In our world where everything seems to be controversial no matter the topic, allow me to enter another talking point into the “I HATE that/I LOVE that!” conversation: Kitchen islands with tile surrounds. Tile is one of those things that we all accept and even adore when it’s somewhere we’ve grown accustomed to, such as floors or on our bathroom and kitchen walls. But put it somewhere other than that and all of a sudden, it’s a wild concept.
And while I’m not really a proponent of tile as a counter surface material for practical reasons (I had some in my previous kitchen and UGH all the crumbs that get stuck in the grout lines is such a hassle), it does have its merits elsewhere. Remember this post with a killer kitchen reveal from earlier this year where Jess explored tile in an unexpected spot—the vertical rise of the base of a kitchen banquette?
If you were a fan of that look, it’s not that far a leap to wrap an island in tile, is it? That said, it’s worth exploring the pros here:
- Affordable: You could make the base of the island in a fairly affordable wood or material since it would mostly be covered in tile.
- Low-maintenance: Tile is durable, easy to clean, and non-porous. It resists water, heat and stains.
- Colorful: Tile is an easy and dramatic way to add color and texture to a kitchen.
- Cool-looking: It makes you do a double take (and your friends and neighbors likely won’t have the same design treatment…don’t you want to be unique?!?).
Of course, no idea is without its cons. Between grout maintenance and the possibility of cracking or chipping of one of the tiles (total bummer), there’s also your home resale value to consider. A tiled kitchen island surround is a very niche look, and likely one that won’t be understood or appreciated by the masses. Anytime you put something in your home that’s distinct, you run the risk of it turning off future buyers if your goal is to sell down the line. Don’t let that stop you from putting your full self into a home design, but it is something you should keep in mind.
During my research of this tiled kitchen island trend and concept, I discovered that you’re likely to see one of three tile categories used to accomplish the design: Standard ceramic or porcelain 4″x4″ tiles, Zellige tiles of varying shapes and sizes, or a more custom looking decorative tile, all of which I think can look good in the right application. In general, though, the look leans contemporary with some exemptions for retro/mid-century vibes and even warm transitional designs. Let’s take a look.
Simple 4″x4″ Tiles
Regular readers may know that I’m quite the fan of the versatility (and affordability) of a classic 4″x4″ tile, though they have a fairly specific look that might not be right for every home. On an island, this type of tile definitely reads modern, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work with something warm or even a touch rustic.
Maybe it’s the color of the tile, or that the white wall tile seamlessly transitions into the countertop which then is echoed on all surfaces of the island, but I love the look of this kitchen by Whitewood in New South Wales. It’s one of those things you’d never think to do, but once you see it somewhere else, it just might become a contender.
One thing tile-surround kitchen islands do well is lean into a look. That cohesiveness of material between the walls and island (just like in the previous photo) is unbeatable for making a statement and bringing in so much intentionality. Granted, the grand architecture of this home designed by Years Studio (featured in Architectural Digest), helps support the very bold look.
I’m fairly obsessed with the design and architecture work coming out of Mexico City. It’s at the same time grounded in history and culture and incredibly innovative and chic, like this kitchen project in the home of Kar Brulhart. From the homeowner in the post: “We wanted this place to feel like a 1970s Mexico City apartment. Layered, a little moody, with a lot of wood and warmth and nods to my Mexican grandparents.” Tile has a rich, deep roots in Mexico, so it makes sense that a punchy, earthy red tile would be featured at the center island. Brave, bold and wonderful.
There’s something about this kitchen—by Nimtim Architects, featured in Clever—that is instantly nostalgic. It makes me feel like I’m in the cleaned-up, grown-up, more neutral version of the set of Double Dare (#IYKYK). Glossy 4″x4″ tile in general makes me feel that way, I guess. It’s ingrained in my ’80s and ’90s-bred child soul. The built-in plywood shelving is super practical, and frankly, something I’d much prefer to inferior bar seating (I prefer to sit at a proper table…). If you look closely, you’ll see the integrated sink continues the tile material which probably isn’t a choice I’d make, but it sure does look pretty cool.
Here’s a mullet island by Jessica Hansen of Tandem Interiors via Domino: tile party in the front, cabinet business in the back (or, you know, on each side). It’s a fun way to break up the same-sameness of lower cabinetry, as well as continue the backsplash material elsewhere for cohesion. It’s a toe-dip into the trend that frankly, I think is really fun and an interesting way to try it without going all in.
