One Tile, Endless Possibilities

Guest post by KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms 

One of the amazing things about tile is its flexibility.

There are so many options for different project ideas when remodeling a room for tile. You can create a unique project for your home based on the style of tile that you choose. You can create a unique project for your home by changing the color of the grout with the tile that you use.

But did you know there are endless possibilities with just one kind of tile?  By changing the pattern of how you install the classic subway tile, you open the door to all the wonderful designs available. 

Yes. There are so many different pattern options, you can create a one-of-a-kind project for your space, to match your personality and design style. 

Here are 7 different pattern styles you might want to consider for your next home remodeling project using the classic subway tile.

The Brick

This is one of the most common tile patterns used in renovations. This pattern features rows of tiles staggered to mimic the look of brick. The second tile in each row starts in the middle of the row above it. This classic style is often used with subway tiles in kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms.

ProTip: Add a little extra pop by using a beveled subway tile or bring in some color to add an accent in your design.

The Chevron 

The chevron pattern creates visual interest for any tile project. This pattern is created by forming a V shape with the tile by laying them with the end of one tile placed at the top of another piece of tile. The pattern is created over and over again in a row. Then the next row of tile repeats the same pattern until you have your chevron pattern created. This pattern works well on floors in bathrooms and kitchens and even the living and entryway, helping smaller spaces feel larger. 

ProTip: Always begin your install in the middle of the room and test your layout before you cement in your tile permanently.

The Herringbone 

This pattern is similar to the traditional chevron pattern where tiles are placed at 45-degree angles to each other, creating a grid pattern. Here, the herringbone pattern is used on a bathroom wall in a dark slate subway tile. One quick tip to draw attention to the herringbone pattern is to use a lighter colored grout to highlight the angles in the design.

The Parquet

Similar to the parquet pattern used with intricately designed wood floors, this pattern features a set of subway tiles laid together to form a square. The tile pattern repeats the “squares” of rectangular tiles by turning them in different directions. For example, one set of tiles will be turned vertically and the next set of tiles will be turned horizontally. The pattern repeats over and over again until the wall or floor is completed.

The Vertical 

This graphic, modern pattern is a new way of looking at tile patterns. Traditionally, tiles are stacked horizontally–as in the classic brick pattern. This vertical pattern turns the tiles on their heads—literally. Tiles are stacked vertically rather than horizontally and staggered end to end. The second tile in each row starts in the middle of the row above it and this pattern is repeated every other row.

ProTip: Have a smaller space or low ceilings? Installing your tile in the vertical pattern will open up the space making it feel larger than it is.

The Stacked

The stacked tile pattern is a modern take on the traditional brick pattern. With a brick pattern, the second tile in each row starts in the middle of the row above it. Here, the stacked pattern starts ⅓ of the way on the brick above it. This pattern is recreated every other row, giving a fresh, modern twist to a classic pattern.

The Stacked Grid 

Lastly, you can create another look with the stacked pattern. Instead of off-setting the tile every other row, the tile is simply stacked on top of each other in rows. The bricks are not offset with this pattern and stacked in rows instead, creating a grid pattern on the wall.

ProTip: can use this layout in both horizontal and vertical depending on your preference. 

These are just a handful of the most popular tile patterns and there are dozens of others that you can create for your own project at home including diagonal, alternating, basket weave and many more. 

That’s the amazing thing about tile.

The possibilities for your project (and your tile pattern) are endless.