My Favourite Alternatives to Subway Tile
WHY NOT TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
THE SUBWAY TILE IS A GO-TO FOR MANY HOME RENOVATORS -
it’s clean and simple and safe. Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of the standard white 3” x 6” tile and it can be installed in unique layouts, but there are so many great tiles out there that could potentially be a better fit for your home.
Here are a few styles of tile that you should definitely look at:
Zellige tiles
Also known as Moroccan tiles, zellige terracotta tiles, or zilij - zellige tiles are traditionally handmade from natural clay, then kiln fired, and enamel glazed. What I love about these beauties is that they bring a slightly imperfect charm to a space. They may not be ideal for the perfectionist, but if you like the fact that no two tiles are alike, these are a great option.
Geometric tiles
The clean angles of simple geometric shaped tiles bring a dynamic line to a backsplash, shower wall, or another wall tile application. The elongated hexagon is a nice variation and can be installed both vertically or horizontally to create varying looks. It is still an oblong shape like the subway tile, but just a touch of something different.
vertical installation - rue mag
Fish scale mosaic
The fish scale tile is a playful shape that adds character and variation to the linearity of kitchen millwork. They come in various textures, colours, and finishes, which can bring a unique look to your home.
black fish scale - jamie keskin design
large fish scale - mercury mosaics
Porcelain slab
Carrying your counter top material up the wall is a great alternative to backsplash tile. It will create an elevated look for your kitchen, and you will have an almost seamless look with minimal grout lines (easy cleaning!) You can do this with any stone or solid surface but a wonderful alternative to the quartz or granite counter top is a porcelain slab. (I will write about this in another blog post.)
slab backsplash - biasol
porcelain slab backsplash - laminam
Cement (encaustic) tiles
Cement tiles are incredibly versatile in design and style, and are made from a time-tested, durable material that will add a layer of interest to your space. They are a practical option for both wall and floor application – which opens up the opportunity to carry the tile from the wall to the floor.
image source - marchese construction
photo by Amy Bartlam - House Beautiful
Best of luck with your renovation! Hopefully seeing these options inspire you to try something new. :)
Hello! Catherine here.
I’m a Vancouver-based interior designer and love all things creative! I’ll be sharing things that inspire me, posting design tips and DIY projects, chatting about all kinds of topics, and hopefully inspiring some people to make little changes at home to create an environment that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect reflection of you!
