How about tackling one last indoor project before we make the shift to the garden and all things outdoors? Perhaps installing white subway tile? We put it in our bathroom and are so enamored that now we want it as our kitchen backsplash too. Here’s why.
A Brief History…
In the 1900’s, subway tile made its debut in New York Cities subterranean train stations. They’ve sure stood the test of time because over 100 years later, they are still in vogue. Iconic, subway tile continues to gleam in our kitchens and baths because of their practicality and beauty. And if they are still standing in NYC train stations today, they will last many years in our own homes.
In the 1900’s, subway tile made its debut in New York Cities subterranean train stations. They’ve sure stood the test of time because over 100 years later, they are still in vogue. Iconic, subway tile continues to gleam in our kitchens and baths because of their practicality and beauty. And if they are still standing in NYC train stations today, they will last many years in our own homes.
Why install white subway tile in particular?
- It’s classic & clean cut
- Its timeless appeal means you won’t have to remodel for many years to come…if ever.
- White is synonymous with sanitation. And the two places you want to “feel” most sanitary and clean are the kitchen and the bath.
- It’s stain & dirt resistant
- Incredibly easy to clean, all you need is a Magic Eraser and it looks brand new.
- It’s inexpensive but looks high end when paired with glass tile. {You’ll pay only about $1-$3 a square foot depending on the brand you buy}
- Durability ~ You won’t have to replace anytime soon.
- Versatility ~ It goes with any style of home, any style of decor.
- White reflects light. I like bright bathrooms and kitchens. How about you?
But do you know what I really love about subway tile? It doesn’t matter if your house is old or new, modern, shabby chic, rustic, arts & crafts, vintage, state-of-the-art…you name it; subway tile can match any style and attitude. It will always look good.
Like that “little black dress” or favorite pair of jeans, subway tile can be dressed up or down depending on taste. Mix with colored tile, tile of various sizes or even go diagonal to add dimension and interest.
We don’t like to remodel. We don’t like projects. They’re expensive, time consuming and the setbacks can be frustrating. Remodeling disrupts your life on every level making a real mess of your house. What’s my point? Use your long-term vision to make good, solid decisions when doing a project and choose colors and patterns that will ever inspire. In the future you’ll be less likely to need or want to remodel.
How we used subway tile in our bathroom…
- We installed white subway tile halfway up the bottom half of the wall around the perimeter of the bathroom. No need to paint, just clean once in a while with a Magic Eraser.
- This included installing tile behind the toilet, a place that tends to get kind of gross and icky if left just painted. So easy to clean, the bathroom always looks fresh with the tile in place.
- We also put it on the ceiling above our tub. We love this not only because how it looks, but it functions better. Before, the paint kept peeling off and the ceiling molded. Both problems are now non-existent with the ceiling tile.
Case in point. When we were doing our bathroom, I really wanted to put in a yellow tub and toilet. Even now, the idea does seem ridiculous, but at the time, I was convinced. Tom was dead set against the idea. He said that when the toilet needed to be replaced, it would be very unlikely we’d be able to find another to match the tub exactly. Going with a more classic light gray satisfied my cravings for color without making a choice that within a short time frame would date itself. You’ve seen those bathrooms that scream they are from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. No one wants that.
What color should we now paint our bathroom?
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