A kitchen is the heart of the home that unites loved ones, guests and avid cooks. While it needs to be functional, it should also be a reflection of your personal style. And kitchen tiles are one of the easiest, not to mention most stylish, ways to put your personality on display.
When planning the central hub for your new Metricon abode, consider your kitchen tiles as the feature that will harmoniously bring the space together. From the kitchen floor to the splashback, there's a ceramic style to suit every aesthetic and budget.To help you decide between the latest porcelain looks, we’ve called on Beaumont Tiles’ strategic designer Vanessa Thompson to highlight the top kitchen tile trends making this year’s design cut.
Signature by Metricon Riviera residence, Gold Coast, QLD.
Grand designs: Bigger is better
Slab and large format tiles are having a moment. With slabs reaching 1000mm x 3000mm and just 3.5mm in profile, these beauties are balancing big impact with delicate design. “They’ve staked their claim in the design industry,” Vanessa says. “Their aesthetic potentials through colour and finish variations allow them to be tailored to any look.”
Try marble for contemporary and modern spaces, luxurious stone looks for timeless effect or incorporate natural, earthy tones for a Scandinavian setting.
The Terraces by Metricon Edgewater display home in Mt Barker, South Australia.
Hot chip: Terrazzo
Purposeful imperfections have Terrazzo tiles making a statement splash in the kitchen.
“Terrazzo is always a winner because the exciting composition of marble, quartz, granite and glass emulations lets each individual tile create its own narrative,” she says.
Traditionally used in large commercial spaces, this speckly mix is becoming more popular in edgy contemporary spaces.
The Freedom by Metricon Denver display home in Ballina, NSW.
Branch out: Timber-look tiles
Want your earthy tones to extend to your kitchen? Try timber-look tiles.
“They emulate real wood, making them the perfect fit if you’re after a natural look minus the hassle and expense that comes with real timber,” Vanessa says.
Porcelain and ceramic options look and feel like real timber, are resistant to spills and dents and won’t warp or shrink with temperature changes.
Designer by Metricon Franklin display home in South Australia.
Classic contender: White tiles
There’s no replacing white in the classic tile stakes, with its crisp finish ideal for opening up small spaces. But consider looking to the great outdoors for inspiration for other timeless colours contenders.
“Use colours reflected in nature in your area,” Vanessa says. “If you live on the coast embrace aqua blues and emerald greens; or if you live in the mountains or alpine regions play with luscious greens and rugged browns.”
Pretty in print: Patterned tiles
Patterns and prints should be the first stop for those looking for a more bold and playful feature.
Vanessa suggests adding interest by using a feature tile on the floor and a solid on the walls. You could also complement patterned splashbacks throughout wet areas as a way of connecting disconnected spaces.
“You could use a delicate Penny Round tile in your kitchen, take it through to the bathroom, shower and laundry, then finally out to your BBQ area,” she says.
For more interior design or style inspiration, visit one of our award-winning display homes, or check out our style gallery, where you can save and organise all your favourite Metricon home designs.
