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5 new ways to lay subway tiles

By Aleksa Rokvic •

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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…

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October 21, 2021

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Popular This Week

  • New Kaboodle range embraces vibrant colour for kitchens
  • AFTER Kitchen and bathroom updates extend the life of Sydney home
  • Darren Palmer Darren Palmer’s new sustainable, ethically made rugs
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Steph & Gian’s almost perfect Block master bedroom score

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Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

#newbuild #hamptonsaustralia #hamptonsnewbuild #fretwork #benchseat #benchseating #fireplace🔥 #fireplacedecor #ikeahacks #diymudroom #mudroom #kidsroomwallpaper #frenchdoors #frenchdoor #hallwaydoors #frenchdoorpantry #butlerspantrydesign #newbuildupgrades
Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodlelaundry #kaboodle #flatpackfurniture #flatpackkitchen #bunningskitchen #flatpackcabinets #budgetkitchen #ontrendkitchens #colourfulkitchen #colouredcabinets #kitchencolourtrends2023 #colourtrends2023 #boldkitchen #jonofleming #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #bunningsdiy #heartyourhome #realreno #realrenovations #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenonabudget #colourfullaundry #flatpacklaundry
Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

“I believe in the democratisation of good design,” says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. “It was very important to me that they were ethically made, and they are all Good Weave certified ensuring that no child labour is involved in their creation."

#darrenpalmer #darrenpalmerofficial #darrenpalmerinteriors #theblock #rugshopping #rugdesign #ruggoals #rugmaking #naturalrugs #sustainablerugs #ethicalrugs #jute #juterug #juterugs #handcarved #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #goodweave
Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

#theblockroomreveals
#theblock #theblock2023 #blockshopper #masterbedroomdecor #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #mastersuites #walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realreno
The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel ☀️

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

#rattanlovers #rattan #rattanfurniture #rattandecor #rattanbed #rattanbedhead #timberbuffet #mockaaustralia #mocka #affordablefurniture
My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodle #kaboodlelaundry #flatpack #bunnings #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #barndoor #laundryroomdecor
▶️ Swipe for before! Bathroom of my dreams 😍

Overcrowded with fixtures and with very little natural light, this main bathroom was in need of an update. The existing window was removed and replaced with custom steel bi-fold doors with clear glass above and ribbed for privacy below. “They provide an abundance of natural light and connection to the beautiful garden and incredible view. Indoor or outdoor bathing is now optional!” says Darren Genner of @studio__minosa 

Head to the blog via link in bio to see this home's KITCHEN transformation.

#outdoorbath #outdoorbathroom #outdoorbathtub #gardenbathroom #gardenviews #bifolddoors #steelbifold #blacksteeldoors #blacksteeldoors #bathroombeforeandafter #studiominosa #bathroomdesigninspiration #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome  #indooroutdoorflow
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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.

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