Is Subway Tile Still in Style in South Florida?

Go into any home design forum, and you’ll see the question debated constantly: Is subway tile out? Is it dated?

When you’ve been the leading flooring and tile authority in South Florida for over five decades, you gain a unique perspective on trends. At Dolphin Carpet & Tile, we’ve seen styles come and go, from the heavy terracotta of the 1970s Mediterranean Revival to the ultra-minimalist glass mosaics of the early 2000s.

So, what is the definitive verdict on subway tile? Yes, it is absolutely still in style, but the way we install it in South Florida has completely changed.

The Evolution of a Classic

The classic 3×6-inch white gloss subway tile running in a standard brick pattern will always be a safe, clean choice. However, in modern South Florida design, we’re seeing a massive shift toward artisanal, textured, and large-format variations. If you want the timeless appeal of subway tile but want to ensure your kitchen backsplash or primary bathroom looks high-end and modern, here’s how to elevate the look.

Play with the Installation Pattern

The easiest way to make subway tile look incredibly contemporary is to abandon the traditional offset brick layout. Instead, consider the following layouts:

• Horizontal: Aligning the tiles directly on top of one another creates a clean, mid-century modern or transitional minimalist look.
• Vertical: Running the long edge of the tile vertically draws the eye upward. This is an exceptional design trick for South Florida homes looking to emphasize high ceilings or make smaller guest bathrooms feel grander.
• Herringbone: Laying the tiles at a 45-degree angle adds instant architectural interest and high-end movement to a kitchen backsplash.

Embrace Zellige and Artisanal Textures

The flat, perfectly uniform look of standard big-box store tile can sometimes feel sterile. The hottest trend right now is hand-crafted or Zellige-style subway tile. These tiles feature slight imperfections, uneven surfaces, and subtle color variations that catch the light beautifully, mimicking the organic ripples of the ocean.

Update the Scale

Don’t limit yourself to the traditional 3×6 dimension. Moving to elongated proportions—like a sleek 2×10 or 4×12-inch tile instantly modernizes the space, offering a more elegant, elongated linear aesthetic.

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Elements for Your Home

Shop Subway Tile in South Florida from Dolphin Carpet & Tile

The secret to a stunning tile installation isn’t just the product you buy. Textured surfaces, vertical stacks, and intricate herringbone patterns leave zero room for error. Minor mistakes in alignment or grout consistency can completely ruin the visual effect.

Dolphin Carpet & Tile doesn’t rely on unvouched, independent labor. Our team consists of licensed and insured specialists who understand the structural nuances of South Florida homes. Backed by our 51-year history and an A+ rating from the BBB, we ensure your investment is flawless from the moment the first tile is set.

With our 0% financing for 60 months, upgrading your kitchen or bath to a designer-level finish is more manageable than ever. Visit one of our 10 local showrooms today to see our elite, in-stock tile collections in person.

Call or visit us today!

Locations

• Coral Springs, FL
• Davie – Plantation
• Deerfield Beach, FL
• Doral – Palmetto
• Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• North Miami – Aventura
• Pembroke Pines, FL
• Pinecrest – Palmetto Bay
• West Kendall, FL