Kitchen wall tile ideas

Minimalism with subway tiles

If you’re looking for a style that’s simple and timeless, subway tiles (also known as metro tiles) are the way to go - so called because of their historic popularity in underground stations.

Their shape makes them incredibly versatile, and as a bonus they’re also easy to lay.

In a modern kitchen, a chic flat subway tile with contrasting grouting never fails to look edgy and on trend.

Stack them in blocks, offset in a brick arrangement or switch it up with a herringbone arrangement - the choice is yours!

For a traditional or farmhouse kitchen, the softer bevelled subway tile with sloping edges is a better fit. Add to the farmhouse feel with an olive green or cream shade.

If you want the same minimalist style, but with more of a luxe feel, why not try a mirrored metro tile backsplash?

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, or doesn't get a lot of natural light, mirrored tiles are ideal. They will reflect the light, making the space feel brighter, and give the illusion of more space.

Or if you love more glamorous, opulent design styles, a mirrored tile can complement this style perfectly.

Go half and half

Don’t want to commit completely to tiles? You can create a stylish contrast on your walls by using tiles on the lower half of the wall and paint on the upper half.

If a horizontal cutoff feels too harsh, instead use a hexagonal tile to soften the transition, or subway tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern.

Emphasise the contrast further in the colour scheme, by pairing light and dark colours. Consider white marble effect tiles with a navy blue paint, or high gloss black tiling with plain white walls.

Tiles that jump off the wall

3D tiles have grown in popularity over the past year or so, adding extra wow factor to kitchens with patterns that literally pop out of the wall.

These can come in the style of sharp geometric shapes, undulating wave patterns or more subtle textured tiles with a raised finish.

Whatever style you choose, 3D tiles are guaranteed to turn your kitchen tiles into a work of art. The added dimension reflects light more effectively around your space, creating extra shine and particularly enhancing small kitchens.

Kitchen floor tile ideas

Bring the outside in

Natural textures create a serene, calming atmosphere in any kitchen, and tiles can now effectively mimic any natural material often for a fraction of the price.

Stone, marble, hardwood and concrete can all be recreated in resilient tile to bring a natural theme into your kitchen. And because it's tile, you can achieve the look you want, while keeping it easy to clean!

If you have an outdoor area connected to your kitchen, this is a great opportunity to blend the two.

Match your kitchen floor tile to the material used outdoor to blur the lines between inside and out. This will create a seamless flow from your kitchen to the patio, terrace or barbecue area - perfect for entertaining during the summer.

Alternatively, you can bring the outdoors in through the colour of your tiles rather than the texture - so if you prefer the look of a glossy tile, you can still get the 'natural' style.

Choose a mossy green tile backsplash, or go for earthy tones like browns and terracotta for flooring to bring in natural elements that keep your kitchen feeling homely and inviting.

Go bold with patterned prints

On the other side of the spectrum, loud and proud patterned tiles create a bold statement and offer the chance to inject fun personality into your kitchen. Geometric monochrome prints add a retro theme, while a floral design feels more vintage and feminine.

You can even bring holiday vibes into your kitchen with a Moroccan-inspired print. These intricate, colourful tiles can’t help but bring a ray of sunshine into your home!

Or try mosaic tiles to add colour and life to your kitchen - the pattern you create can be as bright or s intricate as you like. So whether you go super detailed, or more muted, the choice is yours.

Highlight a kitchen island

If you have a kitchen island, a statement tile around it can act as an eye-catching border, or help create a separate zone if you want a sense of separation between your kitchen and dining island.

Jazz up a plain kitchen floor with a bright patterned tile around the island. Or install a plain tile around the island but with a border to separate it from the surrounding floor.

Tile to wood transitional flooring can also work well for this.

Kitchen splashback tile ideas

Brighten with block colours

If your kitchen is primarily neutral, a small splashback over your cooker or hob is an easy opportunity to add a splash of colour using tile.

Think hot pink, mustard yellow or deep teal. Use bold, block colours for a statement look and create a focal point in an otherwise neutral space.

Or choose a tile with a slight pattern of marble or stone imitation to introduce colour in a more subtle way.

Let your splashback shine in glass

Whatever colour or pattern you go for, one of our favourite splashback tile ideas is to choose glass as your tile material.

Not only are glass splashbacks stain resistant and hardwearing, they reflect light brilliantly to eliminate dark shadows around your stove, open up the space, and provide better visibility while cooking.

Further emphasise the shine with under counter LED lighting to really brighten up the space.

Make magic with metallic

Metallic is all the rage right now, and a splashback is a great way to embrace the trend of the moment without committing too much of the room.

Think statement silver, burnt copper, or millennial favourite rose gold. A touch of metallic will bring a magical shimmer to your kitchen, and add extra life to a muted grey, brown or white colour scheme.

Add texture to a white kitchen

Another popular option is to use a tile backsplash or flooring to add texture and interest to an all-white kitchen.

If you love the clean, simplistic look of a completely white space, choosing the right tile can make all the difference.

If you're scared of all-white looking too clinical, use a tile that mimics the effect of stone or wood, but in a white or off-white colour to add a natural texture and keep the room feeling homely.

Or for a glossy, luxe feel, use a high-shine white ceramic or glass tile. This is especially great in large and small kitchen alike, as the tile will reflect the light and brighten up the space.

Go industrial

The industrial look has been a big interior design trend over the last few years - and the right tile can complement this style perfectly.

Going back to the metallic tiles mentioned earlier - these are perfect in an industrial kitchen.

Gunmetal grey, steel, or brushed copper are all popular choices for an industrial feel.

Combine a metallic backsplash with iron and wooden accents throughout the kitchen to complete the look.

Or try a wall tile with an imitation red brick finish for that quintessential exposed brick wall look.

Add some shimmer

Looking to really make an impact with your backsplash? Add some shimmer and shine to your kitchen with iridescent tiles.

Pearlescent pastel shades are perfect for adding a fun, fairytale twist to your kitchen design. And choosing tiles that all have slight variations or gradients of colours will keep it looking interesting from all angles.

Contrast pastel tiles with black grouting for a sleek, modern look that'll look great in neutral or black kitchens.

Feeling inspired with tile ideas? Explore our ranges to find your matching fitted kitchen.