10. Relaxing Spa Retreat

This retro bathroom was ready for a reno! Calacatta Gold Hex tile and white beadboard around the tub instantly modernize the space, while the large format Social Grey floor tile adds a soothing sense of movement and a chic concrete look. @the_daily_diy_official’s only regret about this project? That she didn’t do it sooner!

Featuring: Marmo Calacatta Gold Matte, Calacatta Gold Matte Hex and Social Grey. Design and photography by @the_daily_diy_official.

9. Brilliant Bar

For her built-in bar, @craftiffdiy wanted to maintain her neutral color scheme while upping her style game. The checkerboard backsplash—featuring Zellige tiles in Alabaster and White Gloss—is a definite design win! Discover more checkmate designs in our curated checkberboard pairings.

Featuring: Zellige Alabaster Gloss and Zellige White Gloss. Design and photography by @craftiffdiy.

8. Stylish Shower

For her boys’ bathroom, @handmakeshome wanted a playful space that felt sophisticated enough to grow with them. This beautiful custom subway layout, featuring Glass tile in Storm, White and Light Blu, strikes the perfect balance between boyish energy and refined style.

Featuring: Glass White, Glass Storm, Glass Light Blu, Penny Round Gloss White and Penny Round Cloudy. Design and photography by @handmakeshome.

7. Beautiful Bathroom

The bathroom in @beckybidlen’s historic 1894 home needed a lot of TLC! We love this update that blends classic details—like the Basketweave White with Black mosaic floor tile and ornate gold mirror—with contemporary features. It’s clear every detail was thoughtfully considered—note the scalloped edge at the bottom of the vanity.

Featuring: Basketweave Matte White with Black. Design and photography by @beckybidlen.

6. Midcentury Mexican Dream Bath

This chic bathroom, designed by @homewithid, reflects their Mexican heritage. The Marrakesh Blue handmade-look tile showcases beautiful shade and surface variation for a unique, handcrafted appearance. Its cool tones add depth that pops against the warm-toned Urban White wall and Shade Warm floor tile.

Featuring: Marrakesh Blue, Urban White Pav and Shade Warm. Design and photography by @homewithid.

5. Sleek Kitchen Backsplash

With a new layout and modern updates, @cassandra.noellee took her kitchen from “blah” to brilliant! The Villa White Matte subway tile backsplash is clean and classic, yet still feels contemporary. Using Desert Sand grout creates a low-contrast design that pairs beautifully with the dark wood cabinetry.

Featuring: Villa White Matte. Design and photography by @cassandra.noellee.

4. Mediterranean-Inspired Patio

Can you believe this villa-inspired patio is in Florida? @shoemakesnew completely transformed her backyard into a Mediterranean retreat. The terracotta-look Provenzal Alhama Cotto tile features a unique shape reminiscent of the architecture in Alhama de Granada, Spain. Its rich rust color perfectly complements the white-painted brick and stone.

Featuring: Provenzal Alhama Cotto. Design and photography by @shoemakesnew.

3. Boutique Bathroom

In keeping with the character of her historic house, @daryakaras wanted her powder bathroom to feel authentically unique. Handcrafted Zellige tiles in Shamrock and White Gloss are installed in vertical stripes along the walls, creating bold, one-of-a-kind design. Paired with large-format Nature Carrara marble-look floor tile, this space feels like a boutique hotel—a far cry from the rundown bathroom in the “before” picture.

Featuring: Zellige White Gloss, Zellige Shamrock Gloss and Nature Carrara. Design and photography by @daryakaras.

2. Serene Shower

Another historic home glow-up! This serene shower, designed by @jessicasmithhomedesign, features Coco Canvas Glossy handmade-look wall tile and a checkerboard floor pattern of Avorio Fiorito and Royal Satin White marble tiles. Full of rich, soothing movement in complementary neutrals, the space feels wonderfully tranquil and timeless.

Featuring: Coco Canvas Glossy, Avorio Fiorito, Royal Satin White, Volakas Threshold, Volakas Threshold 2 in. and Volakas Curb. Design and photography by @jessicasmithhomedesign.

1. Elegant, Contemporary Bathroom

This bathroom was literally crumbling, but even on a budget, @modernly_you transformed it into a gorgeous, contemporary space. Part of our Tile Under $7 collection, the Nain Negro large-format floor tile features the earthy texture of slate with the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain. The dark tile beautifully complements the honey-colored wood vanity, while the thin black frames around the mirrors provide a subtle visual throughline.

Featuring: Nain Negro. Design by @modernly_you. Photography by @awoea_photography

This concludes our Year in Review series. We hope you enjoyed looking back at your favorite spaces from 2025. We can’t wait to see what you create in the coming year! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery—you might be featured in our 2026 Year in Review!

See all of 2025’s top spaces:

2025 Year In Review: Top 10 Bathrooms

2025 Year In Review: Top 10 Kitchens

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Want your own “before” and “after” reveal? Shop our wide selection of tile for every budget, space and style. Need more help? Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local Tile Shop, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to bring your dream space to life.

The post 2025 Year In Review: Top 10 Before & Afters appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

10. Parisian Patterns

Inspired by French scrollwork, the Alison Victoria French Connection Saint Germain tile brings refined elegance to this chic kitchen backsplash. The bold black-and-white pattern is a modern take on a classic design, serving as a fitting backdrop for a sophisticated space that showcases antique fixtures and glassware with contemporary sensibility. Explore our exclusive Alison Victoria designer collection for more unique styles inspired by her favorite places.

