20 Innovative Ways to Use Patterned Kitchen Tiles
From bold geometric designs and Victorian-style tiles to trending terrazzo and chintzy grandmillenial-themed florals, patterned tiles are perfect for creating a personal look in your home.
Patterned tiles can work well in all sizes and styles of kitchens and, with such a huge choice of designs and colours to choose from, you can find a patterned tile to suit every space.
If you’re keen to enhance your kitchen walls or floors with patterned tiles, keep reading to discover what makes them so special and uncover our pick of the best tiles for your space.
Image credit: @house.of.correia
Recommended Tile: Elgin Matt White Decor
What are the benefits of patterned tiles?
Patterned tiles have been used to decorate homes and buildings for centuries. From the historic handpainted Moroccan and Spanish designs to handmade encaustic tiles, decorative tiles have remained firmly in style.
Patterned tiles are typically used to add visual interest and character to walls and floors. Whether you opt for bright colours or neutral tones, patterned tiles can revamp and revive tired kitchen spaces.
The pattern you choose will be dependent on your taste and the style of your home. Victorian-style tiles look incredible in period homes while you may pick a bolder, geometric patterned tile for a contemporary-style kitchen.
We recommend patterned tiles for:
- A small kitchen or area that needs brightening up – patterned tiles add instant interest and can take a room from bland to brilliant.
- Adding character – If you want to add a creative stamp to your kitchen, using patterned tiles is one of the most effective ways to do so.
- Revamping a splashback – On a budget? try replacing plain splashback tiles with eye-catching patterned tiles for the ultimate kitchen glowup.
- Delineating different zones – Use patterned tiles to create a cosy dining space or for a practical floor around a kitchen island.
- Highlighting a feature wall – Just as you might use paint or wallpaper to draw attention to a wall in a living area, tiles can be used for the same purpose.
- Making an impact – No matter what sized kitchen you have, patterned tiles can be used to make a big impact.
Patterned kitchen tile ideas
Whether you favour delicate florals or punchy prints, we’ve rounded up our pick of the most creative patterned kitchen tile ideas to inspire you:
Terrazzo tiles
One of the top tile trends this year, terrazzo tiles are enjoying a well-deserved revival. These beautiful tiles are perfect for modern kitchens and are available in a wide range of colours and shapes.
Made from porcelain, terrazzo effect tiles are attractive and durable. Because the multicoloured chips run right through the tiles, you don’t need to worry about using edging strips. If you have coloured kitchen cabinets, you can look for terrazzo tiles that include the same colour for a coordinated look.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Monarch Terrazzo Pearl Matt
Victorian-style tiles
Although individual Victorian tiles are plain, they are designed to be laid in intricate patterns and used with a selection of other colours. There are hundreds of different ways to lay Victorian tiles, you can create a design of your own or choose from a traditional pattern.
There is a wide range of colours to choose from, including traditional muted reds, greens and browns and more modern pastel shades.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Chelsea Hexagonal Honeycomb
Glass tile splashback
Glossy and glamorous, glass tiles are sure to transform your kitchen splashback. Although glass tiles aren’t recommended for floors, they make a practical addition to kitchen walls.
Available in a range of bright shades, as well as iridescent and metallic finishes, multicoloured glass tiles can be used to create a range of unique patterns.
Image credit: @sarah_balineum
Recommended Tile: Kaleidoscope Teal
Neutral floor tiles
Patterned tiles don’t have to be bold and bright and there’s a growing selection of neutral-coloured designs to choose from. Tiles in warm neutral shades are ideal if you favour a pared-back scheme or just want a subtler look.
Recommended Tile: Avenue Ice
Pretty floral tiles
If you prefer bold patterns and maximalist designs, why not go for something completely different with chintzy wallpaper-style tiles? Grandmillinnial style is characterised by mixed textures, vintage styles and heirloom furniture, blended with modern designs.
Moroccan style tiles
Famous for its colourful cities and souks, Moroccan interior style is inspired by its rich and varied cultures. Use heavily patterned Moroccan-style tiles to bring an eclectic, exotic feel to your kitchen walls and floors.
Image credit: @kitchens_of_insta
Recommended Tile: Waxman Rustic Heritage
Patterned tile splashback
One of the most effective ways to introduce patterns into your kitchen is by tiling a small area like a splashback.
Using patterns in small areas is a clever way to add a hint of character, it’s budget-friendly and it will allow you to maintain a spacious, clean look in your kitchen.
