2 min read

Take the subway home

And by subway I mean updating your walls with those coveted metro tiles.

I have yet to see a kitchen that incorporates subway tiles that I don't like. The look is modern yet combines something traditional (the design has been around for like ever, aka Victorian style), it fits perfectly in retro and industrial rooms and what's more, it also suits the other hot kitchen trend, open shelving. So while there are even more style for placing your metro tiles in kitchen and bathrooms, here I am focusing on my top 5. Because when you have too much choice, it makes it more difficult to choose. So don't worry, I've done the research on Pinterest and interior magazines and can safely say that these are the trendiest styes so far.

1/ Traditional Herringbone

This style is perfect for those of you who want to be taken out of comfort zones, try new things, are a little curious like me and generally like a style that is both timeless and classy. So if you love metro tiles but feel that the look has been done too much get your tiler to position the tiles in a herringbone pattern for instant wow factor.

Photo By: Ann Summa/Getty Images

Although this looks fab in kitchens, I have also seen it in bathrooms and this one is a favourite photo where the owner has given the stule some extra oomph with glitter grout. Yes, you heard that right. Glitter. Grout. To be precise, you get the glitter and add it to the grout, as seen here.

2 and 3/ Vertical offset and running Bond

This style is best kept for bathrooms but boy do I want it in MY bathroom. This will make your bathroom look taller which is great for my home with our low-ish ceilings. In the first photo, the vertical offset style has been used. This is especially effective where the tiles are narrow and tall and I particularly find the lack of heavy grouting between the tiles very appealing and very elegant. To the right you can see the running bond style.

Photo credit: Adrian Amore Architets

4/ The offset pattern

If you like the effect that these tiles will have in a room but you are not ready for something as complicated as herringbone patterns (or maybe you are just thinking of applying the tiles yourself) then you cannot go wrong with the offset pattern. This is the most traditional style and works well both in the kitchen and in the bathroom. You can even do a splashback in your kitchen in this style and while it will get noticed, the design will not take over your room, which is great if you have other centerpieces.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, then you can totally jazz up your interiors with coloured grout while keeping the pattern simple as above. Coloured grout can really bring a whole scheme together and it is as trendy as they come.