last week we took a stroll through some of the more unique and spectacular in the realm of the subway tile phenomenon. there was a lot of commotion over those tiles, how could there not be?- they were all so dynamic. but many of you said- hey, what about all of us on a budget??? well, you're right. not every room in the house has the pleasure of showing off your highest tastes. but, there's no need to expect that an affordable cladding need be dull, lifeless, or dare i say decorated with an accent strip:) the following are shining examples of just such beautifully functional surfaces available for a song or..."when more is actually less"-
wood-grained subway- a super-affordable subway for that outdoor (or in) shower, rough-chic backsplash, funky chunky flooring, etc. with a wood-grained finish in a variety of 4-5 wood finishes, how can you possible go wrong?
now take that wood look you love into spaces you couldn't before: the shower, outdoor walls, fireplace surrounds, etc
industrial glass subway tiles- the glass trend hit us all over the head and stayed for a really long while. we are still loving glass tiles- but less as the object of our desires and more as a surface that defines our other favorite design elements. below, an affordable version for any modern kitchen with some simple wood cabinets and perhaps a clean-lined carrara (white and gray marble) counters. no one would ever tire of this look-
stone subway- the traditional subway with the elegant twist, stone subway tiles in 3x6 sizing with a soft honed finish- that's a look you will never tire of- for generations to come. it's especially au courant when paired with an industrial space. it turns industrial into shabby chic.
the tried and true - we thought stretching it from a 3x6 to a 4x12 was plenty to spin the standard white ceramic subway tile into a new horizon. so here is a subway tile that's affordable, still hand-made (so it has that yummy artisan quality) and offers a larger more mod look than what we've been used to. 
spin this look into a modernized space and you get something completely unique and welcoming-