Hot, New Tile Styles You Need to Know About
Three industry experts reveal the latest tile trends making waves in kitchens and bathrooms
The world of tiles is ever-changing, and today’s latest trends, driven in part by new manufacturing methods and printing technologies, are opening up a whole new world of covetable looks. We’re seeing a push towards new and innovative ways of combining different products, using tiles to create bold geometric shapes, or evoking an understated luxury with soft, organic lines and nature-inspired textures.
While the palette is broad, our experts all agree that the season’s tile trends pivot around pattern, shape and texture. Joshua Earp, marketing manager at Earp Bros, Artedomus consultant Jessica Bird, and communications and design specialist at Beaumont Tiles Rachel Gilding, reveal some of the most important tile trends of the moment, and how you can use them in your home.
While the palette is broad, our experts all agree that the season’s tile trends pivot around pattern, shape and texture. Joshua Earp, marketing manager at Earp Bros, Artedomus consultant Jessica Bird, and communications and design specialist at Beaumont Tiles Rachel Gilding, reveal some of the most important tile trends of the moment, and how you can use them in your home.
It’s hip to be square… and hexagonal and rhomboid
In 2017 and beyond, tiles are all about shape – hexagonal, rhomboid, rectangle, diamond, fish-scale, round, and even wavy tiles are adorning kitchen backsplash, bathroom walls and floors. Our love affair with square mosaics continues, but they’re now styled slightly differently with a smooth, matt finish and a larger size (around 50 x 50 millimetres).
In 2017 and beyond, tiles are all about shape – hexagonal, rhomboid, rectangle, diamond, fish-scale, round, and even wavy tiles are adorning kitchen backsplash, bathroom walls and floors. Our love affair with square mosaics continues, but they’re now styled slightly differently with a smooth, matt finish and a larger size (around 50 x 50 millimetres).
Use grout to dress tiles up or down
For a bold, graphic look, a contrasting grout will highlight the form of the tiles and really bring out the pattern, Gilding says. For a more subtle effect, finish with a colour-matched grout.
And if you love the look of shaped tiles, but you’re unsure if you want to take them across a whole wall, consider using them to pick out key architectural features, such as wall recesses or the area around a vanity.
Tip: Gilding suggests using epoxy grout rather than cement grout as it’s stain-resistant and easier to clean.
Wondering about the difference between epoxy and cement grout?
For a bold, graphic look, a contrasting grout will highlight the form of the tiles and really bring out the pattern, Gilding says. For a more subtle effect, finish with a colour-matched grout.
And if you love the look of shaped tiles, but you’re unsure if you want to take them across a whole wall, consider using them to pick out key architectural features, such as wall recesses or the area around a vanity.
Tip: Gilding suggests using epoxy grout rather than cement grout as it’s stain-resistant and easier to clean.
Wondering about the difference between epoxy and cement grout?
Creative layouts
We’re seeing designers add flair and interest by creating pattern with tile layouts, Earp says. “Designers are steering clear of the obvious tile-laying patterns to create a more unique, custom look.”
We’re seeing designers add flair and interest by creating pattern with tile layouts, Earp says. “Designers are steering clear of the obvious tile-laying patterns to create a more unique, custom look.”
Amp up the drama with vertical stacking, diagonal, herringbone, chevron and zig-zag layouts, which are coming into play on bathroom floors, walls and kitchen backsplashes. On a budget? These striking layouts allow you to create a fresh new statement with minimal outlay, according to Gilding. “You can add even more impact by using a contrasting grout to highlight the unusual pattern,” she says. Reversing out the colours – accenting a black tile with white grout – packs an even bigger visual punch.
For a softer effect, marble tiles can be laid in a range of zig-zag formations. The subdued pattern inherent in the marble contrasts with the bold diagonal shapes. This look, pictured here on a kitchen backsplash, is also appearing on bathroom floors and walls. A similar effect can be achieved by laying timber-grain or marble tiles in a herringbone pattern for a 21st-century take on parquet flooring.
Check out these lesser known facts about Italian marble
Check out these lesser known facts about Italian marble
For a super-contemporary feel, introduce pattern by colour-blocking tiles into strong geometric shapes – a great idea for larger spaces.
Tactile textures
Touch-me textures are coming to the fore in tiles. From rustic, handmade styles to honed stone-replica beauties, textured tiles are delivering a nuanced depth and character that translates beautifully onto both walls and floors.
Touch-me textures are coming to the fore in tiles. From rustic, handmade styles to honed stone-replica beauties, textured tiles are delivering a nuanced depth and character that translates beautifully onto both walls and floors.
Gilding says that fabric-imitation tiles are one of the notable trends coming out of Europe at the moment, creating an irresistible illusion of softness: Think lacework, damask and crepe. Even nubby textures such as linen and tweed are dressing up bathroom walls across the continent. “Tiles are obviously hard but with some of the matt finishes and fabric-like looks, they can appear quite soft. It’s a little bit deceiving.”
Mix and match
The rules are changing: If you find yourself falling in love with a few different tile styles, you no longer need to choose between them – just take them all. Eclectic mixes add interest and fun to bathrooms, and can be used to manipulate mood and visually define the different zones within the space. Earp says unexpected combinations, such as pairing timber tiles with marble, can amplify the luxe factor.
