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Subway Tiles

Tile Trends: Subway Tiles 1

Tile Trends: Subway Tiles

By General, Architects & Builders, Bathroom Tiles, DIY, Kitchen Tiles, Subway Tiles, Trends

If you’re currently renovating your Perth kitchen, redesigning your bathroom or, you’re simply a lover of interior design – you would have stumbled across subway tiles. Subway tiles are growing in popularity, and taking platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram by storm. Once you discover the sheer class and sophistication of subway tiles, you can understand why they’re becoming a must-have for every Perth home.

Tile Trends: Subway Tiles 2

What are subway tiles?

Subway tiles have obtained their name from the iconic walls of the New York subway system.

Although at first the idea of “subway tiles” might suggest negative connotations (stifling underground train station perhaps?), you best cast those thoughts aside as subway tiles embody a classic vintage aesthetic that is incomparable. Generally, subway tiles are rectangle ceramic tiles laid horizontally with a 50% offset. However, over time, subway tiles have been modernised and experimented with to offer a great variety of design options for homes.

Explore more about subway tiles below.

How to include subway tiles in your Perth home

Extremely versatile, subway tiles can be incorporated in your home in countless ways. Our favourite ways to add subway tiles to your home… 

1, Kitchen splashback. A lot of time is spent in the kitchen – cooking, hosting and spending time with the family. You want to make sure your kitchen embodies just as much class and character as the rest of your home. Including subway tiles in your kitchen splashback makes for an eye-catching and impressive feature, making you feel confident hosting your next event.

2. Bathroom feature. The bathroom has been dubbed as one of the most important rooms of the house when it comes to design. It makes sense when you consider that every person that visits your home, is going to at one point or another, visit your bathroom. That’s why subway tiles are becoming an increasingly popular design feature for Perth home renovations.

Benefits of subway tiles

Subway tiles have a long list of benefits varying from their visually grabbing design to their easy installation. 

  • Subway tiles are available in many shapes, sizes, textures and colours. With such a great variety, you can create a unique subway tile feature that fits your home aesthetic.
  • Stain-resistant and easy to clean, you can use a white vinegar cleaning treatment or even spray and wipe to clean your subway tiles. Due to their easy-to-clean design, this makes subway tiles even more of an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. 
  • Affordable addition to your home interior. If you’re currently acquiring quotes for your home renovations, you will know how easy it is to exceed your budget. Subway tiles are fantastic as they’re not only high quality but also affordable.
  • Timeless design that never goes out of fashion. When making aesthetic choices for your home renovations, you want to make design decisions that last a life-time. Considering how quickly fashion trends change, this can be very difficult. One of the great benefits of subway tiles is that they never go out of style and always offer a classic feature to your home. 
  • Easy installation. Renowned for their stunning pattern, depending on the subway tile design you’re after they’re surprisingly easy to install. When it comes to installing ceramic tiles we always recommend hiring professional tilers. The last thing you want is your new tile design breaking or deteriorating due to poor workmanship. Invest in the installation and it will pay off in the long run.
Tile Trends: Subway Tiles 3
Tile Trends: Subway Tiles 4

Creative subway tile ideas

Since subway tiles were first installed in the New York subway, interior designers world-wide have played with the classic design. With a great selection of different patterns, you never have to worry about having the same design as your neighbour. Other variations of the subway tile include:

  • Herringbone
  • Double Herringbone
  • Chevron
  • Stackbond
  • Mosaic
  • Diagonal Herringbone
  • Vertical

Alongside choosing your subway tile pattern, you can also play with the colours and textures of the tiles. You can keep your design minimalist and classy with white or, you can add a splash of colour to match the interior of your home. Many people choose to mix and match colours, choosing different hues of blue or selecting two complimentary colours to add a pop to your room. The options are truly endless, browse our offerings and find your dream design.

How we can help!

Talk with our Ceramic Tile Supplies team today for expert advice and help for your tile needs. We’re only a phone call away and are always happy to answer any and every question.

View our range of tiles

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December 10, 2021
Timber Wooden Tile

How to choose splashback tiles for your kitchen

By Kitchen Tiles, DIY, Subway Tiles, Tile Selection

A key component to any kitchen design or renovation is your splashback. Functionally, it’s there to protect your walls from spills and splatters, visually it’s something you can have fun with.