9. English Country Cottage Charm

Like cozying up with a cup of tea and your favorite Jane Austen novel, English Country Cottage style celebrates classic comforts with a touch of British whimsy. Here, the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile, with its dainty floral pattern, perfectly encapsulates this charming trend.

👉 MORE TO EXPORE | Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage

8. Lavish Large Format

Richly veined details give the Arabian Niro White Matte marble-look tile a beautiful sense of movement, drawing the eye up to the ceiling and across the wall for a feeling of expansiveness. The 24″ x 48″ large-format tile creates a cohesive look in the space, almost as if it were a single slab of marble.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

7. White and Wood

With its soft, undulating tones and subtle surface texture, the handmade-look Riad White tile is a fan favorite, appearing in three of the top ten kitchens this year. This refined rustic space, designed by @thedivinelivingspace, pairs the white tile with warm wood shelving and cabinets. (Note: This tile is temporarily on backorder. Get a similar look with Argile Matte White or Marrakesh Off-White.)

We love how this beautifully textured tile adds character to the stylish, contemporary space. Shop our wide selection of handmade-look tile to find a perfectly imperfect style to suit your space.

6. Rustic Patina

Alison Victoria’s signature city-chic style is on display once again in this modern rustic kitchen. The Alison Victoria French Connection Le Marais tile features a patinaed beige design inspired by French scrollwork. Its faded pattern adds distinct character that complements the rustic elements of the space, especially the exposed wooden ceiling and open shelving.

5. Victorian Elegance

Tin tiles with a pressed, raised pattern were popularized in the Victorian era, and now you can achieve this decorative, antique look with the durable ceramic Victoria Blanc tile (also available in dark grey Gris Fonce). As this elegant kitchen demonstrates, these beautiful antique designs add character and texture to contemporary spaces.

4. Chic & Cozy Modern Farmhouse

Another space featuring the Riad White tile, this modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by I SPY DIY, remains one of your favorites. (Note: This tile is temporarily on backorder. Get a similar look with Argile Matte White or Marrakesh Off-White.)

The cool-toned Look Avio tile on the side of the kitchen island is balanced by the warm taupe-painted walls and wood elements used throughout the space.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Modern Farmhouse

3. Midcentury Modern Excellence

You don’t need an A-frame house to embrace the best of midcentury modern design. Featuring earthy, retro palettes, sleek silhouettes and a speckled pattern reminiscent of midcentury pottery, our new Stoneware collection tiles from Fired Earth can transform any space into a chic 20th-century haven. Here, the Stoneware Rainwashed subway tile fills the kitchen with the rich color and clean lines you’d expect from this design style. Shop the tile in this and four other on-trend colorways: Blue Mist, Indigo Spruce, Linen Brick and Powder White.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Midcentury Modern

2. Classic and Whimsical

Featuring a delightful black-and-white design inspired by the iconic British brand’s textiles, the Laura Ashley Whicker Charcoal tile adds a touch of whimsy to this chic sink backsplash. Designed by West Bay Homes, the classic layout is elevated by sophisticated gold light fixtures. If you love this playful motif, explore our exclusive Laura Ashley designer collection.

1. White on Grey

This grey-and-white kitchen, designed by @shelterandsanctuary, radiates warmth! The Riad White handmade-look backsplash tile features undulating off-white tones that highlight the tranquil shades in the dove-grey cabinets. (Note: This tile is temporarily on backorder. Get a similar look with Argile Matte White or Marrakesh Off-White.) The result is an inviting, sophisticated contemporary space. If you love this clean look, shop our wide selection of white tile.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our look back at your favorite kitchens from 2025. Come back next week when our series wraps up with our best before-and-after project reveals of the year.

👉 In case you missed it: 2025 Year in Review: Top 10 Bathrooms

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Inspired to transform your space? Shop our wide selection of kitchen tile for every budget, space and style. Need more help? Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local Tile Shop, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to bring your dream space to life.

The post 2025 Year In Review: Top 10 Kitchens appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Keep It Neat With Subway Tiles

Take subway tile beyond the walls! The Argile Matte White handmade-look subway tile shown on this kitchen floor is installed in a straight stack to mirror the wall tiles. The effect is a neat and orderly cohesion that keeps with the minimalistic theme of this small space. Discover all the ways you can install your subway tile in this helpful guide.

2. Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Floor

If Joanna Gaines is your style icon, then your ideal kitchen is probably large, homey and features a farmhouse sink. But you don’t need a space large enough to feed a herd of cattle hands to get an authentic modern farmhouse look. The Annie Selke Farmhouse Hex (shown here in White and Sage Green) will turn even a small space into a cozy-chic haven. For ideas on how to bring homestead style into every room of your home, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

3. Add Character With Antique Floor Tiles

If you want your new tile floor to have a lived-in look, then choose tiles with a natural weathered look, like the square Antique tiles shown here. Installed in a charming Green and Grey pattern, the tiles’ aged appearance perfectly complements this kitchen’s rustic wooden cabinets and handmade-look tile backsplash. We love how the coordinating tile selections make this small space feel cohesive and uncluttered.

