Help me make decisions about tiles!

[IkeaYoukea]

I like the industrial/modern rustic style. The kitchen is Ikea Varde units like this pic.

I can't decide what to do with the walls. White metro tiles are everywhere, and I'm worried they'll be a fad. The extractor and oven are black, the fridge and dishwasher are white. The floor will be oak.

I'm considering painting the drawer fronts/cupboard doors in F&B Railings.

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

I don't think Metro tiles will be a fad, because they are a design classic, but they will probably date a little. But if you like the look, that doesn't really matter?

Are you thinking of a colour other than white?

[IkeaYoukea]

I'm not sure. I was originally thinking of a stainless steel splashback and just painting the rest a lovely colour, but starting to think I'd like to protect the walls a bit. Upstands are out, obviously, as the kitchen isn't fitted.

I don't know whether to also tile two 'stripes', one the width of the cooker cupboard and another the width of the sink (they're on different walls), or whether to tile right up to the ceiling the full width of the walls. There are no wall units.

What about something like this?

[Lelivre]

That's a nice tile. I'm going through this too and I was going to suggest something black and white and geometric.

But...If you love a metro style tile that is laid in a brick-bond fashion then why not? My thought is that metro tile has become so ubiquitous that its already looking dated/unimaginative. Unless that is, you have a period property where the style belongs; then perfect! In my case have a modern house that I'm updating and I'm avoiding the metro look I favour of something statement that I love...current forerunners in linked pics!

However...I've seen a crackle glaze mustard metro tile laid herringbone that looks great. Maybe that would work for you?

[IkeaYoukea]

Those are lovely! Where are they from? I've seen a couple of black and white tiles that I like. Wonder whether it would too much to do right up to the ceiling (as the kitchen units aren't fitted there are gaps between them too). Maybe a stripe of black and white then paint white above?

I like the idea of the metro tile laid herringbone, will investigate. Not sure about mustard, but I think dark grout is the way to go.

[SwedishEdith]

Weird - I was just looking at this

[IkeaYoukea]

Ooh, Edith, you're good!

[IkeaYoukea]

I like this, but I'd definitely want the long skinny tiles like this, rather than a traditional metro on a slant. I'd have to rethink the oak herringbone floor though.

[Lelivre]

sweedishedith those are the very same! My monochrome ones are also fired earth sorento. A meeting of minds ????

My mother just purchased that same monochrome pattern ikeayoukea, they are not up yet but she's doing two tiles deep everywhere in the kitchen. Her kitchen is oak. They look about 30x30 in size and it's a large pattern repeat.

Mandarin stone have a range called piano (or something) which is a third of the price but the pattern is much smaller than the tiles I posted.

I have another pic I will post which may help you decide. I've also seen two colours done herringbone who he looks quite edgey (is that a word!?)

[Lelivre]

Monochrome with oak pic

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

those geometric ones are lovely - I'd do part of the wall rather than it all, though

If you are still drawn to metro tiles, how about them with a slight twist such as matt rather than gloss, or a crackle glaze?

[SwedishEdith]

The black and white tiles look great. Almost wish I could redo my kitchen. I want tiles everywhere - too many lovely ones.

[IkeaYoukea]

So, if I go for black and white, and take them up to about 30cm above the worktops, what should I do above that? Paint? Other tiles?

[IkeaYoukea]

These are nice too, from Fired Earth.

[wowfudge]

All those monochrome designs set my teeth on edge - really don't think I could live with them, just too busy.

[IkeaYoukea]

Yes, looking at the one lelivre posted with the oak cupboards in, I don't think I should go up to the ceiling if I choose the patterned ones.

[wowfudge]

We're having our bathroom tiled at the moment and have chosen the plain Savoy tiles by Johnsons in Oat Gloss. They are 30x10 and are being done in brick bond. They look great. They are the same as the Old White shade of Attingham in Topps, just smaller. Glossy, with shade variations. I don't think the smaller metro tiles are dated, but they are everywhere so something a bit different is good.

[IkeaYoukea]

Thanks Fudge, I've just looked them up, and they do this colour, which might give me that effect from the pic I posted upthread. I like the colour variation.

[Belleview]

I'm with wow fudge about the monochrome tiles.the herringbone looks,to me, soooo 'try hard' itd grate on me every time I saw it.

I honestly going for novelty in tiling is asking for trouble. Go for unobtrusive, every time.

[Belleview]

Those in your last pic are ok. A bit municipal swimming pool though.

[IkeaYoukea]

I'm hoping it would look less swimming pool as we'd have a wooden floor. And I would discourage DP from cooking in his Speedoes.

[wowfudge]

It's a beautiful colour. Far more beautiful than any municipal swimming pool I've seen. Do shop around Ikeayoukea - Topps are selling those at £53 psm though currently with 15% off. I got mine direct from Johnsons, the manufacturer, for under £30 psm. Makes a big difference when you are tiling a whole room.

[IkeaYoukea]

I love the designs here, but anywhere that doesn't advertise the prices is stating very clearly that I can't afford them!

[Belleview]

Wooden floor I can understand, but discouraging DP cooking in speedoes? No! Goes entirely against the laws of nature.

[wowfudge]

The Seagrass in Topps is Savoy Leaf from Johnsons. That last link - some of these patterns are fine on floors, but too in yer face on walls imho.

[IkeaYoukea]

How did you order direct from Johnson, did you just ring 'em up? Target are selling the blue ones at a good price.

I'm also going to be tiling an alcove behind a woodburner, maybe that's where I could use the fab patterned ones.

It's tricky, I don't want to go for something really boring, but obviously need to live with it.

This is the wallpaper I'm thinking of for one wall. shop.abigailedwards.com/product/seascape-wallaper-winter