Planning a kitchen renovation and overwhelmed by tile choices? You’re not alone. Choosing the right kitchen tile ideas can make or break your design, whether you’re updating a backsplash, refreshing floor tiles, or creating a statement feature wall. From timeless subway tiles to bold geometric patterns, we’ve curated the most popular and practical kitchen tile ideas that UK homeowners are choosing right now. These proven designs will help you create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional.
Classic White Subway Kitchen Tiles Create Timeless Appeal
Source : Kadilak Homes
Classic white subway tiles remain the most popular choice for UK kitchens in 2024. These rectangular beauties offer subtle colour and surface variations that work with any design style. You can arrange them in traditional brick patterns or try herringbone layouts for extra visual interest. The beauty of ceramic subway tiles lies in their versatility – they complement both modern and traditional kitchen designs. Many homeowners love how these tiles reflect light and make small kitchens appear larger. Their smooth surface makes cleaning simple, which busy families really appreciate.
Large-Format Kitchen Tiles Deliver Modern Minimalism
Source : Walls and Floors
- Create seamless surfaces with tiles measuring 60cm x 60cm or larger
- Reduce grout lines by up to 75% compared to standard tiles
- Perfect for contemporary kitchen designs that favour clean lines
- Available in porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone finishes
- Easier to clean due to fewer grout joints collecting dirt
Blue Kitchen Tiles Transform Spaces with Tranquil Elegance
Source : Stonesuperstore
Blue tiles are making a big comeback in UK kitchens this year. You can choose from shades ranging from cobalt to sky blue depending on your desired mood. Deeper blues like navy create dramatic statement walls behind cooking areas. Lighter blues bring a coastal feel that works brilliantly in period properties. Many designers pair blue tiles with warm wood tones or brass fixtures. The colour psychology of blue promotes calmness, making it perfect for busy family kitchens where you want to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Small Hexagon Kitchen Tiles Add Geometric Movement
Source : Why Tile
Small hexagon tiles bring geometric movement and texture to any kitchen surface. These six-sided tiles create natural flow patterns that guide the eye around your space. You can use them on backsplashes to add interest without overwhelming the room. White hexagon tiles offer a modern twist on classic subway styles. Coloured versions work well as accent features or to define specific kitchen zones. The honeycomb pattern they create adds depth and character to otherwise plain walls.
Marble Kitchen Tiles Elevate Your Space with Luxury
Source : ELLE Decor
- Marble tile backsplashes provide instant luxury and timeless appeal
- Natural veining patterns make each installation unique
- Carrara marble remains the most popular choice for UK homes
- Requires proper sealing to prevent staining from cooking oils
- Works particularly well in traditional and transitional kitchen styles
- Increases property value by an average of 8-12% according to UK estate agents
Glass Kitchen Tiles Offer Durability and Easy Maintenance
Source : Pinterest
Glass tiles excel in kitchen environments because they offer moisture resistance and easy cleaning. Their non-porous surface means they won’t absorb cooking odours or stains. The reflective quality of glass helps brighten dark kitchen corners naturally. You can find glass tiles in countless colours that won’t fade over time. Many UK homeowners choose frosted glass for subtle texture or clear glass for maximum light reflection. These tiles work particularly well behind hobs where easy cleaning is important.
Bold Green Subway Kitchen Tiles Make Statement Walls
Source : Better Homes & Gardens
Green subway tiles are trending strongly in 2024 UK kitchen designs. Bold green subway tile backsplashes create stunning feature walls that energise your cooking space. Forest green pairs beautifully with natural wood cabinets and copper accessories. Sage green offers a softer option that complements neutral colour schemes. You can use green tiles to highlight specific areas like the space behind your cooker. This colour choice works especially well in kitchens with good natural light.
Mosaic Kitchen Tiles Create Intricate Visual Interest
Source : MEC Artworks
- Mosaic tiles offer intricate patterns and captivating visual appeal
- Available in glass, stone, ceramic, and metal combinations
- Perfect for creating focal points around kitchen islands
- Sheet-mounted options make installation faster and easier
- Excellent for curved surfaces and awkward spaces
- Allow creative expression through custom pattern arrangements
Abstract Patterned Kitchen Tiles Express Creative Design
Source : Tile Club
Abstract patterned tiles let you express your personality through creative kitchen design. These tiles feature expressive designs and glossy finishes that become artwork for your walls. You can mix different patterns to create unique compositions that reflect your style. Many abstract tiles use geometric shapes or flowing organic forms. The glossy finish makes them practical for kitchen use while adding visual drama. Use them sparingly as accent pieces to avoid overwhelming your space.
Stone and Metal Kitchen Tiles Combine Beauty with Strength
Source : ELLE Decor
Natural stone and metal tiles offer exceptional durability and natural charm for kitchen applications. Slate tiles provide texture and work well in rustic or industrial kitchen designs. Stainless steel tiles create professional chef-style backsplashes that handle heavy cooking use. Travertine offers warm, earthy tones that complement traditional kitchen styles. These materials age gracefully and often look better with time. Many UK homeowners choose them for their longevity and low maintenance requirements.
Choose the Perfect Kitchen Tile Ideas for Your Renovation
Source : Real Simple
Selecting the right tiles depends on your cooking habits, style preferences, and budget. Consider how much maintenance you want to do and which colours will work with your existing fixtures. Professional installation ensures your tiles look perfect and last longer. Think about lighting in your kitchen as this affects how tile colours appear throughout the day. At Bromley Tilers, we help UK homeowners choose and install the perfect kitchen tiles for their renovation projects. Our experienced team can guide you through the selection process and ensure flawless installation that will enhance your home for years to come.
FAQ
What color appliances make a kitchen look bigger?
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
What size tile looks best as a kitchen backsplash?
If you want your kitchen to remain timeless in design, we suggest sticking with a classic field tile size such as a 3 x 6 subway tile or a 4 x 4 in a straight-set pattern. Or add some design detail with a herringbone pattern. Field tile will transcend trends, making your tile backsplash a sustainable design feature.
Should kitchen tiles be vertical or horizontal?
If you have a small kitchen and want to make it appear larger, horizontal tiles might be the best choice. For adding height or a modern touch, consider vertical tiles. If you’re looking to make a bold statement, the chevron layout might be your go-to. Consider the maintenance and the installation process as well.
What size tiles make a kitchen look bigger?
You would maybe automatically go for small tiles as it is a small room however with the extra grout lines this can often make the kitchen feel smaller than it actually is. Opting for a slightly larger tile can often make the room feel less cluttered and create the illusion of a bigger space.
What tile does Joanna Gaines use?
It’s no secret that Joanna Gaines is a tile girl. In particular, subway tile is one of the celebrity interior designer’s go-to styling choices for kitchen backsplashes for her projects on HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” and even when the franchise moved to the Magnolia Network.
Sources
[1] https://www.tileclub.com/collections/project-kitchen-tile [2] https://www.tileshop.com/inspiration/tile-ideas/kitchen [3] https://merolatile.com/backsplash-tile/