4. Choose Elegance & Durability With Wood-Look Tile

Like the look of wood but are afraid it won’t hold up to the messes in the kitchen? Durable, water-, scratch- and stain-resistant wood-look tile features authentic wood-grain looks that are easy to clean and won’t trap bacteria. The Manhattan Mercury tile features a contemporary take on traditional parquet floors—and as an added bonus, the large format makes this small space appear more expansive.

5. Keep It Simple & Stylish With Black-and-White Patterns

A black-and-white tile floor will allow for pops of color elsewhere in your space, like the antique blue china hutch in this cozy and charming kitchen designed by The Whitley Co. Because the base of this space is the Bolshoi Negro black-and-white tile, the cabinetry and appliances can easily be painted or swapped out to change the aesthetic.

6. Show Off Your Eclectic Taste

If your style leans towards the eclectic and carefree, a boho-inspired floor tile design, like the Annie Selke Aylin Blue tile (product #680873, available in our showrooms), will infuse your space with a worldly appeal. Inspired by vintage block prints, this stunning design elevates this small space with a refined, cultured aesthetic. Discover more stylish tile ideas with our guide to boho chic design.

7. Make Your Space Feel Larger With Mosaic Tile

Perhaps counterintuitively, the visual interest created by small tile—like you would find in an intricate mosaic—is just as effective as large format tile for adding the illusion of space. This charming Hex Matte White with Black Flower tile floor is versatile enough to complement a variety of design styles. We love how it looks in this minimalist kitchen with modern farmhouse details, but the simple black-and-white pattern would look equally stunning with a brightly colored wall or sleek blonde wood cabinets.

8. Small Kitchen Flooring Ideas

There are so many kitchen flooring options beyond traditional tile! Laminate, engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl offer stylish, affordable and sustainable alternatives to traditional wood and stone. This contemporary kitchen, designed by Pinch Plate Party, features Arbour Midlands Nutmeg Oak luxury vinyl planks. Durable, waterproof and resistant to stains and scratches, vinyl planks are also easy to install—making them a perfect DIY flooring solution. They’re also an excellent choice if you want to extend your kitchen flooring into a dining room or great room, as the natural wood or stone look creates a seamless, elegant flow throughout the home.

9. Step Up Your Style With a Stunning Star Pattern

The patterned, folk art-inspired floor tile is the star of this cute kitchen. While the Star handmade-look tile has an antique appearance, the green cabinets and brass range hood keep this space looking fresh and modern. The color choices and finishes chosen by Callaway Home Improvements prove that this tile is versatile enough to complement a range of aesthetics.

10. Embrace Whimsical Elegance

A cross between your grandma’s living room and Jane Austen’s drawing room, English country cottage style is the coziest delight to cross the Atlantic since Lady Grey. Capturing the mix of whimsy and elegance that defines this charming aesthetic, our exclusive Laura Ashley designer collection brings the iconic British brand’s signature floral motifs and geometric patterns—like the star-patterned Wicker Charcoal floor tile shown here—to durable porcelain tile. If this sweet, sophisticated style is just your cup of tea, explore how to infuse it throughout your home in our guide to English country cottage design.

11. Elevate Your Space With a Stone Checkerboard

Checkerboard makes for fun and classic floors. This transitional kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, uses Silver Mist and Noir limestone tiles for a winning floor design. We love how the natural veining in the stone adds interest to this floor. The muted black, white and grey tones throughout the room give this space a moody, elevated aesthetic, but we could see this exceptional floor being incorporated into a more colorful design.

12. Showcase Your Sophistication With a Versailles Pattern

Here, squares and rectangular tiles of various sizes are arranged in a classic Versailles pattern. The Queen Beige Tumbled Small Versailles marble floor tile contributes to the classiness of this exquisite, modern kitchen, designed by Wit and Delight. The elegant pattern elevates the space, while the muted palette allows the boldly veined marble backsplash and countertops to stand out.

Ready to tackle your kitchen reno this year? Discover even more ideas to redo your limited culinary space with 26 Small Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas for 2026. Or, if you’re looking for some guidance on an upcoming project, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post 12 Stunning Small Kitchen Floor Tile Ideas for 2026 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Choose Low-Maintenance Porcelain Tile

Whether your aesthetic leans luxurious, eclectic or minimalist, there’s a durable, low-maintenance porcelain tile to match your style. From sleek subway to patterns that pop, porcelain comes in virtually every format you can imagine—and this tough, nonporous material can handle the spills, splatters and foot traffic of a busy kitchen.

Here, the Arabian Niro White tile features a crisp white background and expressive gray veining for a chic marble look. Glass cabinet doors reduce dust buildup—and unnecessary door opens when you can’t remember where you put the glasses—making cleanup in this chic kitchen a cinch.

2. Make Wiping Away Spills a Breeze With Glass Tile

Spills and splashes are no match for glass. This nonporous tile not only resists stains but also reflects light, brightening your cooking space and making messes easier to spot. This gorgeous kitchen, designed by @riemerkitchens, features Winter Morning glass subway tile—its cool blue tones catch the light beautifully, enhancing the room’s airy feel.

Explore our vast selection of glass tile to find a design that ✨reflects✨ your style.

