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Shay Mitchell’s Multi-Directional Backsplash Is a Reminder That Subway Tiles Aren’t Going Anywhere

updated Apr 8, 2021
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Subways tiles, first designed for New York subway stations in the early 1900s, have undoubtedly been one of the biggest kitchen and bathroom design trends of the last decade. From Joanna and Chip Gaines’ “Fixer Upper” pads to celebrity and influencer homes, the sleek, affordable ceramic and porcelain pieces were literally everywhere. And while some say the design trend is on its way out, Shay Mitchell’s recent video showcasing her white subway tiled kitchen proves otherwise.

During a cheeky cooking clip, the “You” and “Pretty Little Liars” star filmed herself against a subway tiled backsplash in her kitchen space — but what really caught our attention was the unusual placement Mitchell placed them in.

While the walls of her kitchen feature the usual horizontally set subway tiles, the backsplash is a clever multi-dimensional masterpiece, neatly framed with moldings. The result? A fresh, modern take on the classic subway tile look. 

Mitchell's home was featured in the January 2020 issue of Architectural Digest, where she first revealed her monochromatic cooking space with its dark marble counters, black and white cabinets, and stainless steel accents. What makes the use of multi-directional tiles so genius in this situation is it managed to add a eye-popping design element without any extra color, keeping her space true to its black and white palette.

If you too are still into subway tiles and want to put your own spin on the trend, you can stack them vertically, opt for a square tile, try a matte finish instead of glossy, or even try using a few different sizes and making your own pattern.