Although just a small part of your kitchen, your splashback is where you can inject a lot of personality and make it the focal point of your kitchen. This is especially true in situations where the other elements of your kitchen have a neutral feel.

Tiles are an obvious choice for splashbacks as they are hygienic, durable, non porous, heat resistant and easy to clean. So, how do you go about selecting a tile that complements your kitchen design and adds character? 

A few things to consider when choosing your splashback tile includes the colour, shape, size and grout. Usually it’s a good idea to pick your benchtop first (as your options are more limited), and then incorporate your splashback design around this. 

When looking at tiles, the most durable and low maintenance option would have to be ceramic or porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are the tougher of the two, but will generally attract a higher price tag. Luckily, because splashbacks cover only a small surface area, it may be one of those areas you can afford to splash out on (no pun intended!).

Let’s explore what you need to consider in more detail.

How to choose splashback tiles for your kitchen 12
Colour

Your choice of tile colour can either blend subtly into your kitchen design, or you can be a bit more creative with pops of colour that draws attention. So firstly, you need to decide whether you want the splashback to be the standout feature in your room. Whatever you choose, it should work with your overall bench top and cabinetry colour scheme.

As a general rule, use dark tiles where there are no internal corners or assisting elements like cabinet lights or ample brightness to the room by other forms of light prevents dark corners from forming. Lighter shades will help brighten up the room and create a more open airy feel.  

If you opt for a colour similar to your benchtops and cabinets, consider a tile with more texture to add contrast. But choose wisely, as a heavy textured tile can prove harder to wipe down and clean.

Shape

Another way to create impact – if not through your colour choice, is the shape of the tile. Some popular options include incorporating a grid like pattern, geometric, subway style, penny round, chevron, diamond tile and mosaic style patterns.

Size

The size of your splashback area will affect your tile choice. For a clean look, choose large format tiles. This will also cut down on your grout lines but not be the cost effective option. If your splashback area is medium to small, the varying subway tiles make an excellent option as the scale into this size very well. If you are happy with a little more grout mosaics are a great option and come in many fun colours and shapes.

How to choose splashback tiles for your kitchen 13
How to choose splashback tiles for your kitchen 14
Grout

In general, the smaller the tile, the more grout lines you’ll have. If you want to avoid cleaning too much grout, choose a large format tile which will result in fewer grout lines. You can also use a grout additive (booster) or grout sealant in your small tiles to ease the cleaning woes.

Consider using a fine sand Epoxy grout. It’s a little more expensive than cement grout and harder to apply, but it’s a great choice for kitchens because it resists stains, is easy to wipe clean and more consistent in colour.

Aside from your tile colour, there are a number of grout colour options too. A couple of things to take note of:

  • Unsealed white grout will easily pick up stains, so make sure if you do choose a white grout you seal it or use a grout additive.
  • Black grout will accentuate the design, so it’s usually best to incorporate black grout with more neutral tones to create the right impact. It is also suggested with Black grout to use a grout booster to hold the colour.

Lastly, it’s also important to take into consideration the type of cooktop you have or will install. There are different clearance requirements from the centre of the burner to the splashback. Most tiles are glazed at a high temperature making them withstand heat variations from a cooktop however if you are looking at other materials such as natural stone, resin or hand glazed tiles they may require further considerations.

Need some inspiration for your kitchen splashback tile design?

Get inspiration from Perth’s kitchen tile specialists! Take a look at our photo gallery for ideas or browse our kitchen splashback tile collection on display at our Myaree or Wangara showrooms.

Some of Our Best Selling Kitchen Splashback Tiles

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September 15, 2020
How to ensure your subway tiles don’t go out of style 19

How to ensure your subway tiles don’t go out of style

By DIY, Subway Tiles, Tile Selection

Is the subway tile leaving the station? We often get asked by customers if subway style tiles are still a popular tile trend to have in the home.

They’ve been a safe and reliable go-to choice for so many years now that it’s not unusual to think this style may be getting a little tired and dated.   

The thing about subway tiles though, is they have so much versatility and variety, we believe it will never go out of style. It’s all about being creative and applying this classic tile in a new and clever way to make it anything but boring.

So, what are some ways you can reinvent the subway tile look in your home to make it relevant again? Here’s a few of our favourite ideas.

