Gone are the days of “kitchen tiles.” When it comes to choosing your kitchen splash back or any tile for that matter there are currently NO rules! However, there are a few “trends” that are favourites in our market.
Subway Tiles
Subway Tiles are a quick and easy option when it comes to selecting a splashback. There are currently a huge range of colours, sizes and textures. Add to these the fact they can be laid in a variety of patters and you can see that the options are endless.
Large format
When glass splashback first came on trend a few years ago everyone wanted a seamless less “tiley” look. Add to this the tiles getting bigger and bigger and we had the perfect combo. Majority of large format tiles come with a rectified edge meaning you can lay these tiles with a closer grout joint. Minimal grout = more seamless look. In polished or matt, concrete, marble, metallic or plain this look is always a winner in my books.
Patterns
We have all seen them. The Block, Renovation Rescue and any other home renovation show has been flooding our screens with them for the last couple of years. This option although currently very on trend, certain patterns may cause your splashback to date quicker. However, if it’s something you’re going to love forever its worth making a statement.
Shapes
Another winner on the renovation shows has been the use of different tile shapes. Whether hexagon, round or fish scales they all draw attention and can be a winner whether in bright colours or just white creating texture change.
When coming in to select your kitchen splashback we strongly recommend if you can, to bring in your kitchen colours that you have had your new kitchen made of. If that is not an option as you are keeping your existing kitchen we are a fan of you taking samples and placing them in your environment to find the best fit for your own home.
Grout is a very important decision to be considered when selecting tiles, especially a shape or subway tiles. Grout charts are available to help with these choices and is a very personal preference. Speaking of grout, we highly recommend that you use a grout sealer to fill the pores of your grout making it harder for substances to penetrate it.
The flooring in your kitchen is 9/10 the same as what runs through your whole home. Main floors in our region are still predominantly tiles, however vinyl planks have seen a rise in the market over the last couple of years. Whether its looselay, vinyl planks, bamboo or timber they come in a wide variety of colours and styles including both timber and tile look options.
The most common size floor tile we sell is a 450×450. These come in Matt, gloss or semi polished known as lappato. The best finish is very much a personal decision. For people that have the same cleaning ethic as myself, matt or semi polished tends to be the best option as it hides the dirt/marks better than the gloss.
With the larger tiles we like to make sure the clients are well aware of the extra tiling costs associated with the laying of them. Majority of the large format tiles have a rectified edge that does allow for closer grout joints but also makes it harder for the tiler to get the floor as flat as it needs to be when laying these floor tiles.
Hope you’ve enjoyed your kitchen tile tips and advice , please tune back in in a couple of weeks for our bathroom tile tips! 😉
