Patterned tile can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. From traditional to modern, the options are endless for creating an eye-catching backsplash or floor. Read on as we explore six fabulous ways to use patterned tile to amp up your kitchen’s style.
Choose a Focal Point
Strategically picking a wall, backsplash, or section of flooring for patterned tile allows it to stand out. This focal point draws the eye and anchors the room.
Backsplash
The backsplash is one of the most popular spots for patterned tile. Placed behind the countertop and along the walls behind appliances, it becomes a decorative accent that enhances the kitchen’s aesthetic. Opt for a vibrant patterned tile backsplash paired with solid countertops and cabinetry to really make it pop.
Accent Wall
Use patterned tile on one wall to create visual interest. Set off a breakfast nook or make a statement behind the range or sink. An accent wall with patterned tile establishes a focal point without overpowering the space.
Flooring
Laying patterned tile flooring in a section of the kitchen delineates a functional zone or sitting area. For example, use it under the kitchen table or island to define the eating space. Patterned tile flooring can also be used border-style along the perimeter of the room.
Complement the Style
Choose a patterned tile design that complements your kitchen’s overall look and feel. Think about architectural style, color scheme, and the mood you want to convey.
Traditional Kitchens
For a classic kitchen, opt for timeless patterns like subway tile or penny round. Checkerboard tile floors also pair nicely with traditional kitchen elements. Stay away from bold patterns and vivid colors that might feel out of sync.
Modern Kitchens
Contemporary kitchens can handle bolder patterned tile with interesting shapes, lines, and colors. Geometric patterns, creative motifs, and artistic tile designs feel right at home. Don’t be afraid to make a statement.
Rustic Kitchens
Rustic kitchen materials like woodgrain cabinetry and aged finishes call for low-key patterned tile. Handpainted tile, terra cotta, or natural stone patterns work beautifully. Stay away from anything too slick or shiny.
Eclectic Kitchens
If your kitchen can’t be defined by one particular style, have fun mixing and matching patterns and textures. Use patterned tile to weave disparate elements together – for example, pairing Spanish-style ceramic tile with modern cabinetry.
Select Colorful Tile
Incorporate color through your choice of patterned tile. Vibrant colors and cool palettes lend visual excitement while complementing the hues used throughout the kitchen.
Match Existing Colors
Choose patterned tile in one of the colors already present in your kitchen. For example, tying in blue and yellow tile if those colors are found in your wall paint, cabinetry, or furnishings. Matching creates cohesion.
Complementary Colors
Pick patterned tile hues that are opposite your kitchen’s main color on the color wheel, such as blue and orange. These complementary color combinations are naturally pleasing to the eye.
Bold Colors
Don’t shy away from bold hues like emerald green or sapphire blue to make a statement. Contrast them with neutral cabinetry and countertops so the colors don’t overwhelm.
Cool Neutrals
Use patterned tile to infuse shades like gray, beige, off-white, or light blue as an alternative to stark white. The resulting cool, earthy palette has broad appeal.
Mix and Match Patterns
Blending two or more tile patterns can create visual impact while adding depth and dimension. Here are clever ways to effectively mix and match:
Vary Scale
Combining different scales of patterns helps them complement each other. For example, use a large-scale mosaic tile along with miniature mosaic tile or delicate border tile.
Coordinate Colors
Stick to a cohesive color scheme while mixing patterns. For example, pair floral motif tile in sunny yellows and blues with yellow and blue geometric tile.
Feature One Focal Pattern
Let one prominent pattern dominate, like an oversized motif or artistic focal tile. Surround it with simple solid-colored tile or subtle patterns as supporting players.
Alternate Patterns
Place two or more patterns in an alternating sequence. This can create a checkerboard effect or divide the space into distinct zones for each pattern.
Shape and Texture Patterns
Vary patterns by shape and texture. Combine polished subway tile with an undulating wave tile, or sleek rectangular tile with Moroccan zellige tile for more depth.
Use Pattern Strategically
Thoughtful placement of patterned tile can increase its design impact in your kitchen. Get creative with these strategic techniques:
Draw the Eye Upward
Installing horizontal-pattern tile on walls or a vertical focal point covered in ornate tile draws the gaze upward, making rooms feel larger and more open.
