Tile is one building material that is constantly changing – whether it’s the material itself, the color, shape, finish or use, tile trends can keep any designer and builder on their toes.
At James River Construction (JRC)
Tile is one building material that is constantly changing – whether it’s the material itself, the color, shape, finish or use, tile trends can keep any designer and builder on their toes.
With the popularity of kitchen and bathroom renovations comes an increase in attention to tile and hard surface materials. Homeowners and designers today are taking tile from pure function to stylish form in myriad ways.
Here are just a few fun ways tile is being used in 2023.
PENNY TILE
Penny tile is a classic choice with a true vintage flair. These little, nearly penny-sized hexagonal tiles are the perfect material for creating patterns and even lettering. Commonly seen in the entryways of old stores and commercial buildings to announce where you were, homeowners are using them in their own homes to make their own statements.
This “Hey Sunshine” design welcomes family and friends as they cross the threshold into the outdoor living area. Functionally, the tile is a great material to have at the entryway from the outdoors as it’s easy to clean and isn’t susceptible to water damage like the rest of the home’s solid hardwood flooring. Stylistically, it puts you in the frame of mind for fun and relaxation.
In this bathroom, penny tile is used to create a florette pattern that extends into the shower, making the space feel larger and coherent. Classic black and white tile coordinates with the matte black hardware and clean white cabinetry. The larger format subway tiles of the shower walls keeps the penny pattern from becoming visually overwhelming.
KICK WALLS
A kick wall, or the space right below a countertop where your feet might accidentally kick the wall, is an excellent place for functional material to protect the drywall, but also the perfect spot to show off an accent tile.
At this breakfast bar an ornate Moroccan inspired tile pattern makes a fun statement against the classic penny tile. The coordinating colors and small space keep it from becoming overwhelming. This is the perfect place to put that tile you love that’s just a little too “extra” for a whole floor, shower or backsplash.
LARGE FORMAT
For a long time now in home design, small 3×6” subway tile has been the default for showers, tub surrounds and backsplashes. But lately, larger format tile has been taking over. These large tiles are best paired with small flooring or accent tiles to keep from looking too stark.
In this bath and shower combo, a small hexagonal tile in a coordinating color palette is used on the floor to balance the scale.
Similarly, in this shower a small format, more intricately designed tile pattern grounds the larger rectangular tile, but in a corresponding color. Keeping the color or palette close is key in making this look work and feeling contemporary for a long time to come.
TILE ART
With so many options out there for tile, it’s not hard to take the material from background to foreground, especially in a concentrated space like a shower. For a bold statement, use tile as a room’s artwork.
In this small bathroom, every single design decision has a big payoff. The black and white geometric pattern is a foil to the brightly colored, painterly inspired wallpaper. To keep it from giving guests vertigo, however, black penny tile is used on the floor and sidewall of the shower. Without that, the design would easily become overwhelming. As it is, it makes a fun statement that shows off the owners’ style.
On the other end of the tile art spectrum is this refined bathroom with a subtle shower inlay that features an elongated diamond tile design. With very simple, large format tile used as the primary material, this little artistic addition breaks up what could become a boring backdrop. While understated, the design decision still packs a powerful punch of visual interest that makes this bathroom stand out from the crowd.