New Tile Trends Play With Pattern and Geometry
See tile designs from brazen stripes and plaids to delicate florals, as manufacturers around the world show their latest
The 2013 Coverings trade show in Atlanta showed the latest in tile trends from around the world, some brand new and some familiar but twisted into something new. Besides innovations in the wood look, manufacturers are also playing with pattern and geometry. Patterns are appearing on tiles themselves, and some tiles are being designed to create patterns by the way they are installed on walls and floors. Some installations are a mix of both. The new tiles from this year's Coverings shown below should spark your own tile design ideas.
Long vertical stripes emphasize the high ceiling and break up the large tiled wall here. The tiled wall also creates a floor-to-ceiling backsplash.
Shown: Play by Sant'Agostino
Shown: Play by Sant'Agostino
Patchwork
Mixed gingham, stripes and solids in playful pastels create a quilt-like composition here.
Shown: Lamosa
Mixed gingham, stripes and solids in playful pastels create a quilt-like composition here.
Shown: Lamosa
Florals, neutrals and shades of purple tile enliven this bathroom wall.
Shown: Cotto Vogue Collection by Cir
Shown: Cotto Vogue Collection by Cir
A smaller patchwork of patterned tiles looks like a painting on this Mediterranean eat-in kitchen's wall.
Shown: Cotto Vogue Collection by Cir
Shown: Cotto Vogue Collection by Cir
Florals and Botanicals
Tiles can create contemporary vertical gardens, with small- and large-scale botanical patterns covering entire walls like wallpaper. A big benefit to choosing tile over wallpaper in the bath or kitchen is that tile stands up to water, food stains and steam.
Shown: Home by Sant'Agostino
Tiles can create contemporary vertical gardens, with small- and large-scale botanical patterns covering entire walls like wallpaper. A big benefit to choosing tile over wallpaper in the bath or kitchen is that tile stands up to water, food stains and steam.
Shown: Home by Sant'Agostino
Large-scale branches create a tiled mural in this elegant bathroom. These tiles also have texture and metallic color, two more trends we'll explore more in another ideabook.
Shown: Java by Grespania
Shown: Java by Grespania
Circles and ovals are big as well, in popularity and in size.
Shown: Glam by Ulf Moritz for Viva
Shown: Glam by Ulf Moritz for Viva
Classics With a Twist
A larger scale and playful pattern give traditional hexagonal tiles a modern twist. It's hard to see in the photo, but these tiles have a bump in the center that adds dimension. That's another trend for another ideabook and just a little hint at the sculptural qualities some tiles now have.
Shown: Apavisa
A larger scale and playful pattern give traditional hexagonal tiles a modern twist. It's hard to see in the photo, but these tiles have a bump in the center that adds dimension. That's another trend for another ideabook and just a little hint at the sculptural qualities some tiles now have.
Shown: Apavisa
A medium-size hex tile dances up this wall.
Shown: STN Ceramica
Shown: STN Ceramica
Mad Plaids
Tiles are now part of larger patterns that spread across the floor. In this case the floor takes on a crisp and chic menswear-inspired look.
Shown: Frame by Refin
Tiles are now part of larger patterns that spread across the floor. In this case the floor takes on a crisp and chic menswear-inspired look.
Shown: Frame by Refin
Traditional Mission Patterns
Traditional patterns of tile play are playing a big role in today's popular Spanish colonial, mission, Mediterranean and Moroccan looks. These tiles are cement — learn more about cement tiles.
Shown: By Arturo Stevens for Original Mission Tile
Traditional patterns of tile play are playing a big role in today's popular Spanish colonial, mission, Mediterranean and Moroccan looks. These tiles are cement — learn more about cement tiles.
Shown: By Arturo Stevens for Original Mission Tile
Large-scale patterns can transform a floor or wall into the most interesting part of the room. These tiles recall cement and encaustic tiles but are ceramic.
Shown: Frame by Refin
More:
See the latest in wood-look tile
10 tips for choosing shower tile
Shown: Frame by Refin
More:
See the latest in wood-look tile
10 tips for choosing shower tile
Designers are creating large striped compositions like this bold one by using different-size tiles as well as strong color contrasts.
Shown: One Collection by Viva