Therefor no denying the shiny appeal of tiles. They’re been kitchen favorites as long as most of us can remember. And in recent years we've let ourselves experiment with colour and texture, so tiling isn't a bland beige or white sentence.
The pros:
The pros:
They’re sturdy: Unless you literally drop the kitchen sink on them, tiles will weather the trials of your kitchen well and happily support years of foot traffic.Design flexibility: Lighter colours can make a kitchen seem bigger, darker tiles can add contrast and shade. Smaller tiles are great for featured patterns, and larger tiles help a kitchen feel expansive (they’re also usually easier to clean).Hot and cold: Tiles keep you cooler in warm or hot weather, and well-made tiles tolerate in-kitchen temperature extremes well.Tiles can be sneaky. Simple wipe ups are straightforward, but some lighter colored tiles stain easily. Avoid bright whites or work with your provider to get maximum stain resistance. Heavy textures may also catch muck and be tricky to clean, and slate or other special tiles will take extra time and care to scrub.You drop it, you've lost it: Let slip a plate or glass and you’ll be dusting up the pieces. Tiles aren't a drop friendly surface, so be careful. You might want to add rugs or decorative fabrics to mitigate the risk of stuff shattering. Also minimize waving crockery around under the influence.
Tiles will always be a focal point of the kitchen. Whether you’re doing a complete remodel or just updating your kitchen tile back splash, think about how they will play with other elements, such as cabinets and countertops. If you want something bold, pick a colorful subway tile or mosaic tiles that contrasts with your current materials and colors. Travertine or more subtle colored ceramic tiles will give a softer look. Subtle does not have to be boring though; visual interest can also be created with an interesting pattern, such as a herringbone or diagonal design.
Kitchen wall tiles are bound to be splattered with sauces and oils. Clean up and maintenance can be a major factor in your decision, so keep placement and material in mind. Back splash near the stove or sink will require the most attention. Light colors with no pattern will tend to show more food and water spots than a darker or patterned option. Marble and granite tiles with lots of swirling and color variation will hide small spots well. Consider the size of the tiles you will be using; smaller size means more grout, which means more maintenance. So your kitchen look great with tiles.
Looking for a tile that complements stainless steel appliances? How about one that goes splendidly with that hammered-copper vent hood? Gary Fratianne, owner of Creative Kitchens, Baths and Closets in Westlake, Ohio, says the natural choice is metal wall tile."Much more interesting than those huge sheets of stainless or copper," says Gary, "small metal wall tiles allow the homeowner to create different patterns and designs."
The most obvious application for metal wall tile is the kitchen backsplash. For a polished, contemporary look, Gary suggests going with stainless steel, which is available in finishes ranging from satin to brushed. Warm bronze or copper tile adds a timeless beauty to kitchens with more traditional style.
