Kitchen Islands With Tile – Level-Up Your Cooking Space

Okay, if there is a design feature that most homeowners covet, those ‘Kitchen island’ beauties will always be at the top of that list. But why stick with boring if an easy design fix can amp it up? 

A Kitchen island can be the extra prep zone or place for breakfast on the go, no matter the size of your kitchen or budget. The best way to really make your island shine especially with tiles.

Get ready for some tile-tastic ideas these are going to inspire those design ideas, even if the last time you did tiling involved arts and crafts glue, and glitter.

1. Tiled Kitchen Islands the benefits

let’s discuss some Tiled Kitchen islands with benefits.

Why should You prefer Tiling an Island?

There’s a reason everyone chooses those granite slabs or something equally luxe. But don’t despair, tile choices abound, for every style and every budget from that sleek minimal white and black colour combo or the ‘rainbow madness’ your inner child can get excited for. 

You just have to know what questions to ask at your store or those design centres where staff always follow you, like it’s a clothing boutique where nothing seems priced and there are only a few items for sale (yeah, that retail sales trick. Get on it early by making a plan beforehand.)

Do you think spilt coffee and wine rings only happen in dining areas well, get ready for reality. Your prep work, from getting your veggie ingredients to those dough scraps after creating the perfect pizza? Yeah, all gonna happen near the island.

Unlike some décor ideas, you tried out after getting a discount, only to realize that the same look is now ‘so last year’, tiles can adapt. 

Tiles can fit those minimal budgets – we swear. But remember those fancy options can go super luxe and then you might be living the eat-beans-and-rice lifestyle because it’s important to strike a balance with these upgrade projects. Your entire room shouldn’t suffer if an element in it needs to be amazing. It’s about choices and where to really ‘blow those dollars’.

Tiled surfaces often can create that “Look what I did” energy it makes everything near the island feel fresh (even if the room has been waiting for a full makeover but the budget can’t accommodate).

2. Choosing the Right Tile Type Research Matters.

This decision will depend on your current floor tile or if those wall cabinets will clash.

So many tiles. Let’s Dive In

The tile section of your home improvement store overwhelming isn’t it.? Well, we are gonna throw around those big ones that most of us have seen to make those selection decisions a little bit easier, especially those beginner shoppers.

Everyone knows a kitchen space well those backsplashes that you drool over will most often be this choice of endless varieties (but choose with caution.), but let’s be honest, these are pretty durable too (even if the installation goes awry and there might be mismatched colours.), if done properly these will last the distance. 

Those marble-topped islands that sell at twice the price of a reasonable car), can be yours in tile form. There are slate versions and textured tiles too, and remember those earthy colours?

That selection process can feel like the most fun part here find those combinations that really wow you, and if it goes against what those design blogs preach fantastic you’re being creative.

Remember that arts and crafts mosaic tile from earlier? We are returning to this option. Those mosaics make awesome DIY elements, but we aren’t suggesting going down the hand-cutting your tiles path for a kitchen island. The pre-assembled tiles in repeating patterns will likely suit you best.

1. URCOLOR 10-Sheet Backsplash Tile for Kitchen Peel and Stick

Its a stylish and easy solution to update your décor. These 12″x12″ tiles offer a beautiful marble look, adding a touch of elegance to any space without the hassle of traditional tile installation.

This 10-sheet package provides ample coverage for a variety of projects, making it cost-effective and convenient. Made with eco-friendly materials, these tiles are a sustainable choice for your home.

These backsplash tiles are designed to withstand the demands of your kitchen or bathroom. They are waterproof and heat resistant, protecting your walls from splashes, steam, and the heat of stovetops. With a simple wipe, you can easily remove stains, keeping your backsplash clean and looking its best.

The strong adhesive ensures that these tiles remain securely in place, even on smooth or lightly textured surfaces. This makes them a versatile option for various applications, including kitchen islands, bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms, and more.

No grout, no glue, and no special tools are required for installation. Simply peel and stick, making this a DIY-friendly project for anyone. These tiles are also removable, allowing you to easily change your décor or update your space as needed.

With their beautiful marble look, ease of installation, and durability, the URCOLOR Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles offer a stylish and convenient way to transform your kitchen or bathroom.

3. Making Your Island Sing with Style

Let’s discuss some tips on how on how to make your island look more beautiful.

