Metro Tile Inspiration And Layout Pattern Ideas
Sponsored Content: This blog post is a collaboration with Casalgrande Padana. As usual, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
While tile shapes and designs are now wide and varied (hex, cross, diamond, fish-scale and arrow are all options) it is the humble metro brickwork tile that consistently remains popular and is never off-trend. Metro tiles are established as an interior design classic, which makes them a great choice to use in the home. There are many reasons as to why metro tiles prevail, but the most noteworthy is their versatility. The clean rectangular shape allows for many laying patterns and arrangements, which means they can be reinvented with each new design scheme. The application of multiple colours, different textures and effects can also be applied to the simple metro outline.
Nuances Cameo Lux arranged in a herringbone pattern behind the sink and in the alcove zone each space as a focal point in this pretty bathroom. Floor tiles are Cementina Multicolor Grigia, also by Casalgrande Padana.
In collaboration with the Italian tile brand Casalgrande Padana, I will be looking at their three different 8.2x25 cm metro tile groupings (Nuances, Petra and Muretto, combined together to create the collection ‘Brickworks’) to show you some inspirational ways that you can lay and use their long-lasting, non-absorbent, inert, and fire-resistant porcelain metro tiles, both inside and out of the home.
‘Nuances Petunia Nera Lux’ - applied in a vertical offset - provides wall protection in this kitchenette, while complementing and coordinating with the deep black/blue of the base units.
stack them for a modern design scheme
Herringbone was the metro tile laying pattern du jour for some time, yet vertically stacked is currently the most sought after style - a knock on effect from the desirable popularity of the defined lines of fluted, ribbed and reeded furniture design. Vertically stacked tiles give great stature to a room, as the eye is drawn upwards following the channels of the metro.
I absolutely love the tile design scheme in this modern bathroom. On the bottom half of the room, ‘Nuances Petunia Nera Satin’ has been used to create a contrast and define the white bathtub, while on top, ‘Nuances Neve Lux’ keeps the room feeling bright and airy as the white glossy finish bounces light around the space from the window.
You can combine colours when stacking, or use block colours for a striking impact. Darker tones look great below eye-level as they add drama and allow other colours to pop out in front of them, while keeping it light on top stops the darker tones from dominating or feeling oppressive. Lighter teal or neutral shades - such as ‘Sherpa’ or ‘Cameo’ from the Casalgrande Padana Nuances collection - can be used in full sections for a modern, contemporary style.
Wall covering in ‘Nuances Sherpa Lux.’
Vertically stacked ‘Nuances Cameo Lux.’
As a natural trend development, I think we will see the progression of the vertically stacked tile to include a bit more detail to the same laying pattern. See below for a forward-thinking, vertically stacked offset pattern, as well as vertically stacked with the inclusion of horizontal arrangements:
Mix Matt & Gloss Finishes
The Nuances Collection from Casalgrande Padana offers eight modern colours, available in a matt satin or a glossy shine version. Matt satin dispenses a modern depth of colour, while the glossy shine bounces light off the coloured surface and highlights the texture of the tile. A compelling way to use Nuances, is to combine both finishes together in an informal mix of laying patterns.
The sporadic addition of ‘Nuances Tundora Lux’ gloss tiles, implanted into the vertically stacked matt satin option, creates visual interest by capturing the light from the nearby balcony. Flooring: ‘Marmosmart Pietrasanta Lucida’.
By combining both matt and gloss in the same colourway, you obtain an interesting design scheme, without the busyness that you would obtain mixing up colours rather than surface finish. The gloss tile captures and embraces natural light, which in turn complements and highlights the deep pigmentation of the matt satin.
‘Nuances Verde Persia Satin’ are mixed with ‘Verde Persia Lux’ to intertwine and provide the perfect backdrop for the blush upholstery in this modern cafe.
Nuances come as both matt and gloss options, in a choice of eight modern colourways.
Zone A Focal Point
Decorative metro tiles are ideal for zoning a focal point area such as fire surround, splashback, or a single wall in a bathroom. Laid vertically stacked, brickwork offset or herringbone, pair them with any of Casalgrande Padana concrete, marble, metal, wood or stone-effect tiles on other surface areas. To enhance the zoning effect, pick metro tiles with a shot of colour, or choose the glossy finish over matt satin to draw the eye.
‘Nuances Verde Persia Satin’ provides a key focal point for the head of this pool. The deep teal colourway dictates the accompanying furnishings and accessories for the rest of the space. Flooring: ‘Petra Perla’.
The fireplace is defined as the focal area in the room with the surround being stacked in ‘Nuances Cameo Lux’. Flooring: ‘Pietre di Sardegna Caprera’.
Create A Natural Accent Wall
If you are looking to add interest and tactility to a wall, Casalgrande Padana’s Muretto collection of brick-effect decorative metro tiles come in delicate shades and natural finishes to create the effect and realistic touch of an unrefined space (without having to resort to unbecoming brick-effect wallpaper). Available in six colour options (Bianco, Calce, Grigio, Lava, Nero, and Mattone), Muretto tiles are incredibly wear-resistant and can even be used outside.
Create a brick-effect wall with Casalgrande Padana’s ‘Muretto Grigio’ metro tile (part of their Brickworks collection), applied in an offset brickwork pattern.
Tone on tone Muretto tiles create a beautiful partition wall in this neutral apartment. Had this wall been left painted plain white, it could have felt like an obtrusive addition to the open-plan space. By tiling it in ‘Muretto Calce’, it instead becomes a desirable feature.
Add Volume And Light To Your Exterior
While metro tiles are often considered in relation for use in a bathroom or kitchen, they can be applied to exterior surfaces to create scale and proportion and complement the natural setting. Casalgrande Padana’s Muretto (brick-effect) or Petra (stone-effect) collections can be used outside, as the technical strength of the porcelain is able to abstain from heavy frosts or high temperatures. When used as facades, the porcelain offers thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as Casalgrande Padana’s Bio Self Cleaning technology.
Casalgrande Padana’s Brickworks collection of porcelain tiles have excellent flexural strength and wear resistance, making them perfect for facades.
Petra’s stone effect is perfect for outside use as it embraces the incomplete lines and sandy veins of real stone, which have charming appeal when designing natural-look courtyards or patio areas. As Petra can be used both inside and out, you can create a continuous and flowing indoor/outdoor scheme that flows from your home into the garden area.
The technical performance of Casalgrande Padana’s porcelain tiles ascertain that they never warp. They are also easy to lay and easy to keep clean. Floor: ‘Petra Sabbia.’ Wall: ‘Petra Sabbia brick effect decorative metro tiles’.
While manmade, Casalgrande Padana’s Brickwork tile collection is produced solely with natural raw materials, free of plastics and harmful substances, making it fully recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Create a cool, light and airy patio area with ‘Nuances Cameo Satin’. Floor: ‘Metropolis Grey.’
For more information on the Brickworks metro tile collection from Casalgrande Padana, including a retail list, please click here to be taken to their website. All imagery used in this article belongs to and is used with the kind permission of Casalgrande Padana.
