history of subway tile

Created more than a century ago by architects Heins and LaFarge, the original subway tiles were used for, you guessed it, a subway—specifically the New York City subway in 1904. These tiles were perfect for subways because they were simple, clean and economical. They were so efficient that other major cities adapted subway tiles, from London’s Underground to Paris’ Metro. Soon, subway tiles became popular above ground as well, adorning Victorian kitchens and bathrooms because of their sanitary qualities.

Today, subway tiles are much more of a style statement, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still functional and durable. Many people love them for this exact combination. However, there are more choices than ever to consider so knowing what is right for you can be tricky. That brings us to our top three things to consider when you pick out your tile.

Top 3 Things to Consider

Subway Tile Design Tips

Once you know what you want as far as size, finish and shape, it’s time to explore different subway tile designs and what makes them work.

Try using a patterned, wallpaper-look tile above a wainscot and subway tile in a complementary color on the bottom. This will add color and interest to a powder room, and you can still keep the palette neutral.

The vertical straight set pattern in the charming space below adds height to the small shower in a contemporary way. We love how this pattern continues right through the nook and brings mid-century modern style to this soothing room.

With subway tile, pattern is everything. In the frame below, a herringbone pattern defines a focal point without straying from a soft, neutral color palette. There are so many interesting details here to attract the eye.

Subway tile is wonderful as a blank canvas to support other points of interest. A dazzling waterjet mosaic (first photo) or an artistic piece of Laura Ashley art glass (second photo) stand out on a subway tile background. Grout in a complementary color helps the true centerpiece shine. To transition between your subway tile and focal point (and to show it off!), incorporate layering pieces that do double duty.

The character of brick and the versatility of subway tile come together in this beautiful space. An elongated tile in a herringbone pattern gives this cozy nook a unique, textured design.

One of the best things about subway tile is the variety of patterns possible. Here, a mix of vertical and horizontal straight stack on the wall lend a modern appearance and a bold, colorful pattern on the floor is a jolt of energy.

Ask Kirsty

You asked, she answered! Kirsty offers her advice on some of your most common subway tile questions.

How do I decide on a gloss or matte finish for my subway tile? Is gloss more timeless? What’s easier to keep clean?

Glossy finishes typically present a more traditional and elegant look. Their reflective quality can also make your space appear brighter. Matte finishes offer a more casual, relaxed appearance. They don’t reflect as much light and will give the space a softer look. As far as cleaning, both matte and glossy tiles have their benefits. Matte tile does not show smudges or splashes as easily as a glossy tile, but glossy tile is very easy to wipe down and clean.

What color grout should I use with white subway tile?

Grout has an incredible impact on your tile and the space around it. You have three options: matching, complementary or contrasting grout. The best option for you depends on your goals for the final look. Matching grout to the tile color gives a classic, clean, monochromatic and seamless appearance. A neutral and complementary grout color adds subtle contrast without being a focal point. Opt for a color that accents the tile and overall design. Contrasting your grout color to your tile adds character, creates a bold, dramatic look and shows off the tile pattern. The grout becomes a part of the design rather than the backdrop.

How do I match subway tile with my cabinets?

There is no one formula for matching tile and cabinetry. It’s about what appeals to you. One tip I recommend is to look at your closet. What color clothing do you have? To which colors do you tend to gravitate? Just like your clothing style, you want your home to reflect you and your individuality. It’s also important to think about contrasts. Do you want a monochromatic look or do you want your tile and cabinets to contrast one another? Deciding this will also help guide your tile choice.

What subway tile pattern should I use?

(Tip: Refer to our blog post on subway tile patterns and layouts for examples of these looks!)

The most popular layout is a traditional horizontal brick. To make that appear more modern, use a larger size tile. Vertical and horizontal straight stacks are more contemporary layouts. Any vertical pattern will add height to your space—an offset brick pattern is more traditional and a straight stack is more contemporary. More unique layouts, like crosshatch and herringbone, add dynamic patterns, whether in a monochromatic or multicolored palette. The beauty and glamour of a herringbone pattern are unbeatable.

Between all the shapes, sizes, finishes and patterns available for subway tile, there are countless designs to be discovered. However you decide to use subway tile, just make sure to follow The Tile Shop golden rule, and make it your own!

The post Subway Tile Design Ideas & Tips appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Contrasting Colors

Boldly contrasting colors are a sure way to make a big impact. Dark and light tones play off of each other, making each stand out even more. Below, the dark backdrop also serves to highlight the sleek lines of the contemporary tub.

