12 Tile Design Patterns for Kitchens

When it comes to deciding which kitchen tile pattern or design to use, you should always start off with a hero tile piece first. It can be either in the design of marble, herringbone or other pattern variations. It will be best to visualise the wall tiles before picking the complementary floor tiles after, since the wall makes the first impression when you walk into a space. After the tiles are selected, 3D render images will be created, with the addition of lighting, carpentry details, and other fittings for clients to review and finalise, before going ahead to make the purchase of tiles.

Mix different tile size & designs

Having a common thread of colour for both floor and wall tiles is important. One example is by using black coloured tiles in the bottom half wall section, while having white tiles with black grout on the upper half of the wall. The details and patterns with traces of black will help to make the space look more cohesive. In order to ensure the wall tiles match the floor tiles in terms of alignment, the tile size also plays out as a consideration factor.

Horizontal tiles expand your kitchen visually

There are a couple of ways that tiles can help to visually enlarge a small space, such as laying the tiles horizontally instead of vertically. Tiling the space from floor to ceiling in the same tile can also help to create the illusion of a larger space, alternatively, selecting darker floor tiles and lighter wall tiles would create the contrast needed in a small space.

Kitchen tile grout colour

Grey is a really versatile colour for tile grouting, as it is neither too dark nor too light. It is only for really rare occasions where pure black or white coloured grout is used. One of my preferences is to choose a tile grout colour that is as close or a shade darker than the chosen tile.

12 Kitchen Tile Patterns & Designs

1. Teadrop Tile

Designed in an elegant and sophisticated shape, teardrop tiles can be incorporated in multiple ways, including horizontally or vertically, to create a soothing yet stunning statement in the home with its flowy and wavy look.

2. Picket Tile

Reminiscent of a picket fence, the picket tile (pictured above) is a perfect blend of kit-kat tiles and the classic hexagon tile, with its modern elongated look and pointy ends for an added visual interest. To create a more modern look, consider stacking them instead of staggering the tiles.

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3. Finger Tile

Shaped like kit-kat wafers, finger tiles (pictured above) are also known as kit-kat tiles with its long and slim rectangular look. With the smaller tile format, finger tiles are great to be installed on curved walls to bring depth and dimension to a small space like the laundry yard or washing area.

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4. Triangle Tile

Having triangular patterned tiles (pictured above) in a space can create a playful and enduring visual impact with its geometrical design. Triangle tiles also allow lots of room for creativity to play around with the tile arrangement, composition, as well as grout colour for a fun twist.

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5. Long Oval Tile

Looking to add a dash of panache to your breakfast nook? Having these quirky mint-looking long oval tiles (pictured above) laid in a brick-wall pattern or lining them up side by side will achieve a different retro and funky vibe.

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6. Subway Tile

Subway tiles exude a timeless look, which explains for their constant and ongoing popularity. Lay them out in a cross hatch style or contemporary horizontal stack for a modern and hip look.

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7. Hexagon Tile

Ranging from small mosaic and mid-sized, to large-format hexagon tiles, the size of the hexagon can make a big impact on the overall visual style. Arranged in either a honeycomb or grid layout, hexagon mosaic tiles provide a myriad of pattern and design possibilities.

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8. Rhombus Tile

For those that are bold and adventurous, rhombus tiles offer rich design character as the diamond-shaped tiles come together to form the look of isometric cubes, adding a decorative and dramatic depth to any space.

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9. Fishscale Tile

Fans of Art Deco style will be familiar with fan shape design that is better known as scallop or fishscale tiles. The soft curved edges accentuate a calming yet whimsical style with the common geometric motif used in creating a hint of coastal or glamour.

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10. Arabesque Tile

Intricate with a feminine touch, the arabesque tile pattern features a unique lantern shape that is synonymous with Islamic design and culture. The ornate intertwining lines form an intriguing geometric pattern, making it perfect for Moroccan-style homes.

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11. Leaf Tile

Nature-inspired tiles such as one in a leaf motif will be a hit, as it is a novel and subtle way of introducing the imagery of foliages to enhance biophilic design into homes. Leaf tiled walls help to create a visually calming effect in spaces such as the patio and bathrooms.

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12. Modern Vintage Tiles

Modern vintage tile designs blend the aesthetics of past eras with contemporary trends, offering a stylish and nostalgic yet updated look. They often draw inspiration from the intricate patterns, textures, and colors seen in traditional tiles from the early to mid-20th century, particularly from periods like Art Deco, Victorian, and mid-century modern design. Here are some modern vintage tiles you can find in Singapore.

Dahlia Tile by Ape Ceramic

The Dahlia tile collection (pictured above) by Ape Ceramic is made in a glazed porcelain material with a matte finish, with eye-catching patterns in warm muted shades of earthy tones.

Carribean-style coloured tiles

The Caribbean-colour palette tile is available in 12 different design variations. Each tile is made with tiny terrazzo stones that creates a unique textured look.

Cuba tile by GF+A Global

The Cuba tile collection (pictured above) is handcrafted using a mix of materials, including Italian marble chips. There are 11 design variations available in a range of colours too.

Rice Bia Lea Lx Tile by Marazzi

The intentionally irregular surface of this Rice Bia Lea Lx tile design adds to its organic, handmade nature. The contrasting hues come together beautifully.

Ragno Melange Tile

The versatile mixed-tone square tiles come with a glazed finish for a rustic yet energetic feel. Don’t forget its charming hand-crafted look too.

Bauhome Korola Cold Tile

Designed with a geometric shape and a floral motif, these porcelain tiles in a matte finish can also be paired with contrasting solid coloured tiles in the same collection to demarcate the spaces freely.

Exuberant Tile

Prefer something unique? This Exuberant tile collection features over 10 different patterned tiles, and can be easily mixed together to create a wall or floor design that’s put together for your home only.

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