Tiles on Trend

It’s said that you can never be too rich or too thin, and when it comes to tile, that definitely seems to be the case. Ever-thinner profiles, rich metallic looks and elegant patterns are all the rage right now in tile, with larger slabs trending and a wide array of designs in demand, from marble looks and floral designs to a touch of industrial flair.

Color is also seeing resurgence, with classic whites being joined by shades of blue, deep violet, charcoal, wood looks, as well as gold, copper and silver.

Below are some of the hottest trends in tile right now.

--The latest trends from Europe point to larger tiles that allow for a cleaner, more seamless look, with 16”x32” a common Wall Ceramic Tile size in the U.S. and 32” square most commonly used for floor tile. Additionally, improved production technology has led to the creation of giant Rustic Porcelain Tile slabs that can be used for shower walls, islands and other large surface areas.

--Tile is getting thinner, with some of the newest offerings boasting surface strength with a much lighter, airier profile.

--Wallpaper and fabric designs are inspiring tile, with looks ranging from retro patterns and murals to florals and interesting geometrics. Rich marble looks are also very much in vogue.

--Classic white, soft gray and deeper shades like charcoal are hot right now, but color is also coming back, with blues, greens and violets seeing increased interest as well.

--Metallics are impacting tile designs, adding brightness and glitter in shades of gold, copper, silver and rose gold. Glass tile is also hot for its ability to add a feeling of lightness and sparkle to a space.

--A funky industrial/Steampunk look is garnering interest in some quarters, with oxidized finishes and gray metallics that feature machine-inspired patterns coming into play.