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We’ve seen our tile installed in almost every space imaginable, from rustic country cabins to luxurious high-rise baths, but designer Alexandra Gater’s (@alexandragater) recent tiny kitchen makeover might be the boldest use of tile in a small space we’ve encountered yet. Add in the fact that she transformed this room for a beloved friend and coworker, and we can’t get enough of watching this process from start to finish.

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Big Style in a Tiny Home

It can be challenging to incorporate your own personality and design style in a tiny space, especially if you’re renting. Fortunately, transforming these small spaces is Alexandra’s specialty. She finds innovative ways to use high-quality materials that are functional but easily removed. For this kitchen tile backsplash, she had a unique challenge: how to install real tile without an existing surface beyond the drywall. Her solution? Tiling on boards, then attaching those to the wall. The finished product left minimal holes but a big impression.

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Alexandra explained why choosing handmade Zellige tile was important to her for this project. “Alana [client] and I are really big fans of beautiful, ornate, handmade tile. This is going to elevate your kitchen a little bit more than peel and stick would.” The result is a stunning space that feels larger than life.

Colorful Inspiration

When you’re designing a small space, it’s important to remember that every element will play more than one role. For the kitchen, the tile needed to add both color and texture to incorporate dimension in the tiny room. Our Zellige Rouge 2”x6” tile matched the client’s vision for countryside-inspired pinks, but it also brought in a depth of color that elevated the space. Alexandra explains that the tile “has so many different tones of pink in it. Some skew more red, like a raspberry red. Some skew lighter pink. And that’s the beauty of these tiles. You’re never going to get a consistent one hue of color in your backsplash.”

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Because our Zellige tile catches different colors based on light and location, it’s a good idea to make decisions about tile placement and grout color when standing in the room. Alexandra chose a linen-colored grout to match the butter-yellow cabinets and carry the warm tones through the room.

The Beauty of Handmade Tile

One of the best compliments we can receive is when a designer uses our tile for their own space and then spreads the love to clients. Alexandra specifically chose Riad’s Zellige tile for this kitchen makeover to achieve the warmth and rustic nature that her dear friend wanted. “Riad Tile is actually where I got my kitchen backsplash from, and it’s the same organic tile made in Morocco. It’s imperfect, it doesn’t sit flush on the wall. There are grooves and dips in it. It’s very warm and inviting.” Knowing when to choose perfectly imperfect Zellige tile for a project can be the secret weapon a good designer needs to secure that coveted look of amazement during a renovation reveal. Be sure to watch the entire kitchen makeover process from inspiration to reveal on Alexandra’s YouTube channel. We’re subscribing to keep an eye on future project tips for tiny spaces and stunning tile.