3. Minimize Grout Lines With Large Format Tile

The hardest part of your tile design to clean is often the grout joints, so choosing a tile that reduces the need for these crevices will instantly make kitchen maintenance easier. Large-format tile (available in sizes up to 48″ x 48″) covers more surface area with fewer grout lines. It can even mimic the look of a single stone slab, like the Calacata Evora marble featured on this kitchen backsplash.

Pro Tip: Choose a tile with a rectified edge to further minimize the appearance of grout joints.

4. Choose Wood-Look Tile for Your Floor

If you love the look of hardwood but worry about bacteria settling into the grain, durable, stylish wood-look porcelain could be the perfect kitchen flooring solution. Available in a variety of realistic styles, this scratch- and stain-resistant tile is ideal for kitchens with heavy foot—or paw—traffic, and most messes can be quickly swept or mopped away. This charming space, designed by At Home With Ashley, features the Baltimore Beige wood-look tile; its realistic detail makes it almost indistinguishable from real wood.

5. …Or Luxury Vinyl Planks

Another easy-to-clean, low-maintenance natural alternative to consider is luxury vinyl. Available in a wide variety of realistic wood, stone and cement looks, this ultra-durable, waterproof material is a great flooring solution for any area of your home. Extend your kitchen floor into your great room—as this Pinch Plate Party-designed space does—for a cohesive look that ties your living space together.

Shop our wide selection of luxury vinyl flooring to find the perfect style for you. 👉

6. Create a Tile Countertop

Tile needn’t be relegated to floors and walls; a tile countertop offers easy maintenance at a lower cost than solid quartz or granite. When properly sealed, marble or porcelain tile is spill-, stain- and heat-resistant. It’s also more economical to maintain—if a chip occurs, you can replace a single tile rather than the entire counter. This transitional kitchen features Firenze Carrara marble for an elegant, one-of-a-kind surface, but for superior stain resistance, you can opt for durable porcelain tile.

Pro Tip: Regularly seal your grout to keep your kitchen looking pristine.

7. Extend Your Tile to the Ceiling

Taking your tile design to the ceiling isn’t just a style trend—it also provides extra protection for your walls. This English country cottage kitchen showcases Laura Ashley Wexboard Midnight tile from countertop to ceiling, featuring a charming, wallpaper-like pattern that’s moisture- and stain-resistant. Even better, the cabinets also reach the ceiling, eliminating another hard-to-clean spot. Discover more inspiration for counter-to-ceiling kitchen tile designs here.

Make Your Kitchen Dreams a Reality

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen tiles to find your perfect style, and peruse our kitchen tile ideas for extra inspo. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 7 Stylish Tile Ideas for an Easy-to-Clean Kitchen appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

While black-and-white squares remain iconic, modern takes on checkerboard invite you to think beyond tradition. From colorful twists and unexpected layouts to innovative uses of shape and scale, these 15 ideas prove there’s more than one way to play the grid.

1. Choose Multi-Colored Squares

Black and white aren’t the only options in the checkerboard game. For their modern farmhouse kitchen, @eighteenthcenturystephens paired Antique tiles in Lava and Green to create a refined rustic aesthetic that brings both color and character to the space. We love how they grouped four tiles together to form larger squares, but for a more dynamic look, you could alternate the individual tiles instead.

2. Play With Proportion

Everything about this checkerboard wall says classic—except the proportions. Checkerboard layouts don’t need to stick to squares. By using subway tiles instead, this design delivers a fresh and unexpected twist on the traditional look.

We especially love the choice of tiles in this inviting breakfast space. Fired Earth Stoneware ceramic subway tiles (shown here in Rainwashed, a soft blue, and Linen Brick, a warm beige) feature subtle speckles and slight color variation from piece to piece, for a decorative effect characteristic of handmade mid-century ceramics. 

3. Play With Pattern

Pairing two colorways of the same pattern offers a charming, unconventional twist on the classic design. This chic bathroom features the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper in Eden Ode (black) and Florence Lace (white). The ornate, botanical design is completed when four tiles are grouped together, adding feminine allure to the traditional checkerboard. If you love this bold, whimsical take on a classic style, explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection.

4. Play With Shape

A twist on traditional Moroccan design, this Kasbah Cross Terracotta and Star Bone tile floor creates a dynamic foundation for a luxurious shower. The warm terracotta and crisp white tones of the checkerboard floor are echoed in the dramatic rust-colored veining of the white marble-look Pisa Ora wall tile, resulting in a space that’s visually complex yet tonally cohesive. For a striking variation, try the look in black and white with Zellige White Chabone Star and Charcoal Chabone Cross tiles.

5. Add a Third Color for a Buffalo Check

Another way to elevate your checkerboard design is by adding a third color. This buffalo check wall features Encaustic tile in Black, Cobalt and Light Grey. The three hues play across the wall to create a stylish tableau that can be recreated with any three same-sized square tiles. For a truly unique and luxurious design, try mixing marble or marble-look tiles.

6. Create a Gridded Subway Design

Alternating horizontal and vertical layouts for a grid stack subway pattern creates a dynamic sense of movement in this chic shower. The intentional variations in the Look Avio handmade-look tile add soft visual interest, while the contrasting white grout lines emphasize the pattern. To make the design more striking, incorporate multiple colors; for a quieter look, choose a tonally consistent tile with matching grout. Explore endless design possibilities with our wide selection of subway tile.

