8 Bathroom Tile Trends and How to Use Them in Your Home
Leading bathroom experts reveal the hottest new looks in wall and floor tiles
Gabrielle Chariton
23 November 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer and editor. I write about anything and everything but I specialise in housing design, kitchens, bathrooms and sustainable living. I pass the time by painting old furniture white, photographing animals, haunting op-shops and dreaming up renovation projects. See more of my work at www.gabriellechariton.com
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer and editor. I write about anything... More
Calm, intimate, luxurious – whatever you want to say in your bathroom, you can say it with tiles. These humble beauties offer myriad decorative opportunities, from pared-back elegance to sumptuous patterning and everything in between.
We’ve asked bathroom experts to reveal the top eight trends in bathroom tiles, so you can create the space of your dreams.
We’ve asked bathroom experts to reveal the top eight trends in bathroom tiles, so you can create the space of your dreams.
1. Pattern power
When it comes to bathroom trends, patterned tiles will continue to be popular in 2018, says Kate Fuller, marketing and communications manager at Perini Tiles. It’s easy to see the appeal – they add an instant dose of personality and pizzaz to any space.
Getting the size right is the first priority when choosing patterned tiles for your bathroom. You’ll need to consider the size and scale of the pattern in relation to the dimensions of the room. The idea is to use patterning to enhance, rather than dominate, the look of your bathroom.
When it comes to bathroom trends, patterned tiles will continue to be popular in 2018, says Kate Fuller, marketing and communications manager at Perini Tiles. It’s easy to see the appeal – they add an instant dose of personality and pizzaz to any space.
Getting the size right is the first priority when choosing patterned tiles for your bathroom. You’ll need to consider the size and scale of the pattern in relation to the dimensions of the room. The idea is to use patterning to enhance, rather than dominate, the look of your bathroom.
Choose a softly patterned tile to add interest to a bathroom, without overwhelming it, says Fuller. In this Melbourne bathroom, architects McMahon and Nerlich have used Persian carpet-inspired tiles to add a delicate exoticism to otherwise understated decor.
For a bolder look, choose graphic, patterned tiles, as the owners have done here. When you’re incorporating an eye-catching tile such as this one into your bathroom, it’s important to create a sense of balance – do this by keeping the walls and fixtures simple.
See more stunning bathrooms
See more stunning bathrooms
2. Bespoke patterning
Designers are also combining tiles of different shapes and colours to create stunning patterns that resemble works of art, as the owners of this Adelaide bathroom have done with the textured Tex tile range by Mutina. “To create wow factor, I’ll often use a simple tile shape and lay it in an interesting way,” says Stephanie O’Donohue, interior designer at SmarterBATHROOMS+.
Designers are also combining tiles of different shapes and colours to create stunning patterns that resemble works of art, as the owners of this Adelaide bathroom have done with the textured Tex tile range by Mutina. “To create wow factor, I’ll often use a simple tile shape and lay it in an interesting way,” says Stephanie O’Donohue, interior designer at SmarterBATHROOMS+.
If you’re working to a budget, don’t fret – the latest tile offerings include all manner of fashionable styles at affordable prices, from hexagons, rhomboids and triangles through to 1970s-inspired arabesque shapes and fish scale styles.
Alternatively, choose a plain tile and lay it in an eye-catching way.
“Even the humble 300 x 600 millimetre gloss-white wall tile can be elevated to another level with some creative laying,’ says Drew Mansur, founder of TileCloud.
Tip: Laying unusual tile patterns requires a high level of skill. Be sure to enlist the services of a qualified tile expert with good references.
An Alphabetical Guide to Tile Terms
Alternatively, choose a plain tile and lay it in an eye-catching way.
“Even the humble 300 x 600 millimetre gloss-white wall tile can be elevated to another level with some creative laying,’ says Drew Mansur, founder of TileCloud.
Tip: Laying unusual tile patterns requires a high level of skill. Be sure to enlist the services of a qualified tile expert with good references.
An Alphabetical Guide to Tile Terms
3. Colourful magic
Crave a bit of colour in your life? Now is the time to brighten up the bathroom, according to Fuller, because blues, pinks and greens are creeping in alongside the greys and beiges that have dominated bathroom palettes for so long.
