Subway Tile is a classic. But is it so overused that it’s lost it’s charm? I have designed many a kitchen and bathroom with this budget friendly material. The 3″x6″ original unit can be stacked in a myriad of patterns from a traditional horizontal running bond to a 45° diagonal offset and all the patterns in between.
I have seen Subway Tiles in other places too. Gorgeous mirrored subway tile on restaurant walls, utilitarian/easy to clean installations in entry and mud halls, pops of colored subway tiles in laundry rooms… In the end, I feel it’s a great surface cover; offering style and practicality in both traditional and modern homes.
For my personal home, I feel it needs a boost. Something fresh to renew its place in tiled glory. Enter Colored Grout. Find some fun vibrant colors here. How awesome is this stuff? I intend to tile my kids bathroom in a traditional, glossy white, cheap tile. Probably a vertical running bond or maybe a diagonal herringbone? I have not decided yet. I want the element of surprise to be the grout color. A punch of color to make the pattern stand out. If I asked the kids which color they want, they would most likely say blue, so I’m not even going to ask. They are getting chartreuse. Haha. Black grout is hot but that’s the problem. I’ve seen it everywhere for a few years and I want something whimsical and different. Colored grout is having a moment right now so I’m jumping on that bandwagon.
There are other options to freshen up your subway installations. Spend a bit more on an atypical dimension. A longer tile, a tiny tile, a stone tile, or a colored tile can make any subway pattern sing.
I just don’t see Subway Tiles ever going out of style. It’s an oldie but a goodie, dating back to the early 1900’s in New York’s subway stations, but that’s what gives it the nostalgic feel that I think is so appealing. With all the options on the market today, only your creativity can limit you. So my humble opinion? Subway Tiles are here to stay and should be a staple in any designer’s bag of tricks. It’s the black dress in any home. Nostalgic, lovely and works every time.
-K