Jazz Up Your Kitchen with Snazzy Tiles
Picking the right tiles can turn your kitchen from drab to fab. Modern kitchen tiles don't just look good; they're tough cookies that stand up to daily wear and tear while being a breeze to keep spotless.
Why Go with Modern Tiles in Your Kitchen
Modern kitchen tiles make a winner's choice for home makeovers, and here's why:
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Flexible Design Choices: You’ll find modern tiles in a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns, and textures. Want something rustic like terracotta tiles or maybe a slick feel with porcelain tiles? There’s something for everyone's taste.
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Tough as Nails: These tiles handle high foot traffic and laugh in the face of stains, spills, and scratches. Stone tiles, for instance, are rock-solid and built to last.
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Hassle-Free Upkeep: Modern tiles? They’re easy peasy to clean. No germs are setting up shop here, making them great picks for any kitchen.
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Heat and Fire Proof: Tiles naturally resist fire, adding a safety net in the kitchen area.
What to Think About When Picking Kitchen Tiles
Choosing the right tiles involves weighing several goodies to make sure they tick all your boxes.
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Material Matters: The stuff a tile's made from affects how it looks and lasts. There’s zellige tiles for an artisanal vibe, ceramic tiles for all-rounder appeal, or marble tiles for a touch of class.
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Pick a Size and Shape: Tiles come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Big tiles can make a space look sleek and tidy, while tiny mosaic tiles bring detail and pizzazz. Match 'em up with your kitchen's layout and design.
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Colour & Pattern Play: Tiles should play nice with your kitchen's total look. Neutrals are timeless, but a splash of bold can steal the show.
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Grout Drama: How wide or narrow the grout lines are—and their colour—can change a room's vibe. Tight grout lines are slick, while contrasting ones can jazz up the tile's pattern.
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Don't Slip, Get a Grip: Since kitchens are spill zones, go for tiles that won't make you take a tumble.
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Mind the Wallet: Tile prices jump around a bit. It’s key to land on tiles that won't bust the budget but still deliver the goods.
| Tile Type |
Durability |
Maintenance |
Cost (per sq ft) |
| Terracotta Tiles |
High |
Moderate |
£3 - £8 |
| Stone Tiles |
Very High |
Low |
£5 - £15 |
| Porcelain Tiles |
Very High |
Low |
£3 - £10 |
| Zellige Tiles |
High |
Moderate |
£6 - £12 |
| Ceramic Tiles |
Medium |
Low |
£2 - £7 |
| Marble Tiles |
High |
Moderate |
£10 - £20 |
When sprucing up your kitchen, think about how these factors meet your dreamy vision and day-to-day demands. For a hit of creativity, suss out our pieces on kitchen splash back tiles and kitchen tiles ideas.
Terracotta Tiles
Characteristics of Terracotta Tiles
You might know terracotta tiles for their earthy vibes and rustic good looks - they're like the old jeans of the kitchen flooring world. Made from good ol' natural clay, these tiles typically rock that reddish colour, though it can shift a bit based on the clay's origins.
Terracotta tiles are thirsty creatures, soaking up moisture if you don't seal 'em first. This makes them an interesting, though attention-seeking, choice for kitchens where spills happen more often than not.
| Feature |
Description |
| Material |
Natural clay goodness |
| Colour Range |
Rustic reds, browns, oranges |
| Porosity |
Super thirsty, needs sealing |
| Surface Finish |
Mostly matte, sometimes shiny |
| Installation |
Floors and walls, both work fine |
| Maintenance |
Regular sealing, that's a must |
Pros and Cons of Terracotta Tiles
If you're considering these tiles for your kitchen, you're not alone. Loads of folks dig their positive attributes as long as you're aware of a few quirks.
Pros:
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Aesthetic Appeal: Terracotta steals the show with its warm and welcoming feel, kinda like a hug for your kitchen.
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Durability: Once you've given them the proper sealing love, these tiles stand up to quite a bit of foot stomping, hanging around for the long haul.
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Eco-friendly: What with being made from nature's own clay, they give Mother Earth a high-five on eco-friendliness.
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Versatile: Whether you're thinking floors or walls, terracotta can bring its magic touch wherever it's needed.
Cons:
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Porosity: Being naturally porous, terracotta tiles are a bit like that friend who needs you to listen a lot—they require regular sealing to keep spills from becoming stains.
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Maintenance: These tiles demand more attention and upkeep than easier mates like porcelain or ceramic tiles.
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Cost: Because they're natural, terracotta tiles might dip into your wallet deeper than the artificial ones.
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Vulnerability: Forgo the sealing dance, and you'll see these tiles chip and crack.
