Home interior designers all agree that details matter not just for style and beauty but also function. Many of the design details scattered throughout the home serve a practical purpose. Things like lighting and hardware seem obvious while others can be easily missed such as tile. For most, tile seems like a luxury item though it certainly brings that to the home, its benefits are far more reaching. Tile is considered a perfect combination of beauty and practicality ready to add that missing touch to whatever space it is placed. Multiple manufacturers enjoy releasing new styles of tile that reflect a new trend or even popular color. Let’s explore some of the ones that are currently trending and the benefits they can offer to you in your home.

Subway tile

While not a particular tile style, subway tile is and continues to remain one of the more popular patterns for homeowners and designers alike. Simplicity and symmetry are two words that best describe subway tile and makes it one reason why it is easy to integrate into any design preference or color scheme. Changing the grout color can influence the overall look of the design and even create contrast such as white tile with dark gray grout. There are also various sizes of tile which allow you to use it for different projects such as laundry rooms, kitchens, and even beverage centers plus the lay of the tile can be altered to a herringbone, straight, or offset giving your variety. Subway tile is classic and always in style which is a benefit if you are not sure this will be your forever home as the majority of homebuyers will fall in love with this timeless choice. Many trends will come and go but the subway tile has been around for nearly 100 years and we don’t see any signs of it disappearing any time soon so be sure to talk with your designer about using it in your next project.

Jewel toned tile colors

Neutrals have their place and are a favorite go to for many designers especially in living space for the home but more people want a bold splash of color or something that adds a little fun into the overall look. Enter jewel tones like teal, ruby, and even amber. They are usually rich in color saturation and even a little sparkle or luminescent shine making them eye-catching. They can be blended with traditional tile for added effect in multiple ways such as one row or scattered throughout. Jewel tone tiles look wonderful in beverage centers and wet or dry bars plus they work well with any number of woods and paint colors. If you enjoy a touch of luxury in your design, jewel tones add that little extra something to any area of the home. They can be used in the shower, kitchen backsplash, laundry room, and above the bathroom vanity but they are placed as a focal point or accent instead of the entire backsplash due to their high depth of color as it could be a little too much. If you want to add a little bit of fun and elegance to your space, jewel toned tiles are the perfect choice.

Unique tile shapes

Traditional tiles are rectangular and square but designers and manufacturers are beginning to explore some new geometric shapes including circles, hexagons, and curves. These trials have resulted in some fun ways to add texture and dimension to your backsplash choices. For instance, curves bring a touch of the ocean into your bathroom heightening the spa effect and giving it a sense of calm and relaxation. Penny tile is a fun pattern that adds a little variety to a wet bar or laundry room especially with the variety of colors available. Choosing to use a unique tile shape adds an organic feel to your area and can also bring a touch of luxury versus a traditional selection. Additional patterns can be created out of these tiles too since they are not perfectly symmetrical, the shapes laid out will form a secondary one that is an added bonus. Don’t be afraid to look outside of the traditional tile shapes, you may find exactly what you were  looking for to make your space truly your own. A designer will have access to many different vendors and take you to a nearby showroom where you can look and feel what is available.

Natural stone tile

Already popular last year, natural stone tile continues to hold its position as it yields elegant and timeless beauty to the home. This particular tile is not limited to backsplash duty but can be used in any number of areas including:

• Flooring
• Showers
• Outdoor areas

Even though they were not always an indoor option, when it comes to flooring, natural stone has proved its worth as it is durable as well as stunning. They make a wonderful choice for multiple areas in the home, especially high traffic sections since they can handle it much better than traditional wood floors or carpet plus they can handle liquid spills in kitchens and humidity in bathrooms. Speaking of bathrooms, using natural stone as your tile option for the shower is an excellent one as it is easy to keep clean, can withstand the hot water, and adds an organic, spa-like feel to the bathroom. It is recommended that the natural stone tile be cleaned once a week with a soft sponge to avoid scratching it. Of course, as it was primarily used outdoors, and one of the oldest choices, it makes perfect sense to incorporate it into your outdoor areas such as kitchens, firepits, and patio flooring. Some opt to use natural stone tile for their outdoor kitchen countertop which instantly adds a wow factor and beautiful focal point plus its durability is a plus. As a patio option, it will add texture, visual interest, and character to the flooring, not to mention it is okay getting wet. Plus the variety of size, style, and colors means you can transform your patio into the perfect area to connect with family and friends. If you are looking for something that is durable and timeless, natural stone tile will be just right for you.

Tile styles that are trending

Trends can come and go quickly but sometimes their presence can spark a creative idea that provides you with that something you’ve been searching for. Tile is a design choice that is not often replaced, in fact, it often will last as long as the project such as a kitchen or shower. This means that you should take your time when making your final choice, don’t feel rushed to decide right now. Take a sample home, place it against your wall or project so you can get a feel for what it will really look like. Be sure to look at it in both the natural and artificial light available in the space so you can see any difference that plays in the final appearance. If you are not sure whether or not this will be your forever home it may be best to go with something more neutral that will appeal to a broader market. Talking through these options with a designer is always helpful, feel free to reach to our team, we would love to assist you with your project. If you are looking for helpful information about how to care for your tile read this article from Crossville Tile.