It was my birthday last week and I decided to treat myself to a new kitchen worktop (err, those things are expensive!!). I have a love/hate relationship with Ikea but I can’t help but admit that I see a day trip there with my mum as quite a joyful task (is it just me?) so off we went to order the new worktop. Now that that is sorted – I ordered the solid beech one – I can get on with thinking about other details for my kitchen makeover. I know I want to try a little DIY on the kitchen doors to make new handles and we will make the open shelving out of MDF, painted white. So, the only other thing to consider is replacing the splash back, which is currently just an extension of the horrible laminate worktop. Bearing in mind that the cupboard doors are white, the floor is painted grey and the worktop is going to be wooden (you can see more of my kitchen as it is now here), I can’t quite make up my mind about the splash back: should it be completely neutral or more of a statement?
Play it safe with metro brick tiles? Image via Pure Style.
I’ve been tossing up a couple of options for the splash back and can’t quite decide between tiles or tongue and groove. I’m erring towards tiles because tongue and groove is a bit too ‘country’ for my modern flat but then I can’t make up my mind between something with a bit of colour and pattern like these gorgeous handmade Mexican tiles or something a bit more neutral and sleek. Help!
1. Metro brick tile, Tiles Direct 2. Fenlands tiles in Heron, Fired Earth 3. Carrara white marble, Tiles Direct 4. Large square mosaic, Tiles Direct. 5. Toulouse St. Etienne, Fired Earth.
Any ideas? I’m going to order some samples to see the different options in situ before I make any decisions. I really like the idea of having these large marble tiles – a bit more like panels than tiles – as they would work so well with the white kitchen and wood work top but I have loads of blue and white Cornishware crockery and can’t help but think the two won’t work together particularly well; the one being quite sophisticated and other being more country kitchen style. Well, the worktop won’t arrive for eight weeks so I’ve got some thinking time ahead of me.
Katy x
*This post was written in collaboration with Tiles Direct.
I feel your decision dilemma 🙂 I’ve been trying to decide on tiles for an en-suite and it’s a tough one as they’re such a permanent fixture.
I love those marble tiles (they’re everywhere at the moment aren’t they) and you might be surprised at how well they work with your crockery. Definitely worth getting a sample. I need to learn not to overthink these things!
Ah the tile dilemma! We couldn’t decide either so are going for a clear Perspex with changeable background behind
I think you should definitely consider a patterned tile. Kitchens tend to be all straight lines and hard surfaces and a pattern will break that up a little and add a little drama.
Personally I like the patterned tiles – the Moroccan ones are lovely, but I have a real soft spot for Moorish ones. But I think maybe the soft, plain muted look is more you. The subway brick pattern tiles are something I always gravitate towards but is it timeless or a trend? Something you’ll know the answer to better than me!
I want marble everywhere in my kitchen (or is that too Tony Soprano?)
Ooooh! Indecisions!! I couldn’t possibly choose from your beautiful selections….love them all!!
Ooh, now you’ve got me thinking about my own kitchen! We too have a laminate splashback – do you think it is possible to tile over it or would it have to be removed first? I’m sure whatever you decide for your space, it will be just lovely 🙂
Ooo my personal faves are the grey tiles. I’ve gone for grey cupboards in my kitchen and I think it’s such a classy neutral and goes with anything! Then again, that marble is gooorgeous.
This is why it takes me so long to decorate. I’m so indecisive!
Also, if you’re a messy as me, I highly recommend a dark grout on your kitchen tiles! We chose a slate grey grout and it hides all sorts of mess 😉
Karen x
Oh you have read my mind! We are talking about tongue and groove and even though we are in the country, I think it won’t be as hard wearing as tiles so we are back on tiles!!! I think don’t play it safe! If you have very plain walls and paired back styling go for broke with patterned tiles! xx
How about a plain white tile and maybe a coloured grout (mid grey perhaps)?
I also have a love hate relationship with IKEA but you have to admit they have the trends and style down to a tee.
We have a solid wooden kitchen top and went for the Metro look with the tiles in our Kitchen.
Good luck with your choice and wow! if you go for fired earth you must have VERY deep pockets !
NUMBER 5!!! Defo the patterned tiles for me.
I feel your design dilemma pain! It’s so hard choosing tiles as the variety out there is just so overwhelming these days. I must say though that I love the marble tiles you have selected and especially the large format. They will probably work really well if your kitchen isn’t overly huge as large tiles often make small spaces look bigger, don’t they?
It’s a difficult one as it’s a permanent fixture in your kitchen (well you can change it but not easily or cheaply!) So I’d always go for plainer tiles, which you can layer up with colourful, textured or print accessories in the kitchen as trends and styles change.