Beyond Flooring and Backsplashes: The Versatility and Beauty of Modern Tiles
In the past, tiles were mainly used for flooring or backsplashes. However, designers nowadays utilize them as practical and visually appealing accent pieces. Tiles can mimic hardwood, stone, concrete, or porcelain materials, adding texture to a space. They can make a statement or blend in with the overall design. Additionally, tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and come in a vast range of shapes, colors, textures, and prices.
Tiles have come a long way since the old 6" square tiles seen in school bathrooms. As interior designers, we enjoy personalizing our client's projects and finding the perfect materials for each space. Tiles are not only suitable for backsplashes and shower walls but can also be a significant element that enhances a room. Check out some of our favorite tile styles used in our past projects.
Big Format
Big-format ceramic tiles offer a compelling blend of beauty and practicality in interior design. Their larger size creates a sense of spaciousness and fluidity in a room. This expansiveness minimizes grout lines, promoting a cleaner and more seamless aesthetic that can make even smaller spaces appear more open and airy. The large format thin tiles, such as Lush and Savage Dark by Porcelanosa, add the beauty of natural stone slabs while providing porcelain strength and durability to any space.
2. Polygonal shapes
The beauty of polygonal-shaped tiles lies in their ability to break away from convention and infuse a space with visual interest, texture, and versatility. Their unique aesthetics and design possibilities make them a favored choice for interior designers seeking to create memorable and distinctive environments. Wow's polygonal tiles allow for mixing shapes and colors to create elegant, versatile combinations. The black and white grout accentuates the clean lines of the tile shapes.
3. Concrete look
Whether it's for flooring, countertops, or wall cladding, the adaptability of these concrete-inspired tiles is redefining the way we approach interior design, making concrete an exciting choice for those seeking a contemporary and urban look in their spaces. Concrete is no longer just a construction material but also a decorative surface, as seen in products like Urbatek by Porcelanosa and Plain by Refin.
4. Hardwood floor style
Hardwood floor porcelain tiles combine the aesthetic appeal of wood with exceptional durability, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. They are easy to maintain, resistant to moisture, and come in a variety of styles, offering design flexibility. Their cost-effectiveness compared to natural hardwood, along with their environmental benefits, makes them an attractive choice. Additionally, they are compatible with underfloor heating systems and provide a hypoallergenic flooring option. In the pictures, Refin tiles.
5. Hydraulic cement revival
Revisiting the charm of hydraulic cement tiles allows for a delightful fusion of shapes, patterns, and colors, seamlessly marrying the timeless allure of porcelain with the classic elegance of old-style tiles. Among these, we hold a special affection for Mutina Azulej and Emma Gardner's Big Top, exemplifying the artful union of tradition and contemporary design.
6. Subway style
Subway tiles are a versatile canvas for personalization, offering a rich spectrum of choices encompassing texture and color. This expansive palette empowers you to craft a distinctive aesthetic that harmonizes seamlessly with your unique tastes and style. In our featured showcase, we present Subway Lab by WoW and DIN by Mutina, two exemplary collections that epitomize the boundless creative potential of subway tiles.
7. Mixing patterns and textures
Tiles that mix different shapes and textures break away from the conventional uniformity of standard square or rectangular tiles, offering a captivating blend of form and feel. With an array of shapes, from hexagons and triangles to intricate patterns and irregular forms, combined with diverse textures such as matte, glossy, or even 3D relief, these tiles open up endless possibilities for creating unique and visually stunning spaces.
Showing Tex by Raw Edges Mutina Tiles and Wow’s Grace Collection.
8. Hand drawings
We admire how different hand-drawn patterns blend to create an elegant, organic design. These patterns add a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to any space or object they adorn. They connect with nature's flow and symmetry, highlighting the enduring charm of artisanal craftsmanship in our digital age. In the pictures above are Fossil and Kasai by Refin.
9. Dimensional tiles
With their three-dimensional characteristics, these tiles create a visual interest that goes beyond the ordinary, transforming an otherwise plain wall into a dynamic canvas of texture and shadow. For instance, the captivating hexagonal design of Cue by Wow and the understated yet sophisticated Duna Ash by Porcelanosa, as seen in the pictures, exemplify the transformative potential of 3D tiles.
10. Metallic finish
The versatility of metallic tiles allows them to complement a variety of design styles, from modern and industrial to classic and eclectic. Their ability to meld with other materials and color palettes makes them a valuable tool for interior designers looking to craft a unique and personalized look. Check Urbatek Porcelanosa Xlight and 3D Cubes by Antic Colonial.
We hope this exploration of tile options has inspired you to embark on your design journey, whether a kitchen remodel, a bathroom makeover, or a full-scale home renovation. With the right choice of tiles, you can transform any space into a stunning and unique reflection of your style and vision.
Remember, the key to a successful tile project is not just choosing the tiles themselves but also understanding how they interact with your overall design concept. Take your time, experiment with different combinations, and don't be afraid to push the boundaries of conventional design.
As you embark on your tile adventure, keep in mind that your choice of tiles is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that you'll love and enjoy for years to come. So, explore, experiment, and let your creativity flow as you bring your design dreams to life, one tile at a time.