How to ensure your subway tiles don’t go out of style 20
Create contrast with borders

Subway tiles come in so many different shapes, sizes and colours that they can be applied in so many different ways. One way is with a contrasting inset of tiles. Break up your subway tile with a random inset of a different colour of the same subway style, add some marble or mosaic border for a contrasting look – the possibilities are endless.

Add a pop of colour

Move away from the timeless, white subway tile look and inject some colour for a fresh and modern appearance. Still functional, but utterly playful, coloured subway tiles work particularly well for kitchen splashbacks and in the bathroom. Subway tiles come in various shades of blue or green, iridescent, or even multicoloured so you can really have some fun with it.

Go for a different pattern

Creating a new pattern with subway tiles is one of the easiest ways to make a stunning visual impact to your space. Instead of running your subway tile in the typical running bond/ offset brick pattern, why not take another approach by changing up the direction you lay the tiles. Applying different orientations can alter how your room appears. For example, laying tiles vertically will create the illusion of more height.

 

Change up the size

The traditional subway tile comes in 75mm x 150mm (3×6 inches), but these days you can choose from various formats including ultra slim to larger sized tiles, square tiles and hexagon shaped tiles to create an aesthetically pleasing new look and feel. 

How to ensure your subway tiles don’t go out of style 21
How to ensure your subway tiles don’t go out of style 22
Discover new textures

If you want to be even more inventive, explore designs with textured subway tiles to add more depth to your walls or floors. Textured tiles tend to create a more effortless, casual vibe, and if you’re going for a natural look, a little bit of texture can go a long way.

 

Think about the overall design

When deciding on how to incorporate subway tiles, it pays to think about the context of your entire room design and surroundings. The various interior design elements you apply to your space can influence the overall look. For example, the type of plumbing fixtures you select in a bathroom should complement your tile choice and the style you’re going for. 

With so many ways to create a new look, subway tiles are here to stay. 

Perth’s subway tile specialists

Be inspired by Ceramic Tile Supplies’ extensive range of premium subway style tiles. Browse our collection or visit our Myaree or Wangara showrooms to view the full range on display.

Some of Our Subway Tile Range

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July 14, 2020
7 ideas to feature subway tiles in your bathroom or kitchen 27

7 ideas to feature subway tiles in your bathroom or kitchen

By Subway Tiles, Bathroom Tiles, DIY, Kitchen Tiles, Tile SelectionNo Comments

Versatile. Durable. Affordable. Aesthetically pleasing. What’s not to love about subway tiles?

By tradition, these rectangular tiles are usually twice as long as they are tall. But despite their simple structure, subway tiles lend themselves to many different design possibilities.

It’s the one tile that never grows out of style, so if you’re looking for a failsafe solution to your bathroom or kitchen, here are 7 ways you can incorporate subway style tiles.

Classic subway

Since its early 1900s debut in New York subway stations, the timeless subway tile continues to be a popular tile choice in kitchens and bathrooms. The classic look takes its cue from conventional brickwork using a white repeating bond pattern – often referred to as running bond or offset brick. This white tile, white grout layout creates a seamless effect and is the most common subway tile pattern you’ll come across.

Stack them up

Different lays can add interest to a classic white subway tile. Large subway tiles stacked horizontally bring out a clean and contemporary look to your bathroom or kitchen design. Or, flip them over and install them vertically to evoke height and create an illusion of taller walls and higher ceilings.

Herringbone at 90 degrees

Named for its similarity to fish scales, this arrangement of rectangles in an L-shaped pattern creates a sense of movement and visual interest by drawing the eye up. In this layout, tiles are arranged so that the end of one vertical tile meets the side of a horizontal tile at a 90 degree angle. It works well for taller spaces like a shower.

If you want to take your herringbone design to the next level, bevelled edged subway tiles will add even more dimension to your space. Many interior designers love this modern look to the classic flat subway tile.

Herringbone at 45 degrees

Another impressive herringbone design is to rotate your subway tiles at 45 degrees. This pattern looks great on floors or walls. It works well for smaller spaces because it keeps your eyes moving around the room making it appear larger than it is. If you want to draw attention to a specific area, then herringbone is the way to go.