7. Choose a Mosaic for an Easy Play

Made up of small individual tiles mounted on a mesh sheet, mosaic tile combines intricate detail with easy installation. The Bennett with Roman Silver tile shown here features marble pieces arranged in an alternating vertical and horizontal pattern. Expressive veining in the gray and white marble adds a sense of movement to the checkerboard effect, while the subtle tonal shifts create a deceptively simple design that works beautifully for a wall, backsplash or floor. For a warmer, earthier look, try the Scabos Triples tile in travertine.

8. Switch Your Strategy

You don’t need to add a second color to achieve a stunning patterned checkerboard. This stylish shower features the Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite tile, showcasing a bold, hand-drawn graphic design (also available in grey Cement and beige Pumice). The multi-directional tiles make it easy to create personalized motifs, as shown here by arranging them in groups of four with alternating horizontal and vertical orientations. If you love this eclectic, fashion-forward aesthetic, explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

9. Elevate Your Game With Natural Stone

Marble, travertine or slate—natural stone tile showcases organic variations for a truly one-of-a-kind look. When paired together, these materials create a beautiful, expressive and unique space, like this stunning entryway designed by Timber Trails. Alternating squares of Legno limestone and Volakas marble bring subtle beauty through veining and natural details. Notice how the beige limestone tiles are installed so that the veining aligns across each row of squares.

10. Expand the Grid

This black-and-white hexagon floor delivers the clean geometry of a checkerboard with an unexpected twist.

While square tiles are the most common way to achieve a grid layout—think fabric patterns or city blocks—hexagons are another timeless choice. Their six-sided form adds subtle variety while still stacking together with satisfying precision. The result is a pattern that feels both efficient and fresh. Here, crisp black accents on a white field create a classic look, but inverting the palette to a black background would offer a bold, dramatic alternative.

11. Play in Neutral Tones

You don’t need stark contrast to create an engaging design. This stunning bar area, designed by @creatiffdiy, features alternating squares of Zellige White and Alabaster gloss tile. The beige, pink and grey tones of the Alabaster tile add visual complexity while maintaining a neutral color scheme. Perfectly imperfect, these handcrafted tiles feature subtle surface variations that add texture and depth. If you love this authentic, artisanal look, explore our wide selection of handmade Zellige tile.

12. Add Winning Charm With Mosaic Blocks

Squares within squares create a beautifully expressive checkerboard tile backsplash in this elegant bathroom, seamlessly blending modern and traditional decor. Composed of 2″ square tiles, the Zellige Turquoise and White mosaic tiles feature tonal and surface variations that add visual complexity to this simple design. Recreate this look as shown, or explore these handcrafted mosaic tiles in other colorways: Alabaster Pearl, Azul, Black, Dark Grey, Dirty Blue, Light Grey and Shamrock.

13. Create a Twist on Historic Texture

This elegant, vintage-inspired wet bar is perfectly suited to modern entertaining. An homage to the detailed charm of Victorian-era tin tile, ceramic backsplash tiles (Victoria Blanc and Victoria Gris Fonce) feature seven unique embossed surface designs for an authentic look. The alternating dark and light colors, along with a thoughtful mix of circular and square raised designs, gives this checkerboard design layers of dimension. The final result is a welcoming, stylish space that would delight guests in any era.

14. Turn Squares Into Diamonds

Rotating a checkerboard layout 45 degrees gives this counter-to-ceiling tile backsplash a whimsical touch. The intersecting diagonal lines draw the eye up and out simultaneously, making this cozy space feel both taller and wider. Handmade-look tiles, open shelving, wood-plank floors, and apron sink are all characteristic of modern farmhouse style, while the blue and white color palette adds a breezy, coastal feel. (If you like this look, explore all the styles in our exclusive Laura Park designer collection.)

15. Deconstruct the Board

The Cassettone Black tile offers a deconstructed take on the classic black-and-white pattern. Durable yet luxurious, the marble-look mosaic tile brings just the right amount of opulence to this elegant transitional bathroom, designed by @pineislanddesign. Discover more refined designs to mix and match in our wide selection of marble-look tile.

There are so many ways to play the checkerboard game! Shop our curated checkboard pairings for more ideas. Find a tile combo you love? Order samples to see it in your space, or use our Tile Visualizer to help envision your project.

The post 15 Unique and Unexpected Checkerboard Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Wood cabinets are making a strong comeback, whether you’re keeping the ones you already have or choosing them new for a remodel or build. The right backsplash can give your space a fresh look without replacing cabinetry, or complete the style of your brand-new kitchen. From timeless subway tile to bold patterns and unique shapes, these 14 creative pairings highlight tile designs that elevate wood finishes and bring warmth and character to any kitchen.

1. Backsplash Tile With Oak Cabinets

A neutral light wood is the great base for a fun and funky pattern. The curved pattern of the Elipse Azul tile echos the woodgrain in theses kitchen cabinets for wonderful, mesmerizing movement. The slightly muted dark blue with off-white coloring of this patterned tile complements this light oak wood.

2. Create a Natural Transition

The Tribeca Oatmeal subway tile provides a balanced transition between the white wall cabinets and wood base cabinets in this bright, modern kitchen. The glossy finish on this creamy subway tile adds shine to this kitchen, so that in the right light the wall looks white, but the color variation creates interest.

