Tile is an incredibly versatile home surface, adding aesthetic appeal and functionality to floors, backsplashes, showers, fireplaces, and more. It has been a staple in interiors for centuries, evolving in shape, size, material, color, and pattern to meet changing design preferences. This year, we’re seeing a departure from cookie-cutter shapes and monochromatic tones of white and grey and an embrace of nature-inspired tile designs focusing on texture, organic shapes, and bold colors. Let’s dive into six standout tile trends for 2024!
1. Japandi Style Tile
Japandi style is a design trend that blends the minimalist elegance of Japanese aesthetics with the warmth and functionality of Scandinavian design. This style emphasizes simplicity, natural elements, and a harmonious blend of form and function. Minimalism is essential in Japandi design, characterized by clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on functionality—everything has a purpose!
Natural materials like natural stone and wood are foundational to this color scheme, creating a muted and textured design scape. Large-format floor tiles, such as limestone, are ideal for this style, adding a sense of serenity and openness. Wooden tiles can introduce warmth, while fluted mosaic tiles bring subtle visual interest without overpowering the simplicity of the design.
2. Bold Marble Tiles
In 2024, the spotlight is on large-format marble tiles, making a bold statement in interior design. This year, we’re seeing a resurgence of marble in unconventional colors, with black marble taking center stage alongside rich tones of burgundy, deep purples, and lush greens. These striking hues add depth and character to any room, offering endless possibilities for creating unique and personalized spaces.
Large-format marble tiles are perfect for floor tile, showers, statement walls, and kitchen backsplashes. Their expansive size minimizes grout lines, resulting in a sleek and seamless appearance while also making them easier to clean and maintain. Whether you opt for classic white marble or venture into the rich, bold colors trending this year, large-format marble tiles are sure to create stunning focal points in kitchen tile designs and bathroom tile installations, elevating the overall design with their natural beauty and sophistication.
3. Terrazzo Tile
Terrazzo tile is a composite material made by embedding various materials like marble, granite, and quartz into a binder, typically epoxy, to create a unique speckled appearance. Its personalized aesthetic is a significant reason for its rising popularity. Terrazzo becomes a statement piece wherever it’s introduced, making it a great choice for both residential and commercial properties.
Terrazzo is also known for its extreme durability. It’s highly resistant to wear and tear, and once installed, it’s easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas like kitchen tile and bathroom tile. This retro throwback continues to gain traction and will likely remain a popular choice for years to come.
4. Textured Tile
Textured tile, also known as tactile or 3D tile, adds dimension and interest to a space through its raised and recessed qualities. According to Colin King, as reported in Vogue, “Textured and three-dimensional tiles will be everywhere in 2024. From floors and backsplashes to shower stalls, fireplaces, and even entire walls, tactile tiles give any surface that organic, handcrafted feel while still holding very subtle contrasts and variations.”
Different textured tiles include fluted tile, slate, mosaic, wood-look, stack stone, and ceramic tile. If you want to add visual interest to your home without using bold colors, textured tile is a fantastic way to enhance a room without stepping too far outside your comfort zone. However, keep in mind that textured tile requires a bit more maintenance. As Kathy Greene of Emser Tile points out, “It is also important to realize that due to its textural characteristics, cleaning of the tile can be more challenging since dirt can often settle into the grooves and indentations of the surface.” Consider this when choosing where to place textured tiles in your home, such as kitchen backsplashes or bathroom tile designs.
5. Checkerboard Tiles
The checkerboard pattern is a timeless design that has captivated designers and homeowners for centuries. Its visual impact lies in the high contrast between black and white (or other contrasting colors), which creates a bold and sophisticated look. Checkerboard tiles add a sense of drama and become a focal point in any space.
This pattern is also incredibly versatile, fitting into various design styles from traditional and vintage to modern and eclectic. Whether used on floor tile, walls, or kitchen backsplashes, checkerboard tiles offer a striking yet classic look that appeals to many different decor preferences.
6. Surface Drenching
Surface drenching is an exciting trend that involves using the same material on multiple surfaces within a room, creating a cohesive and immersive look. Think color drenching but for surfaces! For example, the same tile surface might be used on countertops, backsplashes, flooring, and walls, resulting in a uniquely uniform effect that is both highly aesthetic and soothing to the eye.
Surface drenching is particularly impressive in bathroom tile designs, where the flooring, walls, sinks, and showers all blend seamlessly into one another. This method can make smaller spaces appear larger using light colors or add a sense of drama and intimacy with darker hues. Whether aiming for a light and airy feel or a dark and moody ambiance, surface drenching offers a sophisticated way to achieve your desired look.
As we move through 2024, tile trends are embracing the beauty of natural stone, the appeal of texture, and the allure of bold colors. Whether you’re drawn to the minimalist elegance of the Japandi style, the dramatic impact of bold marble, or the timeless charm of checkerboard patterns, there’s a trend that’s sure to inspire your next design project. By incorporating these standout tile designs, you can create spaces that are functional, visually captivating, and enduringly stylish.