If you’re planning a new kitchen, you might be wondering what the latest tile trends are and whether they’ll fit in with your new decor. The right tiles should work with and enhance the look of your cabinets. So, it’s good to explore a range of styles, to be sure you pick the right ones for your walls and floors. Here’s ten tile trends that you might like to consider.
Terrazzo tiles
Terrazzo tiles are really popular right now and there are a few good reasons why. Made with chips of marble, quartz, glass or stone, they’re vibrant and colourful without being too bold. So, they’re a great choice for adding interest to a plain kitchen.
Terrazzo tiles are durable, easy to clean and don’t show up dirt, which makes them good for high-traffic areas around the home. You can use terrazzo tiles on the walls as well as the floor, meaning you can keep all your kitchen tiling cohesive.
Hexagonal tiles
Another way to perk up a plain kitchen is with hexagonal tiles. Again, you can use them on your floor or walls. However, it’s better to use larger tiles on the floor as they’ll be easier to lay and there’ll be less grouting. So, your floor’s easier to clean.
Hexagonal tiles are available in a range of bright colours but plain white hexagonal tiles stand out just as much when they’re used with dark grout. They’re also available with patterning, to give your kitchen a modern, geometric makeover.
Scallop tiles
Hexagons aren’t the only alternative tile shape trending in homes right now. Placed together on walls and splashbacks, scallop tiles create an eye-catching fish-scale effect. So, they’re perfect for making your splashbacks a focal point.
You could choose dark, glossy scallop tiles for a sophisticated art deco vibe or pick pastel hues to create a more playful design.
Large format marble tiles
Quiet luxury and slab-style splashbacks are just two of the kitchen trends that have raised the profile of large format marble tiles. But far from just a passing fad, marble is a timeless material adds an opulent touch to any kitchen.
The great thing about marble tiles is their versatility. They can be used on both walls and floors and they work well with neutral and dark-hued cabinets and with gold and brass metallics – making marble easy to incorporate into contemporary kitchens.
Wood-effect tiles
If you fancy a warmer feel to your floor than marble and terrazzo can offer, it might be worth looking into wood-effect tiles. Styled as planks and available oak and walnut tones, they bring an earthy warmth to kitchens.
Often, they work out to be a more affordable than solid wood flooring. And although they have the natural appearance of floorboards, they’re much easier to maintain. So, they’re perfect for busy households.
Herringbone brick tiles
Another way to warm up your kitchen floor is with tumbled brick tiles. These rustic tiles come in honey, limestone and terracotta tones to help you conjure up a country cottage or Mediterranean feel. And as they’re rectangular, they’re perfect for laying in a herringbone pattern to give you a stylish floor.
The only thing to bear in mind is that brick tiles usually need sealing, to prevent moisture absorption and staining. Alternatively, you could choose to use terracotta-effect porcelain tiles, to achieve a similar finish.
Brick slips
If you like the look of brick but would prefer it on your walls rather than floors, it’s worth taking a look at brick slips. They work in a similar way to tiles but rather than giving you a smooth, glossy finish, they mimic the appearance of an exposed wall.
Brick slips instantly add warmth to a room and can really set off an industrial, contemporary or farmhouse kitchen. You can use them on a splashback or an accent wall, or as a cosy backdrop to your dining area.
Finger mosaic tiles
A modern take on mosaic-style tiles, finger tiles are typically formed from a square sheet of mini tiles. More intricate and tactile than standard tiles and lighter on the grout lines, they’re great for adding texture and subtle patterning to splashbacks.
Also known as Kit Kat tiles, you’ll find them in a wide range of colours and in glossy and matt designs, so they work with bold and neutral kitchen designs.
Fluted tiles
Fluted tiles are another tactile tile option. The ribbing on the surface of each tile creates a stripey or fluted effect that works both vertically and horizontally. Widely available in a 5cm by 20cm format, they’re a decorative and stylish alternative to the metro tile.
Commonly referred to as grooved or accordion tiles, fluted tiles are a good choice for giving basic kitchens a designer edge.
Handmade tiles
To give your new kitchen a more organic or rustic look, you could opt to use handmade tiles on your splashbacks. It’s one of the reasons why Zellige and artisan tiles have become so popular in homes over the last few years.
You’ll find that handmade tiles come with irregular rather than uniform surfaces, which makes them great for adding texture and interest. They also help to give off-the-shelf kitchens a more bespoke appearance.