3. Make it Monochromatic

Beige tiles paired with maple wood create an elegant, monochromatic color scheme as is proof in this beautiful minimalist kitchen. The curves in the Wave Old Cream tile lends softness to this design with its serene neutral palette. We also love how the white grout joints complement the white light fixtures and countertops.

4. Add Depth With Dark Colors

Pair a dark color with a darker wood cabinet for moodier design that gives your kitchen richness. The dark wood base cabinets complement the vibrant color of the Wave Blue Reef tile. This tile might be too dark with wall cabinets, but the open shelving allows for the light to pass through and reflect off the glossy tile.

5. Metallic Patterned Backsplash

A sparkling metallic pattern adds glamour to this ultra-chic kitchen designed by Annie Selke. The reflective pattern of the Annie Selke Goldleaf Speckle tile shines next to the blond wood and white cabinets. The pattern tile creates a visual transition between the wall and base cabinets, by maintaining the neutral color palette.

6. Complement Your Countertops

If you have wood cabinets and granite countertops, then a handmade-look subway tile, like the Annie Selke Artisanal White tile shown here, will add charm to your traditional kitchen aesthetic. The uneven surface edges add detail to this design that complement the dark wood of the cabinets and brown granite.

7. Groove-y Design

Grooved 3D tile complements the woodgrain in stained wood cabinets. The raised line design on the 4-D Diagonal White tile adds a uniformed movement to a space that is already alive with the movement. The geometry of the tile contrasts the organic flow of the woodgrain for a balance of the natural and engineered.

8. Neutral Backsplash Tile With Dark Wood Cabinets

If your cabinets are dark, a light, cool neutral will help balance the tone of your kitchen. The soft shade of the Neo Hex Gloss Blue-Grey tile provides a lightness to the heaviness of the cabinets, and the glossy finish reflects the light, brightening the prep space. The elongated hexagon tile creates a sleek pattern that adds interest to the minimalist wooden cabinets.

9. Add Drama With Contrasting Grout

A black tile with white grout or a white tile with black grout–like the Imperial Brite White tile shown here–will add a subtle sense of drama to your space. Perfect for creating interest to a minimalist wood cabinet design. We love how the black grout complements the black range hood, shelf and handles in this modern kitchen.

10. Be Authentic With Handmade Zellige Tile

Crafted by hand, Moroccan Zellige tile is truly one of a kind. The subtle variations in size, shape, glaze and color will give your backsplash character that pairs perfectly with the unique look of natural wood. This kitchen designed by Fox Homes uses the Zellige White Gloss tile. The effect is a crisp, clean and creative aesthetic.

11. Embrace a Folksy Pattern

This kitchen designed by Kyndred embodies everything we love about modern farmhouse style–wooden cabinets, open shelving and the folk-art-inspired Star Blue tile stove backsplash. The handmade-look details of this tile add charm to this patterned tile and complement the stained wood cabinetry. For more ideas on how to incorporate this aesthetic in your space, read our Tile For Every Style: Modern Farmhouse, style guide.

12. Keep It Crisp and Clean With White Tile

From blond to dark wood, you can’t go wrong with crisp and clean white tile pairing. We love how this kitchen designed by Molly Howe Design uses the Hex Matte White tile to create a wonderfully textured white backsplash. The white range hood and countertops add to the crispness of this design.

13. Celebrate Your Style With an Art Deco Mosaic

The beauty of wood cabinets is that they will complement a range of styles, so your tile choice may determine whether your look is midcentury modern or modern farmhouse or coastal. The gorgeous flapper-era design of the Skyline with Gold stone mosaic tile transforms this modern kitchen design with the sunning gilded geometrical shapes of art deco.

14. Add an Artistic Touch With a Picture Frame

The simplicity of wood cabinets allows for creativity in your tile design. A picture frame in your stove backsplash will give your space an elegant, designed look. This picture frame designed by Sutherland Home features the Ancient Cordoba tile with its intricate and ornate design that elevates the simple kitchen. Shop our vast assortment of patterned tile and mosaic tile to find a favorite to showcase in your kitchen.

Ready to tackle your kitchen reno? Want to know what color tile goes with cherry cabinets? The tile experts at The Tile Shop are here to help every step of the way. Schedule a free design consultation or find your local store to get started.

The post 14 Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas to Pair With Wood Cabinets appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Modern Farmhouse

1. Reduce Noise With Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Affordable luxury vinyl flooring offers the timeless look of wood or stone with exceptional durability, making it a perfect choice for your barndominium. With wear layers up to 28 mil., luxury vinyl planks help absorb noise while providing comfort underfoot. Easy to install and maintain, this versatile flooring comes in a wide range of realistic wood and stone designs to match your style. Plus, because it’s a 100% waterproof material, it’s ideal for bathrooms and entryways. (Thinking about a DIY project? Read our complete guide on How to Install Vinyl Flooring to learn more.)

