Kitchen Design Site

Whether you're looking for a suitable kitchen tile design involving floor tiles or wall tiles or both, it is important to ensure you pick the right combination that will look right in your kitchen. Here are a few kitchen tile design tips to send you in the right direction.

First of all, lets discuss the function of kitchen tiles. The role of kitchen wall tiles in the majority of homes is as a splashback around the sink. This means that when water splashes out of the sink and hits the wall, it won't matter because it is tiled and grouted and therefore water resistent. Other materials aren't as suitable meaning over time, the water that splashes out can do damage to the walls.

Another function of kitchen tiles is to improve the lighting, both during the day and at night. How it does this is by taking the light that is generated either through windows and surrounding rooms or by artificial lighting and reflecting it. This ensures that you get the maximum amount of light generated from the sources you have available. This is particularly important if you have a dark kitchen that doesn't get as much light as it needs.

And because kitchen tiles reflect light, they act in the same way as mirrors and windows in that they make a small space seem even bigger. So if you're working on a small kitchen design, using tiles on the walls can create a real impression of space. 

Perhaps the greatest benefit of using kitchen tiles, either on the wall or on the floor is that they are easily cleaned. Even if you choose to get white kitchen tiles that show the dirt, it isn't difficult to keep them clean. Wipe clean surfaces are always an advantage in a kitchen, particularly family kitchens that have people coming and going all day.

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks to using kitchen tiles which is why some people choose not include them in their kitchen design. One such issue is chipping. Kitchen tiles can often become chipped or damaged and leave sharp edges, which isn't ideal, especially if you have children running around your kitchen. Another problem is the grouting that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis or will become stained and discoloured. However, both of these things can be easily avoided with a little care and attention and shouldn't discourage you from using tiles in your design, especially when you consider all of the advantage they offer.  

The three most commonly used types of kitchen tiles are ceramic kitchen tiles, glass kitchen tiles and porcelain tiles. However, by far and away the most popular material is ceramic. Not only do ceramic kitchen tiles conduct heat incredibly well, but they can also come in any shape, size or colour meaning you can fully customise your kitchen tile design. An added bonus is that cermaic kitchen tiles are cheap, meaning you don't have to break the bank to create a beautifully tiled kitchen design.

We've got far more information on kitchen tile design listed in the sections below with lots of useful resources added regularly to help you tile your kitchen properly.