With the constant activity in the kitchen, whether it’s a quick meal or an elaborate feast for friends and family, it has become a vital part of our daily lives. Therefore, when building or renovating your kitchen, choosing the right layout, materials, and colours is essential to build a long-lasting kitchen interior whose design won’t look outdated after just a few months or years.
Heat-resistant, waterproof, scratch and impact-resistant, and easy to clean, tiles offer numerous benefits that have made them a favourite for kitchen design over the years. Coming in various colours and shapes, they allow for creativity and high personalisation while enjoying a long lifespan. Their versatility and high level of customisation allow you to match it to your home atmosphere while still making it timeless so that it remains stylish over the years.
To help you navigate the design or renovation of your kitchen, here are some of our advice to give it a timeless feel while still being able to let your creativity thrive.
Inspired by the trends but created by you.
While looking at yearly trends can be an excellent source of inspiration for your kitchen design, not all groundbreaking trends are worth following. What’s trending today may fall out of favour in a year or two, while your kitchen will remain. So, in order to create a timeless kitchen, although trends can inspire, it is usually wise and recommended to focus on quality craftsmanship and distinctive features that will stand the test of time and give your home enduring appeal rather than following the current trends.
For a kitchen to be timeless it means it has to meet your needs in the first place. To do so, you have to clearly assess how you use your kitchen, and your specific needs and requirements so you can then build a kitchen that accurately meets your needs and suits your home. Therefore, if trends can indeed inspire, they’re not always meant to be followed.
Opt for neutral kitchen tile colours.
When it comes to picking the colours of the tiles that will be used in your kitchen, there are an array of possibilities and opportunities.
From the most vibrant shades of yellows, pinks or blues to more pastel shades, tiles can come in multiple colours. If it may be tempting to go for a rainbow kitchen, when it comes to designing a timeless one, it is usually recommended to go for some natural and more neutral tones that have been known to withstand the changing times and trends, especially if your cabinets are going to be powerful colours. In this case, shades of white, creme, and beige are usually appreciated. Light greys, taupe or browns can also work the trick if your cabinets are going to be of light colours too. On the other hand, if you opt for neutral cabinet-coloured, then you can set yourself up for more powerful colours on your tiles for more contrast and power in your kitchen.
In the end, when it comes to the choice of colours, tiles offer limitless opportunities, therefore it is all a matter of creating the appropriate contrast with the other elements that will exist in your kitchen. If your cabinets are neutral, light-shaded colours, then opting for more powerful colours for your floor or backsplash can be a good way to create contrast and a cosy atmosphere. On the opposite, if your cabinets are in dark shade then you may want to consider lighter and natural colours for your tilings.
Get tile flooring that withstands the test of time and fashion.
Choosing the right kitchen floor is crucial because it needs to withstand the test of time. Tiles are particularly popular for kitchen flooring due to their resistance to scratches and shocks, as well as their ease of maintenance. However, finding the perfect tile design can be challenging.
Your choice should align with the overall atmosphere of your home, especially if your kitchen flows into the lounge without any wall separation. In such cases, a smooth transition between the lounge and kitchen areas is essential.
Marble tiles remain a classic option for kitchen floors, but stone-like tiles have become increasingly popular in recent years. These tiles are highly resistant to wear and tear, and they are more affordable than porcelain or ceramic tiles, making them an excellent choice for covering large surfaces that endure heavy use.
Given the extensive area covered by kitchen flooring, neutral colours are often recommended. Light tones such as beige and cream are long-term favourites, as they are versatile and timeless. For those seeking a cosier atmosphere, timber-look tiles can be a great alternative, offering the warmth of wood while providing a range of shades to choose from.
The colour choice for the rest of the kitchen tiles depends on your kitchen equipment and the overall ambience you want to create. Natural colours can bring a cosy atmosphere, while lighter tiles contrasted with bolder cabinet colours can add a creative touch to the space.
Learn more about the different floor tile materials and their durability.
Timeless yet original: mix and match your kitchen tiles
If neutral colours are often recommended for creating a timeless kitchen when it comes to tiles, this should not prevent you from infusing some creativity into it. Indeed, tiles offer numerous opportunities to insert touches of colours to create designs that will withstand the test of time.
For instance, the backsplash is an excellent area to express your creativity with tiles in various shapes and colours that can be mixed and matched. For example, using zellige tiles you can combine both neutral and vibrant colours incorporating them in a few touches or a bigger patch on your backsplash.
Additionally, you can mix tile shapes such as ovals, rectangles, or octagons to add visual interest. Tiles also come in various textures, from glossy to matte, and combining these textures can further enhance the creative touch in your kitchen.
Incorporating decorative tiles is another way to add creativity while maintaining a timeless appeal. Choose designs that you are confident you will continue to enjoy over the years or use decorative tiles sparingly on a more neutral backsplash to ensure longevity. This approach allows for easy updates, as you will have fewer tiles to replace if your preferences change.
By carefully selecting and combining tile colours, shapes, and textures, you can create a unique and timeless kitchen that reflects your style while remaining functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.
When building a timeless kitchen, while trends can inspire, they might not always suit your style therefore it is important to start by assessing your specific needs to identify the most beneficial type of tiles. Next, choose colours, shapes, and designs that best match your kitchen equipment and overall home interior. With so many tile options available, seeking advice from experts is recommended. At Ceramic Tile Supplies, our team of experts can guide you in selecting timeless tiles that match your needs and design preferences.