On the off chance terracotta's upkeep sounds like too much, other more modern tiles such as kitchen tiles or porcelain tiles might suit your fancy. So remember, with great flooring comes great responsibility — go with what groovily vibes with your style and effort level!
Stone Tiles
Stone tiles will give your kitchen a dash of class and some serious staying power. We're going to look at what makes them tick, and see if they've got what it takes to be in your home.
Characteristics of Stone Tiles
The beauty of stone tiles is matched only by their strength. They can be crafted from a wide mix of natural materials like granite, limestone, slate, and marble, each type bringing its own vibe and palette.
| Stone Type |
Appearance |
Durability |
Porosity |
| Granite |
Speckled, many shades |
Super Tough |
Low |
| Limestone |
Gentle, calm colours |
Medium |
High |
| Slate |
Rough, dark tones |
High |
Medium |
| Marble |
Luxurious veins |
Medium |
Medium |
Pros and Cons of Stone Tiles
Putting stone tiles in your kitchen has its perks, but a few drawbacks sneak in the door too.
Pros
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Jaw-Dropping Looks: Stone tiles radiate natural beauty. If you've ever seen the shine of marble or the earthy charm of granite, you'll know what I'm talking about.
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Tough as Nails: Think of granite and slate like the bouncers of flooring—they're hard to scratch, perfect for a floor that sees a lot of foot traffic.
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Handles the Heat: These tiles shrug off higher temperatures with ease, making them kitchen-friendly.
Cons
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Thirsty Stones: Stones like limestone need a bit of attention—they love a good stain unless sealed regularly.
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Pricey Pick: Your wallet might feel a pinch; top-tier stone tiles aren't cheap.
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Keep 'em Shiny: Maintenance means sealing those stones more often than you might like.
If you're itching to see how stone tiles could fit into different spaces, we've got you covered with articles on stone look tiles and stone wall tiles. And yes, they’re not just for inside—discover outdoor stone tiles and slate floor tiles for the full picture.
Whether it's a cosy farmhouse feel or an elegant palace style you're after, stone tiles have the charm, toughness, and style to enhance your kitchen any day of the week.
Porcelain Tiles
So, you're eyeing those modern kitchen vibes, huh? Well, porcelain tiles are the name of the game for many folks looking to jazz up their cooking space. They're celebrated not just for being tough-as-nails but also for bringing that chic, sleek look—practicality meets style right under your feet!
Characteristics of Porcelain Tiles
Made from a special, dense kind of clay baked at super-high temps, these tiles are the kitchen's best friend when it comes to taking a beating. Ever the hardy bunch, they shrug off wear-and-tear like it's nobody’s business. Here’s why porcelain tiles deserve your attention:
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Durability: These bad boys can handle a stampede! Perfect for bustling kitchens where the action never stops.
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Water Slayer: They laugh in the face of water, soaking up pretty much nada—not today, puddles!
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Looks for Days: Whether you want the elegance of stone or the warmth of wood, these tiles can fake it 'til they make it.
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Easy Breezy Cleaning: A quick wipe and they’re good as new. Ideal for messy cooks… yes, we're looking at you!
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tiles
While porcelain tiles are amazing, it's smart to peek at both sides of the coin before setting your heart on them. Here's the scoop:
Pros
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Tough Cookies: They're scratch-proof, meaning they stay looking fresh for ages.
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Style Central: With a mountain of designs, your kitchen can be as cool or as homely as you want it.
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Water? What Water?: Spills are no biggie. These tiles won't let a drop in.
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Stay Fresh: They fend off bacteria like pros, keeping your kitchen cleaner.
Cons
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Pricey: They can lighten your wallet, no doubt there.
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Put 'Em In Place: Heavy and not easy to slice, you might need the pros to lay them down.
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Cool to the Toes: Without top-notch underfloor heating, they might leave your feet feeling nippy in winter.
| Aspect |
Pros |
Cons |
| Durability |
Tough against the hard knocks |
Can be kind of spendy |
| Aesthetic Appeal |
Every design under the sun |
Harder to DIY |
| Water Resistance |
Keeps spills at bay |
Not foot-friendly in the cold |
| Maintenance |
Sweeps up easy-peasy |
|
Porcelain tiles have your back if it’s a mix of resilience and glam you’re after. Wanna dive into more tile possibilities? Check out our goodies on kitchen wall tiles ideas and modern kitchen tiles design. Need more inspiration? Our guide on porcelain pool tiles is waiting for ya!
Zellige Tiles
Characteristics of Zellige Tiles
Zellige tiles got their groove from being made by skilled folks in Morocco. Each one's a little bit different, adding a touch of mystery to any kitchen that gets the royal Zellige treatment.
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Handcrafted: These babies are lovingly made by hand, so no two tiles are alike.
