My Favorite Tile Options: Black + White

Kristen Dwyer

January 15, 2018

I'm pretty excited about today's post. I have almost 2,000 tile designs in my personal design inventory and when it comes to tile, I'm basically like Ariel in The Little Mermaid when she's in her little cave of treasures singing, "but I want moooooore".

YO YO YO PARTY PEOPLE!

I’m pretty excited about today’s post. I have almost 2,000 tile designs in my personal design inventory and when it comes to tile, I’m basically like Ariel in The Little Mermaid when she’s in her little cave of treasures singing, “but I want moooooore”. It’s terrible and I should get a psych eval. BUT! Now I can share all of the cool stuff out there that you don’t even know about. Exciting times, you guys.

At first, I was going to include ALL of my favorite tiles…in every color/material and shape. Then once I compiled them all, I realized that is just tooooo many large pictures and your poor browser would be trying to open the page until 2020 when apparently Oprah will become president. SO! I’m making this a series instead. Every week I will release one color, so you’re not overwhelmed and you don’t hate me. Sound good? Good. Spoilers: today’s post will be about black and white tile…which you would have already seen from the title, so why am I telling you?

Anyways, throughout this series, I will show you unique materials, shapes, patterns, even 3D tile! We will expand our vision of what we think our kitchen could be and we will be adventurous and learn new things. Be like Ariel, not Flounder.

After all, your only limitation when it comes to design is not knowing what is available to you.

You’ve probably noticed by now that my love for the bold runs deep. If I was a character in the movie Office Space, my waitress vest would have had SO MANY PIECES OF FLARE. Therefore, my personal preference for a kitchen is one that is energetic, fun and colorful, but also super inviting. Alternately, a kitchen that is monochromatic or clad in classic crisp white makes me want to give up color forever.

There is something for everyone in this series; from neutral marble to royal blue terracotta (wait until you see the terracotta…OH LAWWWWD), so you’re bound to be inspired. This is like the tile version of tapas. MMMMM tapas. If you’re someone who just likes traditional finishes, there are no worries here. Anyone can appreciate something without replicating it themselves. But, maybe while browsing my picks, you will find yourself drawn to a certain style, and you might just be bold enough to use it in your own home! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Half of my picks are not bold colors, but patterns. So, take a traditional color like white, and add a graphic pattern. It is still a traditional color that you are comfortable with, but the graphic element makes it unexpected and thrilling, and will give you endless compliments due to your savvy-ness. I think I just made that word up to describe how cool you are. Ya welcome.

But first, here is why you should have fun with tile: tile can be graphic, neutral, resemble stone or wood, be shiny or mirrored, be textured, the sky is the limit. It might be my favorite finish because of the amount of possibilities. OH MY GOD. THE POSSIBILITIES. Also, you cannot cover every wall in a living room with an insane graphic print (though I’ve thought about it) and not feel dizzy. But think about where tile goes. It is not the main event in a space, but more of a supporting role. Out of a whole room, it is usually a small application. So you can afford to be bold and fun, because it isn’t everywhere. With the exception of the bathroom. BUT! The reason you can cover the entire bathroom with graphic tile is because you don’t spend much time in there (unless you’re a dude who just had buffalo wings….no comment). And wouldn’t a fun graphic make your bathroom breaks a little fancier?

A little note about scale: some of you may be like “WHAAAAATTTTT ARE YOU DOING THOSE TILES ARE HUGE??!!”. You are correct! BUT! Measure the space between your counter and upper cabinet. It is about the height of these tiles when placed horizontally.

Also, you know what is super fabulous and amazing? Open shelving. In which case, you have the opportunity to tile up to the ceiling! So, you could just place the tile vertically for that option. Playing with scale is very fun and I recommend trying it. You can do an oversize tile in a small area like a back splash or you could use that same tile to the ceiling for huge impact and a true statement. I mean look at this kitchen! The tile is oversize, vertical, and shows through the open shelving. This is how you ball, players. Diz iz it.

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I’ll remind you, there are no rules. So let’s be playful.

I have foregone selections you may have seen before, and instead, we are going to explore the possibilities. There are a few classic colors and styles included, yes, but only ones that have been modernized. For example, classic white subway tile will always look fantastic, but, for the truly discerning, I have selected a tile with a beveled edge. A glorious modern take on a classic silhouette.

…But I have also included the most glorious, graphic, colorful, insanely AWESOME tile as well. Because what’s life without a little flair? The back splash can be the most fun part of your kitchen, if you will allow it. My picks are organized by category so you can easily navigate and let inspiration hit you in your beautiful face.

I would love to know which of my picks are your favorite and if you have any in your own home!

Let’s have some fun.

After browsing the list, check out my other post where I teach you how to gradually update your style if you are afraid to be bold straight out of the gate. I show you how to do a minimal update in three stages, with the third stage being truly unique and modern. Hey, I aim to please.

Side note, most of these tiles are good for floor applications as well. So if you see something you like, consider it in other areas such as the laundry room and bathroom. TILE EVERYTHINGGGGG.

OK. ARE YOU READY?!?! HERE WE GOOOOOO!