Matching – That Easy Effort Look

You’ve been drooling over that gorgeous backsplash and wanna showcase the ‘Look at my great colour choice. ’ vibes? Fantastic. We love it when that one feature brings the focus to design detail and gives your space a personality. 

But here’s the key – the tiles gotta coordinate don’t pick two materials that would compete with each other, like that one shirt in your closet you tried really hard to make go together with pants. Keep things consistent for that extra polish and you’ll get rave reviews your style will make them speechless.

Let’s Mix Things Up – Embrace Contrast

Monochrome (using a single colour family and various shades and hues in that tone range you don’t need a design dictionary for those elements play with paints or digital samples to understand what ‘shades or hues of colour families really means’) if those are too much break it up a bit.

Texture Talk – Tiles are Your Go-to.

We’ve touched on smooth vs. textured in paint and in materials let’s revisit it here too. Tile choice here matters even the way those subway rectangles can be laid and grouted to visually highlight a specific texture should be considered. 

Think about what elements you will be putting near those island edges too if super fancy and expensive, then your textured tile not be in direct sight (no one can see details when blinded by those designer elements).

Shine, Baby, Shine – Embracing Metallics

A splash of gold or brass who knew tile could go to that level, right? Well, you know now. Those metal-inspired ones make that luxury feeling you get in other spaces come together near those high-end, fancy appliances you probably will spend big dollars on or at least fantasize about because not everyone wins the lottery or can just write off home upgrades as expenses. 

For budget-minded designers (because everyone likes saving), bring those metallic tones into grout, not just tile the look will come together for less that way, just sayin’.

4. Time To Tile

This is where that preparation time matters the most, so don’t rush this otherwise all your fancy tiling as those mosaics that can chip and break easily.

Making Ready for that Tile.

Before you pick up those fancy tiling cutters, it’s clean-up time. And those measuring tools, and geometry books, if you were dozing in math class back then? 

Now your education gaps might make your ‘looks like an influencer’ fantasy, go the wrong direction if done right, the rewards can be magical.

What glue should You Pick? There’s an Art to It

Not everyone is a handy DIY genius, but even beginners will embrace the ease those ‘no sticky goo mess’ options bring to that island, luckily you have tools like this,

2. Tile Leveling System with Tile Plier

Achieve professional-grade tile installation with the DGSL Tile Leveling System, a comprehensive set of tools designed to ensure perfectly level and aligned tiles. This system simplifies the process of laying tiles, eliminating the risk of uneven surfaces and ensuring a flawless finish.

This versatile tool set is ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and professional tile layers, providing the necessary components for a smooth and efficient installation process. It features a unique leveling system that prevents movement during mortar setting, ensuring a flat and stable surface for your tiles.

The system includes 300 tile clips, designed to secure tiles in place and prevent shifting. These clips are compatible with tiles ranging from 1/8″ to 1/2″ thick, offering a wide range of applications. Accompanying the clips are 100 reusable wedges, providing further support and ensuring a consistent grout joint.

This economical and efficient leveling system requires only 4 wedges and 4 spacers per tile, saving time and materials. The included tile plier helps to quickly clamp the wedges and clips, making the installation process even easier.

With this comprehensive tile leveling system, achieve a professional-looking tile installation with ease. Whether you’re laying tiles on floors or walls, this tool set provides the necessary support and precision to ensure a flawless and long-lasting finish.

Save time and effort while achieving a perfect result with this convenient and reliable solution.

Placing the tile It’s like A big puzzle.

Measure once or twice (this isn’t that ‘old-school carpenter advice, they really meant to, measure carefully all the way across the wall), it’ll save headaches when reaching that tricky spot near doorways or any of those areas with uneven elements (sometimes a curved line for tiles will give your project extra design magic practice it if unsure of the math needed). It doesn’t have to be boring. 

There are grout varieties that don’t fade or that resist stains and have textures to complement as well so don’t go super fancy in tile only to have a ‘boring gap choice’ This step is also an expression of your individual taste and style, embrace that.

Time to Seal and Clean.

Once everything is grouted and all clean and dried give your space some time before getting in there. Remember, the sealant might require a second coating, depending on the tile and that grout you chose the shops you buy this stuff from aren’t there to do those cleanup fixes or make suggestions that may harm those dollar sign profits that info can all be found online, you just have to have time, it’s a small extra effort.

