Whether you're planning a full-on renovation or just want to freshen up your space, modern kitchen tiling can completely transform your cooking area – and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Once seen primarily as a practical element to protect walls from splashes and spills, kitchen wall tile ideas now go beyond functionality and offer a fun way to experiment with style. From vibrant mosaic patterns to multi-tonal designs, there are so many ways to get creative with your design.
Look no further if you're searching for modern kitchen tiling inspiration. Below, we've curated a list of 12 ideas that will look beautiful in your home, along with expert advice from interior designers and tiling pros on how to make them happen.
1. Put the spotlight on your modern kitchen tiling
Once you've installed your modern kitchen tiling, why not give it the attention it deserves with some fitted spotlights? In the photo above, two brass-finish lights have been placed at the top of the alcove, making the crisp white tiling pop against the teal-blue cabinets.
While this idea looks great with any type of finish, it works particularly well with high-shine tiles like ceramic or porcelain, or with iridescent styles that the light will bounce off beautifully.
Aside from aesthetics, spotlights come in handy when you're preparing food on your countertops – especially if your kitchen tends to get dark during the winter evenings. To ensure you choose the most energy-efficient and powerful option, we've created a list of the best LED bulbs, all tried and tested by our team.
2. Install a backsplash accent that complements your oven
Turn your cooking area into a focal point by creating a splashback accent wall that coordinates with a colourful oven, as seen in the photo above. Whether you opt for an intricate mosaic or a simple design, choose a matching shade to achieve cohesion and flow.
To ensure a long-lasting design, avoid tiling with natural materials such as marble, which are highly porous and can stain easily. Instead, choose a heat- and moisture-resistant option like porcelain or ceramic, which can withstand high temperatures and can be wiped clean.
Before you tile this kitchen wall, make sure you buy a heat-resistant adhesive to prevent them falling off later down the line. You should also choose an epoxy grout, which is non-porous, waterproof, and won’t stain.
Get a long-lasting finish with these shopping picks
Suitable for ceramic, porcelain and stone, this adhesive can withstand up to 250°C.
Waterproof and chemical-resistant, this expoxy grout is recommended for kitchen use.
This silicone sealant is easy to use, water-proof, and will protect against mould.
3. Tile with terrazzo
If you're looking for an easy way to liven up your kitchen design, terrazzo tiling is a great option. This material is like a burst of confetti and can help enhance your cabinetry colour scheme if you choose tiles with complementary shades.
If you're working with a tighter budget and don't want to invest in the real deal, you can buy faux terrazzo that gives a similar effect at a fraction of the cost. This budget-friendly alternative is also easier to install, and in most cases, you won't need to worry about sealing it.
Isabel Fernandez, director of Quorn Stone, says, “Terrazzo has been refreshed with softer palettes and more refined patterns, giving it a contemporary feel while still celebrating its heritage. Modern porcelain versions offer all the character of traditional terrazzo with the ease of low maintenance, making it a lovely choice for homeowners.”
Isabel Fernandez, Director at Quorn Stone, carries a wealth of experience and expertise from sourcing premium tiles globally, to leading the brand’s growth and awareness. With a first-class honour’s degree in Business Management and Marketing, Isabel has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Quorn Stone since she joined in 2016.
4. Add life to your kitchen flooring with a geometric tile design
Kitchen floor tile ideas needn't be boring – why not inject some fun into your design by choosing a geometric print, as shown in the photo above? You'll score bonus points for matching the patterned tiles to your cabinets.
Isabel Fernandez says, “Geometric floors can completely transform a room, adding structure and a sense of direction. In modern kitchens, they help define zones and introduce character, whether you choose a bold chequerboard or a softer, more subdued pattern.”
When it comes to tiling a floor, don't forget to double-check the slip resistance and avoid shiny finishes, such as glazed or polishes, that can be hazardous. Porcelain is a popular flooring choice, thanks to its durability and strength.
5. Explore alternative shapes for modern kitchen tiling
Bored of the same old squares? You could try a finger tile – also known as a Kit Kat tile due to its long, narrow rectangular shape, which resembles the popular chocolate bar.
If the idea of laying these tiles individually fills you with dread, you'll be pleased to hear that they typically come pre-mounted on a mesh backing that makes installation much easier than placing them one by one.
Isabel Fernandez says, “Kit Kat tiles bring subtle texture and interest without overwhelming the space. Their slim, linear shape feels contemporary yet understated, adding detail to kitchen splashback ideas and feature areas in a really effortless way.”
6. Match your grout with your cabinets
This modern kitchen tiling idea is for the colour enthusiasts out there. Ditch the boring white grout and replace it with a colourful shade that coordinates with your cabinetry, as seen in this salmon pink kitchen by Walls and Floors.
María D Arráez, Director of Tile of Spain UK, says, “Matching grout to cabinetry may seem like a small detail, but it has a huge impact. When the grout blends with the cabinets, it creates a seamless surface that visually extends the tiles and cabinetry together, resulting in a clean, continuous look.
