Saturday, June 9, 2012

Thoughts on Subway Tiles?



What are your thoughts on subway tile? 
 Are you tiring of this trend or do you consider subway tiles a classic?  


 The early 20th century style subway tiles have been around a long time and have had a resurgence in popularity, since the beginning of the 21 century.  The subway tile first showed up in the New York subway system in 1904.  It was a natural choice for the subterranean space, because of the bright white color and high glass surface which was not only durable, but also stain resistant.  A great article on the history of subway tiles can be found here.



Here are some examples of great looking subway tiles used in a variety of ways. As you know there are many available options of materials, colors and sizes.
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Subway tiles aren't just plain white glossy tiles anymore.   Now available in great colors, glass, marble,etc.  The edges are  straight edges, beveled or hand finished. The look can vary when white grout or dark grout is used to install.
  They can be used as a backsplash, or fill an entire wall.  The options are endless. How do you go about choosing the right tile for your project? For a great article from This Old House on the differences in the high end subways and their cheaper counterparts click here.

Here are some of my favorite that I have used on projects:

Michael S Smith for the Ann Sacks Collection, comes in many colors
and has a great looking beveled edge that adds dimension to the wall.

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Grove Brickworks by Waterworks has a great pitted looking surface which
reads as an aged looking tile when installed



Rittenhouse Square Subway tile by Dal-tile, very cost effective
when you want the look at a great price.  Comes in lots of colors
and has great accent tiles to coordinate.

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 Ann Sacks Statuary Classic 3" x 6",  this is a way to get the marble
look in your kitchen without having it on your countertops for
those marble lovers who are afraid of dealing with marble on the counter.



In my personal opinion, I think subway tiles are here to stay in some form or fashion.   The colors and materials may change but I think the shape will remain an option for a long time.  It has already withstood the test of time in the mere fact it is still being produced. Do You agree?  Would love to hear your opinions!  What have you used?  What are your favorites? 
 What are you tired of seeing? I really want to know!


I would like to give a shout out to Erin of  House of Turquoise  for mentioning me on her blog yesterday!  Thank You Erin! You are the best!  Readers, I am sure you all follow Erin but if not, click over here to follow one of the best blogs ever!    It was one of the first blogs I started following and is still one of my favorites today!
So pop over and show Erin some love if you haven't already!


Enjoy your Saturday!
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11 comments:

  1. I think it is here to stay! I love it, I think it is timeless and classic. I love it in all forms, glass, marble, glossy white, with white grout, gray grout. All in all I don't think you can go wrong with it!

    Hope you're having a nice weekend Lisa.

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    1. you are the best!!! i agree with you totally!!! hope you are chilllaxing

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  2. Here to stay for sure! I love how clean they look in bathrooms and kitchens! Beautiful pics! Thanks for inspiring! :) LMA

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    1. totally agree lisa! hey, i love your art!!! especially the 50 shades!! haha!

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  3. A. I too love Erin
    B. I have always loved subway tile, though I hate when things get trendy and people get them just cause everyone else is
    c. Great post!!!!

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    1. you and i think alike! i sent you a message!!! need your talents!!!

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  4. I do love sub-way tile. Love that Waterworks grove pattern. I also love it in brick.
    pve

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  5. I love subway tile! Want to redo my backsplash in the kitchen! It's on the list! I think it's here to stay!

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  6. You are seriously too, too sweet!! Thank YOU so much for the shout-out!! I'm so touched to know that you are still loving my blog after all this time!

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  7. I love subway tile and doubt I will tire of it - I agree there are many different ways to use it and one of my favorite is in marble. Have you ever seen the beveled white subway tile in the Paris subways? I was also pleasantly surprised to see it on the hallway walls when we visited Ellis Island last summer as well. I think it is timeless and although definitely a trend right now and maybe overdone, I too, believe it is here to stay. And Erin's blog was one of the very first I ever read too!

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  8. Your sideboard and vignette are beautiful! I would frame that embroidery....How gorgeous!
    subway tile

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