5 Best Modular Kitchen Tile Designs of 2019: A senior interior designer’s take on 5 timeless modular kitchen tile ideas from 2019 that still work beautifully today

Looking back at the best modular kitchen tiles designs of 2019, I’m reminded how small spaces can spark big creativity. As someone who’s redesigned dozens of compact kitchens, I’ve seen how the right tile pattern can visually enlarge a room, simplify cleaning, and set the whole mood. In this guide, I’ll share 5 tile ideas I’ve personally tested—keeping what aged well, ditching what didn’t—so you can pick smart, durable finishes that still feel modern. You’ll get my hands-on take plus expert data where it counts.

Matte Subway Tiles with Slim Grout Lines

My Take: I installed matte white subway tiles with 1/16-inch grout in a 6 m² rental kitchen back in 2019; they’ve aged like a classic trench coat. The softer sheen hides water spots and fingerprints better than gloss, while the tight grout keeps it calm and contemporary.

Pros: Matte subway tiles deliver a clean backdrop that elevates modular cabinets and open shelving, a long-tail favorite for small modular kitchens. Slim, color-matched grout visually enlarges the backsplash and reduces visual clutter—great for galley layouts. According to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), smaller grout joints can reduce soiling and ease maintenance when properly sealed.

Cons: Ultra-thin grout lines demand precise installation; your tiler needs steady hands (and patience). Pure matte surfaces can look flat in low-light kitchens—if your under-cabinet lighting is weak, the effect may feel a bit dull.

Tips / Cost: Choose a rectified subway tile for crisp edges and tighter joints. Budget mid-range: tiles $3–$7/sq ft, plus a quality sealer for stain resistance.

To see how I mapped wall runs and cabinet clearances around a small range hood, here’s a case with L shaped layout releases more counter space—a layout that pairs nicely with streamlined backsplashes.

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Large-Format Porcelain Slabs for Seamless Backsplashes

My Take: In 2019 I began pushing 24×48 inch porcelain for backsplashes behind gas cooktops. Fewer seams meant fewer grease traps, and the wide slabs added a stone-like luxury without the marble maintenance panic.

Pros: Large-format porcelain creates a near-seamless surface that visually widens compact kitchens and reduces grout maintenance—ideal for modular designs with tall uppers. Many slabs mimic Calacatta or terrazzo patterns, delivering high style at a fraction of the cost and weight. Porcelain’s low water absorption (≤0.5%) makes it highly stain-resistant—great for renters and busy families.

Cons: It’s heavier and trickier to cut; plan for two installers and a sturdy workbench during fitting. If your walls aren’t flat, large tiles can telegraph bumps—skim coat beforehand or embrace wavy walls (I don’t recommend the latter!).

Tips / Case: Bookmatch veining behind the range for a boutique look. Use a matching silicone at countertop junctions to handle micro-movement. Mid-to-high budget depending on print quality.

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Geometric Cement Tile in Neutral Palettes

My Take: One of my favorite 2019 installs was a star-and-cross cement tile floor in greige and bone. The pattern gave a tiny U-shaped kitchen personality without overwhelming it, and the hand-made variation aged gracefully.

Pros: Patterned cement tiles add character and break up modular monotony—an enduring long-tail trend for small kitchen floors. Neutral palettes keep them timeless and resale-friendly. Properly sealed, they handle splash zones well; the tactile finish offers better slip resistance than glossy ceramics. Per Historic England and traditional tile guild literature, cement tiles’ porosity can be managed with penetrating sealers to maintain durability.

Cons: They’re thicker and heavier; toe-kicks may need slight height tweaks. They can patina with acidic spills (lemon, vinegar)—I tell clients to embrace the café-floor charm or keep a pH-neutral cleaner on standby.

Tips / Cost: Seal before grouting to avoid pigment haze. If you’re pattern-shy, use cement tile just as a rug effect under the prep zone. Materials $8–$15/sq ft plus sealing.

