Subway tile is a classic choice for covering shower walls or adding an interesting backsplash above kitchen countertops. Typically, subway tile is installed following a running bond pattern where the tile is installed horizontally (much like when stacking brick). While this traditional method is certainly simple and equally as stunning, it’s not the only way to add subway tile to your home. Here are a few out of the box designs that will change the way you think about subway tile.
Go Vertical
Arranging subway tile vertically rather than horizontally is definitely out of the ordinary and adds flair to a modern or contemporary kitchen. On top of being eye-catching this formation will also make your ceilings appear higher — and who doesn’t appreciate the illusion of more space? All you have to do to achieve this look is follow the classic running bond layout placing tile vertically rather than horizontally. Voila! Your bigger and more breathtaking room awaits.
Work a Weave
Following a double basket weave layout will complement a vintage themed bathroom or cottage style kitchen. Simple and sweet, this arrangement does wonders by giving walls an artistic appeal while also saving you money and frustration. There’s no need to go with some fancy, complicated tile installation with a bunch of different sized tiles in a palette of colors. You can just as easily create a fashion forward look by choosing the same size and color tile and executing this updated rendition of an old school basket weave.
Fish for Herringbone
Creating a zigzag configuration is easy with subway tile, and results in a unique and stunning herringbone design. For an up and down finish place tile on a 45-degree angle, offsetting the joints. Eyes will move up, down and around as the horizontal motion invites guests to look around. Similarly, placing tile at a 90-degree angle will create a herringbone (or chevron) design. This approach will give you a boxier look that is perfect for framing a mural or accenting a particular area in your kitchen.
Stack ‘Em Up
It’s easy for a home to become cluttered and chaotic, but you can keep things calm by bringing balance to walls with a horizontal stacked tile arrangement. In this design pattern, tile is evenly aligned from side to side and top to bottom. Is it minimalistic? Yes. Will it serve as the perfect backdrop to your kitchen or bathroom? Absolutely.
Steal the Show with Stripes
While the previous tile treatments could all be achieved using the same color tile, this pattern looks best when two complementary shades are utilized. To create a stripe pattern, you will alternate between a row of horizontal tile and a row of vertical tile. While this look can be achieved using the same color and size, your stripes will be much more apparent with the contrast of two colors. Using colored grout (such as a dark grey) rather than white can also help to highlight your design and make your stripes pop.
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Written by Korrie. Korrie Martinez is a self proclaimed DIY pro with an eye for design and a craft for finding simple solutions to homeowner’s common concerns. Her articles offer tips and trends to help The RTA Store’s customers achieve the home of their dreams on a balanced budget. Follow Korrie on Instagram and Twitter @kokonez or visit her website www.korriemartinez.com