large-format tile Archives - The Tile Shop Blog Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:06:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 147117943 Our Top Tile Trend Predictions for 2026 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/2026-tile-trend-predictions/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/2026-tile-trend-predictions/#respond Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=14054 As another inspiring year of design comes to a close, we’re turning our attention to the trends that will define...

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As another inspiring year of design comes to a close, we’re turning our attention to the trends that will define 2026. In 2025, we embraced new ways to express individual style through timeless, lasting design. As we move into the new year, we foresee that an emphasis on sustainability, authentic materials, and organic patterns and shapes—along with a resurgence of time-honored styles—will define spaces that continue to celebrate individuality.

Read on to discover 15 of our top tile design predictions for 2026—timeless looks and ideas that will shape the year ahead and inspire beautiful spaces you’ll love for years to come.

1. Rustic Modern

Characterized by warm, muted neutrals, natural materials and an atmosphere of relaxed refinement, rustic modern design is contemporary and sophisticated, yet still cozy. This style is perfect if you’re looking to update your modern farmhouse home—many of the same principles of approachable earthiness apply, but with fewer literal farmhouse elements.

This wet room, designed by HGTV star Alison Victoria, features a wall of rough-cut stone paired with the opulent Bianco Puro chevron marble mosaic, proving that this rugged style can also be elegant. If you love the warmth of modern farmhouse but are drawn to spaces that are a bit more streamlined, rustic modern is the perfect evolution.

This modern rustic wet room features a white marble chevron tile floor and a rugged warm stone wall.
Featuring: Bianco Puro Chevron.

2. Pleated Materials

Soft and romantic, pleats are rippling through the interior design world—offering unique tactile and visual texture in unexpected materials and spaces. This beautiful entryway features Kelli Fontana Tommas Classico marble-look wall tile. The raised, fluted pattern mimics pleats found in fabric, adding dimension and a dynamic quality as the pattern casts shadows in shifting light (you can achieve a similar look using Home Kit-Kat tiles). Kelli Fontana Patina Mirror tiles in Eclipse and Siren also contribute depth to the space.

This elegant entryway features fluted white marble-look wall tile and patina mirrored tile.
Featuring: Kelli Fontana Tommas Classico, Kelli Fontana Patinina Eclipse and Kelli Fontana Patina Siren. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang.

Explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection for more of this bold, classic, and whimsical aesthetic.

3. Hand-Painted Motifs

Playful and expressive, painterly patterns have been gaining popularity over the past decade—and we predict they’ll continue to bring beauty and joy to interiors in the coming year. The chic bathroom below captures this trend perfectly with tiles from our exclusive new Laura Park collection.

The Cosmo Aegean Blue porcelain wall and floor tile, adapted from one of Laura Park’s signature wallpaper prints, brings artistic flair to the room’s floor with its hand-painted-look floral pattern and expressive brushstrokes. Soft blue tones flow seamlessly into the Seaside Marble wall tiles and coordinating shower floor mosaic, creating a serene, cohesive space full of color and charm.

Explore our wide selection of patterned tiles to discover more hand-painted motifs to suit your style.

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4. Modern Organic

Much like rustic modern design (featured at #1 on this list), modern organic design celebrates natural materials and earthy tones—but with a more curated, minimalist sensibility. This style balances warmth and simplicity, pairing clean lines with organic texture and pattern for a look that feels effortlessly sophisticated.

In this serene patio, the Nikki Chu Tangier Pumice tile captures that balance beautifully. Its hand-drawn geometric motif introduces subtle movement and contemporary structure, while the soft, neutral palette grounds the space in nature. The result is a harmonious blend of modern polish and organic ease.

Explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection for more organic patterns and contemporary neutral palettes.

5. Rich, Earth-Toned Neutrals

Say goodbye to millennial grey! The trend toward beige, warm white, earthy greens and muted blues will continue into the new year. Far from boring, these rich neutrals offer complexity and a connection to nature, creating deeply expressive spaces that move away from the starker, more industrial feel of the cool tones that defined much of the early 2000s.

This sumptuous space showcases Riad wall tile in Sand and White, installed in a chic checkerboard—another popular trend we expect to see more of in 2026. The warm browns and blacks in the Terrazzo Bianco Micro floor tile (which pops up again in trend #15 on this list) add even more visual texture.

6. Berry Hues

Warm mahogany, deep purple and dark cherry red have already been named colors of the year by some of the top paint brands—and we predict these rich berry hues will continue to grace spaces for years to come. This retro-inspired bathroom, designed by @johnmartinestudio, features Imperial Sienna gloss square mosaic tile. The deep red hue is balanced by the warm light wood vanity and off-white walls.

7. Raised Wood Patterns

Compatible with several contemporary and traditional styles—such as modern rustic, modern organic, Japandi and biophilic designraised wood patterns have been growing in popularity for years, and we predict they will appear in even more spaces in the year to come. Featuring a range of designs—like the geometric cross shape in the Tavola Decor tile shown here—these tiles create a sensory experience with natural appeal. Explore our wide selection of wood-look tile for more unique motifs.

8. Color and Material Drenching

Color drenching—the process of bathing a room, including doors, ceilings and trim, in a single color—will continue to be popular in 2026. For the bold, this trend extends to materials as well as color. Saturating an entire room in a single hue—or even a single tile—adds depth and can make your space feel larger. Here, Costa Emerald Mix mosaic tile covers the walls and floors with rich green tones. We love how the band of gold metal trim breaks up the design—small details like this add visual interest to a monochromatic space.

Green leaf-shaped mosaic tile bathroom floor and wall.
Featuring: Costa Emerald Mix.

9. Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is always in fashion, and in the years ahead, the focus on recycled, natural and environmentally friendly materials will continue to shape home design. Featuring a durable eucalyptus core and a real wood veneer, our Corlee engineered hardwood collection offers natural beauty along with exceptional durability, easy installation and a lower impact on our forests. Explore our wide selection of engineered hardwood in a variety of light and dark finishes to suit any style.

This contemporary living room features a honey brown engineered hardwood floor.
Featuring: Corlee Canyon Oak.

