The Bold Tile Trend

bold tile
These homeowners chose a bold, colorful design for their kitchen backsplash. Viewed together, the tile resembles a quilt.
bold tile
These homeowners chose a bold, colorful design for their kitchen backsplash. Viewed together, the tile resembles a quilt.

 

If you’ve stopped by a tile store lately you may have noticed a growing trend: BOLD tile, often in striking colors, has surged in popularity over the last year or two. Patterns, colors, new shapes and sizes, and intricate designs are all the rage in tile these days and they’re being used throughout the home rather than just in the bathroom or kitchen backsplash.

 

Bold Tile Trends
Grey “plank” tiles are used on both the floor and the walls of this client’s bathroom.

 

You don’t have to go with a bright color in order to embrace the bold tile trend. Muted shade of gray pair very well with the white cabinetry or fixtures. The tile adds texture and interest to the space while projecting a sophisticated color palette. In bathrooms, we’re seeing many clients choose to continue their floor tile up the walls of the shower for a streamlined, spa look.

 

Bold Tile Trends
The dark grey, matte textured tile will hide dirt in this mudroom. Here, the clients chose to add interest by using a herringbone pattern and contrasting the dark tile with a lighter grout.

 

Not sure about those bold colors? Arrange your tile in a pattern instead.  Herringbone or staggered tiles work well depending on the size of your space as well as the size of the tile. If the space is smaller, tile with a neutral palette that is arranged in an interesting pattern or paired with an eye-catching accent tile works well.

 

Bold Tile
These homeowners chose a cobalt blue tile but used a more traditional 4”x4” shape. The white tile is reminiscent of subway tile, but has more texture and is longer and narrow than traditional subway.
Bold Tile
These homeowners chose a cobalt blue tile but used a more traditional 4”x4” shape. The white tile is reminiscent of subway tile, but has more texture and is longer and narrow than traditional subway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bathroom is a great place to go bold with tile. You can use it as a block of color but pair it with a white tile to make it feel a bit less overwhelming. Patterned accent tile also draws the eye to shower niches for soap and bath products.

Wood style plank tile are very popular – especially in basements where moisture may be an issue. The wood plank style has a traditional look with realistic cherry, maple and oak “grains” – some even have a distressed look to them. Porcelain wood grain tiles are perfect for the bathroom, since it offers greater stain and water resistance without sacrificing design aesthetics. The wood grain tiles enhanced the organic feel of a bathroom space.

Bold Tile
We just finished this clients’ bathroom which features cool grey tones, a matte finish floor, and classic subway tile with a contrasting grout.
Bold tile
We just finished this clients’ bathroom which features cool grey tones, a matte finish floor, and classic subway tile with a contrasting grout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The popularity of matte finish is also growing. They feature a soft but powerful beauty without the glossy, light-reflecting effect.  An advantage of matte tiles is that they do not show smudges and water marks as easily as glossy tiles. This makes them ideal for the bathroom floor where it may also be slippery.

 

Subway tiles are still one of the most popular choices in tile, but those white 3 by 6-inch rectangles can be striking. Subway tiles are getting thicker and longer, with dimensions as large as 8” by 20”.  Pair that with contrasting grout color and the stage has been set for a marvelous reversal from the common all-white look.

The possibilities in tile are really endless and it can be overwhelming to shop for tile even if you think you know what you’re looking for. Even in a smaller bathroom, you’ll still have to decide on floor, shower wall and floor, backsplash, and accent tile. At Custom Contracting, we offer in-house design services in addition to remodeling. We’re happy to help narrow the choices and guide the process!

 

Bold Tile
These homeowners paired traditional subway tile with personalized tile that captures their childrens’ hand prints.
Bold Tile
These homeowners paired traditional subway tile with personalized tile that captures their childrens’ hand prints.