• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australia’s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      We’re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
    • Get Your Free Ebook

      This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesn’t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • DSC_0257Designing Wandarra: Breathing new life into a 1980s homestead
    • 20240206_185022-01Before & after: tiles steal the show in 90s kitchen revamp
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other people’s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether you’re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Rosso Levanto.2Stunning showroom designed to be a real life Pinterest board
    • Northmead cube bathroomsDi Lorenzo Tiles open new showroom as family business thrives
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? We’re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Rosso Levanto.2Stunning showroom designed to be a real life Pinterest board
    • kuddlava-table-lamp-pleated-white__1416409_pe975547_s5.jpgWhat’s new in furniture and homewares: June 2025
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Kaye_1368_LRBreathing new life into Sorrento’s limestone heritage
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Salted Choc PB PretzelFoodie Friday: Salted chocolate peanut butter pretzel cocktail
    • Muse marrakech Retreats Co Riad Botanica courtyardAussie in Morocco launches design retreat in Marrakech
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

5 new ways to lay subway tiles

By Aleksa Rokvic •

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

The subway tile, known for its classic and timeless nature, has experienced a dramatic renaissance this Spring, but not in the way DIY renovators would necessarily expect.  Designers are now sing the tiles in dynamic patterns, vibrant colours and plank tile concepts to push boundaries and challenge the status quo of the subway design.

Herringbone

“New season interior design trends are challenging the white, clinical brick bond looks of the subway tile, catapulting it into a world of colour, exploring new depths in patterns and layouts,” said Beaumont Tiles’ product and communications specialist Rachel Gilding.   

Need some inspiration? Here are some different looks guaranteed to challenge the way you think about subway tiles in 2021.   

Herringbone – 45 degrees and horizontal  

Whether it’s for a kitchen splashback or bathroom wall, a herringbone-patterned subway tile can turn your next DIY project into a prominent feature that creates depth and theatre for the overall project. 

“The herringbone 45 degrees and horizontal herringbone layering styles create the illusion of movement throughout the space,” said Rachel. 

“My favourite choice for a coastal, country chic or contemporary look is a marble or stone subway like Nostalgia Carrara Gloss paired with our Ardex White grout. ” 

Horizontal Herringbone

Step ladder 

The step ladder pattern is like the herringbone, resembling dynamic movement and direction. “This unique layering option can make any space feel bigger and is a great statement piece,” said Rachel. “The step ladder is the perfect choice for a niche space in the bathroom – particularly the shower – but would also create a dynamic and vibrant kitchen splashback.” 

Step ladder

Cross-Hatch 

This versatile pattern is a unique combination of horizontal and vertical stacking and is perfect for the geometrically brave! 

“Though the subway tiles are simply layered at 90-degree angles, grout plays a huge role in transforming the cross-hatch layout into a beautiful feature or focal point. Electing for monochrome-coloured tiles in a cross-hatch layout is perfect for contrasting with leathers and prints – the ultimate wanderlust vibe.” 

Cross-Hatch

Brick Bond – 45-degree stack, vertical and horizontal 

From the New York Subways of the 1920s to today’s modern houses, brick bonding is everywhere – it’s simple and symmetrical. “This unique way of layering captures dimension and flow, and any space can be revamped with a brick bonded subway tile,” said Rachel. 

“Choosing a variety of different colours or mixing your finishes like satin and gloss with a bold coloured grout is daring and fun and a perfect way to change or accentuate your style.”

Why not pair your vibrant and colourful layout with black or neutral homewares for a playful and retro style with a modern twist?  

“For those with a retired fireplace, turn it into a statement by using contrasting laying styles on the facing and firebox. I like to pair brick bond in our Agrestic Gloss White subway with Agrestic Gloss Grey laid horizontal in the firebox.”

Vertical Brick Bond

Stacked: Vertical, Vertical Alternating, Horizontal, Horizontal Alternating  

“Stacked tiles are a popular option, particularly for first-time DIYers. While simple, they still have many styling properties,” said Rachel. 

“The vertically stacked layout is perfect for making ceilings feel taller, and the horizontal stack has the same principle, but with widening capabilities. Mix things up a little with the vertical and horizontal stacked alternating layouts, which means you offset the rows. Creating a modern look, this layout is great for full tile walls or as a statement wall in the kitchen.”

