There are some newer trends in tile that were not popular just two years ago and are now being requested regularly.
1. WOOD LOOK PLANKS
The most prevalent trend is tile that looks like wood planks. These come in a variety of sizes. Most common is 6″ to 7″ wide and 3 to 4 feet long. These take skill to install because they are often warped due to their length. This can be accommodated by installing them at at least 1/8″ apart. Some of the designs look just like real wood, others are more abstract. Either way, they are a durable and a great choice for any room of the house.
2. PATTERNED TILE WORK
The next trend has to do with patterns and repeats that can be arranged when installing tile. Popular patterns include a stacked pattern with one on top of another or a brick pattern with offset rows. Recently we’ve been getting requests for herringbone styles, which are a great look on a floor or wall. One idea for herringbone is to put it in a frame in an entry floor. Another great look is to incorporate herringbone on a backsplash. Other patterns include the chevron pattern, parquet and diagonal. To emphasize a pattern, some designers will choose a contrasting grout color. Using the same color grout is a more subtle look. Here are some examples of tile patterns:
3. TILES WITH A GRAPHIC DESIGN
We see a trend toward tiles with a design that looks drawn or painted on them. These can be any number of sizes from the small tiles shown above to large tiles decorated with multiple patterns. These add graphic interest to a room and can actually create a “wow” effect for the home. Often these busy prints are used in small areas like a laundry room or bathroom, but we also saw a more subtle design used in a large kitchen, and it looked great.
4. TILE SIZE
12″ x 24″ has become the standard size for traditional floor tile. This larger tile installation company near me often makes rooms look better, uses less grout than smaller tiles and is attractive using any number of patterns. Most common is the brick pattern, followed by the stacked pattern for a more contemporary look and lastly the herringbone pattern. These tiles fit in small bathrooms or large living areas. Overall, the size of tile has increased over the past few years. Larger tiles are more difficult to install than smaller formats. A floor needs to be level and without humps or low spots to install the large tiles.