Basket weave

Interchanging pairs of horizontally and vertically laid subway tiles creates a grid-like pattern that resembles – you guessed it a woven basket. For the real wow factor, go for a contrasting tile and grout. This will give your weave design a more distinct effect. If you want to be original, a double basket weave pattern will produce an even more modern look.

Mix up the grout

Who said your grout has to be white? One of the easiest ways to modernise your space is to apply a different coloured grout (and it makes for easier cleaning too). Popular choices include black and dark or light grey. Dark grout will make white subway tiles pop out, as will the opposite of black tiles and white grout. If you want to create a more edgy and industrial feel, than a contrasting grout is what you should be aiming for.

Experiment with colour and texture

The original subway tiles were always white, but nowadays subway tiles come in a wide variety of colours, sizes and textures. Make the look of your space your own by experimenting with different shades and surfaces to achieve a trendy yet timeless design. One way you can do this is with colour blocking, which is a great way to break up white tiles.

We’ve all heard how mirrors can help elongate a space and make it look bigger, and you can also achieve the same effect with mirrored subway tiles.

Perth’s tile specialists

Be inspired by Ceramic Tile Supplies’ wide range of premium subway style tiles. Browse our selection of classic and modern designs, or visit our Myaree or Wangara showrooms to view the full range on display.

June 1, 2020
subway tiles

History of Subway Tiles – Origin Story

By Subway TilesNo Comments

They do say that styles and designs have a way of repeating themselves over the decades, but there are some that never leave.

Although subway tiles had early beginnings in New York in the 1900s, it seems to us that this clean and chic style will continue to be placed in homes for many more decades to come.

Here at Ceramic Tile Supplies we offer an extensive variety of subway tiles, so we know that it can sometimes be difficult to choose between these timeless classics. That is why we are here to help you every step of the way towards the design of your dreams.

That being said, here is your ultimate guide to help you choose the right subway tile for your latest project!

The 75 X 150mm Subway Tile

Despite originating in New York, this tile style made its way all the way to Paris for this enticing take on subway tiles.

These 75 x 150mm designs feature bevelled edges that offer more appeal and dimension wherever they are placed. We recommend these tiles as a classic option for those who like to keep things simple and elegant.

We offer a variety of bevelled options, and they come in both matt and gloss finish options.

Victorian Bianco Diamond Lucido bevelled subway tiles

The 75 X 300mm Subway Tile

The 75 x300mm Subway tile style is not only taller than its sibling, but it is also more equipped to make a statement.

With these tiles, there is an option to swap the normal straight edge for a trendier wavy edge to add character and keep your project looking unique. We also offer these tiles in a variety of colours, all available in a glossy finish and with a select available in matt.

The Country Style

The Country style of subway tiles from Spanish manufacturers Equipe are a range of elegant glossy subway tiles with a hand made effect to finish off the wonderful design.

Available in a range of colours, and able to create many different looks and effects, including the popular subway wall tile look.

This style is great for those who want to match their tiles to a vintage or country-style. However, it is not just a design for those styles of furnishing, as it also stands out and thrives among contemporary design choices as well.

 

History of Subway Tiles - Origin Story 28More Tips for Designing with Subway Tiles

The fun of design is not over once you choose your preferred tile.

One of the best things about tiling in general is how versatile the design layout is. With these tiles, you can create different patterns and looks that will make every project look unique, even if it is the same kind of tile!

These tiles will give you the freedom to give any room a new look. Whether you are redoing your bathroom or the splashback of your kitchen, you are bound to find a design that suits your style and the rest of the room splendidly.

For more information on the countless design possibilities for subway tiles in Perth, our range of colour and design options, or any other questions you may have about tiles in general, come on into one of our showrooms right here in Perth

 

July 15, 2019
Choosing The Right Size Tile For Your Project 29

Choosing The Right Size Tile For Your Project

By General, DIY, Subway Tiles, Tile Selection

When redecorating a home, many homeowners overlook the tiles, not recognising just how much of an impact they can have on the look of the room being redone. While specific tiles may work for certain applications, the right choice is more than just what type of tile fits the space. The following aspects of tiling can impact a room’s appearance and should be considered when choosing tiles for a renovation project.

Picking Tiles Relative to the Space

The easiest way to pick out tile is to choose one relative to the size of the space. This means that larger areas like the floor of an open kitchen/dining room or bigger living rooms can easily handle larger format tiles. Similarly, smaller spaces like bathrooms or a kitchen backsplash would look better with medium or smaller sizes as well as mosaic tiles to add texture and design.