Horizontal Stack

To find your perfect subway tile

Sample pack
Peel & stick tiles: An affordable kitchen & bathroom reno solution
When Yiwen Ling bought her home recently, she loathed the kitchen’s green tiles, but her budget didn’t stretch to a complete renovation. And after exploring many reno options including spraying…

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

October 21, 2021

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Latest Kmart Home range, coming later this month

  • Australian bathroom standards: dimensions explained by an expert

  • A luxurious slice of Italy on the NSW South Coast

  • I tried the latest robot window cleaner and I’m obsessed!

  • Foodie Friday: Easy roast chicken with an Australian touch

Follow us on Instagram

Nestled among the rolling vineyards of the Shoalha Nestled among the rolling vineyards of the Shoalhaven area on the NSW South Coast, former Block contestants @rachelandryan Carr have transformed a tired rural property into a luxurious holiday retreat that feels like a slice of Italy. Surrounded by the natural beauty of gum trees and rural views, the property is designed to transport guests to the heart of Tuscany, blending the charm of the Australian landscape with the elegance and luxury of Italian design. 

See more on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.
Australia's first 3D printed house is complete! An Australia's first 3D printed house is complete! And this pair of duplexes look pretty stylish too! Ground floor is printed concrete and the top floor is made from lightweight modular panels.

Want to read all about it and see more pix? Comment '3d" and we'll send the article link straight to your DMs! Or find it on the homepage via link in bio.

#3dprinting #3dprinted #3dprintedhouse #3dprintedhome #3dprintedhomes #houseofthefuture #australianhomes #australianhousing
New @kmartaus home coming later this month and her New @kmartaus home coming later this month and here's a few of the standouts, with pricing and more info on the blog now, via link in bio.

Anything catch your eye?

#kmartaustralia #kmarthome #kmartaus #kmartstyling #affordablehomedecor
A custom look on a budget: we love how this rangeh A custom look on a budget: we love how this rangehood cover was fashioned from a piece of American oak benchtop!

This fresh coastal kitchen showcases some of @kaboodlekitchen's latest products to achieve a truly individual space, without paying a small fortune. V groove doors, premium wireware inserts and a concrete look benchtop make for a great combination that's at the same time on trend and timeless. 

See more on the blog now via link in bio and stories.

#flatpackkitchen #budgetkitchen #uniquekitchen #bluekitchencabinets #vgroove #kaboodle #kaboodlekitchen
Swipe for before An interior designer shares the Swipe for before 

An interior designer shares the clever ways they took this homestead from tired 80s to a welcoming country retreat for holidaymakers without spending a fortune or starting from scratch.

This fireplace became a beautiful focal point after a lick of paint, for example.

See more before and afters from @wandarra_homestead on the blog now via link in stories/bio.
How heavenly is AFL star @rhysstanley_'s home he s How heavenly is AFL star @rhysstanley_'s home he shares with wife @kirstenstanley_ and their young kids?!

When they first set eyes on an expansive acreage on Victoria's Surf Coast, they knew it was the perfect place to build their forever home and embrace working farm life. @studiohallihan helped them bring it all together perfectly!

Take the tour on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.

#modernfarmhousehomes #australianfarmhouse #workingfarm #surfcoastlife #foreverhomes #farmhousestylehome #geelongfootballclub #geelongcats
Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS! Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS!

@castleryau have named the talented stylist @stevecordony as their first Australian brand ambassador and he's curated a capsule of their furniture which he styled to perfection at his stunning country house @rosedale_farm 

I was lucky enough to see the pieces in situ last week and I honestly couldn't believe how well it all worked! They were going for accessible luxury and well, he delivered, and then some!

Head to the blog via link in bio to read more about the partnership.

#castlery #castleryau #stevecordony #rosedalefarm #affordablefurniture #australianstylist
If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

@smartstoneaustralia's stunning Calacatta Viola sintered stone surface features throughout, making a bold statement while being durable enough to be used in the busiest areas.

Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Aleksa Rokvic

About Aleksa Rokvic

Aleksa Rokvic interned at Interiors Addict as part of her Bachelor of Media at the University of New South Wales.

More from Expert Tips

Stylist tips to cosy up your home for winter + where to…

Unexpected places to use wallpaper (that aren’t just your walls)

Designing Wandarra: Breathing new life into a 1980s homestead

Throw a Pinterest-worthy party with these styling essentials

Tomorrow’s bathrooms are warmer with more personality: opinion

From neutral to bold: best carpet colours for your living room

How to do colour drenching: the refined version

5 simple hacks to lower your energy bill this winter

How to put together a stain emergency kit for your home

Promo Area

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2025 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in