How Can Kitchen Tiles Elevate Your Interior Design?
- by Guljar Singh
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In the realm of interior design, kitchen tiles hold immense potential to transform a functional space into an aesthetically captivating masterpiece. But how?
In this article, we’ll answer just that, exploring how kitchen tiles can elevate your interior design. From the benefits of porcelain tiles to the endless design possibilities they offer, we will delve into the world of kitchen tiles and showcase how they can enhance the beauty and functionality of your kitchen, providing practical tips and inspiration for incorporating tiles into your kitchen space.
Benefits of Porcelain Kitchen Tiles
Durable
As a material, porcelain is known to be durable and long-lasting. It is highly resistant to wear, scratches, chipping and stains, making porcelain tiles ideal for both functional and aesthetic purposes - especially in high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen. In fact, well-installed and maintained porcelain tiles can easily last between 20-50 years.
Low Maintenance
When it comes to choosing materials to incorporate into your home, the ideal solution is to find something that’s equally high quality as it is low maintenance, which is exactly what porcelain tiles offer.
These tiles are easy to clean, simply requiring sweeping and vacuuming to keep them clear of any debris and occasional mopping with warm water and a mild detergent to remove any dirt. Since they are naturally water resistant (as we’ll go on to discuss), they don’t require any seals for water resistance or any other form of special treatment.
Water Resistant
Whilst it’s not completely non-porous, porcelain is still less porous than alternative materials, such as ceramic or natural stone. As such, it absorbs very little moisture. Should porcelain tiles be glazed, as many are, this then boosts their water resistance further.
This makes them ideal for use in areas prone to water exposure, such as kitchens - whereby water and other liquids are frequently found.
Fire Resistant
As well as being water resistant, porcelain is also naturally fire resistant. Porcelain tiles aren’t flammable, thus don’t burn. This means that in the event of a fire, they will not produce any smoke or release any harmful toxins. Equally, they’ll help to minimise the spread of a fire.
This is especially beneficial considering that the kitchen is one of the most common rooms where fires start in the home.
Versatile Aesthetics
Modern porcelain tiles can easily imitate a variety of traditional materials, such as wood, stone or even concrete. With the ability to also incorporate different colours and patterns in their appearance, this makes them incredibly versatile when it comes to the appearance they can create.
Regardless of your interior style preferences, you will likely be able to achieve the aesthetic you desire with porcelain tiles. What’s more, not only can they imitate natural materials, but they tend to have a lower pricepoint than said materials, too!
Aesthetic Value: From Wood Effect to Stone Effect Kitchen Tiles
As we’ve just discussed, porcelain tiles are highly versatile when it comes to the visual designs that they can achieve. Their ability to mimic the appearance of other materials especially heightens the aesthetic value that they can offer. With this in mind, these kitchen tiles are well-positioned to complement a range of interior design styles.
Complementing Different Interior Design Styles
Industrial
Characterised by purposefully raw and unfinished appearances, complemented by simplistic, stripped-back furnishings, industrial interior design is a neutral design style inspired by the appearance of industrial buildings and their associated elements - hence where it gets its name.
This style works especially well in kitchens, which often incorporate exposed beams, low-hanging ceiling lights and unique breakfast bars into their design. This could be elevated further through the use of concrete effect kitchen tiles, which could equally be used on the floor or wall to really reinforce that industrial aesthetic, all whilst offering the previously listed benefits that are still convenient for the modern homeowner.
Minimalism
Minimalism is a consistently popular interior style in many modern homes. Often featuring sleek, simple finished lines and a neutral, monochromatic colour palette, many associate such a style with a clean and uncluttered lifestyle.
Considering this aesthetic, white or marble-effect glossy floor tiles would be perfect for achieving the clean and sleek appearance you’re trying to achieve if you’re aiming to create a minimalist interior in your kitchen and dining space.
Farmhouse
The modern farmhouse style kitchen has been increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are drawn to a quiet, country-living lifestyle. Whilst some may call it quaint and others cosy, farmhouse interior design is known for its equal levels of comfort and practicality.
Typically, it utilises neutral and/or earthy tones, with accent colours to add personality to a space. As for materials, natural materials such as wood and stone are preferred, creating both a sense of calm and a connection to nature.
The issue with natural materials is that they can be more expensive, not to mention require more upkeep. A great alternative, then, is to use wood effect or stone effect tiles in place of natural flooring. As well as appearing aesthetically similar to their natural counterparts, they have the added benefit of being easier to maintain, which is ideal considering kitchen floors are notorious for encountering stains, scratches and other wear and tear.
Incorporating Kitchen Tiles Into Your Kitchen Space
Now that you have a better idea of the benefits of porcelain kitchen tiles and how they can elevate your interior design, how can you actually utilise them in your existing space effectively? Below we’ve listed some different ways in which you can incorporate these tiles into your kitchen.
Backsplash
Traditionally placed over the wall space above your kitchen counters, backsplashes have a functional purpose in that they prevent your kitchen walls from water, grease and any other mess. For this very reason. Backsplashes are usually made using tiles, for their water and stain-resistant properties that they possess.
Whilst they predominantly serve a functional purpose, you can still consider the design of the tiles you use for your backsplash, so that it effectively compliments your kitchen’s existing interior design.
Feature Wall
If you’re looking to elevate your kitchen’s design in a unique way that adds character to the space without appearing garish or tasteless, then you might consider creating a tile feature wall.
Using wall tiles to create your feature wall, such as using concrete effect tiles, can allow you to subtly incorporate a unique finish and texture into your kitchen without overwhelming the overall interior design.
Tile Floor
Utilising floor tiles throughout your kitchen is undeniably a practical choice, especially for busy homeowners who are looking for a long-lasting solution with minimal upkeep. In terms of how they can elevate your interior design, if you’re feeling particularly bold, then you might consider the use of feature floor tiles.
Whilst you may not desire such tiles covering the entirety of your kitchen floor, they can be a unique way of separating specific areas in your kitchen space, especially if it utilises an open-plan design. For example, feature floor tiles could be used under your dining table or around your kitchen island.
Buy Kitchen Floor & Wall Tiles UK
Regardless of how you choose to utilise kitchen tiles to elevate your interior design, we can support your vision here at Tiles Universe. As the number one online marketplace for tiles in the UK, we’ve got a vast range of tiles available to suit your needs.
Whether you require wall tiles, floor tiles or any tile in between, browse our range of tiles today. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with any questions regarding the stock we have to offer.