Refresh: White Subway Tile

Forward

by Studio Director Andrew Luketic

White subway tiles are a staple in kitchen and bath design, invoking a timeless feel. BUT no one said you have to stick to the plain white, glazed ceramic ones we are so used to seeing in all the modern farmhouse spreads and designer magazine. This article from our archives showcases how one can approach something so simple and classic as white subway tile for modern and eclectic styles to keep it both fresh and interesting. It is as simple as two words:

1. Texture

2. Pattern

Our Creative Director likes to make each project as unique as our clients. Meaning Corey likes challenging the norm, even using something as simple as subway tile in an unexpected ways. At the end of this article there are links to 3 projects that are great examples.

Corey Klassen CMKBD NCIDQ IIDA DDA Accredited is a Certified Master Kitchen + Bath Designer (CMKBD) through the National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA). An organization with designer member chapters across both Canada and the United States. The NKBA has a proud history for design excellence with regards to kitchen and bathroom design industry and design education. There are many ways a qualified designer can bring value to a project.

Our top 5 resources:

• Design 101: How Interior Designers Charge

• Design 101: The Top 4 Interior Design Styles

• Design 101: Interior Designer Terms

• Condo Bathroom Renovation Guide

• Design 101: Finishes + Materials

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The subtle details of our Kits Point Residence

1. Texture

Take a turn for the modern by playing with texture, size and style to add some interest, while preserving the classic design feature of a backsplash.

Here is a round-up of some of our favourites, with a fresh take. 

There are many directions available when you explore texture.

Links to each of our favourite examples are listed below:

HANDMADE - CLE TILE

TEXTURED - ANN SACKS  

RELIEF PATTERN - MUTNA

CEMENT - ANN SACKS

OGEE - FIRECLAY

HEXAGON - CLE TILE

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2. Pattern

Basic Believers

If you want to stay with a traditional subway tile option, there are a few things you can do to switch it up and play with pattern. 

Here are some tried and true subway tiles, and patterns to compliment them.

Our Hunter Park Residence showcases a little pattern play

Conclusion

Not all backsplashes and shower details have to be the same old subway, done in the obvious way. Experiment and create a focal point that you will love just as much as the favourable classic design!

By Corey Klassen CMKBD NCIDQ IIDA

Check out more ideas in our featured projects: