The kitchen is a high traffic area which is regularly exposed to moisture, heat and occasionally, a scratch or two. So, your kitchen wall tiles must combine aesthetics with functionality. The kitchen is the heart of the home, went the saying. A functional kitchen is a necessity in most homes, a place where meals are prepared and the family’s well being is decided.
Designing a kitchen, therefore, must take into account not just its aesthetics, but also the functionality. An important part of this is deciding on kitchen wall tiles. Not only must these look good, they must also be durable enough for the heavy wear and tear in a kitchen. A kitchen usually sees water spillage, high heat, and cooking spills. Areas like stove and sink back splashes are especially important.
The important thing here is to choose a tile that can go with your design sensibility, while providing the basic functions.
Know your style
It is important to know which design style you want to follow. Sometimes it depends on the architectural style of the house. But most of the time it will depend on your own preferences. The style of the kitchen will influence the tiles you choose. For example, terracotta tiles go well with rustic style. But keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules here. Classic Moroccan tiles can also go well with contemporary style, just as stark white subway tiles can be included in a comparatively old-style kitchen.
Choosing the colour
There are only a few rules that matter here. White and pale colour tiles will make a space appear larger, while dark tiles can give a warm ambiance. The other rule deals with coordinating the colour with cabinets and counter tops. But do not be afraid to push the boundaries. You can pick up contrasting colours for an interesting mix. Similarly, a sleek black-tiled wall in a well-lit small kitchen can be interesting design mix. Fortunately, the choices are endless!
Decide on the material
Luckily, here too we are spoiled for choice. From natural stone to ceramic and glass — there is plenty to choose from. But which material will go best in your kitchen? As a rule natural stones look good in traditional kitchens, while sleek material like glass and mosaic will look good in modern kitchens.
Also Read: How To Choose The Right Wall Tile
Whatever you choose keeps in mind that the kitchen sees a lot of wear and tear. Choose a material which is easy to clean can withstand heat and not fade.
Invest in good quality
The kitchen is high function area where, as mentioned above, tiles go through considerable wear and tear. So, invest in tiles of good quality. In case of ceramic or porcelain tiles you can check the grading on the PEI scale. Tiles with grade 3 and above may fall in the higher price bracket, but they are worth the investment in high traffic areas like the kitchen.
Do the unexpected
Finally, design rules – do the unexpected. Tiles are an easy way to add a touch of drama or whimsy to your kitchen. Go for a dramatic shade or a funky mosaic pattern. If you’re worried about pushing the limits, just create a small panel. It will give it a touch of individuality without overwhelming the overall look.