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Glazed Surface: They've got a shiny coat that makes them sparkle better than your Aunt Susan's jewellery.
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Colour Variations: That glaze gives them a mix of colours and sheen, turning your walls into art.
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Material: Made with good ol' natural clay, giving Mother Earth a high-five.
| What it is |
What's it all about? |
| Origin |
Straight outta Morocco |
| Material |
Simple, unrefined natural clay |
| Surface |
Glossy and shiny |
| Colour Variations |
Little changes in colour and texture |
Pros and Cons of Zellige Tiles
These Moroccan stunners come with their good points and not-so-good points. Knowing these will help you figure out if they're the sauce for your kitchen dream.
Pros:
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Aesthetic Appeal: They bring all the eye candy to the yard!
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Durability: Strong enough to take on the hustle and bustle of your kitchen life.
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Eco-friendly: Made naturally, so you can feel good about that green thumb.
Cons:
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Cost: These ain't your run-of-the-mill tiles, so they might set you back a bit.
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Installation: Takes a pro who knows their stuff to put them in just right.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Eye-catching Appeal |
A bit pricey |
| Tough as nails |
Needs an expert touch during installation |
| Mother Nature loves 'em |
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Zellige tiles can jazz up your kitchen with a warm, handmade charm that feels like a sunny day in a Moroccan souk. If you're curious about other types of tiles, check out our takes on porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, and marble tiles.
Ceramic Tiles
Thinking about giving your kitchen a makeover? Enter ceramic tiles—versatile and easy on the eyes. These bad boys are loved by folks just like you for their toughness, style options, and fuss-free cleaning.
Characteristics of Ceramic Tiles
Here's what makes ceramic tiles a top-notch pick for kitchens:
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Composition: Made from clay and other natural stuff, these tiles get their strength after a bake-off in a kiln.
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Glazing: Many ceramic tiles come with a swanky glaze, providing a smooth and shiny vibe.
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Variety: With a rainbow of colours, patterns, and sizes, there's a pick for every kitchen setup.
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Durability: Tough on stains, resistant to scratches, and moisture-friendly—just right for busy spots like the kitchen.
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Maintenance: Clean-up is a breeze with everyday cleaners.
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Tiles
Before you jump in, check out the upsides and downsides of this fancy kitchen gear.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Tons of design choices |
Could crack with a big whack |
| Resistant to stains and scratches |
Grout might get grubby |
| Simple to keep tidy |
Feels chilly on the toes |
| Budget-friendly |
Can be tricky to lay down |
Bounce over to our kitchen tiles and kitchen wall tiles ideas sections for more tile chatter.
Weighing these pros and cons can help you decide if ceramic tiles are the right fit for your kitchen revamp. They mix style with function, matching just about any decor you dream up. For more on tile types, peek at our pages on terracotta tiles and porcelain tiles.
Marble Tiles
Characteristics of Marble Tiles
Marble tiles scream elegance and stand the test of time, making them a popular pick for swanky kitchens. This natural stone is known for its lush looks, often sporting intricate patterns and a polished shine that makes it eye-catching. Whether you're into crisp whites, soft creams, moody greys, or classic blacks, marble's got you covered with plenty of shades to mesh with your kitchen vibe.
Key Characteristics:
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Look: Smooth like butter with unique patterns
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Palette: A rainbow of hues
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Toughness: Pretty sturdy yet it's a bit sensitive to scratches and marks
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Upkeep: Needs some TLC and sealing to keep it looking sharp
Pros and Cons of Marble Tiles
Thinking about jazzing up your kitchen with marble? Let's take a gander at the bright sides and not-so-bright sides of going marble.
Pros:
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Eye Candy: Marble oozes luxury and never really goes out of style, jazzing up your kitchen's look.
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Choices Galore: Comes in a smorgasbord of colors and patterns for those who like to mix and match.
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Longevity: With a bit of love and care, marble sticks around for a good few decades.
Cons:
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High Maintenance: Needs regular TLC—like sealing and careful cleaning to keep it sparkly and stain-free.
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Pricey: It's not the cheapest option; you'll pay for that snazzy look.
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Easily Bothered: Watch out for scratches and stains, especially from acidic spills.
| What to Know |
Marble Tiles |
| Look |
Silky smooth with artsy patterns |
| Palette Choices |
Tons of color options |
| Toughness |
Sturdy but scratch-sensitive |
| Upkeep |
Regular sealing needed |
| Cost |
On the pricier side |
| Vulnerability |
Watch out for those scratches |
Keen on exploring more? Check out our groovy range of ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles for more kitchen inspiration. Pop over to our kitchen tiles section to find the perfect tile fit for your dream kitchen makeover.
