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Subway tile layout: 12 different ways!

May 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

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While known for their classic and timeless nature, the subway tile has experienced a dramatic renaissance this autumn, but not in the way DIY renovators would necessarily expect.

Subways have evolved dramatically of late, says Beaumont Tilesโ€™ strategic designer Vanessa Thompson, and are now incorporating dynamic patterns, vibrant colours and plank tile concepts.

Horizontal quarter-offset (Reunion White Gloss tiles)

โ€œNew 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,โ€ she said.ย โ€œWhat we are seeing is the peak of the subway trend, and with that comes a certain confidence to push boundaries and challenge the status quo of subway design.ย From Herringbone, Step Ladder, Cross Hatch and Stacked, the styling possibilities of the subway tile are endless as are the style narratives they help illustrate.โ€

Need some inspiration? Here are 12 different looks guaranteed to challenge the way you think about subway tiles in 2019.

  • Herringbone โ€“ 45 degrees, 90 degrees and horizontal

Whether itโ€™s for the floor, a kitchen splashback or a bathroom wall, a herringbone patterned subway tile can turn your next DIY project into a prominent feature that creates depth and theatre to the overall project.

โ€œThe โ€˜Herringbone 45 degrees, 90 degrees and Horizontal herringboneโ€™ layering styles create the illusion of movement throughout the space,โ€ said Vanessa.

Horizontal herringbone (Roman Pietra Black and Roman Carrara tiles)

If you want to make an even bigger statement, says Vanessa, choose a contrasting grout, like an alluring space blue or delicate jade green.ย โ€œUsing a contrasting grout to your tile will frame each tile and emphasize the intricacies of the way theyโ€™ve been laid – creating a beautiful feature on your floor or wall,โ€ she added.

โ€œFor more subtle styling, opt for a complimenting grout which is perfect for projects that are coastal, country chic or contemporary influenced projects. My favourite for this is a marble or stone subway like Nostalgia Carrara Gloss 300×75 paired with our Ardex Misty Grey grout.โ€œ

  • Step ladder

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

  • Cross Hatch

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

โ€œThough the subway tiles are simply layered at 90-degree angles, grout plays a huge role in transforming the โ€˜cross hatchโ€™ layout into a beautiful feature or focal point,โ€ said Vanessa.

โ€œElecting for monochrome coloured tiles in a cross-hatch layout is perfect for contrasting with leathers and prints โ€“ the ultimate eclectic bohemian vibe.โ€

  • Brick Bond โ€“ 45 degree stack, vertical and horizontal

From the New York Subways of the 1920s to modern houses of today, brick bonding is everywhere โ€“ itโ€™s simple and symmetrical.

โ€œThis unique way of layering captures dimension and flow, and any space can be revamped with a brick bonded subway tile,โ€ said Vanessa.ย โ€œChoosing 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.”

Horizontal brick bond (Excite Blush Matt tiles)

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

โ€œFor those with a retired fireplace, turn it into a statement by using contrasting laying styles on the facing and fire box. I like to pair brick bond in our agrestic gloss white subway with agrestic gloss grey aid horizontal in the firebox.”

  • Stacked: Vertical, Vertical Alternating, Horizontal, Horizontal Alternating

For a safe and more traditional layout variation, DIYers canโ€™t go past stacked tiles.

โ€œStacked tiles are a popular option, particularly for first-time DIYers. While simple in nature, they still have considerable styling properties,โ€ Vanessa said.

Horizontal stacked (Agrestic Ivory Gloss tiles)

โ€œThe vertically stacked layout is perfect for making ceilings feel taller, and the horizontal stack has the same principle, however with widening capabilities.

โ€œMix things up a little with the vertical and horizontal stacked alternating layouts, which simply 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.โ€

All tiles shown are from Beaumont Tiles (details in picture captions). For more information.

Three Birds Renovations on being creative with tiles

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Want to try a different tipple this weekend? Toda Want to try a different tipple this weekend?

Today's #iafoodiefriday recipe is a lemon and pink peppercorn spritz by our friends at @thewholefoodsrefillery ๐Ÿธ 

They'll give you 20% off your first order with our code. Find everything you need on the blog now via link in bio.

Cheers! 

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Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! 

@kethy.australia, whose cabinet hardware I've used in my own kitchen, laundry and on my recent sideboard glow up, are passionate about bringing you the latest design and finishes from around the world!ย 

Their stunning timber knobs and handles from Denmark add texture, warmth and an organic feel to yourย projectsย that can only be achieved by using natural materials.

Whether you're embarking on a new build, renovating an existing kitchen, bathroom or laundry or updating a piece of furniture, Kethy have something for you in their huge range.

See it all online and find your local re-seller at their website via link in @kethy.australia bio.

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Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping ALL the character!

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Thanks for all your care and messages/comments for this tired and shaken up mama! Now very relieved and grateful ๐Ÿ™
Before & after It's not just the award winning de Before & after

It's not just the award winning designer houses that get us excited here. It's also the beloved family homes which are renovated and extended to make them fit for purpose so people can continue to live where they love ๐Ÿค—

@inspiredspacesaus helped her clients with teenage kids transform this house in Sydney's Hills District inside and out, making it their forever home. 

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Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps ๐Ÿค•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (๐Ÿคช) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a ๐Ÿท

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!

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Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

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And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

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I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

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Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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