To begin, measure the space, whether it’s the entire room or just a section of a wall. This enables you to create a template of the square area so that you can try out different tile designs to help you determine a favourite. 

As you measure, remember that larger tiles require extra care to ensure the installation is as even and level as possible. These larger pieces will reduce the natural flow and will limit the decorating options of the flooring.

Different Measures, Different Styles

You can influence the way you feel in a room by using different sized tiles. You can create a sleeker, more streamlined appearance and make rooms feel more open or closed by tile size alone. Consider the following design tips:

Larger Squares and Rectangular Tiles

Tiles that are wide or long can make your room appear bigger. Using larger tiles in medium to large spaces will expand the space by making it feel more open. The longer dimensions to the lines of square and rectangular pieces combined with the reduced amount of grout lines give spaces a more open and cleaner feel. However, large tiles can overwhelm smaller spaces like bathrooms, creating a closed off sensation.

Subway, Plank or Small Mosaic Tiles

The shape, size, and pattern of smaller tiles can add or contract the depth of space so that a room feels more open or cosy, depending on your desires.  Linear and subway tiles will add depth to rooms and expand the appearance, especially in smaller spaces. Plank and kitchen tiles can make smaller, galley kitchens appear wider if you place the tiles horizontally.

Need Help? Call Today

Are you looking for tiles in Perth? Ceramic Tile Supplies is one of the leading tile shops in Perth. With over 50 years of experience, we are able to provide our customers with personalised care that will ensure you make the perfect choice of tile for your home, office or commercial space. Speak with one of our experts today and schedule a one-on-one consultation. You’re also welcome to visit our showrooms in Wangara or Myaree to learn about the ways we can help you with your next tiling project.

May 12, 2019
How to Select the Right Subway Tile for Your Bathroom: Everything You Need to Know 30

How to Select the Right Subway Tile for Your Bathroom: Everything You Need to Know

By Subway Tiles, DIY, Tile SelectionNo Comments

Starting a new home renovation is always an exciting and challenging task. It gives you the chance to take transform your home from a vision you’ve been dreaming of for a long time. You can bring out your personal taste and style through the design of you project and bring out your inner artist. What’s not to love?

One type of exciting but manageable home renovation that people often do for their first project is tiling, most commonly in their bathroom. There are many different types of surfaces and textures that you can play with, but one popular type of tile is the subway tile. Read on to learn more about tiling and how to select the right subway tile for your bathroom.

Some Benefits of Tile in General

Humans have been using tile in their homes and properties for hundreds of years. One benefit of using tile is its durability. Tile is typically long-lasting, which is great for a permanent home renovation project.

Another benefit of using tile is its ease of maintenance. Tile is easy to clean and it is unlikely that you’ll need to reseal it.

For those that are interested in green living, a lot of tiles are environmentally friendly. Tile is also a beautiful material that looks great in almost any home.

About Subway Tiles

Subway tiles in Perth and beyond got their name from their origin in (you guessed it) the subway! Early subways stops could be seen featuring this elegant but simple look.

These types of tiles are characterised by a unique overlaying pattern, smooth sleek lines, and tight grout lines. Many traditional subway tile designs are done with white tiles, but you can use subway tiles in a variety of colours as well as sizes.

You can even orient the tiles in different ways. For example, you can orient them vertically, horizontally, or a combination of the two. These types of tiles are very popular for bathroom renovations because of their clean and simple look. 

How to Install Tile In Your Home

If you decide that you want to install tile as a part of your next home renovation, one of the first things you will want to do is select the exact tile that you will use for your project and make sure that it can be ordered from whichever store or manufacturer you choose.

For example, we Ceramic Tile Supplies specialise in tile supply. We have unique tiles in Perth and a team that is ready to help anyone find their dream tile.

After you select a supplier for your tile endeavours, you should begin researching how to install your material. Or, you could always hire someone that can do it for you. We provide our customers with a list of tilers that we recommend to complete your renovation. No matter what look you’re after, Ceramic Tiles is here to help.

If you are thinking about making subway tiles a part of your home, continue to do research to figure out which tile will best suit your unique style!

 

 

April 18, 2019
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