Five ways to use a metro tile in your home

Vertically Or Horizontally Stacked

Staying true to the look of the subway tile but in a modern way, a horizontally stacked pattern is an updated take on the traditional staggered brick bond design – but one which still remains authentic to the origins of the look. A vertical stacked design is also easy to lay out, and suits a range of interiors – plus, it feels a little more unexpected than a horizontal stack.

Contrasting Grouting

Dark grouting has become a design statement in its own right – although beware, it isn’t forgiving unless your tiling technique is perfect. “If you want a darker grout, use your wall colour to determine the shade you use,” says Christian. “Generally, the darker the walls adjacent to the tiles, the darker grout you can use.”

Contrast Banding ,STUDIO MCGEE

Splashback ,BERT & MAY

Herringbone ,HOUSE CURIOUS

Herringbone

Perhaps one of the most complex tile layouts to tackle, herringbone is a popular style which looks great in white, but can really pop when done in a colourful, glossy finish. This just about works with a traditional size metro tile, but you may find a longer design is best- suited.

Studio McGee livened up this traditional brick bond design with a contrasting band in a different colour and finish. The satisfyingly mathematical, orderly characteristics of the authentic subway layout are emphasises through adding a handmade, rough-hewn artisan style beneath.

As A Splashback

The ultimate interesting splashback has to be a herringbone design. We love the zig-zag finish for a quirky, unusual line in a kitchen, where strong linear shapes dominate.