HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
Subscribe
Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

How to choose the perfect bathroom tile design

How to choose the perfect bathroom tile design

4 trends to look for in bathroom tiles design

4 trends to look for in bathroom tiles design

The tile trends slowly taking over kitchens and bathrooms

The tile trends slowly taking over kitchens and bathrooms

5 kitchens that celebrate white subway tiles

5 kitchens that celebrate white subway tiles

{headline}

{headline}

Bathroom styling trends for winter 2018

Bathroom styling trends for winter 2018

Why you should love scalloped tiling

Why you should love scalloped tiling

10 tile patterns you need to know about

10 tile patterns you need to know about

{headline}

{headline}

5 unexpected ways to use patterned tiles

5 unexpected ways to use patterned tiles

How to maintain your shower, according to a plumber

How to maintain your shower, according to a plumber

The concrete trend taking over Pinterest

The concrete trend taking over Pinterest

The $14 Bunnings item that will transform your bathroom tiles

The $14 Bunnings item that will transform your bathroom tiles

The next big thing in tiles

The next big thing in tiles

A Hamptons-inspired family home on Sydney's lower North Shore

A Hamptons-inspired family home on Sydney's lower North Shore

How to keep your bathroom renovation under $10,000

How to keep your bathroom renovation under $10,000

  1. Home
  2. Renovate

10 reasons we're still loving subway tiles

Proof this enduring style will always work in your home - by Diana Moore
  • 03 Jun 2019
10 reasons we're still loving subway tiles
Jody D'arcy

Subway tiles are here to stay. Hardly a passing trend, we've been in love with the look for over a decade and they just keep growing in popularity. We're here to sing their praises - both in terms of versatility and enduring style. If you're looking to branch out a little stylistically, however, with different riffs on a basic white brick look coming onto the market all the time you're in luck. But don't discount the power of a simple white tile in a monochromatic setting.

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.

amberinteriors View Profile
5,960 likes - View Post on Instagram
We finally pulled the trigger on our stove for my new old house... Settled on a black and brass @lacanche_us range and I am the MOST excited. Sadly, the house will most likely not be done for at least another 9-10 months... BUT it's the little things that are making me see the light at the end of this tunnel. // via @dominomag 📷 @brittanyambridge design via @havenskitchen //

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.

kimpearsoninteriordesigner View Profile
110 likes - View Post on Instagram
Exploding! Shed House bathroom styled by us for @housesmagazine and uber architect @davidweirarch /photography by @dionrobeson #kimpearsoninteriordesigner #stylist #interiordesign #interiors #styling #bathrooms #subwaytiles #whatsnottolove #perth #biglivingsmallfootprint

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.

michelledirkse View Profile
639 likes - View Post on Instagram
I'm often asked about the shower that we designed for the #SeattleHistoricRevival (it's one of my favorites!). The matte tile is from @daltile and the contractor and Cascade Glass made our shower glass design possible. The entire space was once a bedroom and now it's a spacious bathroom with a separate bathing room in the former teeny tiny bathroom. Design by #MichelleDirkseInteriorDesign - Photo by @aaronleitz

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.

91magazine View Profile
683 likes - View Post on Instagram
I'm about to set off for Lewes to spend the day with 10 of our lovely readers at our first Seek, Inspire, Create event! But before I do, I just wanted to flag today's blog post - 91 is pinning... cafe interiors. Decor inspiration can be found all around us, and one of my favourite sources is eateries around the world. There are so many design ideas to steal! Pop to the blog for some Monday morning inspo! Photo by @malmo_and_moss from our Instagrammers guide to Malmo (Also to be found on the blog) ▪▪▪▪ #interiorlove #interiorobsessed #styleithappy #interioroftheday #cafeinteriors #restaurantinteriors #bbctravel #guardiantravelsnaps #prettylittletrips #pathport

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.

emmajanepalin View Profile
943 likes - View Post on Instagram
IN THE KITCHEN // Trying to make the most of the views in our house while I can. Our lovely little nest went to a new tenant for over the monthly rental price in less than 24 hours. REALLY?! Can I change my mind? [chair was gifted from @amaraliving about two years ago now]

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.

