Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes use this vertical tiling trick to create an illusion in their kitchen – experts say it makes rooms appear taller

The question of how to make a space feel bigger is one that intrigues designers in even the largest of homes, all for a good reason. Who wouldn't want a space that feels larger, brighter, and airier? It would seem that Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are the latest homeowners to show they're not immune from space-enhancing tricks – or at least, that's what their vertical wall tiles suggest.

Mendes shared a glimpse inside the couple's shared kitchen – and it's a space we've already admired once before. Last time, we took a moment for their ability to keep the all-white colorway interesting, but now, we're returning to take note of their kitchen tiles that are placed vertically. The layout isn't conventional, but with aestheic and practical benefits to consider, it's no surpise that this look is only set to increase in popularity throughout the rest of 2024 and into the new year.

'This is a trend that started with the iconic metro tile being laid vertically instead of its classic horizontal brick effect. 2024’s vertical tiled walls draw the eye upwards – an interior design trick that just doesn’t get old,' comments Grazzie Wilson, the head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'Laying tiles in a vertical pattern is a more modern approach than choosing a traditional horizontal layout Running tiles vertically helps to add height to a room and create an illusion of space.'

Gosling and Mendes have opted for a matte finish, but Wilson explains that we can accuate the qualities further by choosing a glossy finish. 'This helps to bounce light around to keep the room feeling light and fresh,' she says. For a similar starting point, love these thin glossy tiles avilable from Lowe's below.

With its modern aesthetic and ability to make our kitchens feel larger, this emerging tile trend has a place in kitchens of every size (after all, we'd hazard a guess that Gosling and Mendes's space isn't too compact. However, before we follow suit entirely, there are some placement tips we need to remember to ensure these tiles do more harm than good.

'When you install tiles vertically, their joint lines tend to become more visible so it's best to use large format lines or neutral-toned grout lines, otherwise the room would look congested,' Wilson explains. 'Choosing a neutral grout line with neutral tiles (did we mention these are bang on trend at the moment) creates a more appealing and warm space than going with white tiles.'