Alternatively, get creative and play around with size and finish: “Often we see large-format pressed panels combined in the one space with our smaller mosaics,” Bird says. This approach is illustrated in this Melbourne bathroom, where green Japanese-glazed Yohen border tiles from Artedomus are stacked vertically, their rustic, pottery-like charm beautifully juxtaposed against the crisp white porcelain on the adjacent wall.
The rules are changing: If you find yourself falling in love with a few different tile styles, you no longer need to choose between them – just take them all. Eclectic mixes add interest and fun to bathrooms, and can be used to manipulate mood and visually define the different zones within the space. Earp says unexpected combinations, such as pairing timber tiles with marble, can amplify the luxe factor.
Alternatively, get creative and play around with size and finish: “Often we see large-format pressed panels combined in the one space with our smaller mosaics,” Bird says. This approach is illustrated in this Melbourne bathroom, where green Japanese-glazed Yohen border tiles from Artedomus are stacked vertically, their rustic, pottery-like charm beautifully juxtaposed against the crisp white porcelain on the adjacent wall.
The third dimension
The advent of 3D structured tiles has changed the face of tiled surfaces, with embossed or moulded patterns that make walls pop. “3D tiles can add drama to a space and naturally attract attention. They can be used to really define a space and add impact,” Earp says.
A word on size
Tiles of all sizes are trending at the moment, from large-format 1 x 3 metre sheets through to penny mosaics. Gilding suggests choosing a tile size based on the type of room you’re working with. A large-format tile will make a space feel larger as there are fewer grout lines to break up the space.
See how 3D tiles can animate your universe
The advent of 3D structured tiles has changed the face of tiled surfaces, with embossed or moulded patterns that make walls pop. “3D tiles can add drama to a space and naturally attract attention. They can be used to really define a space and add impact,” Earp says.
A word on size
Tiles of all sizes are trending at the moment, from large-format 1 x 3 metre sheets through to penny mosaics. Gilding suggests choosing a tile size based on the type of room you’re working with. A large-format tile will make a space feel larger as there are fewer grout lines to break up the space.
See how 3D tiles can animate your universe
Structured or 3D tiles are made using a mould, so the embossing can be quite pronounced. Beautiful patterns abound – from pillowy-soft dimples to undulating curves.
“When these tiles are laid on the wall, the light hits them at different angles. This creates a bit more depth, playing with the light and shade,” Gilding says. Despite their soft appearance, these tiles are undoubtedly high-impact. Apply them with a light touch, paired with a simple, pared-back tile for an elegant finish.
“When these tiles are laid on the wall, the light hits them at different angles. This creates a bit more depth, playing with the light and shade,” Gilding says. Despite their soft appearance, these tiles are undoubtedly high-impact. Apply them with a light touch, paired with a simple, pared-back tile for an elegant finish.
As far as practicalities go, Gilding assures us that non-porous 3D tiles can be used in the kitchen as well as the bathroom – like other tiles, they can be wiped cleaned with a damp cloth. You may find they catch the dust more than regular flat tiles, though. And remember, use them only on walls and vertical surfaces – their pronounced texture makes them unsuitable for floors.
Things of stone and wood
Large-format pressed porcelain tiles have transformed the look of today’s kitchens and bathrooms. “Extra-large, thin, light, strong, durable, versatile, eco-friendly and beautiful – technical pressed porcelain is the future of architectural surfaces,” Bird says. Aside from their game-changing size, these new-generation porcelain products come in myriad finishes, textures and colours. The printing technology used to ‘dress’ these tiles with pattern and texture is now so advanced that in many cases, it’s hard to distinguish them from the real thing, whether that’s natural stone, timber, concrete or another material.
Large-format pressed porcelain tiles have transformed the look of today’s kitchens and bathrooms. “Extra-large, thin, light, strong, durable, versatile, eco-friendly and beautiful – technical pressed porcelain is the future of architectural surfaces,” Bird says. Aside from their game-changing size, these new-generation porcelain products come in myriad finishes, textures and colours. The printing technology used to ‘dress’ these tiles with pattern and texture is now so advanced that in many cases, it’s hard to distinguish them from the real thing, whether that’s natural stone, timber, concrete or another material.
These wafer-fine, large-format porcelain products are resistant to heat, scratching, chemical damage and staining, and can be laid on horizontal and vertical surfaces, which makes them suitable for an incredibly wide range of applications in all wet areas, including kitchens and bathrooms. They can be wrapped around kitchen benches and islands, used to create seamless statement backsplashes, or to clad bathroom walls. Most are suitable for flooring too (consult with your tile specialist).
Large-format porcelain tiles can authentically replicate the look, texture and tactility of natural timber and stone, giving you unprecedented design flexibility. “They look pretty much identical to the natural products, but they’re more durable and don’t need sealing or any special treatment or maintenance. So you can now bring the warmth and texture of timber into the bathroom or shower recess,” Gilding says.
Torn between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Torn between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Aesthetically, the large-format tiles yield a previously unattainable seamless finish: By almost eliminating grout lines, spaces appear larger and more streamlined. The overall effect creates a luxe, high-end feel.
Read more:
How to Mix & Match Tile Styles
Tell us:
What style of tiles have you used in your kitchen and bathrooms? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
Read more:
How to Mix & Match Tile Styles
Tell us:
What style of tiles have you used in your kitchen and bathrooms? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
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Interestingly, colour seems to be taking a back seat – with black, grey and white dominating the palette – while pattern and texture take centre stage.