With the rise of retro design, we’ve been spotting this ‘it’ kitchen feature going through a bit of a reinvention. From the tabletop down to its sides, we investigate the pros and cons of this trending look…
Statement kitchen islands dressed in striking tiles, from top to bottom, is the latest design idea to catch my attention. Oozing a nostalgic feel, they bring colour, texture, and character to a space, and thanks to the variety of slab offerings on the market, you can truly achieve any look you desire, from a café-inspired, 1970s style, to cottagecore chic.
But as much as I adore the way they look aesthetically, I can’t help but wonder how practical they actually are. (I know you’re now picturing all the extra grout lines that need regular care and attention.) So, I reached out to my industry contacts to find out what you need to know about this feature before taking the plunge.
“A tiled island has a great ability to feel bold yet timeless,” says Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May, who has always loved this idea. “Using patterns like our Dulce Arch and Dulce Pyramid tiles blends geometrics with a soft, playful presence that turns a piece of furniture into a work of art, full of texture and colour.”
However, there is a debate about this feature’s practicality in such a high-traffic space, and not everyone is a fan (including our editor, Georgina – sorry, boss!). “As a trend, I can see why people are attracted to the look of tiled islands; they have a playful feel, adding a touch of colour and uniqueness to a kitchen design,” says Graham Robinson, head of design at Halcyon. “But we wouldn’t recommend them, mainly due to practical and hygiene reasons. We encourage homeowners to opt for a neat, easy-to-clean work surface; one that is smooth and eliminates the need for joints where dirt and bacteria can linger.”
Think about your kitchen island’s purpose
With these concerns in mind, I’ve found that, if done right, there are ways to have a tiled kitchen island – but it depends on your unit’s purpose. For example, will the work surface be used as a preparation area or is it meant purely for aesthetic purposes?
For the former, opt for non-porous, easy-to-clean slabs that are also suitable for contact with food, advises Louisa Alice, creative director at Mosaic Factory. But if you plan on cooking and baking in a different zone of the kitchen, you can get more creative with your tiled island. “For many, the island offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the beauty of tiles without the same level of practical considerations a worktop may require,” says Louisa.
Jamie Robb, owner of Marlborough Tiles, agrees, adding, “When planning your design, think carefully about how the island will be used as this will influence decisions such as grout colour, tile finish, and edge treatments.”
If you are concerned about hygiene, you can get the best of both worlds by pairing a classic worktop with a bold tiled base. “Matching the tiles on the island fronts to those on the splashback creates a sense of cohesion, while contrasting designs can make a real statement,” explains Louisa. So, how can you get this look?
Get the look
Lee suggests carefully measuring the surface to ensure the tiles perfectly line up on the island. “With patterned tiles, this approach is especially important. It helps create a balanced, symmetrical layout on the island and avoids the need to cut the tiles, which would disrupt the flow and geometric effect,” he says.
You can also use edging pieces, adds Jamie, such as a quarter-round tile, which will help create a smooth finish and prevent sharp corners or chipping. “Always test your layout before setting by dry-laying the tiles to visualise the pattern and minimise awkward cuts,” he continues.
And as Lee points out, while a tiled kitchen island can help you achieve visual impact, it is a larger commitment than a tiled splashback, for example, “so think of it as a long-term design piece, and make sure you love the tiles before installing”. After all, they will need to stand the test of time.
Maintenance
Now, the question you’ve probably been wondering all along: is maintenance a hassle or is it manageable?
It certainly is not as effortless as wiping up spills and stains with a cloth, like you would do with a regular work surface; you need to be a bit more attentive with a tiled top.
“To preserve your tiled island’s appearance, apply a high-quality penetrating sealer annually to protect against stains, and clean up spills promptly (acidic foods can etch grout if left too long),” explains Jamie. “Medium to dark-coloured grout will better conceal stains, and choosing epoxy grout can offer superior stain resistance and lower porosity compared to cement grout. Finally, avoid abrasive scrubbers when cleaning, as they can scratch glazed tile surfaces.”
Ultimately, tiling your island will get you a beautiful, characterful design – hopefully worth the extra tender loving care.
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