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.

1. Open Shelving

Open shelving makes this functional necessity an integral part of your design. Decorate them with objects you use every day or with decorative treasures not normally seen in the kitchen. It’s up to you whether you want a more minimal, coordinated feel or a maximalist and mismatched look. Below, the natural wood of the open shelves add warmth to this white space.

A popular way to use floating shelves is to create mini vignettes with kitchen necessities and pretty decor.

Vintage picture frames and pottery can tie the kitchen to the rest of the home and bring character to the walls.

2. Modern Subway Tile

Subway tiles are a classic choice, and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. What is trending is rethinking how you use subway tiles. Think of different patterns, colors and materials that breathe new life into this timeless tile. A less-common straight-stack pattern modernizes the tile below.

Placing white subway tile in a less-expected layout, like the herringbone pattern below, is the perfect way to put a personalized spin on your design. Get more subway tile pattern ideas here.

Take your subway tile to a new dimension by using 3-D sculptural tiles. The light catches the tiles’ angles and elevates the kitchen below.

For an extra wow factor, mirrored tiles provide sparkle, shine and elegance.

3. Entertaining

Kitchens of the past were purely functional places to prepare and store food. Now, if you’ve ever thrown a party, you know that people always seem to congregate in the kitchen. These amazing designs make it clear that kitchens have moved beyond simply functional. Treat your kitchen as the entertaining center of the home that it is. What’s more conducive to a party than a kitchen with not one but two islands to congregate around? (We’re just waiting for our invitation to the kitchen below.)

Another space with two islands, there’s ample room to congregate, snack and set up a wet bar in the elegant kitchen below.

One large island takes the place of two and, with the addition of expansive countertops, open shelves, glamorous accents and statement lighting, this space is ready for a cocktail party.

4. Encaustics

Based on traditional, old-world designs, encaustic tiles have been around for years. However, using them in new ways, like this counter-to-ceiling accent wall, keeps the style fresh. Read our blog on creating a wallpaper effect with tile for more ideas like this.

Afraid of going too bold? Muted hues and a small accent area are a great way to dip your toe into pattern and color.

This contemporary design is on the bolder end of the encaustic spectrum.

5. Colorful Cabinets

The popularity of colorful cabinets is likely a reaction to the all-white kitchens that have been ubiquitous in recent years. The below space is bright, despite bold, green cabinetry, because the glossy, white penny round tiles reflect the light.

A mixture of white and turquoise-blue cabinets tie this space together in serene style.

A royal-blue island is a welcome splash of color in between a black floor and white cabinets and tile.

Instead of acting as an accent, your cabinet color can be repeated and tie a kitchen together. This blue cabinet color is reflected in the tiled mosaic, presenting a united appearance.

While (and possibly because) trends will always ebb and flow, we say that if you love it, there aren’t any trends to avoid. However, we don’t recommend incorporating too many trendy elements into one space. Combine trendy elements with classics, like white subway tile, to keep the look feeling timeless and current at the same time.

Get more inspiration at our kitchen tile design idea page. Ready to get started? Make a free design appointment today!

The post Kitchen Trends for 2019 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Colorful cabinets

Neutral is nice, but colorful cabinets add an unmatched wow factor. Painted cabinetry, especially in soothing greens and blues, is perfect for adding pops to a neutral bathroom or bringing out a particular color in your tile. Below, the cobalt-blue paint color of the cabinet makes the same color in the tiles stand out, unifying color the room.

Featured: Talavera Encaustic. Design by The Divine Living Space. Photography by Spacecrafting.

Remember that using color doesn’t mean it has to be bright or bold. This soft, minty green brings a calming note to an otherwise neutral space.

Featured: Octagon Matte White with Black. Design by Bria Hammel Interiors. Photography by Spacecrafting. Building by SD Custom Homes.

Here’s another example of coordinating tile and cabinet colors. This time, the navy trim piece is the inspiration for the cabinet color.

Featured: Victoria and Albert Morgan Blue Decor, Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Imperial Bianco Barnes, Imperial Bianco Gloss Pencil, Imperial Cobalt Gloss Pencil

The turquoise tone below was pulled from the wood-look tile, making it more prominent.

Featured: Sambu Azul Wood Look. Design by Sublime Homes.

This dusty blue looks like it’s straight from a day spa’s color palette.

Featured: Firenze Calacatta Honed 4 x 12,Firenze Calacatta Honed 8 x 20, Firenze Calacatta Honed 12 x 24, Firenze Calacatta Honed Barnes, Firenze Calacatta Honed Bullnose, Firenze Calacatta Honed Somerset, Alato Beachwalk Chevron Mosaic

Bold Walls

Whether an unexpected color, a dark hue or a lively pattern, a statement wall speaks volumes—and is easier to pull off than you might think. This bold pink-and-black color scheme is lightened by white cabinets and woodwork. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have a little fun, especially in small-scale powder rooms.