Contrast goes glam with this dramatic display that plays up sumptuous style.

Contrast can be created with color combinations beyond black and white. In a warmer take on the style, a wood-look floor balances grey and white walls with tons of welcoming textures.

Monochromatic Mix

If you’re dreaming of a clean monochromatic color palette, try incorporating different finishes, sizes, shapes or materials on the walls and floors. This adds dimension, texture and interest to a design while keeping it clean. You can also include functional and safety features this way. Here, a glossy ceramic wall tile is an easy-to-clean option that protects the backsplash from spills. The coordinating porcelain floor tile is durable and transitions between the surfaces smoothly in the same soft grey color palette.

“People always ask me, ‘If I use ceramic on the floor, don’t I have to use it on the walls?’ The answer is no! Mixing it up creates a more interesting space.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

This space demonstrates a perfect example of using mixed materials (also known as “fusion.”) With ceramic wall tile, porcelain shower wall tile, porcelain floor tile and marble trim pieces, all of these different materials unite in a cohesive way and in a monochromatic color palette to portray a serene spa bathroom.

We love how these floor and wall tiles are so different from one another in finish, shape, size and material yet coordinate flawlessly. The space works because the color palette is soft and neutral and hints of organic materials add warmth and interest.

Here, the similar polished finish of the ceramic subway wall tile and the marble shower pan tile unifies the shower’s style. A framed marble mosaic is an added touch of elegance—fusion at its finest!

Varying the shape of your wall and floor tiles is another way to add interest in a monochromatic design. From the mix of porcelain and ceramic to the distinct shapes, there is so much to entice the eye in this cream laundry room!

This is a great example of fusion. The materials on the walls and floor could not be more different, consisting of real wood, wood-look porcelain and a slate and porcelain mosaic, but they all have a similar rich hue that ties them together.

Coordinated Collections

One of the easiest ways to ensure your design flows together is using the same collection or series on walls and floors. One of the great things about The Tile Shop’s stone collections is the sheer number of different shape, size and trim options. Collections are also sourced from the same quarry, so, while no two pieces are ever the same due to natural variation, you never have to worry about different tiles coordinating.

This space uses the same stone, Milas Lilac, on every surface, so there’s no fear about the tiles not coordinating. By using many different shapes (we’re not even sure we can count them all!), distinct zones are established, subtly distinguishing the shower from the vanity area.

To make designing a coordinated space even easier, we’ve extended it beyond stone. Our proprietary Fired Earth ceramic and porcelain collections, like the Carrara Gris floor tile below, coordinate with our marble collections, too. This makes adding a special designer touch even easier. Handmade Weekly elevates her fusion design beautifully here, with a marble-look ceramic tile and a unique statement marble mosaic. Marble trims polish the look to perfection.

Patterns That Pop

One of our most popular wall and floor tile combinations is patterned and non-patterned tile. For the bold at heart, there’s nothing better than an accent wall or floor brimming with striking shapes. Paired with a neutral color, the overall effect is delightful. This hexagon shape, duplicated in the floor tile, garners just enough attention to set this shower apart.

Here, a boldly patterned floor is softened with a coordinating, neutral wall tile.

White subway tile plus a bold, old-world style encaustic is always a good idea.

Tone on Tone

One sure way to demonstrate a cohesive look between floors and walls is to pick a neutral or color from one surface and use it on the other. The soft grey wall tiles below perfectly reflect the same mottled grey in the pattered floor.

The unique ombre effect on this Annie Selke floor tile presents the opportunity to pull two different colors onto the wall design.

This concept does not have to be all or nothing. A hint of color, like the beachy brown in the floor tile that’s also found in the chevron stripe on the wall and shower, goes a long way towards tying this room together.

This kitchen plays with a number of different colors, but choosing the backsplash subway tile in hue plucked from the floor tile ensures that the space feels cohesive.

Multiple patterns can get tricky but this space strikes a perfect balance. Surrounding this floral art glass splashback with a neutral frame and a subway tile in a color that is duplicated in the floor tile, the patterns do not compete.

Eclectic

Rules are made to be broken, right? Sometimes a design that doesn’t follow any of these rules or even breaks them just works. Here are some of our favorite eclectic combinations that don’t follow the guidelines. Here, pattern, wood look and a bold subway tile create the perfect modern farmhouse nook.

