imo, it doesn't matter. i did 13" sq tile and will probably do 3x6 subway.i did the floor in a grid pattern. the dining area right outside it has (9" parquet wood squares and like the "continuity of shape".

I think it's harder to pull off with rectangles then square but, sure, it can be done. Just lay some out and make sure you really like it first. It could actually be easier in a small space because you don't have to worry about the long distance view or huge expanses of nothing but tile dominating. You can also lay the floor in a more interesting pattern, if you want, but in a small space I'd go simple. In fact, (this is where laying it out and seeing it helps) it may look better than any other choice because, again, in a small space keeping the number of different patterns to a minimum is generally a good idea.

Personally, I agree with glad. But as I've told many people in here, when it comes to aesthetics, one person's gold is another person's garbage. What matters is will it look good to YOU. If you like the look, then go for it!

Just as an FYI, there's a WHOLE lot more you can do with tile that's half as wide as it is long than just running bond (brick joint). I don't know how big the area is you're doing the floor in, but you might think about either a basketweave or herringbone pattern. OR, the same for the 3x6 tile on the wall, and keep the floor running bond! In the following link, go to the second row of patterns. You'll see what I mean:

Here is a link that might be useful: Bedrosians

Thanks Bill for the patterns. I don't know if my small floor would even work with brick pattern 12 X 24. After the cabinets are in the floor area will be only 3.5 X 6.5. All you with small kitchens don't you complain anymore...LOL! This is Manhattan and my kitchen is considered BIG for a studio apartment!

Here's a mockup of the brick and herringbone. Not sure if either work but I like the herringbone better. If I use that should the center be in the middle of one vertical tile, instead of between as shown? Something is off in it.

The tile is a new honed marble in a grey brown 3/8" thick.

Bumping for Bill V. but would love some feedback from anyone. Looking at the two the 2nd one might make the kitchen look even longer and narrower. Do you think the first one works? What's shown would be the only tile showing in the kitchen. I would have to play with the positioning of the tiles on that, but do you think it's too small of a space for that pattern?

Although it looks intricate as hell, the herringbone is very simply, a brick joint pattern with every other tile turned on its side. Look at the pattern for a minute. You'll see that first the horizontal tiles look like steps, with each step being exactly a 1/2 tile advanced from the last. Then comes the vertical tiles doing the same thing. Then back to the horizontal tiles, and so on. Once you get going with it, it's really not as complicated as it looks. The only disadvantage is that your grout joint is predetermined by the tile size. If you lay two tiles longways side by side right next to a single tile cappling the ends of the two tiles, move the first two so their long edge is flush with either end of the capping tile. Whatever you have for a joint between the two tiles is what you're going to use for a grout joint throughout the floor. No ifs, ands, or buts.

I think it will look good because you are dealing with rectangles on the floor and backsplash. I went with 12 x 24 floor tiles. I like them alot. (Backsplash is not subways.)

Kitchenkelley which one are you referring to? Do you like the first or second? Bill, you do think then that the first one would work? Do you think the center should be in the middle of a vertical tile, or between the two vertical tiles as shown? Do you prefer the first layout to the second. Thanks!

I think they both look great but I like the second better. (Because that is what I used in my kitchen.) I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

blondelle, I'm not sure what you're asking, but if you want to do a herringbone pattern it must be exactly as you see it in the first pattern.