When it comes to designing a small kitchen, every choice counts. Maximising the limited space while ensuring that it remains functional and stylish can feel like a challenge, but the right design elements can make all the difference. Tiles, in particular, play a pivotal role in influencing both the aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen. While they may seem like a simple addition, they can have a huge impact on the overall feel of the space, making your kitchen feel larger, brighter, and more organized.
To help you maximise both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your small kitchen, here are some tile tips to inspire your design choices and bring out the best in your space.
Embrace pale shades
Whether you’re going for a modern minimalist vibe, a cosy cottage look, or a sleek contemporary space, pale shades serve as the perfect neutral foundation and can work wonders in small kitchens. Whites, light greys, and soft beige tones will reflect natural light, making the space feel brighter and more open. Opt for white subway wall tiles like our Metallic White Bricks for an industrial look, choose a soft grey tumbled porcelain like our Riva Grey Porcelain for a rustic look, or use a beige large format porcelain like our Pietra Tortora Porcelain for a more contemporary feel.
Go big with large-format floor tiles
Using large floor tiles in small kitchens can make the space feel more expansive. Larger tiles results in fewer grout lines, minimising visual breaks in the surface, which helps to create a more seamless and streamlined appearance. With less visual clutter, the space feels less busy and more expansive. This is especially beneficial in areas like the floor or backsplash, where uninterrupted surfaces help to achieve a cohesive flow. Consider using porcelain ranges, such as Geneva, Aserra, and Capri, which are all available in a large format 1200 x 600mm size.
Choose small wall tiles
When you’re working with a small kitchen, it’s essential to create a sense of balance and proportion between the walls and floor. Using small tiles on the walls can help emphasize the floor space, drawing attention downward and giving the room a sense of openness. One of the key benefits of small tiles is that they create more visual interest without overwhelming the space. Whether it’s a classic subway tile like our Regent Ceramic Bricks, mosaics like our Carrara Marble Herringbone Mosaic, or square tiles like our Monaco Zellige Ceramic and Pastello Porcelain, the small size of these tiles can create depth on the walls while leaving the floor area uncluttered.
Stack your tiles vertically
In small kitchens, it’s important to think beyond just the horizontal layout of your tiles. By arranging tiles in vertical patterns, you can create the illusion of height and draw the eye upwards, which will make your kitchen feel less cramped and more spacious. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by installing long, rectangular tiles in a vertical orientation. This technique works especially well with subway wall tiles such as our Palos, Monaco, or Majorca bricks, which are already a popular choice for kitchen splashbacks. Additionally, you can extend this idea to the floor as well. Pairing vertical wall tiles with vertically laid tiles on the floor can create a cohesive design that enhances the sense of height.
Reflect the light with a gloss finish
Maximising light is key to making the space feel bigger and more inviting. One of the most effective ways to do this is by incorporating tiles with a gloss or polished finish into your design. The reflective surfaces help bounce natural light off walls and surfaces, creating a more open and airy atmosphere that’s perfect for a small space. Whether you choose a glossy ceramic tile, such as our Catalan Ceramic Bricks, or opt for a polished porcelain floor tile, such as Geneva Polished Porcelain or Basilica Polished Porcelain, these shiny surfaces can enhance both the space and the ambiance of your kitchen.
