Choose the Perfect Coloured Tiles to Give Your Kitchen a Stunning Makeover
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Do the same old white tiles leave you feeling uninspired? Choosing the right coloured tiles can completely transform your kitchen, creating a warm, inviting space you'll love spending time in. With so many options from bold brights to muted neutrals, selecting the ideal tiles for your kitchen redesign may seem overwhelming. But armed with the right knowledge on tile types, patterns, colours and design ideas, you'll be equipped to give your kitchen a jaw-dropping makeover with coloured tiles.
You'll discover how to select tiles that complement your space, materials that stand the test of time and patterns that excite the senses. By understanding how light, texture and colour work together, you can create a kitchen that truly reflects your personal taste and lifestyle needs. The days of plain porcelain whites are over - it's time to infuse serious style into your home with our coloured tile tips and inspirations. Read on to uncover your dream kitchen design!
How Colour Choices Impact the Feeling of Your Kitchen
The colours you choose for your kitchen tiles will dramatically influence the overall look, feel and functionality of the space. Light, neutral tiles create a bright and airy aesthetic, while bold, saturated hues make more of an impactful style statement. Consider the mood you want your kitchen to convey when selecting coloured tiles.
Warm and Welcoming with Reds, Yellows and Oranges
Warm red, orange and yellow tiles conjure up feelings of comfort, energy and joy. These rich shades create a cozy, welcoming vibe perfect for family kitchens and home cooks. Terracotta tiles in burnt orange and ochre yellows have an earthy, vintage appeal. Bold tomato reds or vibrant orange shades add a fun pop of excitement. Warm-toned tiles paired with wood cabinets and accents achieve a homey farmhouse or rustic Tuscan kitchen aesthetic.
Cool and Calming with Blues, Greens and Greys
On the cooler end of the colour palette, blue, green and grey tiles impart a relaxing, laidback feeling. Aquas and ocean blues are tranquil choices that evoke thoughts of peaceful beaches and water. Earthy sage greens and muted mossy tones create a soothing, zen-like ambiance. Light greys and cooler beiges are versatile neutrals that keep the space feeling open and serene. These cooler hues match well with stainless steel appliances and modern kitchen elements.
Clean and Bright with Crisp Whites
Nothing evokes a clean, fresh feeling like classic white tiles. Stark bright whites optimize light reflection, creating an airier ambiance. Whites help rooms feel more spacious and open. Pair white tiles with plenty of windows and lighting for an airy interior. For a modern twist, combine with sleek cabinets and metallic accents. Whites complement any colour scheme from bold primary hues to earthy neutrals.
Timeless and Versatile with Greys and Neutrals
On-trend greys and neutral earth tones like beige, brown and tan offer flexibility in design. These muted, natural shades effortlessly match existing elements without overpowering. Cool greys work well with both warm and cool colour schemes, adding sophisticated style. Beiges with grey undertones pair nicely with cream cabinets and wood flooring. Go for organic-looking stone, mineral or concrete-effect tiles in neutral shades for an earthy yet modern vibe.
Tile Types: Ceramic, Porcelain, Mosaic
With an array of tile materials out there, it's important to understand the pros and cons of each for your kitchen project. Let's explore some of the most popular options.
Durable Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are highly recommended for kitchens as they are more impervious to moisture, stains and scratches than ceramic alternatives. Made from finer clay particles fired at higher temperatures, porcelain tiles won't chip or crack easily. Their dense composition makes them suitable for high traffic areas. While not as glossy as ceramic, porcelain offers a refined, modern look. Durability comes at a price - porcelain tiles are generally more expensive but provide unbeatable longevity.
Classic Ceramic Tiles
Traditional ceramic tiles have been used for decades and provide an affordably priced option. Available in a huge range of colours, patterns and finishes, glazed ceramic tiles offer versatility. A ceramic tile's glaze makes it easy to wipe clean and provides charm with a glossy look. However, the glaze can chip or crack over time, making it less ideal for heavy usage kitchens. Ceramic tiles should be sealed to reduce staining and discolouration in kitchen environments.
Mosaic Tiles Add Pizzazz
Mosaic tiles provide a fun and artistic way to incorporate colour, pattern and texture. Tiny individual mosaic pieces come mounted on mesh sheets for efficient installation. Use mosaic tiles sparingly as accents - they work best on backsplashes, niches and focal walls rather than large expansive floors. Glass, porcelain and ceramic materials are commonly used for kitchen mosaics. Penny rounds and subway mosaic styles offer vintage charm.
Patterns, Textures and Tile Sizes
With coloured tiles, you're not limited to solid hues - patterns and textures add further visual interest. Mix and match shapes and finishes to design a showstopping kitchen backdrop.
