Kitchen tiles with a unique pattern can add a wonderful colour and character to your kitchen. From striking shapes and dark coatings to classic mosaic styles, there is one to suit every preference. In this blog, we are going to cover the latest tile trends, the benefits of patterned type of tiles, how to maintain them, and smart tips on selecting the best design for your kitchen.
Benefits of Using Patterned Tiles in the Kitchen
- Beauty: Patterned tiles give any room its own style and personality. There is every kind of patterned tile to suit your style, including classic, timeless, contemporary, and Bohemian design styles.
- Versatility: Patterned tiles are not limited to walls or floors alone. You can even utilise them as a design backsplash. Because of their versatility, you can have complementary looks for your entire house.
- Durability: Patterned tiles are durable and can withstand great amounts of wear and tear. That is why they are an ideal choice for highly used places such as kitchen spaces.
- Easy Maintenance: Patterned tiles are easy to look after and easy to clean with only day-to-day sweeping and the occasional mop required in order to keep them looking new.
- Value Addition: Incorporating patterned tiles will add value to your house as they are a contemporary and durable design feature that may be appealing to potential buyers.
Top Patterned Kitchen Tile Designs
Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns such as diamonds, triangles, chevrons, herringbone patterns and hexagons are currently trending. They give a new look to any kitchen with striking patterns. They can be made with porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles.
Dark Matte Finishes
Dark matte tiles are the material to create a contemporary kitchen if that’s your style. Dark colours can create a soothing and sophisticated environment. These typically come in large sizes to provide a modern aesthetic, but are also available in small subway sizes for added texture and detail.
Textured Subways
Subway tiles are small rectangular tiles (generally having a size of around 3×6 inches) and have been a popular choice since 1904 due to their ease of cleaning. Many of them these days come with textures that give your kitchen depth and interest. Wavy patterns, ripples, checkered or herringbone patterns can be made with them. They typically come in neutral colours but still attract notice because of their shape and texture.
Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are made by adding small pieces of granite or marble to cement or resin. This timeless material adds a handcrafted, artistic touch to home interiors. New terrazzo would certainly involve recycled material, so it is smart and eco-friendly. They come in different patterns, such as tiny specks and large bold ones.
Mosaic Art
Mosaic tiles are composed of many small tile or stone pieces that come together to create patterns or images. Their design can be customised as required to suit the kitchen style. They are a wonderful choice to include as a complete feature wall or feature strip to introduce colour and flair.
Photo Tiles
With digital photography printing, you can now bring your favourite images to life onto tiles. If you like flowers with colours or red fruits like berries, glossy finish photo tiles and varnish-protected photo tiles can give your kitchen a different look. But these have to be handled with more care because the grout lines in between the tiles can affect cleanliness and make maintenance more difficult.
Athangudi Tiles
Athangudi tiles are handcrafted from cement, sand, and natural colored pigments filled into patterned moulds. The traditional craft of Tamil Nadu imparts a warm, handmade look to the walls and floors. Glossy or matte finishes and vivid colours define these tiles, adding an artistic and traditional touch to the interior.
Graphic Tile
Graphic tiles are created with unique lines, forms, and high-contrast colours to create graphic patterns. Usually made with ceramic, porcelain, or cement tiles, graphic tiles add modern, clean charm to a space. From sharp geometrics to whimsical optical illusions, the patterns help create statement walls.
Things To Consider Before Choosing Patterned Kitchen Tile Designs
There are a number of practical aspects that need to be considered in addition to the pattern and design. These include:
- Size and Scale: Your overall kitchen area will dictate whether you can get away with a plain tile or a patterned style that suits your taste. As a rule, the smaller your kitchen, the lighter the tiles, and the fewer the patterns that will be tolerated by it. Open-plan large kitchens can handle more scope for dramatic effects.
- Maintenance: Choose tiles with a glazed or sealed finish so they will be less prone to getting dirty. Flat matte finishes are popular for contemporary kitchens now but will probably get stained more easily with grease and fingerprints than gloss finishes.
- Underfloor Heating: Underfloor heating is becoming very popular among homeowners, especially for open-plan kitchen-diners. Porcelain patterned tiles work well with heating systems and hold heat effectively. That’s why they are stylish and practical.
Maintenance and Care of Kitchen Tiles
Daily cleaning and maintenance will go a long way in prolonging and sustaining the life of your tiles. These are some guidelines to help you have your tiles in top condition.
- Regular Cleaning: Sweeping the tiles on a daily basis to remove dirt particles and dust is important. Wash and mop the tiles using a damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Under no circumstances use chemicals or abrasive cleaners that will damage the tiles.
- Grout Cleaning: With time, grout lines will discolour or stain. Wash the grout lines using a grout cleaner and a small-bristled brush in an effort to get rid of any stains or dirt. Dry the tiles and rinse them thoroughly using plenty of water in a bid to avert any type of moisture damage.
- Sealing: Depending on what kind of tiles you use, you might have to seal them in an effort to resist water damage. If your kitchen is mostly wet and damp, it is advisable to make use of protectors. Protectors add an invisible layer that will not permit water, grease, limescale, oil, and dirt to pass through the tile surface.
With all these tips, your patterned kitchen tiles will be in good working order for many years to come.
Conclusion
Patterned kitchen tiles combine style and function and provide a distinctive and enduring appearance to your kitchen. These tiles have a place in almost every kitchen style due to their fresh texture and classic designs. They can remain beautiful for decades with proper care and some simple cleaning. Before choosing the pattern, consider the size of your kitchen, existing tiles, and your family’s everyday needs. Perfectly picked patterned tiles will turn your kitchen into a stunning showpiece for sure.