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Kitchen counter tile designs


12 Tile Kitchen Countertops That Are Surprisingly Fresh

By

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.

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Updated on 10/19/21

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Lately, tile kitchen countertops are starting to look surprisingly modern. Once a kitchen staple throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s, these days thrifty homeowners see tile as an affordable alternative to more expensive counter materials such as quartz, marble, and granite. Even better, anyone with basic do-it-yourself skills can install some tile. So if you are looking for creative ways to refresh your cooking space without going broke, behold these inspirational tile kitchen countertops.

11 Tile Counter Ideas for Kitchens and Baths

By

Lee Wallender

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 08/21/19

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Tile companies are not exactly encouraging you to install tile on countertops. Go through any company's listings and you will find no tiles specified for counters, only a grudging suggestion that a certain type of tile just might work for counters. Yet homeowners gravitate toward countertop tile for one reason: It is the only all-new surface material of reasonable thickness that they can install by themselves.

Design of tiles in the kitchen (55 photos), finishing the apron, walls and floor of the kitchen with tiles

Apartment in the old fund of Moscow "Vershina"

Nata Volkova inset sink, fronts with protruding infill, yellow fronts, quartz agglomerate worktop, white backsplash, mosaic backsplash, colored appliances, porcelain stoneware floor, brown floor, brown worktop, coffered ceiling, two-tone set, window and beautiful tiles - the latest trend nine0007

Kutenkovs project

Stylish design: corner kitchen-living room in the neoclassical (modern classic) style with gray facades, acrylic stone worktops, gray backsplash, black appliances, porcelain stoneware floors, brown floors, beige worktops, beautiful tiles, mortise sink, fronts with recessed infill and backsplash made of mosaic tiles without island - the latest trend

Freshwater happiness

Interior design studio "62/38"

Stylish design: medium-sized straight kitchen, in white tones with Scandinavian wood finishes dining table, sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, acrylic stone top, white backsplash, porcelain stoneware backsplash, white appliances, porcelain stoneware flooring, white flooring, beige countertops and beautiful tiles without an island - the latest trend

Emerald and Brass Project

CODIA

Original design example of a modern style small straight kitchen with dining table, gray cabinets, acrylic stone worktops, orange splashback, ceramic tile splashback, ceramic tile floors, multicolored floors, white countertops, beautiful tiles, countertop sinks, raised infill and island fronts

North San Antonio Kitchen Remodel

Haven Design and Construction

Matthew Niemann Photography
A fresh design idea: U-shaped, bright neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen with a semi-recessed sink (with front edge), protruding panel fronts, gray splashback, cabinet-like appliances, light parquet flooring , island, beige floors, white countertops, agglomerated quartz countertops, white cabinets, two-tone cabinetry and beautiful tiles - great interior photo

Farmhouse Modern in Shore Acres

Studio Dearborn

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNER. 2018 NKBA Design Competition Best Overall Kitchen. 2018 TIDA International USA Kitchen of the Year. 2018 Best Traditional Kitchen - Westchester Home Magazine design awards. The designer's own kitchen was gutted and renovated in 2017, with a focus on classic materials and thoughtful storage. The 1920s craftsman home has been in the family since 1940, and every effort was made to keep finishes and details true to the original construction. For sources, please see the website at www.studiodearborn.com. Photography, Adam Kane Macchia and Timothy Lenz

A Home Remodel in Los Gatos

Baron Construction & Remodeling Co.

Baron Construction & Remodeling Co. Kitchen Remodel & Design Complete Home Remodel & Design Master Bedroom Remodel Dining Room Remodel
Fresh design idea: U-shaped nautical style kitchen with semi-recessed sink (with front edge), recessed infill cabinets, gray cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, peninsula, white countertop, marble countertop, ceramic splashback tiles, light parquet floors, beige floors and beautiful tiles - great interior photo

Edwardian Double Fronted House

Imperfect Interiors

Chris Snook
Original design example of a large modern style kitchen-living room with acrylic stone countertops, green splashback, island, gray floor, sink sink, recessed infill cabinets, gray cabinets, white countertops, two-tone cabinetry and pretty tiles

