Here are 10 gorgeous rooms that show there's more than one way to lay a subway tile.
1. Black grout backdrop
Whilst this kitchen has a monochrome colour scheme, it's anything but boring. All in the details of brass edges and drawer pulls, timber open shelving and elegant natural marble on the benchtop, the classic subway hits above its weight with the addition of black grout.
2. Minimal mastery
Keeping things seriously simple, this wall-hung basin and recessed mirror cabinet keeps things low key, along with the black grout in subway tiles - picked up in the choice of matte black tapware.
3. Just a little bit extra
This sensational glassed-in double show uses subway tiles with a lighter grey grout to allow feature tapware, glass framing and small-scale hexagonal tiles to take centre stage - all in a stunning monochromatic scheme.
4. Hard-wearing heritage
This café shows just how resilient subway tiles can be - standing up to the rigours of high traffic whilst still looking sharp. Offset by the rustic industrial architecture of an original warehouse space.
5. Gallery and grid
Squares in truth, these white tiles adopt the subway look with their grey grout - tying in with the stainless steel appliances and forming a blank canvas upon which to display the colour and art of daily life in this eclectic eat-in kitchen.
6. Tub time
This serene space has all the hallmarks of history - clawfoot bath, overheard cistern and heritage-style floor tiles doing the pattern work. Classic brick-laid subway tiles with grey grout complete the picture.
7. Contemporary class
Sleek, minimal and monochrome, this contemporary bathroom uses long, slim subway tiles on the walls with pale grey grout - again allowing the geometric pattern on the floor tiles to take centre stage.
8. Modern classic
Black grout need not look industrial in style - the organic curves of this contemporary bathtub stand between more detail patterned floor tiles and below VJ panelled walls to create plenty of interest with clever use of subtle pattern in architecture.
9. Mini-me
Small in scale and with a white grout to complete the crisp look, these tiny subways recede to create a quiet textured effect.
10. Less is more
With the bold black-framed mirrors and exposed brick wall nib, subway tiles provide just enough texture to carry the eye downwards to the striking timber vanity.
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