2. Choose Laminate Flooring for Easy Installation

Like luxury vinyl, laminate is a durable, easy-to-install, and low-maintenance flooring option that replicates the look of real wood. The key difference between the two is water resistance: laminate is not a waterproof material, so we recommend avoiding it in spaces like bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoor spaces, or anywhere else where floors will experience exposure to high amounts of moisture. Available in a variety of wood-look designs—including herringbone patterns—laminate flooring offers both beauty and affordability.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Laminate Flooring Buying Guide

3. Showcase Your Personality With Patterned Tile

If wood isn’t your style—or if you want to distinguish a specific area of your barndo—patterned tile offers a stylish solution. From floral to geometric, these designs let you showcase your personality and unique aesthetic. In this charming barndo mudroom designed by @plmdesignsllc, Laura Ashley Mr Jones Charcoal tile adds character with its whimsical floral pattern, inspired by the iconic British brand’s textiles. Explore our wide selection of patterned tile to find the perfect look for your space.

4. Add Distinction With Natural Stone

While synthetic materials deliver style, durability and affordability, natural stone brings a one-of-a-kind character to your space—perfect for adding distinction to a prefab barndominium. In this @saramoltumyr-designed space, the natural beauty of Andoni Black slate tile creates a striking focal point. Like man-made tile, stone is a hard material, so it won’t absorb noise as effectively as vinyl or engineered hardwood. However, when used in an entryway, it sets a sophisticated, welcoming tone.

5. Protect Your Floors With Wood-Look Tile

Waterproof and scratch-resistant, wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile delivers both style and durability. Ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or entryways, it’s even suitable for showers and wet rooms—allowing you to bring the warmth of wood into spaces where real wood isn’t practical. However, because tile is a hard material, it won’t absorb noise as effectively as luxury vinyl or hardwood, making it a better choice for secondary rooms rather than main living spaces.

6. Extend the Floor With Versatile Cement-Look Tile

Cement is a popular flooring choice for barndominiums, but if you’d prefer to avoid the upkeep of regular sealing, cement-look tile (like the Softcement Graphite tile shown here) provides a stylish, durable and low-maintenance alternative. It’s also more versatile than cement, giving you the option to extend the look onto walls—or even a half-wall, as seen in this chic industrial-style bathroom designed by West Bay Homes.

7. Add Natural Beauty With Engineered Hardwood

Sustainable, durable and easy to install and maintain, engineered hardwood delivers natural beauty in a modern format. Consisting of a real wood veneer and a composite eucalyptus core (up to 15 mm thick), it also helps absorb sound, reducing echo in your open-plan barndominium. This makes it an excellent flooring solution for your great room, especially if you want to bring a natural element into your home.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood: How They’re Different

8. Keep Comfortable With In-Floor Heat

Luxury vinyl, laminate, tile, stone and engineered hardwood all share one key advantage: compatibility with in-floor heat. A barndominium’s large, open footprint can make heating more challenging, but heated floors provide added warmth and comfort from the ground up—keeping your space cozy even during the coldest months.

Finding the perfect flooring for your barndominium is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of engineered wood, luxury vinyl and tile for every budget and style. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the flooring, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 8 Barndominium Flooring Ideas that Combine Comfort & Style appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Inspired by Laura’s original artwork, The Tile Shop x Laura Park features abstract designs and colors that are both vibrant and versatile. The beauty of this collaboration is how effortlessly the pieces work together—mix and match the colors, patterns and shapes to create your own artistically inspired spaces.

Read on to discover how these expressive, abstract designs can bring exuberance and joy to every space in your home.

Cosmo

A vibrant 8″ x 8″ matte porcelain tile inspired by one of Park’s most iconic wallpaper designs, Cosmo brings expressive movement to walls and floors with its painterly pattern. Available in both lively and neutral palettes—Forest Green, Aegean Blue, Cocoa and Taupe—it offers a high-impact visual grounded in artistic detail.

This elegant bathroom pairs the Laura Park Cosmo Aegean Blue with the Laura Park Seaside Marble and Laura Park Bespoke White tiles for an artful, harmonious space.

Cosmo brings the spirit of my wallpaper designs to tile. Its hand-painted look and modern palette let you make a playful, personalized statement anywhere.

– Laura Park

Bespoke

Designed with a soft watercolor wash and handmade look, Bespoke is a versatile ceramic wall tile available in three sizes and three coordinating colorways: White, Aegean Blue and Taupe.

The varied formats allow for custom geometric layouts or seamless layering with patterned styles. The idea was to give you the tools to create something truly personal. These tiles offer endless layout possibilities while keeping a warm, artisanal feel.

-Laura Park

Marble-Look Porcelain

These polished porcelain tiles bring natural movement and ocean-inspired color into your space. Available in a 12″ x 24″ field tile and herringbone mosaic, the Seaside Marble and Watercolor Marble styles coordinate effortlessly with both warm and cool tones in the rest of the collection.

My marble-look tiles reflect the expressive blues and natural energy I love to paint. They’re designed to pair perfectly with everything in the collection.

-Laura Park

Notice how the changing light alters the look and feel of the tiles, transforming the exuberant space into a warm, romantic tableau.

Featuring: Laura Park Cosmo Aegean Blue, Laura Park Seaside Marble Herringbone, Laura Park Seaside Marble, Laura Park Bespoke White 5 x 5 in. and 2.6 x 5.2 in., and Signature Pewter Gloss Pencil.

Martini Olives

With a softly abstract pattern drawn from one of Park’s most beloved designs, Martini Olives offers subtle rhythm and calming energy. The 13″ x 13″ matte tile features brushstroke-inspired shapes in muted taupe, blue and grey—perfect for grounding a space or layering with more expressive pieces.