"This subtle approach allows the tiles’ colour and texture to shine without harsh lines breaking the flow, giving the kitchen a more polished, harmonious and considered finish – which is especially important in modern interiors where simplicity and cohesion are key.”
Our guide to grouting tiles has lots of tips on how to achieve a seamless finish.
María Dolores Arraez is the Head of Tile of Spain at the Spanish Embassy's Commercial Office in London. She is responsible for the promotion of the Spanish ceramic tile industry in the UK and supports the Tile of Spain members in their export strategies to the UK.
7. Create a luxurious look with marble kitchen tiles
Marble tiling is a simple way to add luxury and glamour to a modern kitchen, and it is available in a range of colours to complement your design.
However, just like most beautiful things, this natural stone can be high-maintenance to keep pristine, and is prone to scratching and staining. While it's possible to remove imperfections using a poultice and re-polishing, you might want to consider a marble-effect tile if you can't be bothered with the upkeep.
Abbas Youssefi, Managing Director of Porcelain Superstoresays, "Porcelain marble-effects tile are incredibly convincing and ideal for busy homes. Whatever you choose, pick a tone that suits your light and always order samples – marble, real or porcelain, can look very different once installed."
Costing a fraction of the price of marble, these porcelain tiles mimic the natural veining of the real thing and come in a warm, natural colour.
These marble-inspired tiles are made from high-quality porcelain and can be used on your walls or floors.
With a white base and grey veining, these porcelain tiles will transform any kitchen into a modern space.
Abbas Youssefi is the Managing Director of Porcelain Superstore, which offers a range of stylish floor and wall tiles.
8. Keep your kitchen crisp and clean with bright white tiles
Your kitchen should feel fresh and clean, and there's no better way to achieve this than by incorporating crisp white tiles into your design. You might associate white with being bland or overly clinical, but you can counter this by pairing it with a subtle pop of colour on your walls, cabinets, or accessories.
With Cloud Dancer selected as Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2026, white kitchens are set to be huge this year – and this modern kitchen tiling idea is just one way to experiment with the growing kitchen trend.
In the photo above, the glossy tiles pair perfectly with the pastel pink alcove feature, while the white vase and bowls help tie it back.
9. Experiment with hexagon tiling
As we’ve mentioned before, modern kitchen tiling doesn’t need to be bland or boring, and this hexagon design is an interesting way to experiment with shapes and textures – especially if you plan on keeping the rest of your design quite simple.
Choose a contrasting grout colour to emphasise the unique shape, or pick a matching shade if you want to keep things low-key. Since they might be a little trickier to install, it’s worth dry-laying them beforehand to get an idea of the layout and avoid uneven cuts.
Abbas Youssefi says, “Hexagon tiles have real heritage – they appeared in Victorian and mid-century homes long before they became fashionable. To keep them timeless, stick to classic tones like whites, greys or soft marble patterns and let the shape take the lead. Pair them with simple grout and natural textures so the room feels calm rather than graphic or busy.”
10. Make Mother Nature your muse with natural colours and textures
If in doubt about the perfect colour scheme, turn to the great outdoors for natural inspiration, pairing shades of green with organic textures. Sage green kitchens were one of the biggest paint trends of 2025, and we have no doubt that this timeless shade will stick around for many years to come.
María D Arráez says, “Green tiles create a beautiful dialogue with natural timber or rattan cabinetry. The earthy undertones of wood complement green hues, creating a warm, organic look. In a modern kitchen, this combination balances sleek lines and minimal hardware with a sense of depth and colour, making the space feel both stylish and inviting.
“Whether you choose soft sage or deeper forest tones, green adds richness without overwhelming, and connects the interior to natural textures and materials.”
11. Go multi-tonal with your modern kitchen tiling
Why pick one colour when you can have three? Add a lively touch to your kitchen by choosing a multi-tonal design, layering different shades of a base colour to create depth and interest in your tiling scheme.
Isabel Fernandez says, “Tonal designs create a calm, cohesive look that suits modern kitchens beautifully. Working with similar shades keeps the space feeling clean and uncluttered, while allowing natural textures and materials to shine.”
Create added dimension by combining different textures, such as matt and glossy finishes or contrasting materials. In the photo above, the homeowner has chosen a palette that ties in with the purple wall paint, keeping the design cohesive.
12. Create a tiled feature wall in your kitchen
Make your kitchen design unforgettable by creating a mosaic feature wall as the room’s focal point. To help the look feel cohesive rather than busy, make sure you carry a similar shade from the tiles through to your cabinets, worktops, and furniture.
Abbas Youssefi says, "When tiles and worktops share similar tones, the space feels calmer and more cohesive, with fewer visual breaks. That continuity makes kitchens and bathrooms feel larger and more high-end, even if the match is subtle rather than exact."
This is a simple way to breathe life into your cabinets and add interest, texture, and movement to the space. You could also consider installing under-shelf kitchen lighting ideas to give this accent the attention it deserves.
Whether you're looking to inject colour and personality through your modern kitchen tiling or prefer to keep things fresh and minimalistic, there are so many designs to play around with.
Looking for more inspiration? You might also want to check out these practical kitchen layout ideas or these beautiful blue kitchen ideas.
