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Mix Styles and Patterns with Porcelain Tile Kitchen Floors

If you're renovating your kitchen, one of the most impactful design choices you can make is your flooring. Porcelain tile floors are a popular option because they are durable, easy to clean, and come in a diverse array of colors, shapes, sizes and patterns. By thoughtfully mixing porcelain tile styles and patterns, you can create a stunning, one-of-a-kind kitchen floor that expresses your personal taste.

Read on for ideas and inspiration!

Why Choose Porcelain Tile for Kitchen Floors

Porcelain tile has many advantages that make it an excellent choice for high-traffic kitchen floors:

porcelain tile kitchen flooring ideas

These beneficial properties allow porcelain tile to stand up beautifully to the demands of a kitchen. Porcelain offers design flexibility not found in other flooring materials like wood, laminate or vinyl.

Popular Porcelain Tile Patterns

One of the biggest advantages of porcelain tile is the multitude of patterns available. Interesting tile patterns make a floor anything but boring. Here are some of the most popular options for kitchens:

Herringbone

The classic herringbone pattern has tiles oriented in an angled zigzag design resembling fish bones. Herringbone floors make a statement with their striking geometry. The pattern lends visual momentum and guides the eye across the floor. Herringbone works especially well in elongated kitchens to draw the eye down the length of the room. It pairs nicely with both modern and traditional styles.

Basketweave

Basketweave patterns use alternating rows of rectangular tiles oriented perpendicular to each other, resembling woven strips of wood. The resulting grid-like pattern has a simple elegance. Basketweave works well in kitchens with clean, minimalist lines. Adjusting the color and orientation of the “weave” allows for endless variations.

Brick

Brick patterns use rectangular tiles laid in offset horizontal rows like bricks in a wall. This layout has a classic, tailored look. Brick patterns work well in kitchens with traditional or cottage design elements. For variation, alternating rows can use different tile sizes, colors or textures.

Diagonal

Laying tile on the diagonal creates visual interest through strong directional lines. The angle makes the space appear larger and rooms seem less boxy. Diagonal patterns work especially well in small kitchens. Tiles can run all one direction or alternate back and forth for more diversity.

Mixing Tile Shapes

Beyond basic squares and rectangles, porcelain tile comes in a myriad of shapes. Combining tile forms creates patterns and textures that make the flooring itself a work of art. Here are some ideas for mixing tile shapes:

Mixing Tile Sizes

Varying porcelain tile sizes constructs more complex patterns and adds layers of detail on the floor. Here are some tips for blending tile sizes:

Mixing Tile Finishes

Porcelain tile comes in a range of surface finishes, from ultra-glossy to matte and textured. Combining finishes adds visual depth and sophistication. Some ideas include:

Mixing Tile Colors

Blending porcelain tile colors creates vibrancy or tranquility. Some tips for coordinating colors include:

Layout Considerations

How porcelain tile is oriented and positioned also impacts the overall aesthetic. Here are some key layout decisions:

Grid vs. Diagonal

The most basic option is a straight grid with all tiles aligned and tiles abutted. This creates a uniform, tailored look. Laying tiles on a diagonal instead angled at 45 degrees creates a more dynamic pattern with strong directional lines.

Tile Orientation

Tiles can have all their orientation marks laid in the same direction for orderly uniformity. Mixing up tile orientation creates more diversity and visual motion.

Grout Selection

Grout is the material between tiles. Though small, grout choices significantly impact the floor’s look. Considerations include:

Achieving a Cohesive Look

To prevent a hodgepodge effect when combining different tiles, porcelain patterns must tie together. Some strategies include:

If you need inspiration for blending porcelain tile designs, look at photos of patterned tile installations. Notice how colors, shapes, and layouts work together to create cohesive floors. Some stunning examples include:

With so many options for mixing porcelain tile styles, you're sure to find a combination that brings your unique kitchen vision to life. Durable, easy-care porcelain tile allows you to indulge your creativity without sacrificing function. Turn your kitchen floor into a work of art by thoughtfully blending colors, patterns, textures and layouts. The possibilities for creating stunning, one-of-a-kind floors are practically endless!