We can't quite believe the holiday season is already on its way. For so many, it's time to think about ways in which to bring different touches of festive cheer and decorations into your home. However, one area that can be left by the wayside is the kitchen when this will probably be one of your hardest working rooms at this time of year. So why not consider adding a little Christmas spirit to your heart of your home?
Now's the perfect time to think about decorating your kitchen walls with tiles for a quick update, which wont break the bank. Just imagine transforming your kitchen into a functional and stylish space before the festivities really begin? You can get this room ready for festive entertaining and for hosting guests and family now and throughout the year. So, follow this expert guide on how to deck your 'walls'.
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Tiles can provide an easy way to transform your kitchen this Christmas. Just think about all the creative tile patterns and vibrant colour combos you can choose from. If you've got an open-plan design, you can also create a seamless look throughout by matching materials, patterns and colours. This could be one of your DIY projects, or you could hire an expert, to add a striking statement to your walls!
Choosing the right tile material for your kitchen walls

Our Original Style Artworks Ceramic Vintage White Large Brick Tiles look particularly striking with as a backdrop to open shelving
Tiles tend to consist of durable materials and they look super-stylish so these are an easy way improve the look of your kitchen walls. However, these days there are so many different types of tiles available, it can be tricky to pick the right ones. Here are the four most popular types of tiles which I think are ideal for kitchen walls:
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Porcelain
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Ceramic
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Encaustic
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Glass
Each of these tile types has their own individual properties and looks, making them a great choice for different kitchen styles. Whether you’re going for a sleek and modern look or a rustic and traditional vibe, you're bound to find a tile material that’s perfect for your kitchen.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for residential and commercial use due to their:
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Durability
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Easy maintenance
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Frost, fire and breakage resistance
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Range of attractive designs
These non-porous tiles will provide an excellent choice for kitchen walls, so you can cover anything, from a backsplash to a complete wall space.
When it comes to looking after your tiled walls, you can easily maintain porcelain tiles, so you can benefit from a beautiful functional cooking space for years to come. You'll find there are so many different colours, finishes and patterns available too, to enhance your kitchen walls in all sorts of ways.
Ceramic tiles
If you're looking for a cost-effective tile solution, ceramic tiles are ideal and you'll be able to choose from a whole host of colours and designs. Installation can be pretty easy, especially for a tiling professional, whatever look you desire from a brick wall effect to any other preferred pattern. Your tiles will then elevate part of your kitchen space into a stunning gallery wall.
Ceramic tiles are made with clay, minerals and water, which are mixed together before they are shaped to create each tile, dried then put into kiln for firing. This process results in low porosity, which means your walls will absorb less water and be less resistant to staining. Ceramic tiles could be ideal for a dining table area, such as a breakfast bar.
Encaustic tiles
Encaustic tiles are widely known for their intricate patterns. If you pick the right design, this could elevate blank kitchen walls into works of art. They are actually made with a carved wooden stamp, which is impressed into an unfired red clay tile. This is then filled with coloured clay. You then put them into a kiln for firing to produce an ultra durable surface.
Ideal for use indoors and out, encaustic tiles are incredibly versatile and they are also easy to maintain. You can keep them clean them with water and mild pH-neutral soap as rule. Then when you're looking to carry out an occasional deep clean, pick a high-quality tile cleaner to keep your tiles in top condition.
Glass tiles
If you’re looking for a modern, sleek finish, glass tiles could be the perfect choice for your kitchen walls. Glass tiles come with a whole host of benefits - they are non-porous, stain-resistant and retain colour brilliantly. Plus, they’re easy to clean and maintain, so why not pick them for a stylish option which will elevate the look of your kitchen walls.
Careful planning is important when installing glass tiles in your kitchen. However, you will love the results especially is space comes at a premium. Glass tiles can help to create an illusion of space and they're easy to maintain. I suggest mixing water and vinegar and wiping them with a damp cloth with this mixture to keep them in pristine condition on your walls.
Creative tile patterns and colour combinations this Christmas

Our Original Style Odyssey Mezzo Nocturne Ceramic Tiles have transformed what would have been a blank wall
Once you've chosen your preferred tile material, you'll also need to take your tile pattern and colour combination into account. After all, these choices will be the ones, which help you to create a statement on your kitchen walls. This Christmas is the perfect time to add a festive touch, which will last, so why not consider more imaginative tile patterns? I also think vibrant colour combinations will make your walls pop. When it comes to tile patterns, here are some of my favourite options:
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Classic subway tiles
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Mosaic tiles
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Herringbone pattern
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Mixing and matching tiles
Each of these patterns can instantly make a statement on your kitchen walls with visual interest and whichever ever one you choose will help you to add a personal touch. Whether you’re looking for a timeless classic or a bold statement, there’s a style available that’s perfect for your kitchen. So check out these four tile patterns in detail below so you can consider integrating them into your kitchen design this Christmas and beyond.
