What's making your kitchen tiles look cheap? 4 things experts say you should fix for an elevated design

Tiles are, of course, a practical element of your kitchen design, but they're crucial to create the style and finish your space deserves. As much as they add beauty to a kitchen, certain things can make them look cheap.

No space is complete without beautiful kitchen tile ideas. From color and pattern to texture and layout, after putting so much time and effort into choosing the perfect design, it seems a shame to let something small ruin it.

So, what's making your kitchen tiles look cheap? We've asked kitchen and tile experts to discover the main issues that may occur and how to fix them. And it turns out, reversing the issues is often simpler and easier than you might expect.

4 things making your kitchen tiles look cheap

If you look at what makes a kitchen look cheap, tiles are often an area of contention. So, elevating your tiles and ensuring they feel cohesive and thought out in your kitchen is really important. Here's what to look out for and how to fix the most common mistakes.

1. Lack of depth or texture

You might have your heart set on a certain style of tile, but the thing that will instantly cheapen the look is the finish. Particularly tiles with a lack of texture or that are made from a poor-quality material.

'The wrong tile choice can instantly make a kitchen feel cheap, no matter how high-end the rest of the design. Poor-quality materials, overly glossy finishes, or basic metro tiles without thoughtful detailing can lack the depth and character needed for a sophisticated look,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'To elevate your kitchen, opt for natural stone or textured porcelain for a more authentic, tactile feel. Handmade or artisanal-effect tiles add depth and personality,' she adds. The textural green tiles used for the backsplash in this cottage kitchen are a perfect example of how to do it right.

2. A basic layout or pattern

More often than not, the tiles themselves aren't what looks cheap – rather the way you've introduced them to your design. And it's usually the tile layout that makes them look cheap.

Instead of opting for a basic layout or even a tile pattern you've seen elsewhere, take a moment to consider what layouts will best suit your chosen tiles and where you are introducing them to your kitchen scheme.

'Thoughtful layout patterns, such as herringbone or basketweave, can also bring a bespoke touch, making your tiles a true design feature rather than an afterthought,' suggests Grazzie.

3. Tiles paired with the wrong paint colors

The tiles in your kitchen need to be complimented by the other finishes, materials, and colors in your kitchen. And if they sit next to a paint color that isn't cohesive, your tiles can instantly look cheap.

'When choosing paint colors to complement your choice of kitchen tiles, I’d recommend creating a tonal look for a cohesive, balanced look. When white kitchen tiles, for example, are paired with a much richer, dark wall color, the strong contrast between hues can cause a visual break which can be jarring,' says Emily Moorman, paint and color editor at Homes & Gardens.

'Choosing something tonal (so a light wall color with white tiles) allows more harmony, while the same applies to dark colors. If you’re going for a statement dark tile, I’d suggest leaning into this and reflecting a similar hue a few shades lighter on the walls.'

4. Uneven spacing and grout color

Grouting is often seen as an essential yet wholly functional part of laying tiles, but it has a huge impact on the overall look and finish. If you get the grout wrong, your tiles will look less expensive and cheapen the entire look of your kitchen.

'Mismatched grout colour or uneven spacing can make even the most beautiful tiles appear poorly executed. A carefully chosen grout colour – whether seamlessly blended or intentionally contrasting – can transform the overall aesthetic,' says Grazzie.

If in doubt, test a small area so you can ensure the spacing feels balanced and that the grout dries to the color you're expecting. It's easier to fix a small patch than an entire wall of tiles.

There are plenty of ways to rectify the things making your kitchen tiles look cheap, whether it's rethinking the surrounding paint color or fixing up the grout.