Classic Patterns
Timeless patterns like subway brick, herringbone and starburst motifs add subtle style. Basketsweave and octagonal designs provide handmade appeal. For contemporary edge, experiment with moroccan-inspired embellishments, geo prints and zigzag angles.
Smooth, Textured or Matte?
Will you go for the brilliance of a polished gloss finish or the muted effect of a textured surface? High-gloss tiles reflect light well in darker kitchens but require diligent cleaning. For low-maintenance matte beauty, opt for a more textured tile. Concrete, travertine and natural stone-look tiles conceal scratches better. However, textured tiles may look dirty if not cared for properly.
Creative Layouts and Tile Sizes
Large format 12x24 inch floor tiles enhance spaciousness in an open-concept kitchen. Contrast with defined mosaic backsplash tiles to delineate cooking zones. Thoughtful tile layout prevents overwhelming patterns. A statement wall featuring an eye-catching accent tile makes a strong focal point. Play with direction by laying tiles on a diagonal or in a herringbone formation.
Design Ideas for Small Kitchens
How do you make a compact kitchen feel more expansive with coloured tiles? Take these tips into account when designing your petite culinary space.
Reflective Light Tiles
White or palest grey tiles paired with silvery grout will reflect the most light, creating an illusion of increased space. Avoid dark grout colours which absorb light and make walls look nearer.
Simple Patterns
Stick to uncomplicated tile patterns like brick or penny round mosaics to avoid overwhelming the senses. Busy ornate motifs will feel cluttered.
Steer Clear of Darks
Refrain from using deep, saturated tiles in a small area - jewel tones can feel imposing. Instead, look to soft pastels or muted earthy hues.
Extend Backsplash Height
Carry the backsplash to the ceiling for a seamless, expanded look. Continuing subway tiles or mosaics draws the eyes upwards. Avoid terminating mid-wall which visually chops space.
Inject Colour with Mosaics
Rather than coloured floors, utilize mosaic tiles for pops of colour. A multi-hued glass mosaic backsplash adds cheerful flair without overwhelming.
Design Ideas for Large Kitchens
With expansive space, you have more flexibility for captivating tile designs. Consider these tips when selecting coloured tiles in a sizeable kitchen.
Warm Up with Dark Tiles
Embrace moody deeper hues like cobalt blue or charcoal grey to infuse colour without overwhelming large surfaces. Dark tiles ground the space in a cozy, welcoming way.
Showcase Ornate Patterns
Make a statement with an intricately patterned feature wall, such as Moroccan fishscale tiles or Mediterranean-inspired mosaics. Repeat the motif throughout the kitchen for cohesion.
Contrasting Textures
Large kitchens can handle an interesting mix of tile textures and patterns. Combine stone, ceramic, mosaic and concrete-look tiles for depth and visual appeal.
Mosaic Focal Point
Draw the eye to a mosaic tile focal wall or vibrant mosaic inlay on the floor. Use mosaic selectively to add artistic flair without going overboard.
Vary Tile Sizes
Creating shape and rhythm with an eclectic mix of mosaic, subway and large format tiles adds character to your vast kitchen canvas.
Installation Tips and Grout Advice
Achieving a flawless finish with your coloured tile makeover requires proper installation technique. Follow these tips for success:
Hire an Experienced Installer
Investing in a qualified professional tiler is advisable, especially for large kitchen floors. They have the expertise to prep, lay tiles and grout for durability.
Prep Your Surface
The substrate surface must be clean, smooth and appropriately primed before tiling. Check for any imperfections needing repair.
Use Tile Spacers
Spacers allow for consistent grout line thickness between tiles for a precision finish. Remove once tiles set.
Grout Carefully
Applying grout requires practice to get right. Clean excess grout immediately for easier maintenance later on.
Seal and Maintain
Apply a penetrating sealant to cement grout to protect it from stains. Routinely clean tiles and reseal grout to uphold their beauty.
The ideal coloured tiles can make your kitchen renovation vision a reality. With the right tile material, colour, pattern and design, you can craft a timelessly beautiful space personalized just for you. Combining cool blues and whites optimizes brightness in a small kitchen, while warm terra cotta hues create coziness in larger galleys. Whether you favour sleek porcelain planks or handmade mosaics, the tile options are limitless. With our tips above to guide your tile selection and design, you're sure to create a kitchen that looks and functions flawlessly. Those outdated plain tiles will be a thing of the past. Your newly coloured tile finish will provide enjoyment for years to come - and inspire you to whip up delicious meals in your dream kitchen every day!