This year’s key colour is undoubtedly Millennial Pink, and it’s coming soon to a bathroom near you. This blushing shade is easy on the eye, and perfect for creating softly intimate spaces, as illustrated in this bathroom with its floor-to-ceiling tiny square tiles. For a warmer look, O’Donohue suggests pairing the shade with brass tapware.
Crave a bit of colour in your life? Now is the time to brighten up the bathroom, according to Fuller, because blues, pinks and greens are creeping in alongside the greys and beiges that have dominated bathroom palettes for so long.
This year’s key colour is undoubtedly Millennial Pink, and it’s coming soon to a bathroom near you. This blushing shade is easy on the eye, and perfect for creating softly intimate spaces, as illustrated in this bathroom with its floor-to-ceiling tiny square tiles. For a warmer look, O’Donohue suggests pairing the shade with brass tapware.
Green tiles are another trending look for bathrooms, says O’Donohue. “They’re hitting more of a khaki note,” she says. “They have a lovely, natural look and are a bit more exciting than standard grey and white tiles.” Combine green tiles with timber, brass and plenty of plants for an on-trend botanical look.
From navy and turquoise through to aquamarine, blues are big news in today’s bathrooms. Blue is a versatile choice for bathrooms, pairing beautifully with whites, greys and marble finishes for a crisp, clean and sophisticated finish.
4. Marvellous metallics
Gold, copper, brass – bejewel your bathroom with metallic-effect tiles for a fashionable, luxe look. According to Fuller, copper and gold tiles are on-trend. Lay tiny metallic mosaics onto feature walls for maximum impact, or intersect them with black or white mosaics to add sparkle and shine.
When using metallic tiles, take care not to choose clashing tapware. Matt black, as pictured here, allows the tiles to take centre stage.
Tip: Small, textured tiles can be difficult to keep clean. O’Donohue recommends applying a nano-guard sealant such as Nanokote Glass & Ceramic Coating to make cleaning easier, particularly with shower tiles.
Gold, copper, brass – bejewel your bathroom with metallic-effect tiles for a fashionable, luxe look. According to Fuller, copper and gold tiles are on-trend. Lay tiny metallic mosaics onto feature walls for maximum impact, or intersect them with black or white mosaics to add sparkle and shine.
When using metallic tiles, take care not to choose clashing tapware. Matt black, as pictured here, allows the tiles to take centre stage.
Tip: Small, textured tiles can be difficult to keep clean. O’Donohue recommends applying a nano-guard sealant such as Nanokote Glass & Ceramic Coating to make cleaning easier, particularly with shower tiles.
5. Gorgeous grout
While colour-matching grout and tiles will give your bathroom a seamless look, designers are increasingly using brightly coloured, contrasting grout as a decorative feature in its own right. “Grout has a functional purpose but it can also be used to dramatically change the look of your tiles,” says Mansur. “Play around with colour and size to make your project unique.”
While colour-matching grout and tiles will give your bathroom a seamless look, designers are increasingly using brightly coloured, contrasting grout as a decorative feature in its own right. “Grout has a functional purpose but it can also be used to dramatically change the look of your tiles,” says Mansur. “Play around with colour and size to make your project unique.”
Here, a simple white subway tile is given a fun twist with yellow grout – and it ties in beautifully with the wall behind it.
“Using coloured grout is one of those clever little tricks,” O’Donohue says. “It’s a great way to get that wow factor.”
It’s also a very versatile design tool, as you can easily change the colour down the track.
A Bathroom Design Expert Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
“Using coloured grout is one of those clever little tricks,” O’Donohue says. “It’s a great way to get that wow factor.”
It’s also a very versatile design tool, as you can easily change the colour down the track.
A Bathroom Design Expert Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
6. Go in a new direction
Our love affair with classic subway tiles shows little sign of slowing down. Why? Because we’re finding new and inventive ways to use them. The key to creating an on-trend look with subways is to think beyond standard white tiles with black grout, says O’Donohue. Choose subways in an unexpected material such as glass, add texture with a bevelled edge, or reverse the look with black tiles and white grout.
Our love affair with classic subway tiles shows little sign of slowing down. Why? Because we’re finding new and inventive ways to use them. The key to creating an on-trend look with subways is to think beyond standard white tiles with black grout, says O’Donohue. Choose subways in an unexpected material such as glass, add texture with a bevelled edge, or reverse the look with black tiles and white grout.