Curious how a similar star pattern behaves in a daylight-deprived galley? I documented a case showing how glass backsplash makes the kitchen feel more open when paired with patterned floors—light bounce matters.

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Textured Zellige-Style Squares for Handcrafted Warmth

My Take: After a 2019 sourcing trip, I fell hard for 4×4 zellige-look ceramics in warm white and sand. Their rippled glaze turned under-cabinet LEDs into a quiet light show—perfect for tiny kitchens needing soul.

Pros: The subtle texture adds depth and hides micro-splashes—ideal for compact modular setups where the backsplash is a focal plane. Slight color variation prevents the clinical feel some minimalist kitchens suffer. Handcrafted-look tiles became a 2019 mainstay and still read fresh in 2026.

Cons: Variations can be too “wabi-sabi” for perfectionists; expect uneven edges and lippage if you don’t set expectations. Cleaning is easy but grout lines are slightly more pronounced due to irregular edges.

Tips / Case: Stagger hues within one tonal family for an artisan patchwork. Pair with warm LED strips (2700–3000K) to enhance glaze movement without glare.

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Herringbone Layouts in Slim Porcelain Planks

My Take: In 2019 we started laying 3×12 and 4×16 porcelain planks in herringbone for backsplashes and even floors in micro-kitchens. The diagonal energy stretched cramped rooms, and clients always smiled when they walked in.

Pros: Herringbone guides the eye along dynamic lines, a proven small-space trick that adds movement without loud patterns. Slim planks in porcelain offer the wood look with zero worry about steam, splashes, or cupping—great for modular kitchens with busy cooktops. As Houzz/Kitchen & Bath trend reports showed in the late 2010s, patterned layouts like herringbone boosted perceived value and visual interest in compact spaces.

Cons: You’ll pay a bit more in labor; cuts and layout planning take time. If the space has many outlets or awkward corners, expect offcuts and a “tile Tetris” afternoon (bring snacks for your installer).

Tips / Cost: Dry-lay the centerline first to align the chevrons with your range hood or window. Use a slim grout in a shade slightly darker than the tile to outline the pattern. Materials $3–$9/sq ft; labor higher due to layout complexity.

For a detailed planning view including outlet coordination and angle cuts, I lean on cases like this minimalist kitchen storage design to visualize tile direction with cabinet elevations around the 80% finish line.

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FAQ

1) What made the best modular kitchen tiles designs of 2019 stand out?

They balanced timeless looks with practical maintenance—matte subways, large-format porcelain, and geometric cement set the tone. In small kitchens, these choices amplified light and reduced grout cleaning.

2) Are 2019 tile choices still relevant for modern modular kitchens?

Yes. Classics like subway and large-format porcelain age well, and zellige textures feel even more current today. Update the palette (warm whites, greige, sage) and pair with efficient LED lighting.

3) What tile finish is best for a tiny kitchen backsplash?

Matte or satin is forgiving with fingerprints and glare, while subtle texture adds depth. If you lack daylight, a satin sheen can bounce light without showing every splash.

4) Are cement tiles good for kitchen floors?

They’re great if sealed and maintained with pH-neutral cleaners. Expect gentle patina; if you want zero-maintenance, consider porcelain lookalikes that mimic cement patterns.

5) Is large-format porcelain worth the extra installation effort?

Often yes. Fewer joints mean less cleaning and a visually larger space—especially useful in modular kitchens with tight clearances. Flat walls and a pro installer are key.

6) How do I choose grout color for small kitchens?

Color-match for a calm, enlarged look; contrast for pattern emphasis like herringbone. Use stain-resistant or epoxy grout near cooktops if you cook frequently.

7) Do glossy tiles make a small kitchen look bigger?

Gloss can bounce light but also shows smudges; a satin finish is a good middle ground. Place task lighting to avoid mirror-like glare across eye level.

8) Any standards I should know for kitchen tile performance?

Look for porcelain with ≤0.5% water absorption and appropriate PEI or ASTM ratings for floors. TCNA guidelines provide authoritative specs on grout joints, movement joints, and installation best practices (see tcnatile.com).