10. Terracotta Revival

Rustic and warm, terracotta and terracotta-look tile are a natural fit for many contemporary design styles gaining prominence in the coming year. Evoking a chic Southwest aesthetic, this rust-colored tile instantly brightens a space with rich, complex tones. This stylish room, designed by @northstardesign.co, features Kasbah Star and Cross Terracotta tiles. Their handmade look and Moroccan-inspired design add depth and interest to the modern rustic space.

This kitchen island features terracotta-look star and cross patterned tile.
Featuring: Kasbah Star Terracotta and Kasbah Cross Terracotta. Design and photography by @northstardesign.co.

11. Handmade Ceramics

Our preference for handcrafted designs and authentic materials will continue into the new year, with a particular appetite for handmade ceramics throughout the home. Fully embrace this trend with our Zellige collection tile—each piece crafted, painted and glazed by hand using centuries-old techniques. Here, the Zellige Shamrock and White Gloss petite subway tiles demonstrate that historic design and expert craftsmanship can be used to create stunning contemporary spaces.

12. Art Deco Designs

Curves, geometric patterns and mixed materials—the defining style of the 1920s—is making a roaring comeback in the 2020s. If you think this decadent, carefree style is the bee’s knees, explore our wide assortment of waterjet mosaics, many of which feature mixed materials in flapper-era patterns—like the Christie Volkas tile shown here.

This sink backsplash features a marble with metal detail scalloped mosaic tile.
Featuring: Christie Volakas. Design and photography by @idealcdr.

13. Grout as a Design Element

Essential to any tile design, grout color can dramatically affect the look of a space. Choosing a contrasting or complementary color determines how much you highlight your tile layout. While high-contrast grout creates drama and depth, low-contrast grout offers a subtler, more organic effect. Here, white subway tile is installed using Whisper Grey grout for a softer look.

EXPLORE MORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design

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14. Unique Shapes

Creating interest through lines that offer dynamic movement, uniquely shaped tile will create distinct spaces in the coming year. From charming leaf motifs to unconventional scallops—like the Alison Victoria Malibu Edit Pointe Dume tile shown here—these exceptional silhouettes infuse spaces with character and unparalleled allure. Explore our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile for more extraordinary designs.

15. Terrazzo-Look Porcelains

Mimicking the look of authentic terrazzo tile—a composite material containing flecks of stone, glass and marble—these tiles offer beautiful visual texture and superior durability. This warm, contemporary space, designed by @craftandtheory, features the Terrazzo Bianco Micro tile. Its earthy tones and organic texture work well with a variety of styles trending in 2026. Shop Terrazzo porcelain tile in this and three other colorways: Bianco Macro, Nero Macro, and Nero Micro.

This mid-century modern bathroom features a warmly speckled terrazzo-look tile.
Featuring: Terrazzo Bianco Micro. Design and photography by @craftandtheory.

Whether you embrace these tile trends or create one of your own, there’s one 2026 prediction that’s guaranteed to come true: a new year will bring even more projects to admire and ideas that inspire.

Speaking of inspiration, our biggest source of inspiration, year after year, is our customers. Be sure to share your project photos by tagging @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading them to our Customer Room Gallery—we can’t wait to see what you create next.

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love

Ready for a room refresh? Schedule a free design consultation or stop by your local Tile Shop for the materials, tools and expert advice you need to bring your dream space to life.

Find a local Tile Shop.

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7 Stylish Tile Ideas for an Easy-to-Clean Kitchen https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/tile-ideas-for-an-easy-to-clean-kitchen/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/tile-ideas-for-an-easy-to-clean-kitchen/#respond Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=13801 If cleaning the kitchen isn’t your favorite chore, we have seven tile ideas to make life a little easier—without sacrificing...

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If cleaning the kitchen isn’t your favorite chore, we have seven tile ideas to make life a little easier—without sacrificing style. From beautiful, durable porcelain to sleek glass subway tile, these kitchen upgrades will help keep your culinary space looking spotless.

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.

This bright and open kitchen features a blue glass subway tile backsplash.
Featuring: Winter Morning. Design and photography by @riemerkitchens.

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.

A chic kitchen backsplash featuring large-format marble tile.
Featuring: Calacata Evora Honed. Design by Angelia Guthrie.

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. 👉

Green kitchen with brown, wood-look vinyl flooring.
Featuring: Arbour Midlands Nutmeg Oak. Design & Photography by Pinch Plate Party.

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.

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8 Barndominium Flooring Ideas that Combine Comfort & Style https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/8-barndominium-flooring-ideas-that-combine-comfort-style/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/8-barndominium-flooring-ideas-that-combine-comfort-style/#respond Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=13914 Gaining popularity for their relatively inexpensive building cost and multi-purpose living and working usage, barndominiums—also known as “barndos”—are barn-style houses...

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Gaining popularity for their relatively inexpensive building cost and multi-purpose living and working usage, barndominiums—also known as “barndos”—are barn-style houses with large, open floor plans that typically range from 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft. Whether you’re considering building a new barndominium or renovating the flooring in an existing structure, these eight flooring ideas will ensure your space is both comfortable and stylish.

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.)

This large bathroom features dark wood-look luxury vinyl tile.
Featuring: Cyrus Plus Fauna.
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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.

Light wood-look laminate tile great room floor.
Featuring: Natura Montreaux Oak.

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.

This modern farmhouse mudroom features a whimsical floral patterned floor tile.
Featuring: Laura Ashley Mr Jones Charcoal. Design and photography by @plmdesignsllc.

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.

A stylish barndo entryway featuring black slate floor tile.
Featuring: Adoni Black. Design and photography by @saramoltumyr.

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.

This chic bathroom features a porcelain wood-look tile floor.
Featuring: Truewood Beige. Design & Photography by Haneen Matt of Haneen’s Haven.

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.

A modern bathroom with large-format grey floor and wall tile and a shower featuring black with white veined marble-look tile.
Featuring: Softcement Graphite, Noir Hixton, Noir Threshold, Noir Mosaic, Alvarado Matte and Livingstone Nero. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. Build by Rick and Kelli Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. Photography by Spacecrafting.
Order $3 samples.

