Subway tiles have fascinated American homeowners since they first debuted in the NYC underground transit in 1904. Adaptable style, reliable durability and easy maintenance make subway tiles a timeless option that works in both modern and historic environments.

White subway tile is the most popular by far but today’s manufacturers provide a galaxy of colors, from neutral to bright. Tiles can be square or narrow rectangles but the typical shape is a 3” x 6” rectangle. Subway tile is most often seen in the kitchen or bathroom. It can also be an imaginative choice for laundry rooms, mud rooms, and even near the fireplace, where the sturdy material’s excellent heat resistance comes in handy as an alternative to brick or stone.

If you’re attracted to the look of subway tile but want to try something out of the ordinary, laying the tile in a vertical design establishes an element of surprising style. The vertical placement of subway tiles has traditionally been seen in European homes more often than in the U.S. Mixing vertical and horizontal placement to achieve a herringbone pattern is also an interesting choice. Vertical placement draws the eye upward, makes the ceiling feel higher, and conveys a more modern attitude.

The grout chosen for subway tile can also make a dramatic difference. Grout that matches the tile color will create a subtle continuity; grout in a slightly lighter color than the tile highlights the tile color; while grout in a darker color than the tile is a bold and graphic look that accentuates the lines of the tile design.

At Country Club Homes, we stay in touch with the latest custom home design trends to share exciting new ideas with our clients. Contact us today at 203-762-0550 or visit us at countryclubhomesinc.comto learn more about our work.