Streamline Spaces
Laying patterned tile on the floor in a narrow galley kitchen can have a streamlining effect. Use elongated rectangular tile or staggered tile to make the space appear wider.
Frame Views
Surround a window or breakfast nook with patterned tile to accentuate the view. This framing technique highlights the space’s purpose.
Define Areas
Mark off work zones like food prep areas or built-in dining nooks with a border of patterned tile along the floor. This delineation defines the space’s function.
Provide Contrast
Make patterned tile contrast sharply with surrounding surfaces like plain cabinetry or countertops. The juxtaposition emphasizes the chosen pattern.
Explore Different Materials
From ceramic to glass to natural stone, patterned tile comes in many different materials. Explore unique options to find just the right fit.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile offer an extensive range of colors, patterns, and finishes. Field tile, mosaic sheets, and decorative borders abound.
Glass Tile
Glass mosaic tiles come in shimmering hues and lend a shiny, opulent feel. Patterns range from polished to pebbled and stone-like. Glass tile works well for backsplashes.
Natural Stone Tile
Slate, marble, and granite can be cut into interesting geometric patterns or leave their natural vein-like patterns exposed. Great for organic patterned looks.
Cement Tile
With its encaustic origins, cement tile is known for Moroccan-inspired patterns. The beauty lies in its imperfections that make each piece unique.
Metal Tile
Unusual metals like zinc, copper, and stainless steel are fashioned into modern patterned tiles. Metallic finishes from polished to weathered offer textural options.
6 Key Questions to Ask Before Installing Patterned Tile
Choosing the perfect patterned tile design takes careful thought and planning. Before taking the plunge, ask yourself these key questions:
1. What feeling do I want to create?
Consider the mood you want your patterned tile to convey, whether energizing, soothing, elegant, rustic, artistic, or otherwise. Let this guide your design choices.
2. What existing elements need to be complemented?
Take stock of your kitchen’s current finishes, furniture, and color scheme. Choose a patterned tile design that enhances what’s already there.
3. What architectural features should I highlight?
Think about drawing attention to specific areas like niches, windows, or built-ins with strategic use of accent tile.
4. How can I use pattern to increase functionality?
Look for ways to define work zones or sitting spaces with patterned tiles underfoot or as borders along countertops.
5. What scale and proportions work best for the space?
The size and layout of your kitchen will dictate whether large, bold patterns or smaller motifs work best.
6. How do I create cohesion if combining patterns?
When mixing patterns, ensure there is a purposeful relationship between them through coordinated colors, placement, or scale.
6 Popular Patterned Tile Designs
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, start with one of these trendy and timeless patterned tile designs:
1. Subway Tile
The classic 3×6-inch rectangular white subway tile arranged in a brick laid pattern manages to be both vintage and contemporary.
2. Herringbone
A zigzag herringbone pattern has visual motion and interest. Available in elongated rectangles or parallelogram shaped tiles.
3. Hexagon Tile
Hexagonal tile comes in colorful glazed ceramic, porcelain, or stone. Its six-sided geometric shape tiles nicely.
4. Moroccan Tile
Intricate Moroccan-inspired motifs as seen on colorful cement tile, zellige, and terracotta tile are forever stylish.
5. Penny Round Mosaic
Tiny penny-sized round ceramic or porcelain tiles arranged in sheets make for an intricate old-world mosaic look.
6. Basketweave
Interlaced rectangular tiles reminiscent of basketweave fabric add simple pattern and texture. Find in ceramic, porcelain, or stone.
Conclusion
The pattern possibilities for tile in the kitchen are truly endless, but thoughtfully incorporating patterned tile can make all the difference in your design. Clever placement as a focal point, coordinating with your kitchen’s style, and mixing colors, textures, shapes, and materials are all ways to utilize tile trends while creating a customized look. Keep asking yourself what feeling and function you want your patterned tile to achieve. And don’t be afraid to get creative and express your personal aesthetic! Patterned tile allows you to infuse your personality into your kitchen design.
