How an expansive hex tile kitchen suggests mid-century design updated.
Hexagonal, or six-sided tile is called hex for short and, traditionally, it’s been consigned to bathrooms. Popular during the 1950s and ’60s, it still can be found in shades of pink or aqua (often combined with black) in older houses. Currently, it’s one of the shapes – in addition to lanterns, diamonds and mosaic blends — that are starting to nudge subway tiles off the kitchen trend radar. I see a hex tile kitchen as a positive change. I’ve made no secret of my opinion that kitchen tile should be selected early on in the design process. It can be an expensive component it shouldn’t be an afterthought — it deserves the same consideration as cabinets and appliances. Hexagonal field tile, with a variegated glossy glaze, creates a glitzy backdrop for a bar wall with open shelving and under-counter refrigeration on one wall of a large suburban New Jersey kitchen [top].
The tile color, Outer Galaxy, is a glossy green-blue blend with a lot of variation from Trikeenan Basics. It marries well with the dark stain on the quarter-sawn oak cabinets and manages to live in harmony with the Parefeuille Peach antique terracotta floor pavers as well.
However, there’s a split personality in this kitchen. Perhaps the owners disagreed on which style they wanted so two very different sensibilities – mid-century and rustic farmhouse – each occupy a different side of the room. That partially explains a piece of white-painted molding installed on one side of the door to “end” the glam hex-tile wall. But look closely at that door beyond the dining table. The space above it is painted with a color that continues above a high wainscot of a completely different tile: off-white small-scale Ann Sacks Elements subways. I don’t often criticize kitchen designs but what make sense to me is to use the hex tiles on the whole wall. It’s a great look — let the statement be a statement!
If that were not enough, the working area of this kitchen — just across the room — has such a different look I would not believe it was in the same house if I hadn’t seen all the photos. I prefer the hex tile look as it allows the most distinctive design element to rule.
(Source: House Beautiful)
For more about kitchen tile, see Pattern on the Backsplash and 4 Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas
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2 beautiful looks, but maybe not together. I love that Trikeenan tile. But “Trikeenan” attached to a tile often means I’ll like it!
Mostly, you might know I fully agree with your statement, “…kitchen tile too often gets short shrift. I feel it should be selected early on in the design process and even though it can be an expensive component it deserves the same consideration as cabinets and appliances.”
I am a big proponent of figuring out all the elements together, as it’s a grand balancing act, and not ‘leaving tile until after everything else is up.’ If it is expensive tile, all the more reason to plan WITH it early on. My tiles were a major part of what created the atmosphere I wanted in my kitchen.