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.

A modern great room featuring dark engineered hardwood flooring.
Featuring: Corlee Heritage Oak.

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.

An elegant kitchen featuring a white tumbled marble subway tile backsplash.
Featuring: Meram Blanc Carrara. Design by Timber Trails. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

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.

Schedule a free design consultation.

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12 Brilliant Black Shower Tile Ideas https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/10-brilliant-black-shower-tile-ideas/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/10-brilliant-black-shower-tile-ideas/#respond Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=13461 Take your space to the dark side—in style. While bright colors bring energy, black tile lends depth, elegance and plenty...

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Take your space to the dark side—in style. While bright colors bring energy, black tile lends depth, elegance and plenty of personality to any shower design.

From sleek and modern to classic and luxurious, these 12 black shower tile ideas prove just how versatile this bold neutral can be. Read on to see if this dramatic hue could be right for you.

1. Choose Chic and Unique Handmade-Look Tile

Perfectly imperfect handmade-look tile features purposeful variations in surface texture, glaze and edges to achieve a popular handcrafted aesthetic. On a black tile—like the Tribeca Basalt shown here—those subtle variations create visual richness while preserving the elegance of a single color. Shop our wide selection of handmade-look tile for more one-of-a-kind styles.

This stylish bathroom features black handmade-look tile shower walls.
Featuring: Tribeca Basalt. Design by Timber Trails. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

2. Create “Pointed” Contrast

Halfway between a subway tile and a hexagon lies the picket tile: a gracefully pointed, elongated shape with gentle geometric flair. While dark colors are sometimes used to create a smaller, cozier feel within a space, here matte black tiles are deployed to the opposite effect; installing the picket shapes horizontally and finishing both black and white tiles with matching black grout makes the interior of this generously sized walk-in feel even more expansive.

3. Let Your Hex-Cellent Taste Shine

The slightly reflective surface of a glossy finish adds brightness—even to a dark tile design. Here, the repeating six-sided Imperial Black Gloss Hex mosaic tile creates a sleek surface for light to play across. White grout further highlights the shapes, adding visual interest; however, black grout would create a more subtle—but equally stunning—look.

A chic modern shower featuring black hex mosaic tile walls.
Featuring: Imperial Black Gloss Hex. Design and photography by @ashley_ryenhome.
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4. Make a Tonal Shift With Pewter Tile

Maintain your goth vibes while softening the palette a few degrees with a dark grey hue. This stylish space, designed by @hutchdesignbuild, features Imperial Pewter Matte subway tile. Adding tonal complexity while preserving a chic, neutral tableau, the deep, steely grey pairs perfectly with black hardware and creamy white walls.

This elegant shower features pewter subway tile walls.
Featuring: Imperial Pewter Matte. Design and photography by @hutchdesignbuild.

5. Select Sleek Subway Tile

While white may be the color most commonly associated with subway tile, this timeless design staple comes in a wide array of colors, finishes and patterns. In this sleek shower designed by @expressflooring615, Signature Black Gloss subway tile is installed in a brick-lay pattern on the exterior and a herringbone pattern inside. White grout highlights the classic layouts and helps tie the dark design to the room’s lighter elements.

This stylish bathroom features black glossy subway tile shower walls.
Featuring: Signature Black Gloss Subway and Calacutta Bianco Gloss. Design and photography by @expressflooring615.

6. Craft a Minimalist Masterpiece

As exemplified in this walk-in shower, pairing large format porcelain tiles with matching dark grout offers a sleek and continuous look. With a realistic slate texture that’s particularly luxe, Burma Grafito tiles continue from shower walls to shower floor—and into the room beyond—with a curbless design. In addition to being fashion-forward, curbless showers like this example offer built-in flexibility for homeowners thinking ahead to aging in place; “going curbless” can help reduce tripping hazards and more easily accommodate mobility aids like walkers or chairs. With universal design features and streamlined, trend-proof style, this bathroom is truly ageless.

Featuring: Burma Grafito.

7. Carve Out a (Shower) Niche

Combining form and function, a shower niche offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your style. In this stunning design, @eatoncustomhomes created a custom niche in the shape of five Black Hex wall tiles, with the contrasting White Hex tile inside. The result is a design that’s both stylish and playful. Shop our wide selection of hexagon tile for more colors and patterns to achieve this look.

A unique shower featuring black hex-shaped tiles with a stacked hex-shaped niche.
Featuring: Black Hex and White Hex. Design and photography by @eatoncustomhomes.

8. Add Texture

One of the best ways to add interest to a monochromatic space is by introducing texture. This smart design from @janelle_mattson features Harley Lux Black tile, with a raised pattern and a mix of glossy and matte finishes for added dimension. We love how the unique texture is complemented by the smooth Hex Matte Black tile in the shower niche.

A stylish shower featuring slightly textured, black porcelain tile walls.
Featuring: Harley Lux Black and Hex Matte Black. Design and photography by @janelle_mattson.

9. Create a Sense of Movement

Choosing shapes and materials that create a sense of movement across your shower can make the space feel larger and add visual interest to a monochromatic palette. In this fashionable shower, the diamond-shaped Chalk Dark RMB tile is installed in a zigzag pattern, drawing the eye across the width of the wall. The leather-like texture adds a subtle tactile element for extra depth.

This elegant shower features a dark grey diamond-shaped wall tile installed at the diagonal.
Featuring: Chalk Dark RMB.
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10. Add Dimension With Frame Tile

Even a simple design can stand out when you choose a framed or beveled tile. The raised “frame” around the subway tile catches the light, creating dimension even in this dark shower. Our new and exclusive Signature tile collection includes framed and beveled tiles in a variety of colors and sizes. Learn more about these versatile basics here.

11. Go Natural With Limestone

Available in hues ranging from rich beige to sleek silver and deep black, limestone is a natural material currently enjoying a moment in interior design. In this @venicecontracting-designed shower, Noir Chevron tile graces the back wall. The V-shape adds a sense of movement, enhanced by crisp white grout lines. For more natural stone options, explore our wide selection of limestone tile.