Image credit: @nicolahardingandco
Recommended Tile: Top Dog
Modern floral tiles
With the growing demand for patterned tiles comes an increased range of unusual and beautiful designs. Floral patterns don’t have to look dated as this pretty, bright design demonstrates. Use floral tiles to spruce up a kitchen splashback, feature wall or utility area.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Canyon Porcelain
Traditional-style patterned tiles
Be inspired by Victorian-style kitchens and use traditional blue and white glazed tiles to line your kitchen or pantry walls. The Victorians adored blue and white ceramics, filling their homes with Chinoiserie, Iznik and Delft pieces.
Image credit: @parisiennefarmgirl
Recommended Tile: Damask Series 8 Decor
Mismatched tiles
One big advantage of using patterned tiles over a small area of your kitchen is that anything goes. As long as the tiles are the same size, you can combine different tile styles and colours to your heart’s content. Look for end-of-line tiles and buy individual samples to build a unique collection.
Image credit: @mariongiseladrake
Subtle print tiles
There is a patterned tile to suit every style and if you prefer a more minimalist approach, look for light-coloured tiles with delicate surface patterns in colours that match your decor.
Bright, subtly patterned tiles are a good idea if you are looking to tile a large area and don’t want a bold pattern to overwhelm your kitchen.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Ventoux White
Patterned floor tiles
There are few better ways to make a statement in your kitchen than by installing bold, patterned floor tiles. We particularly love the dramatic effect of black and white tiles which suit traditional and modern kitchens alike.
Image credit: @theinteriordesignassistantuk
Recommended Tile: Damask Series Decor 14
Country-style patterned tiles
If cosy, country-cottage kitchen style is your thing, look no further than delicately painted floral tiles. Dot prettily patterned tiles randomly amongst plainer tiles for a traditional, vintage vibe.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Marble tiles
With its bold veining, marble is the most striking of natural stones. Embrace marble’s unique patterns and add a luxurious touch to your kitchen area. Marble works brilliantly on walls and floors in all sizes of kitchens. It’s extremely durable but if you don’t fancy the maintenance of real stone, pick an ultra-realistic, porcelain-effect replica instead.
Image credit: @armacmartin
Recommended Tile: Elgin Gloss White Marble
Relief print tiles
Add a different dimension to your kitchen walls by choosing a tile with a relief pattern. 3-dimensional tiles will add texture and interest to your cooking area and are a creative way to deliver subtle interest. Relief tiles can be a little trickier to clean than smooth tiles but they are well worth the extra effort.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Stratford Moon Range
Hand-painted patterned tiles
Original hand-painted tiles are undoubtedly beautiful but not particularly budget-friendly. You can get the look with digitally printed, durable porcelain tiles which won’t fade, chip or crack.
Design tip: For a cohesive look, use the same patterns on the kitchen floors and splashback areas.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Star tiles
Use these striking vintage-style celestial tiles to make a serious statement in your kitchen. Versatile star tiles are available in a range of colours and look fantastic on floors, walls, window sills, fireplaces and kitchen islands. These tiles work well in many styles of kitchen and have a timeless quality. Where will you use yours?
Image credit: @interiorstyled_
Recommended Tile: Real Negro Star Tile
Miniature patterned tiles
If you fancy a sprinkling of decoration across your kitchen walls, look for tiles that include striking designs on a small scale. Miniature motifs can have just as much impact as big, bold designs. Look for designs that incorporate your favourite colours, pick muted tones for a subtle touch and have fun with pattern, whatever the scale.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Damask Series Decor 12
Subtle splashback tiles
Choosing the right patterned tiles for your kitchen isn’t always easy. If you’re keen to use patterned tiles, but worried that you might change your mind, sticking to a neutral colour scheme and a subtle design is a good compromise.
Image credit: @house.of.correia
Recommended Tile: Madrid Curzo Light Patterned Tile
Subway tile splashback
Subway or metro tiles are the most popular tile styles due to their versatility. Create your own patterns by laying different coloured subway tiles in attractive patterns. The basketweave and herringbone tile patterns work especially well.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Rio Rosa
Patterned kitchen tile tips
- Order samples – It’s always good to order tile samples but it’s especially important if you’re choosing a tile with a pattern. Bring the tile home and see how it looks in situ before you make your final decision.
- Create a mood board – Mood boards are an effective way to see how different colours, patterns and textures fit together.
- Be adventurous – With a little planning, patterned tiles can transform any size and style of kitchen. Don’t be afraid to choose bold prints and bright colours, it may be the best design decision you ever make.
Atlas Ceramics has a wide range of modern and traditional patterned wall and floor tiles to enhance your kitchen. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our friendly experts for advice.