How this creative customer transformed her open-plan kitchen with terrazzo tiles, vertical metro tiles and bold blue cabinetry.
A Kitchen Full of Character
A Charming Take on a Unique Small Space
When Becky, the solo home owner behind @mymanchome, set out to renovate her kitchen, she had a clear vision: something bold, mid-century inspired, and totally in keeping with her unique home.
Located in a converted Victorian warehouse in Manchester, her loft apartment is full of original features and eclectic personality – and her new kitchen is no exception. We’re thrilled to have played a small part in the journey with our Grimaldi Terrazzo Effect Tiles, used to zone the open-plan space and bring in that playful retro feel.
The Vision: Minimal, Colourful, Bold
Moodboard Magic
Becky began her journey with a vibrant digital moodboard, pulling references from mid-century interiors, terrazzo textures, and modern cabinetry. Her goal? A space that felt elevated yet fun – and that respected the industrial bones of the building while injecting her signature sense of style.
Planning the Palette and Selecting Materials
Laying the Foundations
Becky carefully curated a palette of navy blue units, warm white surfaces and textured tile pairings. The Grimaldi Terrazzo Floor Tile set the tone early on – its soft neutral base with pops of colour picked up beautifully on the vintage tones throughout her flat.
She opted for vertically stacked handmade-style white metro tiles for the walls – a modern twist on a classic look. You can recreate the look with our Cassis Blanc Tiles, La Boca White Tiles, or Haban White Tiles, all with that artisan, slightly imperfect finish.
"The Messy Middle"
Before the Magic Happens: A Full Rip-Out and Rebuild
As every renovator knows, there’s always a “what have we done?” moment – and Becky’s project was no different. The original kitchen was fully ripped out, the space re-configured and rewired before new units and surfaces could go in.
But once the base units were installed and the tiling began, the transformation started to take shape.
The Transformation
Tiles, Texture and Terrazzo
The vertically stacked metro tiles were tiled all the way around the kitchen nook, creating a soft cocoon effect and adding loads of texture. It was the perfect pairing with the flat-fronted blue cabinets and our terrazzo flooring, which grounded the space and helped define the kitchen from the rest of the open-plan loft.
Thoughtful details such as open wine storage, integrated bookshelves and strategically placed lighting fixtures bring a practicality to this small but sophisticated space, never compromising this unique loft's flow and character.
The Final Reveal!
A Kitchen That Truly Belongs
The finished space feels completely tailored to the rest of Becky’s home: retro without being kitsch, polished but with plenty of charm. Finishing touches like playful fridge magnets, artisan chopping boards and retro industrial style filament light bulbs add personality and soften the space.
It’s a kitchen that doesn’t just look good – it works beautifully in her everyday life too. The clever zoning with tiles keeps things functional, while the warm, layered styling adds soul.
Get the Look
Want to emulate Becky’s style in your own small kitchen? Here’s how to channel her retro style:
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Flooring – Grimaldi Terrazzo Effect Tiles: soft and colourful with a retro twist. In apartments or open-plan living spaces, zoning can be a powerful and practical way to distinguish key areas in the home. Our advice: go for it with conviction!
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Wall Tiles – Try our Cassis Blanc Tile, La Boca White Tile, or Haban White Tile for a handmade-effect finish. In a small space, don't shy away from your design choices - tiling the entire wall rather than a small splashback section maximises the space and makes for a cohesive and intentional design.
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Cabinet Colour & Finish – Select deep tones for a mid-century nod, such as this rich navy. The matt finish of the cabinetry balances the glossy wall tiles and brings a grounded feeling to the space.
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Vertical Tile Layout – Stack your metro tiles vertically to modernise the look and create the illusion of height in small spaces.
Check out our 'Retro Play' Collection to explore more tiling ideas: think bold colours, playful patterns, and a cheerful spirit. Inspired by mid-century modern and postmodern aesthetics, this curated 2025 trend celebrates nostalgia with a contemporary twist.
Explore More
We’re so grateful to Becky for sharing her space with us. Make sure to follow her at @mymanchome for more colourful interiors, secondhand finds and inspiring converted warehouse living.
Interested in Your Own Tile Transformation?
If you’re planning a renovation and need help picking tiles that work together, we’re here to help. Pop into your nearest showroom or browse our full tile collection online.