The National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s 2012 Coty Awards, noted the use of subway tile as a design trend. Here’s how some of our readers are using the tile.
Ed Cholfin, president, AK Complete Home Renovations, Atlanta: “The subway tile pattern has been a long-time trend in many of our bathroom and kitchen remodels.
The beauty of the pattern is its ability to hide any flaws in the wall. It can also be very simple in design or extremely detailed depending on the tile used, color, sizes, and [how you] incorporate decorative pieces.
We have used [subway tile] on kitchen backsplashes, tub surrounds, and shower walls.”
Rick Duchin, president, RJD Construction, Oakland, Calif.: “We are using large-format subway tiles — such as 12-inch-by-24-inch — in bathrooms, outdoor kitchens and patios, kitchens, dining rooms, and hallways. I have also put them in entryways.
We are not really using small-format traditional subways at all. In our last five projects, we’ve only used small-format tile in one bathroom.”
Chris Tedrick, remodeling consultant, Case Design & Remodeling, Bethesda, Md.: “We’re using lots of travertine on bathroom floors, cutting in 2-inch-by-2-inch glass accents to add a splash of color. We’re also using travertine and glass brick/subway patterns on backsplash areas.
Long glass multicolored tiles installed vertically just behind the cooktop area in contemporary designs adds a punch and maintains the clean lines.”
—Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.
More REMODELING articles about K&B design:
Simply Smart: Some deft design moves completely transform a cluttered kitchen
10 Steps to Trouble-Free Tile: What to do — and not to do — when installing tile
K&B Dollars & Sense: Ways to meet homeowners’ demands for value in their kitchen and bath remodels