the_girl_with_the_green_sofa View Profile
7,360 likes - View Post on Instagram
Today's Sunday Share is the lovely Jo @hardcastletowers bathroom. Third bathroom in a row for me, so I'm thinking my sub-conscious is telling me to crack on and renovate our family bathroom. But you know it's a costly job and not one I'm going to attempt myself, unlike my other rooms where if it needs doing I just get on and tackle it. Today will be sponsored by a bit of creativity and a swear box as I've started painting some wardrobe doors in our spare bedroom, the walls are quick and easy but the woodwork 😬not my favourite job. Alfie is going to be helping me so expect a trail of paint right around the house 😂 What's you latest creative project? #pocketofmyhome #interior4inspo #eclecticallycool #bhghome #abmathome #sodomino #apartmenttherapy #colourmyhome #decorhome #thisishome #homeadore #interieurinspiratie #decoracioninteriores #decorationinterieur #myeclecticmix #eclecticdecor #eclectichome #myhomeforhp #myhome2inspire #passion4interior #walltowallstyle #mystylishspace #finahem #instahomedecor #instahomes

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.

homepolish View Profile
41k likes - View Post on Instagram
Our bedtime routine starts with a soak in the tub for as long as it takes us to trace our way through the tile to the shower. Then we rinse, and trace our way to the custom vanity behind us. There's nothing laborious about our journey through this labyrinth-really it's just an excuse to stay here longer. Who can blame us? 🛁 Design by @PipandPencil + @TaliRothDesigns Photo by @ChristianTorresPhoto

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.

homebeautiful View Profile
3,383 likes - View Post on Instagram
This classically beautiful bathroom has cleverly accommodated a bath and shower alongside one another - complete with a nib wall and strip of glass to contain any splashes. Restricting the palette to soft grey and white, decorative white 'Zamora' floor tiles from @thetilemob help to create the illusion of more space, while Spanish handmade subway tiles above the bath were teamed with a grey grout to highlight their irregular edge. Head to the link in bio for more bathroom inspiration. #bathroomdesign #bathroominspiration #bathroom #homebeautiful #hbmystyle 📸 @elouise_photographer Styling @lanacaves_styling Design @interiordesignbrisbane

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.

studiogorman View Profile
66 likes - View Post on Instagram
ST IVES//a calming palette in this bathroom we designed, since that's how I want to feel in the bathroom, don't you? Especially in the early mornings...just a bit of shhhh. #stiveshouse #ensuitebathroom #studiogorman #bathroomdesign #sydneydesigner #interiordesignersydney

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.

homepolish View Profile
6,623 likes - View Post on Instagram
This bathroom is picture-peaceful. And we're not just talking about how zen these streamlined, industrial finishes make us feel. We're imagining a world where we don't fight over faucets and never have to wake up early to stake out the sink with better lighting and mirror real-estate. Design by @MandyChengDesign Photo by @MadelineTolle

You might also like:

The tile trends slowly taking over kitchens and bathrooms

4 trends to look for in bathroom tiles design

10 tile patterns you need to know about

  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Renovate
  • Bathroom Renovations
  • Ensuite Designs
  • Small Kitchens
Diana Moore
Diana Moore
Content expert, florist and interior decorator Diana Moore has been passionate about helping others make the perfect home ever since she moved into her own. From styling her local bar to feel like your best friend’s lounge room, to randomly restyling people’s bookshelves, Diana is a firm believer in making the best of what you have in front of you.

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

Recommended to you

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

How to choose the perfect bathroom tile design

How to choose the perfect bathroom tile design

4 trends to look for in bathroom tiles design

4 trends to look for in bathroom tiles design

The tile trends slowly taking over kitchens and bathrooms

The tile trends slowly taking over kitchens and bathrooms

5 kitchens that celebrate white subway tiles

5 kitchens that celebrate white subway tiles

{headline}

{headline}

Bathroom styling trends for winter 2018

Bathroom styling trends for winter 2018

Why you should love scalloped tiling

Why you should love scalloped tiling

10 tile patterns you need to know about

10 tile patterns you need to know about

{headline}

{headline}

5 unexpected ways to use patterned tiles

5 unexpected ways to use patterned tiles

How to maintain your shower, according to a plumber

How to maintain your shower, according to a plumber

The concrete trend taking over Pinterest

The concrete trend taking over Pinterest

The $14 Bunnings item that will transform your bathroom tiles

The $14 Bunnings item that will transform your bathroom tiles

The next big thing in tiles

The next big thing in tiles

A Hamptons-inspired family home on Sydney's lower North Shore

A Hamptons-inspired family home on Sydney's lower North Shore

How to keep your bathroom renovation under $10,000

How to keep your bathroom renovation under $10,000

HomeBeautiful
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
HomeBeautiful Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • marie claire
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Health Engine
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • Airtasker
  • Society One
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

Shop This Offer
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug