29 Apr The Endless Search: Tile Trends
As you know, I’m always seeking out the latest and greatest in trends for my customers. Right now tile is on my mind. In my travels to market and in my ongoing research I’m seeing it used in new ways like never before. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
Slab wall showers are one of the biggest trends in bathrooms. Instead of a pattern of smaller tiles, one full slab is used on one or more walls of the shower. If you choose the right slab, it can hide dirt between cleanings and showcase a lot of style without those icky grout lines.
Pebble tiles remain popular for shower floors; however, there are still some new looks emerging like this coin tile.
Subway tile remains a favorite for that clean, classic, elegant look.
You don’t have to choose a crazy style to get a fresh look with tile. You can also use traditional varieties in unique ways.
This bar from the 2014 Richmond Symphony Designer House features mosaic tile turned vertically for a whole new effect.
Here large format tile at the Pirch Showroom was layed straight in two tones, one horizontal and one vertical for a modern focal point.
This wood-inspired tile is showing up in just about every room of the house. You can even find weathered and reclaimed looks.
My friend Eva Mallory, Residential Sales Representative at Mosaic Tile in Midlothian says exotic, large Revolutionary Thin Technology products are the latest: “These thin technology surfaces offer the beauty of many natural stones including marbles, travertines, and limestones, as well as wood-mimicking designs with an easy-to-maintain porcelain tile.”
You can’t have perfect tile without the right foundations. Schluter is a German engineering company that specializes in waterproof tile-related projects. The system is easy to install, which brings down the price. The company also makes a product that makes it easy to add heated floors. According to Eva, these products have inspired a huge increase in heated floor systems.
This Schluter sink is tile ready and has a sleek drain to keep the lines clean. And yes that is me working away and proud of it. Technical knowledge is a plus when designing with tile!
And, saving the best for last, these Mosaic Tile waterjet styles are amazing focal points for showers, floor inserts, backsplashes, and walls.