The Avenues Arts and Crafts

Suzanne Childress Design

Pictured: large neoclassical (modern classic) straight kitchen with sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, acrylic stone worktops, white splashback, ceramic tile splashback, wood appliances stainless steel, dark parquet floors and beautiful tiles with

Kitchen Backsplash - Potomac MD

RemodeLdc. com by Courthouse Design/Build

THE DREAM White Kitchen! This room is elegant and visually stunning with clean modern lines, and yet replete with warm, inviting charm in every aspect of its design. This gorgeous white kitchen by Courthouse Design/Build with wonderful Wood-Mode cabinetry from the Courthouse Kitchens & Baths Design Studio seamlessly combines traditional elements with contemporary, modern design to bring that perfect dream of a white kitchen to life. Kenneth M. Wyner Photography Inc. nine0007

Peak Performance

JayJeffers

Matthew Millman
Design ideas for a modern parallel kitchen-living room with sink, flat cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete countertops, gray splashback, stone tile splashback, cabinetry appliances , light parquet flooring, island, beige flooring, gray countertops, two tone cabinetry and beautiful tiles

Lake Oswego Custom Home

Jenni Leasia Interior Design

This spacious kitchen with beautiful views features a prefinished cherry flooring with a very dark stain. We custom made the white shaker cabinets and paired them with a rich brown quartz composite countertop. A slate blue glass subway tile adorns the backsplash. We fitted the kitchen with a stainless steel apron sink. The same white and brown palette color has been used for the island. We also equipped the island area with modern pendant lighting and bar stools for seating. Project by Portland interior design studio Jenni Leasia Interior Design. Also serving Lake Oswego, West Linn, Vancouver, Sherwood, Camas, Oregon City, Beaverton, and the whole of Greater Portland. For more about Jenni Leasia Interior Design, click here: https://www.jennileasiadesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.jennileasiadesign.com/lake-oswego

Adelanto casa 450m2 Aravaca

Reforminthouse

A fresh design idea: a large freestanding, upright contemporary kitchen with raised infill cabinets, gray cabinets, white splashback, ceramic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic flooring tiles, an island, colorful flooring and beautiful tiles - great interior photo

Houston Home Butler Room

Cabinets & Designs

Large butler's pantry approximately 8 ft wide. This space features a ton of storage from both recessed and glass panel cabinets. The cabinets have a lightwood finish and is accented very well with a blue tile backsplash. nine0007

Emerald Diamond Kitchen

Mercury Mosaics and Tile

Alyssa Lee Photography
Design ideas for a large neoclassical (modern classic) corner kitchen with white fronts, ceramic tile splashback, island, recessed panel fronts, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, light parquet floors, beige floors, gray countertops, beautiful tiles and a sink by the window

Mid century Modern kitchen

Kelly Ann Photography

Beautiful kitchen remodel in a 1950's mis century modern home in Yellow Springs Ohio The Teal accent tile really sets off the bright orange range hood and stove. Photo Credit, Kelly Settle Kelly Ann Photography

Glasscock

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

Love how this kitchen renovation creates an open feel for our clients to their dining room and office and a better transition to back yard!
Photo: neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen-living room with sink sink, shaker cabinets, gray splashback, marble splashback, dark parquet flooring, island, brown flooring, white countertops, stainless steel appliances, black cabinetry, two-tone set and beautiful tiles with

In The Spotlight

Morrison Interiors

The mix of stain finishes and style was intentfully done. Photo Credit: Rod Foster
A fresh design idea for a medium-sized parallel neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen-living room with a semi-recessed sink (with front edge), recessed infill cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite countertops, blue splashback , cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, ceramic tile flooring, beige flooring, black countertops and beautiful tiles - great interior photo

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Design | Kimball Starr

Kimball Starr Interior Design

Modern farmhouse kitchen design and remodel for a traditional San Francisco home include simple organic shapes, light colors, and clean details. Our farmhouse style incorporates walnut end-grain butcher block, floating walnut shelving, vintage Wolf range, and curvaceous handmade ceramic tile. Contemporary kitchen elements modernize the farmhouse style with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertop, and cork flooring. nine0007

NYC Gem

Superior Woodcraft, Inc.