A chic black-and-white bathroom featuring black limestone chevron-shaped shower tile.
Featuring: Noir Chevron and Ashford Carrara. Design and photography by @venicecontracting.

12. Combine Durability and Style With Marble-Look Tile

Luxurious black marble brings unique style to any space, but if you want a design that’s as low-maintenance as it is stylish, porcelain or ceramic marble-look tile offers the best of both worlds. West Bay Homes designed this teenager’s bathroom using Marmi Classico Nero Venato marble-look porcelain tile. With realistic veining and rectified edges, this tile mimics the appearance of a single block of stone, while porcelain’s fuss-free durability (no sealing required!) makes it ideal for any age.

Ready to take your shower to the dark side? Shop our wide selection of black tile to find sophisticated design inspiration. Explore unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to jump-start your next project.

Order $3 samples.

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Introducing The Tile Shop x Laura Park https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/introducing-the-tile-shop-x-laura-park/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/introducing-the-tile-shop-x-laura-park/#respond Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=13392 There’s something instantly uplifting about walking into a space filled with color, pattern, and energy, and that’s exactly the feeling...

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There’s something instantly uplifting about walking into a space filled with color, pattern, and energy, and that’s exactly the feeling artist and designer Laura Park brings to her exclusive new collaboration with The Tile Shop.

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.

A portrait of Laura Park with her exclusive tile collection.

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

A bathroom-to-shower transition with blue marble-look tile and blue floral patterned floor tile.
Featuring: Laura Park Seaside Marble 12 x 24 in. and Herringbone mosaic, and Cosmo Aegean Blue, and Signature Pewter Gloss Pencil.
Schedule a free design consultation.

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

This artistic wall features a custom design with white handmade-look square and rectangular tiles.
Featuring: Laura Park Bespoke White in 5 in., 2.56 x 5 in. and 2.56 x 10 in.

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:

A display of the entire Laura Park collection tiles, featuring blue and white marble-look tile, abstract patterned tile and handmade-look tile.
Featuring: Laura Park Collection Tiles

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.

A quote from Laura Park: "I hope people use these products to create spaces that inspire and bring joy."

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)!

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15 Modern Bathroom Tile Ideas https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/modern-bathroom-tile-ideas/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/modern-bathroom-tile-ideas/#respond Fri, 30 May 2025 15:56:14 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=12612 Does your bathroom still feature questionable 1900s details that have lost their vintage charm? Ditch the shag carpet and embrace...

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Does your bathroom still feature questionable 1900s details that have lost their vintage charm? Ditch the shag carpet and embrace the 21st century with a fresh tile design that’ll stand the test of time. From cool industrial vibes to eclectic patterns and serene neutrals, these ultra-modern bathrooms showcase the best of contemporary design. Discover 15 on-trend tile ideas to create a space you’ll love for years to come.

1. Create Organic Appeal with Wood-Look Tile

From biophilic design to Japandi, the celebration of nature is a modern trend shaping today’s most sought-after styles. This serene, ultra-modern space features the Tavola Decor wood-look wall tile. Mimicking the look of real wood—enhanced with raised design details—this waterproof porcelain tile brings a sense of tranquility and natural beauty to the space. Complementary neutral tones in the Trevi stone-look floor tile and Firenze Calacatta marble wall tile complete the at-home spa retreat.

2. Choose a Sleek and Chic Brick-Look Tile

Beautifully textured and effortlessly urban, brick-look subway tile adds stylish character with a rustic edge. Here, Alison Victoria showcases her Brick x Brick Petal tile on the shower wall. Installed in a vertical offset pattern, the undulating pale pink tones give this traditional look a fresh, modern update. Explore our exclusive Alison Victoria collection for more of the renowned HGTV interior designer’s signature “city chic” styles.

Schedule a free design consultation.

3. Create a Scalloped Edge

Add softness to your contemporary tile design with a rounded or scalloped edge. This elegant bathroom features the Wave White tile–its curved edges soothe both the eye and the mind. Also available in Old Cream (beige), Grey Owl and Blue Reef, this tile can be installed in a variety of layouts to create gentle, wave-like patterns. Explore our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile for more modern forms.

A contemporary bathroom featuring white wave-shaped tile.
Featuring: Wave White.

4. Add a Stylish Shower Niche

Say goodbye to clunky shower caddies and store your shampoo in style with a shower niche. This timeless trend lets you showcase a beautiful mosaic or patterned tile that might be overwhelming in a larger application. In this shower, designed by @modernly_you, a double niche features the Sampson marble mosaic tile–its beige and white basketweave design adds a touch of sophistication to the sleek, modern space.

This contemporary shower features white handmade-look subway tile and a white and a double shower niche with a beige marble mosaic tile.
Featuring: Villa White Matte and Sampson Mosaic. Design by @modernly_you. Photography by @awoea_photography.

5. Stimulate the Senses

Invigorating and visually dynamic, raised-texture tile is a modern design trend with lasting appeal. This elegant bathroom features the Kelli Fontana Tommas Carrara wall tile; the fluted pattern on the marble-look porcelain creates subtle shadows that shift with the light and adds a tactile dimension to the shower space. If you love this bold, whimsical look, explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer tile collection.

Learn How To Do It Yourself

6. Maintain Neutral Territory

Miles from millennial grey and basic beige, modern neutrals offer complex tones and rich visual texture. This serene bathroom features Coco Canvas matte, one of our most popular tiles, and shows how to bring depth to a neutral color scheme. Installed in a herringbone pattern, the handmade-look subway tile adds visual interest through movement and subtle shade variation while maintaining a clean, understated palette. Discover more design possibilities in this guide to subway tile layouts.

This serene bathroom features a cream handmade-look subway tile in a herringbone pattern.
Featuring: Coco Canvas Matte.

7. Celebrate Vintage Patterns

Everything old is new again–historic patterns and designs are making a big comeback in modern interiors. From Victorian tiles that mimic traditional pressed-tin styles, to ornate patterns like the Vintage White floor tile shown here, classic aesthetics add a touch of contemporary cool to any space.

