ways to visualize your final product:
Create Mockups
Sketch out different layout options on paper, considering grout color and trim details. This allows you to experiment with various design ideas and ensure everything fits harmoniously before committing to a specific layout.
Utilize Online Visualization Tools
Many online resources offer tile layout and design tools. Upload images of your space and experiment with different tile colors, patterns, and layouts. These tools can be invaluable for visualizing the final look and making informed decisions.
Professional Installation
While subway tiles are known for their DIY-friendly nature, for a truly professional and luxurious finish, consider hiring a skilled tile installer. Here's why:
Expertise in Layout and Grouting
A professional tiler possesses the knowledge and experience to achieve a flawless layout with perfect grout lines. They can ensure your subway tiles are level, properly spaced, and free of imperfections.
Handling Complex Layouts and Materials
Intricate patterns like herringbone or basketweave require precise cutting and installation techniques. A professional tiler has the skills necessary to execute these layouts flawlessly. Additionally, if you choose to incorporate specialty tiles like glass mosaics, a professional can ensure they are handled and installed correctly.
Peace of Mind and Time Savings
Professional installation saves you valuable time and allows you to focus on other aspects of your renovation. Knowing the job is done right by a skilled craftsperson offers peace of mind and ensures your luxurious subway tile installation will last for years to come.
Beyond the Kitchen
Subway tiles aren't just for kitchens anymore! Explore the unexpected ways you can leverage subway tiles to add a touch of luxury and elevate the design of your entire home.
Bathrooms
Transform your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary with the beauty of subway tiles. Go beyond the classic white subway tile and explore a world of design possibilities. Consider a dramatic dark green grout for a bold statement wall behind your vanity, or a soft gray grout for a more serene and calming atmosphere. Herringbone or basketweave patterns add visual interest to shower walls, while vertical subway tiles can create a sense of height in a smaller bathroom. Don't be afraid to mix and match colors. Picture a white ceramic subway tile shower surround paired with a statement floor featuring a black and white mosaic tile pattern. This playful contrast adds personality and elevates the overall design.
Laundry Rooms and Entryways
Laundry rooms and entryways can be elevated with ceramic or porcelain subway tiles, turning often overlooked spaces into sophisticated areas. These durable tiles are ideal for frequently used areas, offering easy maintenance. For laundry rooms, a classic white ceramic subway tile backsplash with open shelving creates a clean, bright look. In entryways, a patterned subway tile floor—like a geometric black and white or warm gray herringbone pattern—welcomes with modern flair and sophistication. Perfect for these busy spaces, porcelain or ceramic subway tiles are also incredibly easy to clean.
Fireplaces
Give your fireplace a modern makeover with porcelain subway tiles. Ditch the outdated brick or stone surround and embrace the clean lines and versatility of subway tiles. For a sleek and contemporary look, consider using large format, dark gray subway tiles laid in a horizontal pattern. This creates a dramatic focal point and complements minimalist design styles beautifully. However, it's important to choose the right material for your fireplace surround. While ceramic and porcelain tiles are generally heat-resistant, always consult with a professional to ensure the tiles you select can withstand the heat generated by your fireplace.
Your Subway Tile Masterpiece Awaits
Subway tiles are a blank canvas for your creativity. Embrace the design strategies in this guide to transform your humble tiles into a luxurious focal point that reflects your unique style. Unleash your inner designer and watch your subway tile masterpiece come to life!