I’ve shared this photo of a kitchen by AD100 designer Alex March (via Clever, again) in the past and while it’s not technically a tiled island, it accomplishes a similar vibe. There’s just something about the repetitive use of a single material across different surfaces that feels so cool, edgy and all-encompassing.
Zellige Tiles
Onto something a bit more “now”: the Zellige tile. Admittedly, I do really love the look of this but I have to wonder: are all those uneven edges along the corners…comfortable? Safe? Prone to damage? I don’t have the answer to this, but if we suspend our disbelief and questioning for a few moments, we can all enjoy these beauties below.
First up is a kitchen I’ve had bookmarked for a long time and come across throughout the web very often: a Berlin penthouse project by Studio Bosko. The use of the Zellige-style tile creates so much movement, personality, and light (not something lacking in this kitchen, that’s for sure). That texture that Zellige is beloved for has a way of grounding the other contemporary elements of this space.
Here, we see the same kitchen, by Cristina Alvarez of Curio Interior Design, that’s at the lead of this post. I’m quite smitten with the color choice of the island surround, which I think works beautifully to bring out the warmth of the wood cabinetry, seating and floors. Also of note is how well all three tiles work together without feeling overdone. Petite Zellige in a neutral on the backsplash echos the Zellige on the island (in a louder hue, of course), while a warm checkerboard in a large square size finishes off the kitchen flooring.
So far, we’ve seen a lot of color, but here’s a quiet neutral version for anyone who finds it hard living with so much intensity. This kitchen by WHLF Studio proves how much (quiet) impact an island like this can make in such a simple, reserved space.
Here’s a bit of a flip from what we’ve seen before. Instead of a tile transition from wall to countertop to island sides, we have countertop to island sides to floor, and uh… ::slow claps::. Wow what a look, huh? The whole kitchen is a head-to-toe visual feast brought to life by Nick Gavin with design-build firm Made.
To round out the Zellige category is this long and lean number on this rounded island. The rounded nature of the island is a nice juxtaposition to the rigidity of the tile it’s enveloped by. The peninsula suddenly becomes it’s own statement furniture piece and draws the eye into the kitchen space. This might be one of my favorites. Thanks to Charlotte Pourbaix for the eye candy.
Decorative Tiles
Finally, we have the drives of the risk-taker bus. The decorative tile users, which break the mold on an already mold-breaking design move. (Is that like a double negative?). Anything goes here, where tile is measured with the heart.
I fully understand that this kitchen by Y S G Studio (built by LocBuild) may not be for everyone, but there is a nugget I want you to take away from it: that stripe of checkerboard tile along the toe kick of the island. This idea of tile on an island doesn’t have to be all of nothing. You can mix it in with a more accepted material such as wood and get something that is still very unique and interesting.
Another by Whitewood, this is actually a restaurant space, but I liked how the edge was a strip of wood, so I wanted to present it to anyone who likes this tile-surround concept but is worried about corners. This tile is likely only on the backside of this counter seating, but it could be applied all around, too, with the added support of wood to the sides.
I have to admit: My eye struggles to make sense of this kitchen. Are those marble-fronted cabinets? There is a lot happening here, but it’s certainly eclectic. Anyhow, I’m bringing it to the table here so we can all see different tiles used. This pinstripe may or may not be to your liking, but a patterned tile in general could be very interesting in the right space. Thoughts?
And finally, this cool, pint-sized matte tile on a rounded island (the kitchen was designed by Andrea Rodman Interiors out of Vancouver). Keeping the tile and the countertop in a cool-toned white takes the attention away from the material use while still benefiting from all the pros of tile.
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So…where are our heads here? On a scale of 1 to “Changing my kitchen reno plans STAT”, where do you fall on this tile trend? Anyone started this post thinking there’s no way they’d get on board but found themselves warming up to the idea the more they read or saw it used? As always, I’d love to chat about it in the comments. Oh, and if there’s another off-the-wall design concept or trend you’re seeing and want us to dive deep into, add it to the conversation, too.
Until next time, friends…
Opening image credit: Design by Cristina Alvarez of Curio Interior Design | Photo by Kelly Ann Rose