8. Embrace Eclecticism

Create a space as bold as your personality with an eclectic patterned tile. This stylish, modern bathroom puts an abstract twist on coastal chic design with the Jeffrey Alan Marks Big Sur Off the Hook tile. Featuring a playful graphic pattern reminiscent of glazed pottery, this tile feels both artistic and approachable. Explore our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collection for more modern coastal designs.

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9. Make Fine Lines

Everything is neatly stacked on this bathroom wall featuring the KitKat White tile. The slim, rectangular shapes create vertical lines that draw the eye upward, adding a sense of height, while the horizontal grout lines subtly expand the space. Also available in Grey, this evenly spaced mosaic tile makes a big impact with small pieces.

Bathroom wall tiled in long thin white tiles with a brown wood shelf holding toiletries.
Featuring: KitKat White.

10. Add Industrial Vibes With a Cement-Look Tile

Exuding sophisticated industrial style, the Softcement Graphite large-format tile transforms this West Bay Homes-designed bathroom into an urban loft. The half-wall is finished with Noir Honed Hixton limestone trim tile, adding an elevated touch to the cool, worn concrete-look tile. The result is a space that feels both rugged and refined.

A modern bathroom with large-format grey floor and wall tile and a shower featuring black with white veined marble-look tile.
Featuring: Noir Honed Hixton and Softcement Graphite. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. Build by Rick and Kelli Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. Photography by Spacecrafting.

11. Choose a Fashion-Forward Pattern

Graphic and expressive, the Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite tile brings high-end fashion energy to this bathroom. The hand-drawn-look pattern–inspired by the celebrity designer’s international travels–is multi-directional, offering endless options for personalization. Love this global, eclectic aesthetic? Shop our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection for more unique, modern designs.

12. Mix Finishes

Add subtle visual interest to your modern bathroom by mixing glossy and matte finishes. This bathroom design features Coco Canvas Matte with a double band of Coco Canvas Glossy for contrast. The horizontally stacked matte tile offers the smooth, understated look favored in contemporary spaces, while the vertically stacked glossy tile introduces a hint of shine and dimension.

Order $3 samples.

13. Put a Modern Twist on Traditional Styles

This chic shower offers a fresh take on traditional forms. The Lanse Matte Black and White Picket tiles feature an elongated hexagon shape, stacked horizontally in a layout reminiscent of classic subway tile. The black-and-white color-blocked walls create a sleek interpretation of a timeless palette. Modern elements–like the streamlined hardware and built-in shelf–keep this space feeling current, while subtle nods to the classics ensure lasting style.

14. Add Artisanal Appeal

A trending design element rooted in ancient tradition, Zellige tile is crafted, painted and glazed by hand using centuries-old techniques. The result is authentically unique pieces that bring charm and character to modern spaces. In this bathroom, Carmeon Hamilton pairs the classic Moroccan Star and Cross pattern with graphic black-and-white wallpaper, vibrant woven fans and a hip mirror.

15. Create a Dramatic Sense of Movement

The Macchia Vecchia tile’s striking gold, grey, brown and ochre veining energizes this luxurious bathroom with dynamic movement and sleek sophistication. While this design pairs porcelain wall tile with marble floor tile to embrace a contemporary palette of warm and cool neutrals, stylish, durable marble-look tile is available in a range of vivid colors–including some you won’t find in nature.

Your bathroom is ready for a modern update! Explore our wide selection of bathroom tile, and find even more inspo with 36 Bold and Beautiful Bathroom Tile Ideas for 2025. Not sure where to start? Schedule a free design consultation and let our experts help you find the perfect design for your space.

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10 Chic & Unique Tub Surround Tile Ideas https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/10-chic-unique-tub-surround-tile-ideas/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/10-chic-unique-tub-surround-tile-ideas/#respond Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:09:56 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=12446 Whether you want it to blend in with your space or make a statement all its own, your tub surround...

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Whether you want it to blend in with your space or make a statement all its own, your tub surround can set the tone for the entire bathroom. Durable, easy-to-clean and waterproof bathroom tile protects your walls in style. Read on for 10 chic and unique tub surround ideas to suit your aesthetic.

1. Create a Sparkling Space With Glass Tile

The blue, grey and white tones in the Blue Twilight Brick tile create a waterfall effect on the inside wall of this stunning tub surround. Shiny and reflective, the glass tile shimmers as the light hits it, brightening the space and stimulating the senses. The glossy white tile on the outside walls provides another reflective surface, adding depth to the space. Shop glass tile to find styles as sparkling as your personality.

Tub surround in bathroom with tile glass brick mosaic feature wall, white ceramic tile side walls, niches on back wall with accent hex mosaic and a corner shelf for storage.
Featuring: Blue Twilight Brick, Nero Marquina Hex, Hampton Carrara Flat Corner Shelf and Hampton Carrara Somerset. *The glossy white wall tile is no longer available; achieve a similar look with Verona Bianco.

2. Match Your Modern Farmhouse Decor

Fashionably homey, modern farmhouse design celebrates elevated simplicity and a connection to rural roots. This bathroom, designed by I SPY DIY, embodies those ideals with a sleek surround featuring the Metro Bianco Gloss subway tile. The right-angled herringbone pattern adds dynamic movement to the space, enhanced by contrasting black grout. Blush-painted walls and a gossamer shower curtain infuse the space with a romantic sensibility, but the versatile tile design makes it easy to update by swapping out accessories. If this cozy-chic style is your (homemade) jam, check out 11 Charming Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Tile Ideas.

This elegant modern farmhouse bathroom features a white subway tile tub surround in a herringbone layout.
Featuring: Metro Bianco Gloss. Design and photography by I SPY DIY.
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3. Surround Yourself With Luxury

Ultra-luxe slab design is often created using a single block of stone, which can be both expensive and difficult to install. Achieve this high-end aesthetic on a more modest budget with our new selection of porcelain panel tub kits. Each kit includes two 30″ x 64″ panels and two 32″ x 64″ panels that mimic the size and appearance of large pieces of real marble at a more accessible price point. The Calacatta White tub kit, shown here, replicates luxurious white marble with bold, realistic veining—delivering refined Mediterranean style for under $1,000 per kit.

