Photo courtesy of IMPERIAL STONE
From floors to walls, to backsplashes, and more, tile can complement our homes in so many ways. It is a durable material that delivers not only practical function, it provides a means of self-expression and personality in our homes that is both tactile and tangible.
As a result, the design industry around this resource is continually evolving. Here is look at what consumers are finding in showrooms now, and then practically applying in their homes.
When Size Matters
Oversized ceramic tiles are, for lack of a better word, “huge” right now in dramatic interior design. Considered a “simplifying” choice because they are low maintenance, this once again feeds a wellness narrative by keeping things simple; less stressful. Larger format tile sizes range from 18 by 35 inches, up to 5-foot slabs and larger, with thicknesses ranging from .14 inches to nearly three-quarters of an inch. Trending applications of large tiles include cutting them into hexagonal shapes to lend greater visual interest, and tilting the placement so alignment is on the horizontal creating an almost literal cutting-edge look. Large format tiles aren’t just being applied underfoot, either. They also have a role to play in creating statement-making accent walls, wet bars, and islands.
Photo by Artemest.com
Real World & Retro
We would be remiss in telling this tile tale without mentioning an anecdote from a recent local homeowner, who was gracious enough to let us tour her new home. Upon entering her laundry room, which had an eye-catching, cool pattern of tiles in various shades of blue balanced by gray and white, she then said, “And this is my fun room,” remarking that she thought outside her standard box of neutral tone thinking for this room. Such was the effect this one design choice had that it turned a conventionally mundane room into a “fun” room. This is typical of what is going on in the design realm of tile. It becomes a safe way for those who are more traditionally inclined décor-wise to safely explore something a bit more creative. The “fun” tile that the homeowner had chosen is among a current trend in tile, retro concrete. Known for being a low maintenance option, retro concrete uses playful, random patterns to make a style statement. “Personalizing” a room in this way is also part of an overarching wellness trend that has endured post-pandemic. Expect to see more of these types of tile applications well into 2022.
Photo courtesy of Tile of Spain
Biophilia & Beyond
The aspects of the aforementioned wellness trend are also evident in the biophilic approach to design we are seeing across this spectrum. “Biophilia,” which is the practice of incorporating nature and natural elements into constructed environments, is tangibly seen in the home in ceramic tile styles that mimic natural and even untreated wood looks.Contemporary, versatile, and easy to maintain, this biophilic approach effortlessly applies more earthy feeling to modern looks warming harsh edges and further enhancing the looks of those with more rustic or farmhouse design sensibilities. A trend within in this application is carrying the look seamlessly from indoors to outdoors creating a design narrative that is holistic with stunning open sightlines.
Photo #1 courtesy of Tile of Spain, Photo #2 courtesy of Tile Club
Updates on Classics
The latest iterations on tile classics range from changes in tone to placement gone rogue. Could one of these new approaches spark an update in your home?
1. The spa bath concept has always been popular for the way it calms and soothes the senses, taking inspiration primarily from the element of water. An updated version of the spa classic, however, looks to the earth in its texture and tone to provide a sense of peace and tranquility to the beholder.
2. Subway tiles earned their classic status through their simplicity and basic uniformity. Today’s subways are going places with new looks that go from spotted and accessorized, to a high-gloss sheen that takes the look from basic to bling-worthy.
3. Pattern play takes these already colorful tiles and allows them to mingle in less than obvious ways creating a more rare, random, and interesting take on the traditional.
