5 Creative Ways to Complete Subway Tiles Projects

Taken as individual pieces,subway tiles don’t look much. Grouped together, the magic begins. Theever-popular offset joint pattern offers a clean and yet stunning backdrop fitfor any kitchen or bathroom design. Yet, contrary to the seemingly rigid and limitedstyling options that subway tiles pose, this timeless classic offers a numberof possibilities.
Rustic kitchens seem tobenefit the most but even modern or transitional kitchens can take fulladvantage of the subway tile. Taken from the design pages of old New York, thesubway tile has smoothly transitioned from subterranean ornamentation to residentialglam. They have proven to be so popular in many households that manufacturerseventually came out with improvements and variations.
Like regular square tiles,subway tiles present similar advantages. They are inexpensive, easier tomaintain and install, and come in different colors, materials, and sizes. Thisvariation has led to design potentials further endearing it to designers andhomeowners since.
One of the joys of workingwith subway tiles is figuring out ways to enhance and maximize its unique look.The offset joint pattern is still a fantastic layout choice but those who wantmore from their tiles can break out of the mold. Here are a few tips for takingthose subways a notch higher.
· Try a differentlayout. Nothing beats a classic, of course. The halfoffset joint is clean and easy on the eyes. Since it is a clear throwback tothe tiles’ origins, this layout is timeless. However, there are other patternsto stimulate interest. A Herringbone, astraight set, a crosshatch pattern, or arranging it vertically are not quitetypical but like the traditional offset, these patterns still provide afantastic backdrop.
· Try other colors. When one thinks of subway tiles, it is always associated with pristinewhite. There’s no argument that white is lovely and it is an unassuming andneutral color but try punching up a backsplash or accent wall with brightcolored tiles. The choices are very diverse. There’s Ice blue, ash grey, coolblack and our favorite – the sweet sexy candy appeal of a bright cherry redsubway tile. No doubt, this will give a dull kitchen or bathroom a neededsplash of color without overwhelming the senses. Grout color is another trick. For a spotlessand seamless look, the white grout with white subway tiles is a great choice.For visual stimulus, gray grout adds depth and definition.
· Experiment withdifferent sizes. The 3x6 is more common butfor a slightly distinct approach use subway tiles in a different size.Combining and mixing up the sizes is a road to more design options.
· Explore materialsother than ceramic. Glazed ceramic is a winner butin our quest for other promising materials, try marble or glass subway tiles.While marble is classy and elegant, glass is stylish and can be on the funside. Light reflects on glass giving the added benefit of opening up small anddark spaces.
· Finally, spice it upwith a decorative or other accent tiles. The stacks and rows of “bricks” can be dull.Break it up with accents or decorative tiles matching the subway tiles. Coloredor 3D mosaics cancel the monotony and give a kick to subways.