4. Don’t Forget the Details

A bathtub surround offers a wide canvas–make the most of it with beautiful and intentional details, like the marble corner shelves and tiled picture frame featured in this elegant bathroom designed by LoPiccolo Contracting. The focal point is created by “framing” the Hampton Niles marble mosaic tile with a single layer of Hampton Carrara Somerset. This exquisite design detail highlights a favorite patterned or mosaic tile that might be overwhelming if used throughout the entire space. The Hampton Carrara corner shelves provide stylish storage, eliminating the need for a bulky shower caddy.

5. Soak in Sophistication with Warm Neutral Tile

Here is another example of our new porcelain tile tub kits, available in four distinct marble looks: Calacatta White, Mastersone White, Statuario Nuovo and Max Rapolano (shown here). The creamy ivory tones infuse the space with warmth and contemporary style. The coordinating 12″ x 24″ Max Rapolano Ivory floor tile completes the look, creating a sense of quiet luxury and filling the space with rich serenity.

Exuding quiet luxury style, this lavish bathroom features a soft creamy white marble-look porcelain panel tub surround and large-format floor tile.
Featuring: Max Rapolano Ivory Matte Tub Kit and Max Rapolano Ivory Matte Wall and Floor.

6. Get it Straight (Stack)

Everything is stacked in this sleek bathroom’s favor. The Villa White Gloss tile is installed in a vertical straight stack, adding height to the walls and offering a chic, contemporary look. Slightly contrasting grey grout highlights the clean lines of this simple layout and provides a visual throughline to the Bronx Acero tile in the checkerboard-patterned floor. If subway tile is your style of choice, discover the myriad of installation options in our guide to subway tile layouts.

A chic bathroom featuring a white subway tile tub surround installed in a vertical straight stack and a checkerboard tile floor.
Featuring: Villa White Gloss, Bronx Acero and Bronx Gris. Design and photography by @KarySantayana.

7. Tile the Tub Apron

Extending your tub surround to the tub apron creates a unified space that displays your style–even when the shower curtain is drawn. This lovely space, designed by Steph Cotherman Creative, features the Argile White Matte wall tile. The perfectly imperfect details of the handmade-look tile lend visual texture through purposeful variations in color and edge from piece to piece. The result is an understated grandeur that both soothes and invigorates the senses. Shop our wide selection of handmade-look tile to achieve this artisanal aesthetic.

This elegant bathroom features white square handmade-look tile on the tub surround and tub apron.
Featuring: Argile Matte White. Design and photography by Steph Cotherman Creative.
Order $3 tile samples.

8. Showcase Your Style With Patterned Tile

An expressive patterned tile infuses your space with personality in the form of durable and waterproof porcelain or ceramic. Here, the Nikki Chu Zulu Pumice tile (inspired by the celebrity designer’s popular wallpaper) brings bold, graphic design to this fashion-forward bathroom. Paired with the Nikki Chu Luxor Pumice subway tile on the far wall, the soft beige background and bold hand-drawn-look pattern add decoration while maintaining a neutral space. If you love this eclectic, global style, shop our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

9. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere with Dark Tile

Cool and modern, dark grey or black tile exudes sleek sophistication–as evident in this sharply styled bathroom designed by Timber Trails. The Imperial Pewter Frame Gloss subway tile features a slightly reflective, glossy finish that catches the light and highlights its chic raised “frame” edge. The black tub surround contrasts beautifully with the white walls and white-with-black-polka-dot hex tile floor. This simple color scheme allows for styling versatility–a few well-placed colorful accessories would really stand out in this space.

10. Extend the Tile to the Ceiling

If your shower space is on the short side, you can create the illusion of height by extending your tub surround tile to the ceiling. This elegant shower, designed by Yellow Brick Home, takes the Firenze Carrara tile up the angled ceiling to draw the eye upward and create a continuous space within the tub and shower area. We love how the marble tile is also used as wainscoting in the main bathroom area.

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

Schedule a free design consultation.

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9 Simple Bathroom Tile Formulas for Sophisticated Design https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/9-simple-bathroom-tile-formulas-for-sophisticated-design/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/9-simple-bathroom-tile-formulas-for-sophisticated-design/#respond Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=12038 With thousands of styles to choose from, how do you select the right tile for your space? Begin your bathroom...

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With thousands of styles to choose from, how do you select the right tile for your space? Begin your bathroom reno with confidence using these nine design formulas that make mixing tile as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Marble Look + Marble + Mosaic = Affordable Luxury

Stretch your budget without sacrificing style by pairing real marble with marble-look tile. Available in a range of styles, including colors and designs you won’t find in nature, porcelain and ceramic marble-look tiles are durable and easy to maintain, making upkeep simple. This opulant bathroom, designed by Nikki Chu, features the Macchia Vecchia marble-look tile on the walls and the Calacata Evora marble floor tile. The expressive gold, grey and ochre veining in the marble-look tile adds drama, tempered by the subtle splendor of the marble floor. The tonally similar Shapes Elongated Hex Off White Two Tone mosaic tile is used on the shower floor to provide traction.

Love this luxe spa look? Discover how to infuse your home with understated elegance in our guide to quiet luxury design.

Recreate this look with coordinating marble-look tile, marble tile and mosaic tile.

A picture of celebrity designer, Nikki Chu.

Pro Tip!

“When mixing tile, it’s best to pick a main tile to pull your colors from. I usually stick to three tiles–a main tile, a backsplash tile and a mosaic floor tile.”

-Nikki Chu, celebrity designer

2. Picket + Subway + Large Format= On-Point Design

Mixing shapes and layouts is an easy way to add interest to your design, especially if you want to maintain a monochromatic or tonally cohesive color scheme. This elegant bathroom features the 12″ x 24″ Livingston Melange tile installed in a 1/3 offset layout, subtly contrasted by the 1/2 offset layout used for the Splendor Blanco subway tile. The Splendor Blanco Picket tile takes a completely different direction with a vertical layout. Tonally, all of these tiles are completely cohesive–the grey and white of the marble-look tile is echoed in the white handmade-look wall tiles. However, the mix of shapes and layouts creates a highly intentional and elevated design.