The rectangular shape of the subway also lends itself to a range of dynamic patterned looks including diagonal-offset, crosshatch, and herringbone formations.
7. Marble makeover
The epitome of pale and interesting, marble continues to reign supreme in the bathroom. Trending varieties are Carrara, Calacatta and Statuario, all of which are predominantly white and grey, with varying strengths of veining. Marble-tiled bathrooms are cool, clean and elegant.
This year, designers are creating new looks with marble, opting for smaller tiles laid in intricate patterned formations. This bathroom combines innovative marble subway tiles on the walls with tiny herringbone marble mosaics on the floor. This style of application, juxtaposing the classic stone finish with contemporary formats, is tactile and visually arresting.
Tip: Marble stains and scratches easily. Apply a protective sealant to marble surfaces, particularly on the floor and vanity unit.
The epitome of pale and interesting, marble continues to reign supreme in the bathroom. Trending varieties are Carrara, Calacatta and Statuario, all of which are predominantly white and grey, with varying strengths of veining. Marble-tiled bathrooms are cool, clean and elegant.
This year, designers are creating new looks with marble, opting for smaller tiles laid in intricate patterned formations. This bathroom combines innovative marble subway tiles on the walls with tiny herringbone marble mosaics on the floor. This style of application, juxtaposing the classic stone finish with contemporary formats, is tactile and visually arresting.
Tip: Marble stains and scratches easily. Apply a protective sealant to marble surfaces, particularly on the floor and vanity unit.
If you love the look of marble but not the maintenance or cost, Fuller suggests choosing porcelain tiles that mimic the look of natural stone, but without the hefty price tag or care requirements.
According to Mansur these lookalike tiles are better than ever. “Printing technology on porcelain tiles has advanced to a point where digital prints are almost impossible to distinguish from the real thing. Porcelain is also very low-maintenance – another factor that appeals to buyers.”
This bathroom features Florence Isola porcelain tiles on the floor and ceiling, creating a luxe look for a fraction of the cost of real marble.
According to Mansur these lookalike tiles are better than ever. “Printing technology on porcelain tiles has advanced to a point where digital prints are almost impossible to distinguish from the real thing. Porcelain is also very low-maintenance – another factor that appeals to buyers.”
This bathroom features Florence Isola porcelain tiles on the floor and ceiling, creating a luxe look for a fraction of the cost of real marble.
8. Timeless textures
Textured tiles add subtle interest to a bathroom, and are a smart choice for homeowners who want a scheme that will stand the test of time. The latest textured tiles include beautiful handmade styes, ones with natural stone finishes, embossed styles, and 3D ones.
According to Mansur, concrete-look tiling is still a strong player – its raw appeal and soft colouring striking the perfect balance between sophisticated and edgy. For maximum effect, lay large-format tiles floor-to-ceiling with minimal grout lines. This is a particularly good strategy in smaller rooms, as seamless swathes of large-format tiles will visually open the space.
Textured tiles add subtle interest to a bathroom, and are a smart choice for homeowners who want a scheme that will stand the test of time. The latest textured tiles include beautiful handmade styes, ones with natural stone finishes, embossed styles, and 3D ones.
According to Mansur, concrete-look tiling is still a strong player – its raw appeal and soft colouring striking the perfect balance between sophisticated and edgy. For maximum effect, lay large-format tiles floor-to-ceiling with minimal grout lines. This is a particularly good strategy in smaller rooms, as seamless swathes of large-format tiles will visually open the space.
Use texture to define spaces, build mood, and add another dimension to a monochromatic colour scheme. In this dramatic bathroom, an entire wall of tiny, glossy penny-rounds is juxtaposed against oversized square matt floor tiles. O’Donohue suggests using lighting to play up the contrasting textures: concealed LED strips are ideal.
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Looks absolutely beautiful! I was hesitating about the floor tile because it is so expensive, but your gorgeous bathrooms have convinced me it is worth it!
I agree, tiling plays a major role in ensuring that your bathroom keeps a contemporary/unique look. If the pattern is too complex, it may overwhelm the aesthetics of the design, so a balance must be ensured to optimise its appeal. Here is an example of a vanity I constructed with a custom-designed fishbone tiling and brass accented finger-pulls.
Vanity with brass finger-pull - More Info