Le Fleur

A 6″ x 6″ matte porcelain tile inspired by Park’s original floral artwork, La Fleur captures expressive, organic shapes with rich brushwork detailing. It’s available in two saturated hues—Aegean Blue and Forest Green—for a bold, blooming focal point in any space.

The Laura Park Le Fleur Forest Green and Aegean Blue tiles are featured here on the middle shelf:

Coming soon: Millie (top right), a matte-finish hexagon tile with hand-painted-style detail—ideal for softening bolder patterns or creating subtle texture on its own.

We can’t wait to see the amazing spaces this new collection inspires! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery (you can find even more design inspo there, too)!

The post Introducing The Tile Shop x Laura Park appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Match Your Tile to Your Walls, Trim and Ceiling

This cozy bathroom, designed by Yellow Brick Home, perfectly captures the color drenching trend. The ceiling, trim and door are all painted in a soft blush, and even the tile—Alison Victoria Brick x Brick Petal—matches the hue. Tiling a half wall instead of painting the entire space adds depth to the monochromatic room; the brick-like texture and subtle color variation of the tile bring visual interest. The result is a rich, inviting space that feels both comforting and expansive.

2. Add Interest by Mixing Finishes

To keep a color-drenched space from feeling monotonous, try mixing glossy and matte finishes, as shown in this serene bathroom features Coco Canvas tile in both looks. A double band of glossy tile—further distinguished by its vertical installation—adds a subtle shine to the elegant design. The handmade-look tile introduces delicate variations in tone and surface texture, creating visual complexity while maintaining the monochromatic palette.

3. Use the Same Tile for the Wall and Floor

Extending your floor tile up the wall drenches your space in more than just color—it adds visual interest and cohesion. The shape of the tile can create a sense of movement, as seen in this dynamic bathroom featuring Costa Emerald Mix mosaic tile. Small picket tiles are fixed to sheets of mesh backing in neat, diagonally offset columns, for a look that resembles vines climbing the wall and spreading across the floor. We love how the white grout accentuates the tiles’ leaf-like shape, but a darker grout could offer a subtler effect. If you love this nature-inspired look, discover more ways to bring the outdoors in with our guide to biophilic design.

4. Choose a Bold Hue

If you’re going to saturate your space in a single color, choose a hue you truly love. While it might be tempting to play it safe with neutrals, a bold, brilliant shade—like the Zellige Turquoise tile shown here—can make your space feel vibrant. This bright blue will boost your mood, and handmade Zellige tile features organic variation from piece to piece, adding richness and depth to your color-drenched space.

5. Tile the Ceiling

Extending your tile design to the ceiling not only completes the trend but also creates the illusion of height—especially in tight spaces like this narrow shower stall. The small squares of the Imperial Blush mosaic tile form a gridded pattern reminiscent of ’80s school showers, but the soft blush hue elevates the space. Explore our vast selection of square tile for more retro-inspired looks.

6. Add Definition with Trim and Grout

If you’re concerned that color drenching won’t give your eye a place to rest, trim and grout can provide subtle contrast that creates the definition you crave. In this example, the Color Market Lima Da Persia tile is paired with white grout and trim. While white isn’t a stark contrast to the yellow, it’s tonally distinct enough to highlight the tile and define each wall. Gray grout with black tile, or beige with pink, can also create a similar effect. For more ideas on how to use this essential—but often overlooked—design detail, check out our guide to nailing your grout.

7. Choose a Monochromatic Pattern

You don’t have to sacrifice pattern to embrace the monochromatic design trend. Many patterned tiles use a single hue in varying tones. This chic bathroom features Blu Window Hex tile, with a geometric pattern in light and dark blue that adds depth and visual interest. While we love how the white and silver fixtures pop against the blue tile, incorporating blue cabinetry or a matching medicine cabinet would take the look even further.

8. Break the Rules: Create Contrast

A touch of contrast can make your color-drenched space truly stand out. This nearly all-black room features Laura Ashley Louise Star Charcoal tile, with a small white star pattern that adds a playful touch and keeps the space from feeling too dark. We love how the white towel and flowers subtly echo the pattern. If you’re drawn to this chic color scheme, shop our wide selection of black-and-white tile.

9. Match Tones

Tile lets you maintain a single palette while still expressing yourself through shape and tone. This gorgeous shower pairs Alison Victoria Gem marble tile with Marradi Calacatta Emerald marble-look porcelain tile. The deep green marble is echoed in the expressive emerald veining of the porcelain tile, while the neat arched white grout lines provide an additional visual throughline. The result is a deeply evocative space that remains tonally consistent.

10. Pair With a Coordinating Mosaic Tile

Another way to add interest to a color-drenched space is to choose a field tile with a coordinating mosaic. This beautiful shower pairs the Laura Park Seaside Marble 12″ x 24″ wall tile with its matching herringbone mosaic. The rich, marble-look porcelain showcases expressive blue tones inspired by Laura Park’s original watercolors. The herringbone-patterned floor tile adds traction underfoot and extends onto the built-in shower bench, creating a subtle visual disruption in the monochrome palette. Explore our wide selection of mosaic tile to find the perfect complement to your main tile.

Ready to drench your space in color? The Tile Shop has the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started on your next project. Explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

The post 10 Creative Color Drenching Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.