Featured: Tempesta Neve Polished Wheaton with Black. Design by Timber Trails. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.

Bold takes on a different meaning in this image. Instead of bright, this design is dark and glamorous. The intricate details and luxe gold touches make this room feel opulent from top to bottom.

Featured: Effect Dark AC, Camilla with Gold Antique Mirror Mosaic, Hampton Carrara Polished Chevron, Noir Polished Somerset, Glass Gold Liner, Dot Negro

If this bathroom makes you reconsider both dark walls and oversized florals, you’re not alone. Picking just one wall to cover in a print and coordinating that color with the floor keeps the space chic.

Featured: Hex Matte Black Mosaic. Design by Construction 2 Style.

An unexpected color can still create a clean and simple space. Opting for a darker tile mixed with white walls is the best of both worlds.

Featured: Dot Indigo and Matte White 1 in Mosaic. Design by Paro Home.

Mixed Metals

Decorating is all about coordinating instead of matching exactly. Gone are the days of using the same finish everywhere in a room. This mix makes spaces look intentionally eclectic and give them more personality. The simple combination of a stainless tile trim, matte black faucet and bronze-look mirror modernizes this farmhouse bathroom below.

Featured: Decor Daiza White Pav, Dark Stainless Steel Metal Somerset, Splendours White Subway

The different materials of the lights and faucet are made hardly noticeable because they’re not right next to each other, and they both work with the style of the room.

Featured: Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey Matte, Imperial Brite White Matte Subway. Design by I SPY DIY.

A black faucet that coordinates with the light fixture lets the more glamorous mirror become the focus.

Featured: Adoni Black Slate Hexagon. Design by Morrissey Home Solutions. Photography by Jen Morley Burner.

Matte Black

A relatively new finish gaining popularity in the industry, the photos below prove the adage that every room needs a touch of black. Below, the matte black fixtures paired with the black recessed shelves lend the perfect amount of contrast.

Featured: White Hex, Hex Matte Black, Premium Antrasit

The lower half of this space is almost entirely outfitted in matte black, but the white walls and access to natural light fully brighten it up. White subway tiles and contrasting black grout coordinate with the matte black and tie the space together all the way up to the ceiling.

Featured: Imperial Bianco Matte, Hex Matte Black. Design by I SPY DIY.

Between grey subway tile walls, a wooden vanity and encaustic tile floors, there are a number of different colors and finishes happening here. Matte black accents, finishings and accessories unify with a cohesive feeling.

Featured: Imperial Oatmeal Gloss, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Pencil, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Skirting, Liria Negro Encaustic, Noir Polished Arabesque Travertine Mosaic

Sculptural Elements

These dimensional pieces, whether found in tiles, bathtubs or artwork, are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, like a sculpture. They are often simple and minimal with smooth lines and add an artistic component to a space. Below, this unique bathtub serves this purpose with its clean and sweeping lines.

Featured: Alato Beachwalk Chevron Glass Mosaic, Marta Gris, Meram Blanc Polished Marble Somerset

The light fixtures in the space below are works of art.

Featured: Verona Blanco Polished, Camilla with Mirror Glass and Stone. Design by Russo Residential.

The combed, geometric design on this wall mosaic perfectly exhibits this trend in a soft way.

Featured: Bianco Puro Combed Hexagons Honed Mosaic, Bianco Puro Honed Somerset, Dural Chrome-Plated Brass Square Edge, Bianco Puro Honed

These wall tiles are a compelling way to make neutral walls stand out.

Featured: Memphis Bianco Di Elba

Below, this sculptural lighting fixture creates subtle, modern interest.

Featured: Liria Negro Encaustic, Imperial Brite White Matte Subway, Black Hex. Design by Timber Trails Homes. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.

The sweeping movements of this tile take white walls from bland to beautiful.

Featured: Folhas Quartzo AC

Individuality

More and more we see people wanting their spaces to stand out from the crowd and speak to their own individuality. Something simple and neutral might be less intrusive to the next buyers, but will it make you happy for as long as you live in your home? Do what you love (and it just might be what sells the next homeowner). This gorgeous Milas Lilac marble is refreshingly unique and striking.

Featured: Milas Lilac Polished Chevron, Milas Lilac Polished Skirting, Milas Lilac Polished 8 x 20 in, Milas Lilac Polished Hex, Milas Lilac Polished Somerset

Another way to show your colors is to do just that—design with color. There are more options than ever to personalize with a spectrum of color choices.

Featured: Color Market Series

Expressing your individuality might also come in the form of a unique design made from different shapes and colors of tiles. Many of our collections are made to be mixed and matched into playful configurations.

Featured: Connect Tri Sgr Matte, Connect Tri Wh Matte, Connect Tri Gr Matte

If glamorous is your style, go all the way. This stunning mosaic sets the tone—elegant and feminine.