Replicate this design by pairing a picket tile with a similarly colored subway tile and large format tile.

Schedule a free design consultation.

3. Trim + Subway + Penny Round = Fashionably Great

Trim tile is commonly used to ease the transition from one surface to another, but it can also serve as ornamentation within your tile design. This elegant bathroom, designed by Julie Howard for Timber Trails, features Black Marquina Sommerset trim framing the shower doorway and adding detail to the top and bottom of the wall tile. The effect is similar to piping trim you’d find on a well-designed cushion or item of clothing, elevating the white subway tile in the same way embroidery would a white button-up shirt. The penny round floor tile is installed in a custom black-with-white-border design, which is the inverse of the white-with-black trim walls. This is an excellent example of combining simple elements to create an exceptional design.

Discover expert tips and tricks in our guide to elevating your space with trim.

Combine trim, subway and penny round tile to achieve this look.

A picture of Kirsty Froelich, Director of Design.

Pro Tip!

“If you want your trim to stand out, select a different material or color from your main tile. If you’re looking for a seamless transition, choose a trim piece that matches your main tile.”

– Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop Director of Design

4. Star & Cross + Marble Look + Handmade Look = Artisanal Excellence

Traditional shapes and styles combined with charming marble-look tile create artisanal appeal in this contemporary twist on historic design. This is exemplified in the elegant bathroom below, which features the Kasbah Bone Star and Terracotta Cross floor tile, Pisa Oro marble-look tile and the popular Coco White and Canvas handmade-look wall tile. The space maintains cohesion through tonal continuity, but a black, white or black-and-white star-and-cross floor would allow for vibrant wall tiles.

Choose from handmade look, marble look and any combination of Kasbah Star and Cross tiles (available in terracotta and bone) to create this look. Or, for ultimate luxury, pair handmade Zellige tile with real marble.

5. Marble + Mosaic + Handmade Look = Refined Elegance

This combination mixes visual textures to create a rich space that will suit virtually any color palette. The veining on the marble tile, the slight variations in thickness, edge and color in the handmade-look tile, and the shapely pattern of the mosaic tile come together to create a visually rich tableau. This simply splendid bathroom, designed by Renovation Husbands, utilizes all these elements to their best advantage. The Firenze Carrara marble tile featured on the bathroom floor offers understated elegance. The Tribeca Gypsum White handmade-look subway tile adds texture to the shower while blending tonally with the creamy white painted bathroom walls. The Shanxi Black granite square mosaic provides contrast and–thanks to the small pieces and many grout lines–traction to the shower floor.

This beautiful bathroom features a white marble floor with grey veining.
Featuring: Tribeca Gypsum White, Firenze Carrara, Firenze Carrara Skirting, Shanxi Black and Noir Stantonz (this product is discontinued, but you can achieve a similar look with the Black Marquina Skirting). Design and photography by Renovation Husbands.

Shop marble, mosaic and subway tiles to get this look.

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6. Rectangle + Hex + Subway = Gorgeous Geometry

Pairing tiles of different sizes and shapes creates a visually striking space. The key to this design combo is to maintain a visual throughline. This eye-catching bathroom features the Look Avio subway tile, textured Hall Bianco wall tile and Rango Taupe Matte hex floor tile. The varied shapes and styles are tied together through the thick white grout lines used in the subway tile design. The vertical and horizontal grid lines echo the diagonal white pattern on the hex floor tile without exactly matching, while the white rectangular tile provides a neutral space.

Subway tile, rectangular tile and hexagon tile come together to create this look.

Pro Tip!

“Similar materials, when used with different grout colors, can create drastically different looks.”

– Julie Howard, lead designer at Timber Trails

7. Pattern + Subway + Mosaic = Sleek & Expressive

A patterned tile showcases your style, whether bold and graphic, delicate and floral or somewhere in between—like the whimsical motif on the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper Dutch shown here. When styling with a patterned tile, pulling colors from the pattern (especially when it features multiple shades) helps maintain cohesion in your design. In this charming bathroom, the shower walls are tiled with beveled slate blue subway tile, and shades of blue are also repeated in the Laura Park Seaside Marble Herringbone mosaic featured in the shower niche. The matching colors create a sense of harmony among the varied patterns and shapes.

Choose a patterned tile to fit your style and pair it with a matching mosaic and subway tile to complete the look.

8. Stone + Mosaic + Hex = Lovely & Lavish

Natural stone will always be synonymous with luxury. Organic and unique, marble, limestone and travertine tiles feature innate variations, ensuring no two pieces will ever be the same. You can find a wealth of stone tile collections at The Tile Shop, each including coordinating mosaics, trim and field tiles. The variety of tile types allows you to create a varied yet cohesive space. This lavish bathroom features Volkas tile throughout. The hex floor tile and leaf-shaped mosaic add interest and beauty to the space, while the expressive veining creates a sense of depth and movement.

A natural stone collection from The Tile Shop has all the tiles you need to achieve this custom and cohesive look.

9. Checkerboard + Squares + Mosaic = Chic Checkmate!

This winning combination repeats shapes, using color and pattern to differentiate the square and checkerboard layouts.

The checkerboard of Arctic White and Bundung Gris Acid tiles on this room’s floor complements the Riad White wall tile both tonally and in shape, and the White Pebble (Small) mosaic tile, featured on the shower floor, adds organic shapes to contrast with the gridded layouts. To recreate this formula yourself, start by choosing your checkerboard tiles, and pull from that color palette to complete the look with solid square tiles and a mosaic designs in coordinating shades.

Note: This bathroom features a marble checkerboard created by halving 12″ x 24″ tiles. If you’re interested in doing the same, be sure to check first with a Store Associate at your local Tile Shop (or contact customer service) to ensure tiles are compatible.

Better yet, let us save you a step! Shop our growing selection of Checkerboard Tile Pairings, specifically sourced for installing together.