Beautiful NYC kitchen incorporates black limba wood, various metals, custom stainless steel cabinetry, reclaimed glass and many other industrial materials to create a stunning gem. LED lights on floating shelves provide wonderful accent lighting. This one of a kind custom kitchen was created through the combined energies of Threshold Interiors and Superior Woodcraft of Doylestown, Pa. Credits: Threshold Interiors, Superior Woodcraft - custom cabinetry, Photo Credit Randl Bye

6 latest trends for 2023

Contents

In our article, you will learn about the different types, styles and ornaments in tile design through the example of 6 of the brightest trends in decoration! We present to your attention the legendary glazed and encaustic tiles, azulejo and zellige tiles, as well as a variant of geometric inlaid marquetry marble. Kitchen tiles in our article are the most fashionable, trendy and unique opportunity to create an exclusive interior! nine0003

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Glossy glazed tiles

Glazed tiles with a glossy effect are most often used for backsplash and wall designs, as they are much less thick and durable than regular tiles or porcelain stoneware. Sometimes glossy tiles have an ombre effect: this means that the tiles are slightly different in color (in halftones) and create the effect of hand-fired in a rustic kiln (as in Moroccan zellige tiles, for example). nine0003

In Russia, a fashionable version of locally produced glazed tiles is called a “boar”, since earlier each tile had two through holes, which resembled a pig's snout. Most often, such a tile has the shape of a brick, which, like the brick itself, is laid horizontally. True, there are more interesting styling options: French herringbone, vertical layout, unusual geometric ornaments with cutting in place.

Glazed tiles for the kitchen are most often accent. For example, fashionable emerald, wine red, turquoise, bright yellow, pink colors. The accent tile is illuminated by LED strip at the bottom of the upper cabinets and looks even more beautiful! Italian kitchens look great with glazed backsplash tiles! nine0003

The price of tiles for the kitchen in glazed technique: 3,000–6,000 ₽/m², made in the UK.

Go to the catalog of kitchens

The catalog contains all the factories producing Italian kitchens from inexpensive models to premium and elite ones.

Kitchen catalog

Modern kitchens classic kitchens Loft kitchens Kitchen Provence Neoclassical kitchens Art Deco Kitchens nine0003

English encaustic tiles

In Cuba it is called losa hidráulica, in Miami - Cuban tile, in Italy - pavimenti in graniglia, in France and Belgium - carrelages du cimen, and in the UK, where its production was first put on stream in Europe - encaustic tile. A feature of the tile is the creation of a pattern from a cement-clay mortar in a certain form. A clay-cement mortar is poured into the mold, pressed and hardened. No firing takes place here, so encaustic tiles create an almost concrete floor, they are cold and heavy, unlike ceramic tiles. nine0003

Encaustic imitations are made on the basis of standard ceramics or porcelain stoneware. Thus, encaustic-style tiles for the kitchen can be either concrete or standard. And the prices are completely different. At the same time, there are multi-colored tiles, and in a black and white kitchen you can find gray-white or black-gray-white versions of it.

The cost of the original encaustic tiles: 10,000–15,000 ₽/m², made in Great Britain or France. nine0003

The cost of tiles or porcelain stoneware with an encaustic pattern: 4,000–6,000 ₽/m², produced in Spain, Russia.

Portuguese Azulejo tiles

Azulejo is a form of Portuguese and Spanish tin-glazed ceramic tile painting. Azulejos are found inside and outside churches, palaces, ordinary houses, schools, and today - in the interior design of restaurants, bars, even railway and metro stations. They were a type of decorative art but had a specific functional ability, such as temperature control in homes. nine0003

There is a tradition of their production in the former Portuguese and Spanish colonies in North America, South America, Indo-China. Azulejos (both mural and tile) is an important part of Portuguese architecture. Most azulejos are simple floral ornaments, assembled in a patchwork style, where each tile has its own color and range. In one kitchen apron there can be from 6 to 15 different types of azulejo tiles.

