Imagine your dream kitchen: sunlight reflecting off shiny tiles, the perfect backdrop for culinary magic. But one wrong tile choice can turn your dream into a maintenance nightmare. Picking the right kitchen tiles can be overwhelming. After all, kitchen tiles are a key element in terms of both style and functionality of any culinary space. Whether you are transforming your backsplash, walls, or flooring, the right tile can breathe life into the kitchen. However, with so many kitchen tile designs available, it is easy to make mistakes during selection and later regret that they do not suit your kitchen’s style or needs.
Also, remember that kitchen tiles should go beyond aesthetics. They should be practical and durable. Selecting the wrong choice can lead to regrets in the long run. In this blog, we will discuss some common mistakes homeowners often make while picking kitchen tiles and how to avoid them. So, let’s dive in!
Mistake 1: Ignoring Practicality Over Aesthetics
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is focusing only on the look of the tiles. Even though kitchen tiles need to look good, they also need to be practical, especially in a busy kitchen.
● Porous Tiles: Some tiles, like porous natural stone, can stain easily from spills. Ingredients like turmeric, beetroot, and oil in Indian kitchens can create lasting marks.
● Textured Tiles: They can be visually interesting but trap dirt and grease, making cleaning a hassle.
● Glossy Tiles: Although they may look sleek, they often show every fingerprint, water stain, and spill, making them harder to maintain.
Solution/Recommendation:
● Opt for tiles of ceramic or vitrified materials, as they are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
● For busy kitchens, a matte or semi-gloss finish is ideal. These finishes strike a balance between style and easy maintenance. They ensure that your kitchen remains both functional and visually appealing.
Mistake 2: Overlooking Size and Scale
The size and scale of your tiles can drastically affect the perception of space in your kitchen. The right tile size helps maintain visual harmony, making the space feel more open or intimate, depending on your needs.
● Small Tiles: Using them in a small kitchen can create a cluttered, disjointed look. Sometimes, They can make any large kitchen look overwhelming, making it feel cramped and tight.
Solution/Recommendation:
● Opt for large-format tiles in smaller kitchens, like 600×1200 mm and 800×800 mm, to create a seamless, expansive look. Explore large-format kitchen tile designs to reduce the number of grout lines, making the space appear bigger and less busy.
● Likewise, for larger or open-plan kitchens, consider using large tiles, like 600×600 mm, to add texture, character, and visual interest. These not-too-large tiles can help break up large, open spaces and create more depth.
● Always ensure the grout lines are consistent to avoid creating a chaotic, uneven appearance.
Mistake 3: Neglecting Slip Resistance and Safety
Kitchens are high-activity areas where spills are inevitable, which can lead to slips. A slip in the kitchen could result in accidents or injury.
● Glossy/Super Glossy Floor Tiles: Although they are attractive, they can become dangerously slippery when wet. Choosing slippery tiles for flooring can lead to slip accidents, especially for homes with children or elderly members.
Solution/Recommendation:
● Choose tiles with matte finishes or anti-skid properties for kitchen floors. These tiles offer better grip, even when wet, reducing the slipping risks.
● Opt for textured tiles in areas prone to spills, like near the sink or cooking zones. Textured surfaces provide extra friction, making them safer for all.
● If you are concerned about falls, place rugs or mats in high-risk zones like around sinks, dishwashers, and stoves to add extra protection.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Backsplash’s Functional Role
When selecting tiles for your backsplash, many homeowners focus mainly on aesthetics. However, the backsplash plays a crucial role in protecting your walls from food splashes, grease, and stains.
● Highly Porous Materials: They can absorb cooking stains.
● Heavy Grout Designs: They require more upkeep and can easily accumulate grime.
Solution/Recommendation:
● Choose easy-to-clean, stain-resistant tiles of ceramic or vitrified materials for your backsplash. These materials are less likely to absorb stains and can withstand daily use.
● Opt for a tile design with minimal grout lines. The fewer grout lines there are, the less maintenance is required.
● Match your backsplash tiles with your countertops to create a cohesive look.
Mistake 5: Making It Too Matchy
It is tempting to go for a perfectly coordinated kitchen design. Even though it may seem like a safe option to many homeowners, matching every element in your kitchen might make it appear dull. Your tiles should complement and enhance the space, not look flat.
Solution/Recommendation:
● Focus on infusing tiles that create contrast or add dimension to your design.
● If you have white cabinets, go for a bold, patterned modern kitchen wall tile design, like Moroccan or geometric, for the backsplash.
● If you have dark countertops, choose a lighter, neutral tile to brighten the space.
● This approach lets the tiles stand out while maintaining harmony with your kitchen.
Mistake 6: Rushing The Job
It is easy to feel the pressure to complete your kitchen makeover quickly. However, rushing the process may lead to poor decisions. Picking tiles in a hurry might result in a design that doesn’t suit your kitchen.
Solution/Recommendation:
● Take your time to explore various options.
● Analyse how different tile designs will look in your kitchen using TriaLook.
● Use a tile calculator to calculate the number of tiles you should get, and buy 10% extra for damage or wastage.
● Overall, the more time you spend, the more confident you will feel about your decision.
Conclusion
Picking the right kitchen tiles can transform your cooking area. However, it is essential to avoid common mistakes that could affect your kitchen’s long-term appeal and functionality. Focus on choosing a stylish and practical tile, complements your cabinetry, and fits your maintenance needs. Connect with Orientbell Tiles to explore hundreds of high-quality kitchen tile designs to craft the culinary space of your dreams.
