Giving your kitchen a mini makeover is ideal for those who are tight on budget but still want something new and fresh. Upcycling your kitchen tiles is a simple but effective way to give your kitchen a new lease of life.
Whether you want a subtle refresh or a bold transformation, giving your old tiles a makeover is a creative and sustainable way to do it.
Why upcycle tiles?
Upcycling tiles is an eco-friendly option that helps you reduce waste and also minimises the need for new materials.
By giving new life to your current tiles, you save money and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
It also gives you the ability to add some personal touches and creativity to your kitchen.
Prepping your tiles for a makeover
Before you begin your transformation, you’ll need to ensure that your tiles are prepped properly. Follow these steps:
- Clean thoroughly: Use a cleaner and a scrubbing pad to remove grease, dirt, and grime. Let them dry completely.
- Sand lightly: Gently sand your tiles to create a surface that paint or adhesive will grip more effectively.
- Repair damages: If there are any cracks or chips, take time to fix them and create a smooth, even surface for your makeover.
How to upcycle kitchen tiles: 4 ideas
Paint them
The most popular way on how to upcycle kitchen tiles is to paint them. By choosing a new colour you create a visual impact within the space.
You could paint them the same colour as your kitchen cabinets to help blend the space and make it look more seamless, or you could go bold and choose a contrasting colour.
With the right tools, paint, and prep, painting your old kitchen tiles is an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen a new design.
Add new tile stickers
Peel-and-stick tile decals are another easy and affordable way to update your kitchen backsplash. They're great if you’d like to add patterned tiles without replacing them.
When buying your stickers, buy extra in case the first couple go wrong. Just take your time when replacing them to get a professional look.
Regrout
You’ll be surprised how much of a difference regrouting will make to your kitchen tiles when you do it. Even in homes where they’re avidly cleaned, a regrout will add instant freshness to your kitchen. You could even try a new colour of grout to add a new aspect to your kitchen. Contrast dark grout against light tiles for a monochromatic look.
If replacing the grout isn’t a job you’re willing to do, using one of those handy grout refresher pens can work just as well. These pens will give new life to light-coloured grouts and instantly brighten your kitchen tiles.
Create a mosaic
A great way to give new purpose and how to upcycle kitchen tiles is by removing them and breaking them into pieces to arrange them in a mosaic pattern. Show off your creative side and make a unique and artistic feature in your kitchen.
Tips for mixing and matching tile styles
If you want to create a mixed and matched style of tiles in your kitchen, then these are our design tips for getting the look right:
- Stick to a cohesive colour palette to help unify the design of the tiles. This could be a colour that matches the wall paint or your kitchen cabinets. Creating a flow of colour in your kitchen helps to bring together different styles of tiles.
- A mix of glossy and matte finishes could add an interesting look while ensuring harmony in your decor.
- Play with sizes. You could choose tiles that are smaller for your backsplash than those that are used on the floor.
- Balance patterns. If you try the mosaic tile suggestion we’ve offered for a tip on how to upcycle kitchen tiles, you could keep your floor tiles relatively clean, and simple not to distract from the bold look.
What to avoid when upcycling tiles
Skipping prep work
Not taking the time to clean and sand tiles properly can cause the glue to not stick properly, or the paint to not last as long.
Using the wrong materials
When buying paints, adhesives, and sealants, make sure that they’re suitable for tile surfaces and can last in a kitchen's hot and humid conditions.
Overcomplicating designs
Of course, we want you to showcase your creativity, but being too intricate with pattern choices may create an overwhelming feeling in the space.
Shop for approved-used, pre-loved kitchens with Rehome!
Upcycling your kitchen tiles can be time-consuming, but the payoff is worth it—not just in how it looks but also in the money saved and the benefits to the environment. See how else Rehome can help you become more sustainable with your decor choices today and in the future.
