Tile trends change yearly, often evolving from prior years. Take, for instance, subway tiles. They have been in vogue for quite some time, but with minor modifications either in color or layout as years progressed. In 1904, 3" x 6" white subway tile made its entrance into the world of design in New York subway walls lined in a brick layout pattern, thus the name. They evoked pristine, light, and the ultra-hygienic cleanliness favored by the Victorian area. The look was also essential for such a drab space, where dark colors would have proved suffocating to the people waiting for trains. Yet, times have changed and black is the new white. Since then, we've seen subway tiles change color, sizes, and layouts that evolved into vertical and even diagonal grids in luxury homes and businesses around the world. So, what's new this year? Here are a few different takes on what you can expect today and in the future.
#1 Unusual-Shaped Grids
Following the look of the subway grid, comes fish scale grids. These are unusual scallops of tile that sort of hook into each other in an endless pattern. These grid-like designs in unusual geometric shapes can also be evoked by using stone mosaic patterns like in this bathroom below.
#2 The Return of Green
Ever since the days of bathrooms drenched in avocado green, and the subsequent buyer's remorse, designers have stayed away from strong green colors in the bathroom. With more interest in natural materials and colors, green was a shoe-in to come back, although not as overpowering as before. Here, we see glass tiles in different shades of green and gray, laid out in a subway tile pattern, for another nod to the past.
Stacked Mosaics - View Details>>
#3 Dark on Dark Design Schemes
These monochromatic black or dark colors may seem a little brooding, but in actuality lend themselves well to modern tastes. They also help bring masculinity back into home design. Also, in a sort of ironic twist of history, it is white now that is seen as a "dirty" color because it's associated with subways and also hard to keep clean, unlike black. Subway tiles have gone full-on black with black grouting for a more polished and easy-to-keep-clean look. If subway tiles aren't your thing, anyway, the idea still works well with black-tiled floors.
Mosaic Borders - View Details>>
#4 Wallpaper Looks
Pattern and darks combine to produce a desire to recast old-fashioned wallpapers in mosaic tile designs. Not only are they easily kept clean, but they are very interesting visually, if they use etching or raised features. If you prefer a more modern wallpaper look, try the Univo Arbor mosaic on this wall.
Abstract Mosaics - View Details>>
#5 Matte Finishes
Black in a matte finish is especially sought after because of the way it blends so well with metallic finishes in kitchens and bathrooms. Stone tiles, in neutral shade, with a matte finish are soft to the touch and also quite Zen-like, as in this gray limestone tiled wall and bathroom raised floor
Limestone Tile - View Details>>
#6 Terracotta Look-A-Likes
Terracotta tends to be fragile because it is a reddish-brown tile that is best suited for ornamentation in buildings. However, it has a beautiful, earthy, tan to orange and burnt umber look that is typical of designs that accent natural elements. That's why terracotta looks in stone are particularly popular now because the hardness of a stone, like limestone or marble, gives the material the needed power to be used in floors and other foundational features. Limestone in terracotta flavors is also perfect around the pool area because of its ability to withstand wet spaces without getting slippery.
Exterior Tile - View Details>>
#7 Shimmery Neutrals
Even with glass tile, the rainbow of colors have gotten more muted and become more shimmery. Glazes for glass tiles on neutral colors like beige and gray give them a frosted effect and are very popular today. Stone tiles can produce a similar frosty shimmer like the the one shown here. They offer unusual grid-like designs and subway "knock-offs" with a dance of light that accentuates the gray tones, but doesn't overpower them.
Herringbone Tile - View Details>>
#8 Antique Effects
The muted tones of ancient classical design work well with this darker and more nuanced style. Here we see etched stone used with a terracotta-flavored tile that produces something truly unique and elegant.
Etched Stone Medallions - View Details>>
#9 A Celebration of Patterns
All manner of patterns, not just grids, are embraced in these future tile style trends. Whether they are antiqued, or created with high-end waterjet technology, like this Dimensional tile.
Dimensional Tile - View Details>>
#10 Botanical Patterns
Included in this focus on patterns is the use of botanicals in tile works. Whether it is leaves or flowers, they are all welcome. This trend works equally well with botanical tiles as it does with full-blown mosaic or waterjet medallion works of art.
Fruit Bowl Mural - View Details>>