1. CHOOSE A ZIG-ZAG FORMATION TO ZONE AN OPEN-PLAN SPACE
Zoning is particularly important in small kitchens as it is sometimes visually tricker to clearly define different areas. This is where clever kitchen tile ideas can come into play.
2. CHOOSE A LARGE FORMAT TILE TO MINIMISE GROUT LINES
Lots of grout lines can draw attention to the floor of a small kitchen and can have the visual effect of restricting the floor of the space. The answer? Large-format tiles.
3. CONSIDER PAINTING YOUR TILES FOR A UNIQUE LOOK
In a kitchen where space is limited. It is important to let every element sing, including the floor. One option is to update your kitchen color scheme and paint your tiles to get an individual design or you can use paint to refresh existing tiles for a quick and affordable revamp.
4. CHOOSE A PENNY TILE TO CREATE SUBTLE PATTERN
Penny tiles are becoming an increasingly popular flooring option and a huge interior design trend because they fit both modern and traditional interior schemes, including a galley kitchen. Magnus Nilsson, lead designer at Blakes London agrees. ‘The penny tile is a fabulously versatile little creature and as such can be put to work in almost any scheme. Its ability to be expressed in a multitude of differing ways makes it a popular choice for many homes.’
5. PICK A PATTERNED TILE THAT COMPLEMENTS THE COLOUR OF THE WALL
A patterned tile can bring a dash of color to a small kitchen but it doesn’t need to be in isolation. To choose the right tile, take your starting point from the color of the wall like in this project by Forbes Rix Design.
6. CHOOSE A PORCELAIN TILE FOR A DURABLE, STAIN-PROOF OPTION
For fuss-free flooring in a small kitchen, porcelain tiles are the way to go. They are extremely durable and easy to wipe clean and can come in a variety of colors and styles. As they are so hard-wearing they are particularly suited for areas of high traffic like hallways and kitchens that are in need of a slightly rustic touch.
7. ADD SOME LUXE WITH A MARBLE
For a feeling of luxury, you can’t go better than marble. Marble does not come cheap, but in a small space the cost becomes easier to justify. In this kitchen by deVOL, the marble kitchen flooring not only feels opulent but gives a vintage feel to the design, elevating simple wooden cabinetry.
8. INCORPORATE TERRAZZO FOR COLOR AND PATTERN
Terrazzo flooring has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last few years because it helps create decorative surfaces that are more interesting than alternative, plainer materials. Terrazzo is a very good choice for flooring in a small kitchen because it can bring in color and pattern without overwhelming the space, particularly if you are already nervous about using color.
9. ADD TERRACOTTA FOR A NATURAL WARMTH
Terracotta tiles may be more associated with rustic kitchens in Mediterranean homes but they can be a fantastic addition to more modern interiors. Not only do they look good and can come in a number of formations, they are also very durable. There are many ideas on how to decorate with terracotta.
10. USE BLACK AND WHITE TILES TO VISUALLY EXPAND A GALLEY KITCHEN
The right tile can make a small or narrow kitchen look much bigger than it is. The black and white tiles in this kitchen designed by Pluck has the effect of lengthening and widening the space so it feels more spacious than a classic galley kitchen.