7 Tile Trends Interior Designers Are Loving Right Now
From color-drenched rooms to statement patterns and handcrafted textures, these are the tile trends interior designers are loving right now. Image: Allison Elefante for Sara Ray Interior Design
From color-drenched rooms to handcrafted textures and statement-making patterns, today’s tile trends are bold, expressive, and anything but background. Designers are treating tile as an art form, pushing traditional tiling techniques into unexpected places. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply looking for inspiration, this is the eye candy you need today.
Color is IN.
Color is on the design scene, and it’s not being shy. Designers are leaning into rich, saturated hues and applying them with confidence, often wrapping entire rooms in a single shade for a cohesive, immersive effect.
“As we know, the ‘color washing’ trend is very big right now, and this does not exclude tile,” says Marcelle Guilbeau of Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design in Nashville. “When making a big splash with a dark and moody color, it is important to keep the color palette timeless and classic.”
That sense of commitment shows up across projects. “In this primary bath, we wrapped the entire room in a deep green tile, creating a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall envelope of color that feels immersive and intentional,” says Beth Haley of Beth Haley Design in Nashville.
Even smaller moments are getting the color treatment. “This vibrant tile backsplash creates a dramatic yet whimsical statement in this newly renovated kitchen,” says Daniel Keeley of Nashville’s DK Design, adding, “The oven hood paint color (Sherwin-Williams Resolute Blue) echoes one of the tile’s intricate details.”
Artistic Touches
Forget playing it safe. Tile is taking center stage as a full-on design feature, with patterns, shapes, and layouts that feel more like artwork than simple utility.
“This year, color is back in many ways. One of those ways, which I think is so fun, is all-over tile patterns that give a wallpaper effect,” says Marcelle Guilbeau.
Designers are also embracing highly customized, personality-driven applications. Take this bathroom from Nashville’s Sara Ray Interior Design, for example. “Two different floor tiles were combined to create a bold stripe pattern, adding a playful graphic element underfoot,” says owner and principal designer Sara Ray.
In more sculptural applications, tile becomes almost immersive. Whitney Harvey of Memphis’s Magnolia Homes describes a recent standout moment. “In this primary retreat, we wanted to put an elevated twist on elements that can be found in nature,” she tells us. “In doing so, we created a waterfall of petal mosaics that runs down the rear tub wall and flows past the bottom of the tub.”
Even transitional spaces are getting artistic attention. “For this East Nashville client’s pool-adjacent screened-in porch, we wanted to add a fun and playful element,” explains Kierstin Casella, design director at Of Origin Design Studios in Nashville.
Thoughtful Layering
If one tile is good, two (or three!) might be even better. Designers are leaning into layering different materials, shapes, and finishes within a single space to create depth and visual intrigue.
“Geometric tile brings just the right amount of detail, adding texture and visual interest without overwhelming a space,” says Madelyn Veron, design assistant at K. Evers Interiors in Nashville.
Details like inlays and unexpected pairings are also gaining traction.
Whitney Harvey highlights another layered approach, using the bathroom below as an example. “Wrapping the walls around a primary soaking tub in tile creates an intentional focal point! With tiled benches on each side, this adds both symmetry and function that’s perfect for towels, candles, or any other essentials. The six-inch hexagons tucked into the side nooks break up the larger pieces of tile with a hint of pattern and dimension that’s easy on the eyes.”
Checkerboard + Classic Patterns
Some trends never really go away; they just get an upgrade. Case in point, checkerboard tile and other classic layouts are back in a big way, only with modern tweaks.
“The checkerboard tile in a large scale is really trending now. We’ve placed it everywhere from laundry rooms to outdoor rooms,” says Marcelle Guilbeau. “Here it is in a foyer, in an elevated natural stone finish, quarter turned for a diamond pattern.”
Sara Ray echoes the enduring appeal. “The classic black-and-white marble checkerboard tile complements the timeless design of a luxury home.”
Even familiar layouts are being reimagined. “This four-toned mosaic laid in a herringbone pattern looks almost like watercolors by design,” says Whitney Harvey of the bathroom below.
Natural Stone is Front and Center
For those who prefer their pattern a little more organic, natural stone is stepping into the spotlight, too. With bold veining and rich variation, these materials offer built-in visual interest. It’s not only elevated; it’s enduring.
Designers are also leaning into large, uninterrupted applications. And in some cases, stone becomes the defining feature. “It was imperative that we find something that pulled the green from our bench and hooks and mirrored the light fixture above it,” Whitney Harvey explains of a thoughtfully designed laundry room. “Here, the green flowers on the tiles perfectly achieved that goal.”
Texture, Texture, and More Texture
Texture is taking over, with fluted, handmade, and dimensional surfaces adding movement and interest. “This year, we have seen a surge in reeded and fluted materials,” says Whitney. “The soft, almost wavy, tile is ideal for spaces that might be used for young children or as a guest room with its tranquil visual appeal.”
Other designers are embracing the beauty of imperfection. “I love the nuances of color, and handmade tiles create an imperfect, organic feel,” says Birmingham Interior Designer Shea Bryars. “It isn’t as cookie-cutter as a lot of the tiles you see.”
Tile in Unexpected Places
Tile is no longer reserved for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s showing up in all kinds of creative, functional spaces, including coffee bars, mudrooms, and even in-home dog washes (yes, really!).
“We are seeing more dog washes installed in homes, with creative tile applications,” says Marcelle Guilbeau.
Designers are also incorporating tile into lifestyle-driven spaces like coffee bars and wet bars. “The idea of a little café stop within your own home is so appealing,” says Kierstin Casella. “We used Japanese-inspired Shebu mosaic tile for the backsplash, and it creates such a beautiful and dimensional focal point.”
Whether you’re drawn to bold color, intricate pattern, or subtle texture, today’s tile trends are all about personal expression. The best part? You don’t have to overhaul an entire home to make an impact. A single wall, a small nook, or even a pet-friendly corner can bring these ideas to life, proving great design really does come down to the details.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.