Bold geometric shapes on the walls and floors and exaggerated contrast?! This look is bold, but the black-and-white palette keeps it clean.

Here’s another example of a bold pattern paired with multiple colors. The grey color is reflected in the patterned tile, and the wood-look floor acts as a neutral that balances the space.

There are dozens of different wall and floor tile combinations. It just depends on your desired overall effect—whether it’s eye-catching contrast, calm coordination or eclectic patterns. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a design consultation or stop into a store to talk to a tile expert and get started!

The post Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Featured: Rosa Cha, Industrial Garage, Santorini and Iceland.

From beginning to end, every step of tile design is important. Picking out the right color, shape and material is just as important as its installation. The layout of your tile can make it a stunning supporting piece or an eye-catching center of attention. Learn how to change the perception of your room and take your design to the next level.

Horizontal Straight Stack

If you want a more contemporary look, installing your tile horizontally is the style for you. Horizontal straight stack guides viewers’ eyes from the top of your design to the bottom. This layout showcases your tile the most and is perfect for boldly printed tiles.

Featured: Fabola Blu.

Vertical Straight Stack

Just like the guards at Buckingham Palace, these “soldier stacks” stand firm and tall. Installing tile vertically is a great way to make petite rooms appear taller. This layout also adds balance to your design when working with daring 3-D tiles.

Featured: Memphis Bianco Di Elba Ret.

“Horizontal and vertical straight stacks are my favorite tile patterns for bathrooms because they present a clean and fresh look. It’s important to have a polished design in your bathroom.” — Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

Brick Patterns

1/2 Offset

There’s a reason why one half offset brick is one of the most traditional looks. The simple enhancement of offsetting stacked tiles by 50% gives your design a more appealing look and can hide any imperfections in the installation. This pattern is the perfect way to add flair without taking away attention from a focal point.

Featured: Laura Ashley Oriental Garden Charcoal and Imperial Grey Bevel.

1/3 Offset

The stair-step effect in this pattern is created by offsetting each tile by one third its length. We suggest using one third offset when designing with tile that is 8″ x 16″ or larger.

Featured: Cottage Grey Straight.

Herringbone

Install large or small rectangles at a 45-degree angle to form the lively herringbone pattern. Intensify the verticle and horizontal zigzag movements by incorporating different colors.

Featured: Victoria Grey Dark Brushed.

Double Herringbone

Double herringbone is created by connecting two rectangular shaped tiles with each other. This pattern is not commonly installed because it can be a difficult layout to perfect.

Featured: Color Mind Light BR. Design by Friedman General Contracting and Modern Barton Hills Oasis.

Chevron

The chevron pattern is often confused with the herringbone pattern. But don’t be mistaken—chevron is created by connecting the ends of tile that are specifically cut at an angle. This added touch gives your design a chic, stylish finish.

Featured: Tinos Black Chevron and Tinos White Chevron. Design by West Bay Homes.

Chevron is another great opportunity to use multiple colors of tile. West Bay Homes emphasized this stunning movement with Tinos Black Chevron.

Grid

The grid pattern is the easiest way to lay out tile. This timeless design is created by stacking square-shaped tiles in a grid pattern. Instead of using a rug at the entrance of your home, display a tile pattern on the floor for more beauty and durability.

Featured: London Camden.

Diagonal

The diagonal layout, also known as the diamond pattern, is very similar to the grid pattern. Installing tiles in a 45-degree angle makes your floor appear wider.

Featured: Imperio Marfil Matte.

Versailles

The Versailles pattern stands out as one of the most complicated and exquisite tile layouts. This puzzle-like design is made up of different sized rectangles and squares. While Versailles is commonly designated for floor designs, don’t be afraid to display it across the walls of your home.

Featured: Adoni Black Small Versailles. Design by Bria Hammel Interiors. Photo by Spacecrafting.

In the image above, Bria Hammel Interiors displayed Adoni Black Small slate tile in a Versailles pattern. Not only does the black slate provide a beautiful contrast with white cubbies, but the light grout accentuates it. View the full-size image on House Beautiful’s Instagram.

Hex

It’s no surprise that tile comes in all shapes and sizes. Liven your design with hexagon-shaped tiles and mosaics. These geometric shapes are excellent for modern layouts because of their ability to support both bold and timeless creations.

Featured: Black Hex and White Hex. Design by Cypress Design Co. Photo by Denise Bass.

Unsure of which tile pattern is right for your style? Schedule a design consultation with our experts to create the perfect look for your dream home.

