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Design: Velinda Hellen, Photo: Veronica Crawford
Scandinavian design is having a moment, and we’ve witnessed one trend in particular make its way across the Atlantic: square subway tile. A staple in Swedish homes for both bathroom walls and kitchen backsplashes, the look is very friendly on the wallet and is a minimalist’s dream tile. It may be a budget staple in European Nordic homes, but stateside, it’s cropping up in the coolest spaces, from hotels and restaurants to luxury apartments. Paired with dark grout, pretty soap bottles, brass fixtures, and luxe bathrobes, these tiles will be all over Pinterest soon. If our predictions are correct, they may even replace subway tiles as the budget backsplash of choice. Keep scrolling for our favorite square-tiled rooms.
Combine with Dark Grout
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Pictured here as a built-in shelf styled with pretty bath products and luxe towels, this square ceramic tile is combined with a thicker-than-normal dark grout, giving it an edgy, urban look.
These builder-grade white ceramic tiles can be purchased for as low as $1 per square foot.
Combine Tile with Wallpaper
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While you wouldn’t necessarily imagine pairing a minimalistic white ceramic tile with ornate floral wallpaper, we think it works particularly well in this old-meets-new kitchen. The tile is stretched to the ceiling on one side and stops midway by a wood picture railing on the other.