Classic subway tiles
Classic subway tiles have been in demand in kitchen design for such a long time, and I think it’s easy to see why. These tiles create a timeless, clean finish, which makes them perfect for a contemporary or traditional kitchen. Subway tiles tend to come in a typical size of three by six inches - basically they tend to be tiles that are twice as long as their width.
Despite featuring a simple design, you can use subway tiles in so many ways to create a unique kitchen design. Here are some of my favourite ideas:
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Extend them from the kitchen to your pantry for a seamless finish
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Place them behind open shelves or around cabinets
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Use them on a wall halfway up and paint the other half
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Lay them horizontally to create a design in a symmetrical grid
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Switch up the pattern to achieve something more creative
With the variety of colours and finishes available, classic subway tiles come with endless possibilities.
Herringbone pattern
If you’re looking for a tile pattern that adds texture to your kitchen walls, then the herringbone pattern could be for you. This timeless classic looks beautiful and is characterised by its beautiful V-shaped arrangement, which will add a striking touch to any elegant room.
Laying tiles in a herringbone pattern may seem difficult, but it's all about using expertise and precision to create a dynamic, eye-catching design. We suggest you use a professional tile installer so you can achieve the best finish. Once you've decided to pick a herringbone pattern, your next decision will be to choose the right tile size. These are the most popular sizes, which are renowned for working well with this particular design:
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3” x 6”
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4” x 8”
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5” x 10”
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6” x 12”
So, why not give your kitchen walls a stylish twist with the herringbone pattern?
Mosaic tiles
Mosaic tiles are small pieces of tile that are arranged to create a larger design. They come in a variety of materials, including:
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glass
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ceramic
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porcelain
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natural stone
This makes them incredibly versatile for kitchen wall designs. Mosaic tiles are especially great for creating focal points or accent walls in your kitchen.
Adding a stunning mosaic tile pattern to your kitchen may seem daunting, but with a bit of creativity, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s how to do it:
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Start by preparing the tiles, cutting them into desired shapes and sizes
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Lay out the tiles on the wall to create your desired pattern
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Use adhesive to securely attach the tiles to the wall
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Use grout to fill in the gaps between the tiles
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Voila! You’ve created a beautiful mosaic tile pattern
Mixing and matching tiles
Mixing and matching tiles in your kitchen can create a one-of-a-kind design that truly reflects your personal style. Imagine this - a unique kitchen wall, which you have created with a combination of materials, colours and patterns. This is a great way for you to express your creativity and this method of decorating enables you to make a personal statement in your kitchen.
Kitchen wall decor can easily be achieved with tiles whether you're planning a gallery or you want to add them in the form of kitchen wall art. Either way, you can find the right solution to enhance your home.
When mixing and matching tiles, you need to put in some planning. Consider how different tiles you choose will work together in order to create a cohesive look. Experimentation is good so don't be afraid to try different combinations before you lay them to see what will look particularly good in your kitchen.
Tying in tile colours with the rest of your kitchen this Christmas

Our Ca' Pietra Pottery Porcelain Kale Green Square Tiles pick out the green in the colour of this kitchen cabinetry
Once you’ve chosen your tile material and pattern, the next step is to consider the colour of your tiles. You can imagine, this can impact the overall look and feel in your kitchen. So how do you ensure the tile colour works with the rest of your kitchen? I will discuss three different approaches that I suggest to clients if you want to add tile colours into your kitchen design - complementary colours, accent colours and neutral tones.
Each of these methods can help to create harmony in your kitchen if you're looking for a more balanced look. So, the colour of your tiles will then blend seamlessly with all of your kitchen decor.
Complementary colours
Complementary colours are pairs on the colour wheel. If you combine these in your kitchen design, you can create a vibrant look whether you tie these colours in with your appliances or accessories. For example, blue and orange, red and green or yellow and purple are all pairs of complementary colours that can provide pops of colour in a kitchen.
When selecting complementary tile colours for your kitchen walls, consider matching them to your kitchen’s overall theme. Alternatively, opt for colours that work together harmoniously, such as shades of green or blue. By pairing complementary ones, you can achieve a balanced and visually appealing look in your kitchen design.
Accent colours
Accent colours are vibrant hues which will create distinctive flair and can add visual interest to your kitchen. They can be used to draw attention to specific features or areas in your kitchen, such as a backsplash, an accent wall or an island. If you feature accent colours in your kitchen tile design, this can set your kitchen apart from a standard one.
