9 Simply Stylish Kitchen Tile Formulas

There are a lot of decisions to make when starting a kitchen renovation. Should you go with a gas or electric stove? Wood or white cabinets? Do you really need that fancy espresso machine for your weekly cappuccino? (We would argue yes.) And when it comes to tile, how do you choose from all the wall, floor and backsplash options available to create the perfect pairing for your space? We’re here to take some of the guesswork out of the equation with nine simply stylish tile formulas to help you design like a pro.

1. Patterned Tile + Subway Tile = Culinary Charm

Dainty and floral or bold and geometric, patterned tile is available in a wide range of motifs to suit your style. Likewise, sleek subway tile comes in virtually any color, along with a variety of sizes and looks.

The Laura Ashley Endale Terra tile showcased on this kitchen floor features an intricate, interlocking white floral motif set against a warm terracotta-colored background. The patterned tile’s patina edge complements the handmade-look details of the Coco White matte subway tile, giving this delightful English country cottage style kitchen a storied feel.

To enhance this tile combination, look for styles that share unifying features. For instance, pairing a sleek, solid-colored subway tile with a geometric patterned tile creates a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.

STYLE FORMULA: PATTERNED TILE + SUBWAY TILE

2. Wood Look + Subway Tile = Chic & Versatile

If your style changes more often than your renovation budget allows, a simple tile design can keep your space versatile enough to accommodate easy updates. Wood-look flooring and white subway tile complement virtually any aesthetic—from modern farmhouse to dopamine decor.

This cheerful kitchen, designed by At Home With Ashley, features a Regent Bianco subway tile backsplash and Baltimore Beige wood-look floor tile. The sleek, neutral tile allows the colorful accessories to shine, creating a true dopamine decor design. But swap out the pink vinyl stove cover and rainbow banner, and the space can easily adapt to the newest decor trend without requiring new tile.

STYLE FORMULA: WOOD-LOOK TILE + SUBWAY TILE

SHOP TILE

Kitchen Tile

Kitchen Wall Tile

Kitchen Floor Tile

Kitchen Backsplash Tile

3. Large Format + Luxury Vinyl = Contemporary Sophistication

Defined as any tile with at least one edge longer than 23″, large format tile requires fewer grout lines, helping spaces look and feel more expansive. While these oversized tiles are available in a wide variety of styles and materials, stone- and marble-look porcelain tile remains one of the most popular choices. Easier to install and maintain than natural stone—and easier on the pocketbook—these durable tiles create a chic slab-inspired look on walls and backsplashes.

Similarly, scratch- and stain-resistant luxury vinyl flooring is available in a range of wood-, stone- and cement-look styles. This durable flooring is a stylish, cost-effective solution for high-traffic kitchens, as demonstrated in this contemporary space featuring Arbor Midlands Hickory Tavern luxury vinyl planks. Paired with a near-seamless Navona Bianco tile backsplash, the kitchen exudes modern elegance.

STYLE FORMULA: LARGE FORMAT TILE + LUXURY VINYL FLOORING

4. Wood Look + Stone = Natural Brilliance

Turn the tables on a traditional design with this easy-breezy formula that works just as well in a coastal kitchen as it does in a modern rustic space.

Featuring Jeffrey Alan Marks Natural Zen Birchwood White tile on the walls and Bianco Colorato marble on the floor, this contemporary coastal kitchen flips the customary wood-floor-and-stone-backsplash combination often found in modern kitchens. Mimicking white-painted driftwood, the backsplash features a subtle raised pattern that adds both visual and tactile texture. On the floor, bold grey-veined marble introduces a soft sense of movement and depth.

STYLE FORMULA: WOOD-LOOK TILE + MARBLE TILE

TILE FOR EVERY STYLE:

Coastal Chic

English Country Cottage

Japandi

Modern Farmhouse

5. Stone + Stone Look = Beautiful & Durable

Stretch your style by pairing marble-look porcelain or ceramic tile with the real thing. While nothing beats the authentically unique beauty of natural stone, a man-made alternative offers superior durability and easy maintenance (maybe even a lower price point)–an enduring choice for high-traffic kitchen floors.

