The question of how to make a room appear larger is on the minds of designers in even the largest of homes – and for good reason. Who doesn’t want a room that feels bigger, brighter and airier? It seems that Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are the latest homeowners to show they are not immune to space-enlarging tricks – At least that’s what the vertical wall tiles suggest.
Mendes shared a glimpse into the couple's shared kitchen—and it's a space we've admired before. Last time, we took a moment to admire their ability to keep the all-white color scheme interesting, but now we're returning to take note of their vertically arranged kitchen tiles. The layout isn't conventional, but considering the aesthetic and practical benefits, it's no surprise that this look will only become more popular as we move into 2024 and the new year.
“This trend started with the vertical installation of the iconic metro tiles instead of the classic horizontal brick effect. The vertically tiled walls of 2024 draw the eye upwards – an interior design trick that just won't go out of style,” comments Grazzie Wilson, Creative Director at Ca' Pietra.
“Laying tiles in a vertical pattern is a more modern approach than choosing a traditional horizontal layout. Laying tiles vertically helps add height to a room and creates the illusion of spaciousness.”
Gosling and Mendes opted for a matte finish, but Wilson explains that we can take the qualities even further by opting for a glossy finish. “This helps reflect light so the room feels bright and fresh,” she says. For a similar starting point, look no further than these thin, glossy tiles, available at Lowe's below.
Satori Pearl Ceramic Subway Wall Tile
These tiles from the brand's Hudson collection are dense, durable and moisture resistant. Their rectangular shape can be laid in a variety of patterns, including the popular subway pattern and, of course, vertically.
With its modern aesthetic and ability to make our kitchens appear larger, this new tile trend will fit in any size kitchen (after all, we'd guess Gosling and Mendes' space isn't all that compact). But before we fully follow suit, let's consider a few placement tips to ensure these tiles don't do more harm than good.
“When you lay tiles vertically, the grout lines become more visible, so it's best to use large format lines or neutral toned grout lines, otherwise the room will look crowded,” explains Wilson. “Choosing a neutral grout line with neutral tiles (did we mention they're on trend right now) creates a more appealing and warmer space than white tiles.”