Azulejo kitchen tiles are ideal for Provence, country and Mediterranean style kitchen interior design (Spanish and Italian, in particular). It can also be ideal for an eclectic ethnic interior. Azulejo in a gray and white palette is often used in the Scandinavian interior style. nine0003

The price of a kitchen tile with azulejo imitation: 3,000–8,000 ₽/m², made in Italy.

Moroccan Zellige

Zellige kitchen tiles are traditionally handcrafted from unrefined natural clay from the Fes region of Morocco. The clay is kneaded with water, molded by hand, dried naturally and fired in a kiln. Glass enamel is then applied to the surface of the raw tile called "biscuit" in several translucent shades, creating a pearlescent, metallic, volcanic or opaque finish. The enamel melts and vitrifies during further firing in a kiln. The final stage of zellige production involves cutting the enameled pieces into an endless collection of tiles in various shapes and sizes. Zellige is characterized by variations in tone, gloss, flatness, translucency and depth of glazing, as well as surface texture with irregularities. Each zellige tile is absolutely unique. nine0003

The price of tiles for a zellige kitchen is 10,000–15,000 ₽/m², made in Morocco, with imitation 3,000–5,000 ₽/m², made in Spain or Russia.

Italian Geometric Inlay or Marble Marquetry

Kitchen tiles with geometric inlay or marquetry are usually a combination of several types of marbled porcelain stoneware in the design of the floor. Geometric and figurative marquetry inlay originated in marble and veneer work in Florence, Italy. A magical medium between artisanal know-how and national Italian creativity, between knowledge of materials and the ability to use their best chromatic qualities. Accurate choice, calculations, design. To this must be added foresight, artistic sensibility and an extraordinary passion for precision craftsmanship. The interior design of a modern kitchen in a neoclassical or classic style often contains such finishes. nine0003

The long tradition of inlaid marble and natural stone, which Italy has always given the highest expression, is now one of the main trends in marble decoration. The art of natural stone and marble marquetry originated in Italy during the Roman Empire, thanks to the artistic influence from Asia Minor, which continued in the following centuries in the decoration of floors and walls with various types of geometric patterns in marble. The true peak of grandeur and beauty, however, is reached in the sixteenth century, when Lorenzo de' Medici gave life to Florence in the so-called Opificio delle pietre dure. nine0003

For geometric inlays in marble or natural stone, the choice of materials is of fundamental importance, because it is through the play of their chromatism and the graphics of veins and spots that aesthetic results of the highest quality can be obtained. The combination of different types of marble, granite, quartzite, agate, labradorite, onyx can look quite special.

Brass inlay is also popular. Today, designers all over the world love kitchen tiles for a marquetry backsplash, especially with brass inlay. Tiles for the kitchen on the entire wall can also be made in this style. nine0003

You can buy kitchen tiles made of natural marble with geometric inlay at a price of 15,000–35,000 ₽/m², depending on the complexity of the pattern.

Italian and Spanish marble effect porcelain tiles

The most modern tile for the kitchen on the backsplash or on the floor is porcelain stoneware. The most popular now are imitations of marble, concrete, slate and wood. White, gray and black marble effect porcelain tiles are now at the top in modern interior design styles, and beige, brown and red marble effect porcelain tiles are in classic ones. Tiles in the interior of the kitchen are very important in any case, and it is better to spend more money than originally planned on finishing materials, but buy the perfect tile for the kitchen in your dream interior. In addition, the price of tiles for the kitchen is almost always proportional to the quality and durability - the more expensive, the longer it will last and the better it will look in 10-20 years! nine0003

There is also a wood-like ceramic parquet, which looks very natural, thanks to its elongated shape and additional relief. In addition, there is porcelain stoneware of standard sizes under the tree. Both options look quite plausible, and a warm floor allows you to replace the natural warmth of wood.

Rectangular porcelain tile looks very beautiful and modern also because of its wide scale.

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