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Subway Tile – A Classic Not a Trend

Subway tile – it’s timeless, classic, affordable and has been a staple of kitchen and bath designs for decades. Its ability to complement any color palette or material selection means you can choose something that will remain flexible for your home’s future. But what can be done to keep it looking fresh and unique? A little creativity with arrangement, shape, and grout choice can make all the difference when installing subway tiles.

“What’s not to love about subway tile?” asked Normandy Designer Leslie Lee. “Its geometric shape makes it so versatile and the sky is the limit when it comes to accent patterns.”

Marble-look porcelain tile backsplash to the ceiling, brass faucet, brass light fixture

Today’s tiles come in a mind-boggling array of colors, sizes and finishes that partner well with just about any style of decor. And they’ve made the leap from kitchens and baths to other areas that benefit from easy-care surfaces, such as laundry rooms and mudrooms.

Playing with your pattern is a great way to take something mainstream and make it your own. Zigzagging your angles into a herringbone pattern accentuates the material, turning a simple backsplash into a handsome focal point.  An elongated tile in a staggered pattern is a clean and classic look, while stacked vertically is artful and gives it a contemporary feel.

Your grout choice can also add to the visual impact that you are trying to make. It has the power to define your tile and give it a subtle contrast. Neutral lines harmonize with the tile and highlight the shapes, black grout is an attention grabber and creates drama, and gray can mask grime and is easier to keeping looking clean.

“Subway tile is simple but chic at the same time,” said Leslie. “There is a reason it has been used since the early 1900’s – it’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing.”

If you are looking for ways to put your own mark on your kitchen and bathroom tile or contemplating more extensive changes to your home, you can set up a time with Leslie to talk about the possibilities. You can also learn more about additions, kitchens or other remodeling projects at an upcoming workshop. Check out the photo gallery or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram for even more home tips and inspiration.

The Park Avenue Kitchen

It’s not often that you see a blue kitchen masquerading itself as a white kitchen. But if you look closely, you’ll find many of the classic design elements that you associate with a timeless white kitchen are very much present here, just in a soft blue hue.

“This kitchen’s signature charm comes from its color palette,” says Normandy Designer Kathryn O’Donovan. “The pale blue color has soft green undertones and it’s paired with some greyed walnut accents to create a gentle contrast. The effect is very calm and welcoming.

The color is the perfect backdrop for glittering accents that introduce a bit of glam into the kitchen and hint at some of the details that really define the space. “Polished nickel hardware and sconces complement the soft blue cabinetry and the warm color of the walnut,” says Kathryn. “The cremone hardware on the hutch pieces and the metal mesh on the custom refrigerator door are some unexpected ways to bring in the sparkle of polished metals.”

The cabinetry also hides a few unexpected surprises.  “Nearly every drawer features specialty inserts, whether they be cutlery dividers, Tupperware organization roll-outs, or adjustable plate dividers in the drawers. There is even a pull-out serving tray which blends in with the blue of the cabinetry that has a walnut bottom to match the other accents in the kitchen.”

Beyond the cabinetry, the kitchen benefits from decorative sconces and a sparkling chandelier. “I wanted there to be a sense of regality throughout the space that emphasized the high ceilings,” noted Kathryn. “The coffered ceiling and the crystal chandelier draw the eye upward and are a beautiful way to crown the room.”

Creating a kitchen that’s as timeless as it is unique is a specialty of Kathryn’s. Set up a time to talk with her about your kitchen’s possibilities, and find out how to transform your kitchen into one that looks like it belongs in a magazine. If you’re looking to get a little more homework done first, register for one of our upcoming virtual seminars or visit our photo gallery of past projects. You can always find more home tips, tricks, and inspiration by following Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram.

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