Update Your Kitchen Tiles Without Removing Them

Victorian Plumbing's guide on the best ways to update out of fashion or ageing tiles without completely removing them.

There’s nothing worse than having a kitchen that’s nicely done but doesn’t feel as fresh as you would like it to. A full scale remodel of the entire space might seem unnecessary but you’re noticing that your kitchen tiles aren’t looking as great as they did when you first installed them. If your kitchen tiles are a few years old but still fashionable, functional or at least for the most part intact, perhaps all you need is an easy way to update your kitchen tiles without removing them.

There are a few ways to go about this process and the great news is that most of these methods are reversible should you change your mind!

How to update your kitchen tiles without removing them

Option One: Updating the grout

One option is to remove and replace the grout in its entirety. If you’re unsure about this process and want an idea of how to go about it before you commit to it, feel free to check out our guides on how to remove grout and how to regrout tiles.

Alternatively, if the grout is still intact but needs a quick freshen up, painting over it is a viable option.The simplest and most effective way to do this is by using a grout pen. The Ronseal One Coat Grout Pen is a quick and efficient way to freshen up yellowed grout. It also coats it in a thin layer of mould resistant liquid to keep it looking fresher for longer.

Applying a coat of colourant or grout paint can not only freshen up your kitchen space, but you can take this as an opportunity to change the atmosphere of your kitchen entirely.

Whilst matching the colour of your tile is great for a uniform look, take this as an opportunity to create depth and variety in your kitchen and opt for a contrasting colour. Transition from light to dark or dark to light between your grout and kitchen tiles if you’re looking to create a sophisticated look that allows the colour of your tiles to pop and flourish.

Grout paint is also great because you don’t have to be too careful during its application as it wipes straight off your tiles! Just be aware that grout paint is not suitable for natural stone tiles so be sure to check this before you start your DIY process.

Never underestimate how great fresh grout can make your tiles look!

Option Two: Painting your tiles

An equally cost effective and simple way to update your kitchen tiles without removing them is to paint over them. Depending on how artistically inclined you are, you can get really creative with a new look.

For a simplistic and sophisticated look, paint them a singular colour. It’s up to you whether you want to match the current colour of your tiles to rejuvenate them, or opt for a new tile colour completely.

Painting your tiles a singular colour doesn’t have to be a boring choice though. Implementing a pop of colour through a different coloured backsplash is a great way to update your kitchen tiles.

Whilst greys, blacks, and whites will never go out of style when it comes to kitchen tiles, colours like green and pink are really becoming popular amongst those who fancy something different. Check out our Jasper Metro Pink Flat Wall Tiles or our Granley Rustic Green Gloss Wall Tiles for some inspiration on how to incorporate some vibrant and statement colours should you decide to paint your kitchen tiles.

Alternatively, painting them in a patterned style or multiple colours are great options too if your current tiles don’t satisfy your artistic taste. Treat your kitchen tiles as a blank canvas!

Option Three: Temporary tile stickers

If you’re the type of person who likes to constantly update your look, whether it be because you like to keep up with the latest trends or because you get bored looking at the same coloured walls every day, temporary tile stickers are a great way to update your kitchen tiles without having to remove them.

Temporary tile stickers are incredibly simple to use. Typically they’re made of vinyl and come as a thin sheet which can be easily cut to size. This is great for those with different sized tiles throughout their kitchen, or those with kitchen tiles that are an awkward shape. Once cut to size all you have to do is place them over your tile and smooth them down.

Whenever you get tired of this look, simply peel these stickers off if you want to revert back to your old tiles or select a new design and repeat the process all over again. That’s the beauty of stick on tiles, you don’t have to commit to a complete renovation by removing your tiles in order to completely transform your kitchen.

Option Four: Decorative panels

This is another great option for those who don’t want to completely commit to renovating their kitchen but are looking for something a bit more substantial. Whilst still a cost effective solution, decorative panels are another easy substitute to updating without replacing your kitchen tiles.

Decorative panels work essentially like a cover up. These large square or rectangular panels, within which have the detailing of individual tiles, are a quick fix to updating your kitchen. These are great for those who perhaps don’t just want to change the colour of their kitchen tiles but want to play around with texture or effect as well.

Let’s say you’re tired of your ceramic kitchen tiles and would like to try out a rustic natural stone look or a marble effect. However, you want to see how this influences the atmosphere of your kitchen before committing and completely replacing them. This is where using decorative panels can be a great option for those looking for an easy way to update your kitchen tiles.

So, now it’s time for you to weigh up the options and decide which way you would like to update your kitchen tiles without removing them. For all other kitchen and bathroom inspiration, look through the Victorian Plumbing blog for style tips and easy guides on how to update your home.