Get Creative With Ceramic Tiles

By Rebecca Brown, Design Studio Consultant

Personal design choices are some of the best parts of building a new home. And one way to add that personal touch to your space is by using ceramic tiles.

Where to Begin

Adding ceramic tile to your home instantly elevates the look of any space, but it may be hard deciding where to start.

Ceramic tiles are featured in three main areas: the primary bathroom, the kitchen backsplash, and the face of the fireplace.

More specifically, within the primary bathroom, you can use tile in various ways. Including on the shower wall, on the shower floor, and on the bathroom floor.

You really can’t go wrong with any of these suggested areas. So before you start picking out the exact tiling you want, consider where you want to place it.

The Tried and True

If you aren’t sure what ceramic tile design suits you best, don’t worry, you can always rely on the timeless options. Bricking the tiles horizontally is a classic method with high payoff — and it works in the bathroom or as a backsplash.

As for designing the fireplace face, stick to the horizontal orientation, but use a stacked design method for a clean and precise, yet equally pleasing look.

Pushing the Bounds

For those who want to play around with tile design a bit more, here are four tile characteristics to consider.

1. Layout
Ceramic tile lends itself to unique layouts. It can be subtle, like running them vertically. Or make it a bit more complex.
A herringbone formation — a zig-zag pattern — creates an illusion of a textured background. This adds depth and character to the space.
The same goes for a lattice weave — the repeating pattern of three vertical tiles next to three horizontal tiles.

2. Pattern
Whether it’s a painted tile, one with geometric shapes like diamonds, or a marbled motif, pattern is a great way to have some fun with your tiled spaces.

3. Texture
Three-dimensional tiles are growing in popularity. Wave-like textures and grooves help bring the pattern to life. In both look and feel.
When picking the right tile, consider finishes. Glossy and matte finishes work well on their own. But you can also use them in tandem to create a unique, textured design.
Just keep in mind that gloss-finished tile cannot be used on the floor since it isn’t slip-resistant.

4. Size
Throughout the years, we’ve seen more demand for larger tiles. Larger tile means less grout lines and a cleaner, sleeker look. And easier cleanup.

The Future of Ceramic Tile

There are even more trends to keep your eyes on to be ahead of the curve come 2024.

For example, terrazzo stone — a fun, speckled stone — is making its way into the tile scene. We expect to see more of it in the coming years.

Moroccan- and Spanish-inspired tiles and color palettes are also up-and-coming trends. Shades of terracotta, blush, sage, and deeper blues are also on the rise for those who want a bit more punch instead of subtlety.

Have Fun

This is the most important tip to remember. The design options are almost endless. And you can choose layouts, patterns, textures, and sizes that fit your desired aesthetic. So don’t be afraid to lean into your personal style and get creative with it.

Ready to explore the world of ceramic tile designs? Start building your new home or talk to one of our New Home Consultants today.