5. Doing It All Yourself Pro#s and Cons

Everyone should consider what really can be done themselves. That extra effort in your free time is what can add character if done properly, and the budget-conscious homeowner knows this can save dollars.

So Can You Install Island Tiles Yourself?

We know everyone has different strengths. There is a satisfaction moment that comes from trying things that aren’t on your list of “great achievements”. 

It all depends on the task too, right? We’ve all attempted ‘those bookshelves’ that those fancy furniture stores swear ‘assemble in five minutes’, well we’ve all experienced a failed assembly. These skills apply to these bigger DIY tiling projects as well. 

If the goal here is achieving it quickly and the budget is fine, find that specialist to let them get the tile laid out, the grout choice in its precise area. 

They may also use tools you don’t know even exist (for those folks into equipment watching others work with fancy machines oh so cool.)

Money matters Budget Concerns

Okay, no matter who you are, the $$ talks for everyone, so before any tools or materials get ordered for a self-attempt project (tile calculators online to the rescue seriously, that free info will get you prepared better for those mistakes in measurements or understanding ‘bulk buying to get discount and make extra efforts worth it.), you gotta find out the value of this renovation. 

Get your quote 

from a pro tiler their work output, and speed, might be way better and faster, which means the inconvenience would be far less. Their quotes usually are the baseline from which your own decisions about DIY get made too but don’t hold yourself to ‘copying every aspect of the professional tiling plan.

6. Tile Aftercare A Must

Even that vintage glass tile we hinted at earlier or the ones from the scrap pile at a tiling retailer will last longer if proper cleaning gets factored in when those decisions on where materials go happen. 

Plus a clean, shiny grout surface can instantly make your new project look better it’s an easy trick for even the minimal efforts that some homeowners may prefer to stick with.

Keeping Tiles Clean

Simple maintenance goes a long way here because no one likes a kitchen that looks disgusting or smelly. So you wipe your counters after cooking, the backsplashes, but those tiles, they might just have water splashed nearby? Don’t ignore the mess for months and years on end – clean regularly. 

There’s a satisfaction to doing little cleaning bits more often too especially when the time investment for doing them takes like five minutes total, once those steps become an integrated habit your future self will say ‘Thank you.’

3. Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber, Cordless Cleaning Brush

Tired of scrubbing and struggling with household chores?This cordless cleaning brush revolutionizes cleaning, making it easier and faster than ever to tackle tough messes in your bathroom, kitchen, and even your car.

Imagine a world where cleaning is a breeze. With the Leebein Spin Scrubber, you can say goodbye to backaches and sore knees. Its versatile design and powerful motor tackle grime and dirt with ease, freeing you to focus on what truly matters.

This revolutionary tool comes equipped with 8 interchangeable brush heads, catering to every cleaning need. From tackling stubborn dirt on tile floors and walls to tackling grime in hard-to-reach corners, this cleaning brush has you covered. Even your car can benefit from this amazing tool, keeping it sparkling clean.

Say goodbye to tedious scrubbing and hello to a sparkling clean home. The Leebein Spin Scrubber features a powerful motor that delivers exceptional cleaning power, and its long-lasting battery ensures you can tackle any cleaning challenge.

Simply attach the desired brush head, select your desired speed, and let the scrubber do the work.

With a sleek design and powerful performance, the Leebein Spin Scrubber offers a revolutionary cleaning experience. Embrace a cleaner and more comfortable home with this innovative tool, and reclaim your precious time. Let the Leebein Spin Scrubber make cleaning a joy, not a chore.

Trouble Spots Cleaning Tips from the Pros

All those kitchen messes that can ruin other materials in that cooking zone of your home are gonna happen, whether you embrace the creative cooking side of yourself, or just order pre-made take-out that comes in plastic, and should just be reheated in a microwave and not left out near that tile area for bugs to discover. That spills of stuff, will happen.

Final Takeaway – Kitchen Islands

The above words might sound like a ton of bricks hitting you at once since you have so many options and work to do and explore, however, don’t get overwhelmed here, the choice on how to go forward all depends on you and the space and those tile selections

But always include some practicality in your choices, so you get longevity unless a regular, new renovation of that kitchen island every year is a habit and your bank account can handle that.

It’s about balancing that joy with a realistic plan so your space can reflect all those awesome design choices. 

Have you tried these approaches? Which suggestion was a miss in this article? I need your honest feedback so drop a comment or review.