The post Tile Patterns and Layouts appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Featured: Textile Graphic White

What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?

Modern farmhouse style is all about warmth, simplicity and function. It’s never fussy, and it always feels lived in. A modern farmhouse interior is one where guests feel at home curling up into a comfortable chair. It’s a beautiful and fresh way to combine tradition with trend. Eclectic-minded individuals will easily embrace the modern farmhouse look because antiques, vintage pieces and new items in a variety of design styles all have their place and can work together seamlessly. In the example below, a modern chair, pillow and rug easily coexist with antiques, traditional wood  and classic elements of Americana. The overall look is welcoming, warm and the embodiment of the modern farmhouse trend.

If you think you’ve seen this style before, you probably have. This design aesthetic has gained a lot of traction after being featured prominently on “Fixer Upper” with Chip and Joanna Gaines. It’s also popular because it incorporates aspects of many different styles—modern, country, industrial and rustic, to name a few—which appeals to a wide audience.

Since modern farmhouse style is all about mixing and matching, tiles can easily become an integral design element that incorporate with the other elements in the room seamlessly. Hundreds of tiles embody the modern farmhouse aesthetic, however, we recommend choosing tiles from one (or more) of the following categories that epitomize the style.

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Metallics

Featured: Star, Imperial Pewter Gloss Subway, Brushed Copper Rounds, Etna Concreto Wood Look, Antique Copper Somerset

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Wood and Wood Look

Featured: Cleveland Roble Wood Look, Star, Imperial Pewter Gloss Subway, Imperial Pewter Gloss London

One of our favorite modern farmhouse looks, the bathroom above is a perfect example of warming up a room with wood and wood-look tile. The wood-look tile on the shower wall warms up the entire room and visually ties all of the tiles together as a transitional color between the light and dark shades. The natural wood vanity and mirror complement the shower wall without being a perfect match—another essential ingredient to modern farmhouse design. It’s not about perfectly matching pieces but about coordinating them. Other elements that give this bathroom a modern farmhouse feel are the wire basket, the mixed metallic fixtures, the encaustic-look floor and the apron sink.

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Encaustics and Patterns

Featured: Villandry Azure, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss London, Amalfi Light Sand Mosaic, Waldron Stria

This isn’t the first time you’re seeing patterned tiles in this post. In fact, almost every featured modern farmhouse design incorporates encaustic or patterned tiles for one simple reason—they’re everything to love about modern farmhouse style. Patterned tiles add a handmade, vintage feeling and colors that warm up a space casually, creating that lived-in, functional feeling essential to a modern farmhouse space.

The encaustic cement tile in the bathroom above adds a classic pattern while incorporating warmth through color. The natural wood of the vanity and mirror coordinate with the floor tile and warm up the traditional subway tiles to complete the look.

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Handmade and Handmade Look

Featured: Star, Hampton Tumbled Niles. Photo courtesy of West Bay Homes.

With the look of a well-worn, vintage piece, it’s no surprise that handmade and handmade-look tiles are perfectly suited to modern farmhouse design. They lend an authentic and traditional feeling to a room that is an essential component to the style. Instead of clashing with clean white cabinets and walls, the Star floor tile in the image above serves to soften and enhance the neutral color palette while introducing a weathered feeling to the room. Other elements of modern farmhouse interior design used here are white painted wood, shiplap walls, a woven basket (a motif also reflected in the basketweave mosaic tile), vintage wooden chairs, mixed metallic fixtures and the functional layout and design of the space. Brick and brick-look tile, as well as most “imperfect”-looking tile, will also work well with this style.

Featured: Bricklane White

If you love this look, see more modern farmhouse style done right by one of our inspiring Pro partners who have perfected this design style, West Bay Homes.

Accessorizing the Modern Farmhouse

The rules of accessorizing in modern farmhouse style are much the same as the rules for tiling. Ask yourself if an item makes the room feel comfortable, inviting and authentic. Painted cabinets, farmhouse or apron sinks, shiplap, barn doors, wire shelves, woven baskets, Shaker-style furniture, industrial lighting, big farm tables and rustic pieces that look like they could have been salvaged from a farmhouse (or, better yet, actually were!) are a great start. As you continue to build upon the essentials to create your modern farmhouse, make sure everything you add is something that you’ll love spending time with every day.

Ready to get started? Schedule a design consultation with us today.

Featured: Decor Basma White Pav

The post How to Achieve Modern Farmhouse Design with Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.