Featured: Monroe Marquina Mosaic, Black Marquina Polished Barnes, Black Marquina Polished 8 x 20, Black Marquina Polished Somerset, Firenze Carrara Polished Somerset

We hope you found inspiration in some of the latest bathroom trends. Still searching for ideas? Visit our bathroom tile idea page for more inspiration.

The post 6 Bathroom Trends to Try Now appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Whether it’s a small upgrade or a large remodel, knowing how to start a tile project can be daunting. Is it best to match your tile to your cabinets or vice versa? Should you pick out a paint color first or last? Read our expert advice on how to start a project for an overview of first steps.

Project Inspiration

The first step of starting a project is finding your inspiration. Create a Pinterest board, follow Instagram accounts of your favorite designers, search for hashtags that feature a style you love, explore thousands of photos of projects on Houzz and check out The Tile Shop’s customer inspiration gallery. Even a work of art, a fashion designer or a piece of fabric can serve as your inspiration.

What commonalities do you see in the things you love? Is it a color palette? Does a common design style emerge? Just knowing what style you relate to the most can help a lot because they vary so widely, as you can see below. Whatever you choose as your inspiration, now you have a starting point that allows you to move to the next step.

Assessing Your Space

Take an objective look at your space and your motivations. Think about why you are tackling the project. Is it a necessary upgrade or is it about the aesthetic change? Think about how you use the space and how it is a part of your life. Is appearance or function a bigger priority for you? Consider how much time you have for upkeep and maintenance.

Then consider the physical aspects of your space. Are you remodeling everything from scratch or utilizing existing cabinets or floors? If your cabinets and floors are remaining, take pictures or bring samples into The Tile Shop since you will want to coordinate with them. Be aware of other things that cannot change, like the layout, plumbing and windows. Knowing what elements are not negotiable in your new space will help you understand your options.

In the two photos below, similarly colored white subway tiles are used on the walls. However, the look changes entirely depending on whether light- or dark-colored cabinets are used. This goes to show that every element of your design is important because it affects all of the others.

Featured: Bulevar White and Hampton Carrara Polished Barnes

Featured: Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Camilla with Glass Stone Mosaic, Meram Blanc Polished Barnes, Meram Blanc Polished Somerset

Consider how your space will work with the rest of your home. Does the room flow right into another or is it separated from the rest of the house?

“You want to create a flow so the transition from one room to the next feels smooth and not chopped up,” says Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop’s design manager. “Color and material are two important design elements to pay attention to. Using similar or complementary colors and materials in your design helps create flow from one space to another.”

Selecting Tile

Now onto our favorite step—choosing tile! Using what you’ve learned from exploring your inspiration and assessing your space, you’re ready for the fun part.

Size

Consider both the size of your space and the size of your tile. Large-format tiles can open up a space and make it feel more modern because of fewer grout joints. Conversely, a small tile, like a mosaic, will work perfectly in a small area because of the scale. As long as you bring in measurements, a store associate at The Tile Shop can help recommend a tile that is suited to the size of your space. In the two pictures below, it’s easy to see how a large tile with fewer grout lines creates a much different look than a mosaic with many small pieces.

Featured: Ionic Copper

Featured: Hampton Carrara Polished Delray w/ Cinderella Grey

Color and Style

The color and style of your tile are two of the most important considerations. The style should fit into the design style you’ve established and coordinate with the rest of the space, including counter tops, fixtures and existing walls and floors. The way you play with light and dark and color will affect the look of your room, too.

Texture

Textured tiles can add unique 3-D appeal to a statement wall and even become a work of art. Textured floor tiles can also be functional, creating a non-slip effect on high-traffic floors.

Lighting

Whether you opt for dark or light tiles, the type and amount of lighting in the space will affect the overall look and feel. Look at the tiles you’re considering under different types of light at The Tile Shop so you’re not surprised when you take them home.

Material

There is nothing like the elegant look of natural stone in your home. However, these materials require more upkeep than easier-to-care-for porcelain and ceramic that can replicate a similar look. Know how much time and effort you are able to commit to maintaining your tile before you choose a material.

Finishing Touches

Your beautiful project is almost done, but it’s important not to forget about the finishing touches that complete your look. For example, is your tile floor up against another type of flooring? Transition pieces, like thresholds, curbs and wainscoting created with trim tiles, help smoothly and beautifully go from one material to another, whether from a floor to a floor, a floor to a wall or tile to paint.

These trim pieces elegantly transition from both the shower to the floor tile and between the floor and wall tiles, tying all the greys and whites together in harmony.

Similarly, your entire look will be elevated when you layer trim pieces into your design. It’s the finishing touch that takes the design to another level. Read our post on layering to learn more about how to use trim, accessories and other finishing pieces.

Tip: Select your desired tile collection, then add trim and profile pieces to your design for a customized look.

The single most important part of your project is making it your own. You can do this with paint (there are thousands of colors of paint, so we always save this for after you’ve chosen tile), accessories and adding your own personal decorative and creative touches to your room. After all, if it feels like you, it’ll feel like home.

The post How to Start A New Project appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.