Bathroom renovation using subway wall tiles

A bathroom renovation using subway wall tiles can insert itself seamlessly into the home,  whilst providing balance to your established design theme. The design of a beautiful bathroom begins with the tiles, as it sets the mood. Subway tiles have been reinvented to provide a broad range, as well as an on-trend concept.

Underground evolution

Early in the 1900’s,  the subway tile concept was born for use in America’s subway tunnels and

platforms. Ease of cleaning was unsurprisingly the primary consideration. This factor lead to a tile with slightly rounded edges. The tiles surface was protected with the use of a glass tile with glaze on the reverse side.

Design theory

Existing building

A design that is sympathetic to the existing building is the most straightforward to achieve.

For example, a federation semi in Manly with original themed internal architecture is suited to gloss white brick bond subway tile. If the internals have been tastefully modernised, a 300 X 100 white ceramic, laid in brick bond would work well.

A striking contemporary cliff top home at Clontarf would perhaps suit itself to honed Thassos marble in 600 X 150, with a honed black granite contrast.

Mood

The mood of a design has an immediate conscious, and lasting subconscious effect. Your tiles can evoke feelings of adventure, power, safety, peace and play, to name a few. Emotion doesn’t translate into images, so consider other rooms in your home and how they make you feel. Adventure out to restaurants, bars, hotels, cafes and friends houses to see how those bathrooms make an impact upon you.

Composition

The surface finish of your tiles will have a considerable influence on the mood of your bathroom. The composition of your tiles will also affect ease of cleaning, cost of product and cost of tiler’s labour. Glass, ceramic, porcelain and natural stone are available in a variety of finishes and colours.

Laying patterns

Tiles can be laid in many patterns, resulting in options for textural interest and variety.

Numerous pattern variations have colloquially taken on the term subway.

• Herringbone
• Vertical brick bond
• One third bond

Practical considerations

When deciding upon your design theme, it’s a good idea to consider the practicalities.