Balancing accent colours with neutral tones is a great way to ensure that your kitchen doesn’t become too overwhelming or busy. By choosing a neutral palette for your kitchen and adding pops of accent colours, you can create a balanced and stylish look that is sure to impress.
Neutral tones
Neutral tones create a versatile backdrop in a kitchen. Think grey, white and beige which will enable you to update your kitchen decor easily. So, you wont have to renovate your entire heart of the home. I also find neutral tones are good if you want to create a more welcoming, spacious feel.
When cleaning kitchen tiles, such as these, it's easy to do with a damp cloth dipped in a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water.
So, if you’re planning a versatile, timeless look for your kitchen walls, consider choosing neutral tones for your tiles. You could also use chalkboard paint halfway up to decorate blank walls, which would help you to incorporate natural elements into your design.
Seamless open-plan kitchen design with tiles for Christmas
Open-plan kitchen design continues to be popular, especially for those who love entertaining. So, with Christmas around the corner, you'll be looking for a more welcoming environment. You can achieve a seamless open-plan kitchen design with tiles in the different ways. Either co-ordinate colours and materials, establish focal points or consider continuous tile patterns.
Each method above can help you to create different zones within your open-plan kitchen, adding visual interest and a level of functionality.
Continuous tile patterns
If you decide to use continuous tile patterns, these can provide a great way to connect different areas of your kitchen visually. Simply using the same tile pattern throughout your kitchen can help to create unity and a seamless flow. This not only enhances the aesthetics in your kitchen but it should feel well-balanced and more cohesive.
If you want to create a continuous pattern, which appeals to you, selecting the appropriate tile material will be important. I recommend porcelain or ceramic tiles for this - you'll find they'll stand the test of time and the come in all sorts of designs. So, consider these tiles in your open-plan kitchen design, if you want to impress.
Matching colours and materials
Why not consider matching materials with colours in your kitchen. I find this is another great way if you want to create seamless open-plan kitchen design. Picking tiles that complement the rest of your kitchen decor, will help you to create a subtle transition between the different areas within your kitchen. This not only enhances the aesthetics but also makes it feel well-balanced and more cohesive.
Selecting the ideal tile material and colour require some consideration and in-depth planning. It’s vital to choose materials and colours that complement your kitchen decor. However, you'll also want to express your personal style and taste so don't just stick to trends and think carefully about what you really like. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations to find the one that suits you best.
Creating focal points
Our Ca' Pietra Dyrham dairy Ceramic Oak Leaf Corners are hand-painted for an exquisite finish
You can create focal points with tiles if you're looking for a good way to define different zones within your open-plan kitchen. If you draw attention to specific features or areas in your kitchen, such as a kitchen island or a backsplash, you can add visual interest and functionality to your space.
There are a variety of ways to create focal points with tiles. For example, you can use bold-coloured tiles to draw attention to a specific area, or you can use patterned tiles to create a unique design. Regardless of the method you choose, creating focal points with tiles can enhance the overall look in your kitchen.
DIY kitchen wall tile projects for Christmas
You could consider a DIY kitchen wall tile project during your Christmas break. You'll need some patience and the right tools! Then you can transform your kitchen walls with distinctive, personalised designs which will reflect your own taste and style. DIY projects, like creating your own wall art with tiles, are an excellent method to add a personal touch into your home. It's all about making your space your own and enhancing your wall decor.
If you're wondering which type of tile is right for your DIY project, here are some options to consider:
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Porcelain and ceramic tiles: These are great for beginners, as they are durable and easy to work with
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Manmade tiles: These can offer a unique and modern look to your project
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Patterned tiles: If you want to add some excitement and personality to your space, consider these
And don’t forget to check you've got all the necessary tools and materials before you start your project or simply call in a professional to help you.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your tile patterns and colour combinations. After all, a DIY project should enable you to create something that reflects your personal style and taste. So, whether you’re an experienced DIY-er or a beginner, why not consider trying out a DIY kitchen wall tile project this Christmas?
Kitchen wall decor ideas this Christmas
Decorating your walls with tiles is a fantastic way to add a festive touch to your home this Christmas. Whether you choose porcelain, ceramic, encaustic or glass tiles, you're bound to find a tile type that’s perfect for your kitchen.
Creative colour combos and tile patterns can lift your kitchen to new decorative heights. And with a bit of planning and creativity, you can create a seamless open-plan kitchen design with tiles that are both stylish and functional. So, give your kitchen walls a makeover this Christmas. With the right tiles, you can transform your kitchen into a stylish space that you’ll love to spend time in all year round.
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