This charming modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Rashida Banks, showcases Royal Satin White marble subway tile on the backsplash and Aqua Nero Matte porcelain floor tile. While the black marble-look floor tile features the expressive veining of natural stone, its durable, scratch- and stain-resistant construction makes it as practical as it is beautiful.

STYLE FORMULA: MARBLE TILE + MARBLE LOOK TILE

6. Handmade Look + Handmade Look = Perfectly Imperfect Style

Featuring perfectly imperfect details, handmade-look tile captures the artisanal appeal of authentic handmade tile at a lower price point and with greater consistency from piece to piece. Available in a range of colors and styles, handmade-look tile can be paired to create a beautifully textured tableau.

This stunning modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by I SPY DIY, features two distinct handmade-look tiles: Nuovo Riad Bianco on the backsplash and Look Avio on the kitchen island. The square and subway formats offer pleasing variation with unique profiles and contrasting colorways.

STYLE FORMULA: HANDMADE-LOOK TILE

EXPLORE MORE KITCHENS

Inspiring Kitchen Tile Ideas

Ruggedly Chic Modern Rustic Kitchen Tile Ideas

Small Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas

Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

7. Patterned Tile + Fluted Tile + Trim = Beautifully Textured Walls

Characterized by raised ridges, fluted tile adds both tactile and visual texture to a design. Patterned tile, with its intricate motifs, brings another layer of visual interest. Together, these textures create subtle definition between cooking and prep areas.

This inviting kitchen features fluted Roku White tile above the countertops. By casting soft shadows, the fluted tile uses light to enhance the space’s texture, while the flat Kelli Fontana Kloe tile in In Bloom Ivory and Ivory introduces pattern behind the stove backsplash. Framed with Signature Black Matte pencil trim, the stove backsplash breaks up the wall of fluted tile, creating a space that feels distinct while remaining tonally cohesive.

STYLE FORMULA: PATTERNED TILE + FLUTED TILE + TRIM

8. Subway + Checkerboard = Classically Chic

A classic pattern that has graced both grand and humble abodes for centuries, checkerboard tile instantly elevates any space. While subway tile (popularized in the Victorian Era) is a more recent design innovation, its sleek silhouette still evokes timeless elegance.

In this stunning space, designed by Timber Trails, Alison Victoria Brick x Brick Powder subway tile is paired with a Noir Honed and Silver Mist* checkerboard tile floor. The limestone squares are installed on a diagonal, adding visual depth to the room, while the brick-look gray subway tile is installed in a horizontal offset pattern that emphasizes its sleek silhouette. The result is a space that combines classic elements with contemporary aesthetics.

*This tile is no longer available; achieve a similar look with Meram Blanc Carrara tile.

STYLE FORMULA: SUBWAY TILE + CHECKERBOARD TILE

DESIGN LIKE A PRO

How to Elevate Your Space With Trim

Tips to Nail Your Grout Color & Design

Tile Patterns and Layouts

Q & A With Celebrity Designer Nikki Chu

9. Black + White + Black & White = Stunning All Over

Like a well-tailored tuxedo, a black-and-white color scheme epitomizes sophisticated design. Feature a fashionable black-and-white tile, pair sleek white subway tile with luxe black floor tile, or combine all three looks for a space that exudes style.

This fashionable kitchen is a masterclass in mixing tile. Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite patterned tile is featured alongside Luxor Winter White subway tile and Fusi Carbon Steel cement-look floor tile. The crisp whites and steely blacks create striking contrast while remaining exquisitely neutral.

STYLE FORMULA: BLACK TILE + WHITE TILE + BLACK & WHITE TILE

Find Easy Design Solutions at The Tile Shop!

Whatever your project, we’re here to help take it from concept to completion with materials, tools and expert advice. Explore our wide selection of kitchen tile and see it in your space with our Tile Visualizer. Need more assistance? Schedule a free design consultation and start bringing your dream space to life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I'm Eimile, Marketing copywriter. What I love about working at The Tile Shop is getting to see all the new design trends. I especially love bright, bold colors and retro designs. When I'm not writing copy, I'm usually reading a novel or taking a walk around my Minneapolis neighborhood.

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