When it’s time to begin your bathroom design journey, shop our wide assortment of bathroom tiles to create your own winning design formula. Not sure where to start? Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local Tile Shop showroom and let us help create a space you’ll love!

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20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/20-counter-to-ceiling-kitchen-backsplash-tile-ideas/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/20-counter-to-ceiling-kitchen-backsplash-tile-ideas/#respond Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:24:07 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=11957 The latest trend in kitchens extends the backsplash from the counter (or floor) to the ceiling to create beautiful and...

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The latest trend in kitchens extends the backsplash from the counter (or floor) to the ceiling to create beautiful and expressive spaces that protect the whole wall. Read on for 20 spectacular tile ideas to achieve the ultimate kitchen glow-up!

1. Keep it Simple…and Chic!

A backsplash staple, white subway tile is a timeless classic with endless versatility. This modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Esslinger Design Co., features an Imperial Bianco Gloss tile backsplash behind open wood shelves. The simple brick-lay tile provides a neutral background, allowing the dark green range hood and brass swing-arm sconce light fixtures to stand out. If you love this cozy-chic style, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

A modern farmhouse kitchen featuring a white subway tile backsplash.
Featuring: Imperial Bianco Gloss. Design and photography by Esslinger Design Co.

2. Create a Stylish Slab Look

A backsplash crafted from a large block of stone is a popular feature of high-end design, but you can achieve this look on a more modest budget with large-format tile. These supersized tiles (up to 48″ x 48″) mimic the appearance of a single piece of stone while offering the durability and easy maintenance of ceramic or porcelain. As demonstrated in this contemporary kitchen, a counter-to-ceiling backsplash featuring extra-large marble-look tile makes your space feel expansive as well as elevated.

3. Show Off Your Style with a Graphic Pattern

Patterned tile offers the ornamentation of wallpaper with the superior protection of ceramic or porcelain. Perfect for adding design to a mess-prone backsplash, patterned tile can easily be stretched to the height of your wall to further celebrate your style. This fashionable kitchen features the graphic-patterned Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. The eclectic hand-drawn print is bold in its simplicity, adding definition to the space while allowing flexibility to swap out accessories and change paint colors for easy updates. Discover more unique, fashion-forward designs in our exclusive Nikki Chu collection.

Schedule a free design consultation.

4. Display Your Taste with Diamond-Shaped Tile

When your tile covers a large area, choosing a design that creates a sense of movement and rich visual texture not only makes your space feel more expansive but also adds interest. This can be achieved through pattern, shape or material. This beautiful kitchen features the Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton tile, a diamond- and chevron-shaped mosaic made from vividly veined marble. The zigzag pattern, combined with the grey and beige veining, draws the eye up the wall, creating the illusion of height and adding a touch of luxury. Shop diamond-shaped tile for more brilliant designs.

This elegant kitchen features a grey-veined white marble in a diamond-shaped mosaic.
Featuring: Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton. Design and photography by @lizbrannick_.

5. Tile the Range Hood

When you have a tile as elegant and expressive as the Firenze Calacatta marble subway tile, you’ll want to display it without interruption. That’s exactly what Christie Juncaj did in her magnificent contemporary kitchen. By using the tile to disguise the range hood, the kitchen maintains a cohesive appearance from the counter to the ceiling and across the wall.

This large and luxurious kitchen features a marble subway tile backsplash.
Featuring: Firenze Calacatta. Design and Photography by Christie Juncaj.

6. Showcase Mid-Century Modern Design

Even if you don’t have an A-frame house, you can embrace the simple sophistication of mid-century modern style with The Tile Shop’s new Stoneware collection from Fired Earth. Featuring a sleek elongated subway format in five retro-inspired colorways, these tiles celebrate the best of 20th-century design. Here, the Stoneware Rainwashed tile runs along the expanse from the counter to the tip of the angled ceiling, creating a vibrant statement wall that feels contemporary while evoking a vintage appeal.

7. Marvel with a Mosaic Tile

Perhaps counterintuitively, a small-format mosaic tile can have the same space-widening effect as a large-format tile. The petite pieces provide visual texture that draws the eye across a space, adding depth and a sense of movement. This charming kitchen, designed by @dwellwithmichelle, features the Hex Matte White with Black Flowers mosaic. The repeated retro floral pattern guides the eye up the wall, while the open shelving makes the space feel light and airy.

This charming kitchen features a black-and-white hex mosaic in a floral pattern.
Featuring: Hex Matte White With Black Flower. Design and photography by @dwellwithmichelle

8. Create a Work of Art

A tall backsplash allows for creative use of the space behind your stove or kitchen sink. Take advantage of the expanse by showcasing a beautiful patterned or mosaic tile within a tiled picture frame. Using trim to “frame” the decorative tile, this design technique elevates your space while providing a pleasing focal point you can admire while cooking and cleaning. This elegant transitional kitchen features the Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey tile, framed by a double layer of Firenze Carrara Somerset trim.

9. Achieve Artisanal Excellence

Zellige tile is handcrafted using ancient techniques, ensuring that each tile is authentically unique. Showcasing this singular tile from counter to ceiling creates a one-of-a-kind backsplash that celebrates artistry. This chic kitchen, designed by Fox Homes, features the Zellige White Gloss tile. The square format aligns with contemporary design, while the traditional craftsmanship connects it to the past.

This bright and charming kitchen features white Zellige tile backsplash and open white shelves.
Featuring: Zellige White Gloss. Design by Fox Homes.

10. Embrace English Cottage Style

Put the kettle on and take in this charming kitchen backsplash featuring the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile. With a whimsical floral motif inspired by historic prints from the iconic British brand’s archive, this patterned tile is made to be displayed. We love how it pairs with white cabinets, but a bold blue or sunny yellow would look equally delightful. As enamored with this style as Mr. Darcy is with Elizabeth? Click here to discover how to bring English cottage design into your home.

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11. Showcase Your Stove

If your kitchen cabinets cover most of your counter-to-ceiling space, the area behind the stove might be the only place to showcase this design trend. However, even this limited space can deliver big results, as is evident in this stylish kitchen designed by Georgia Pepperberry Interior Design. The Liria Negro tile adds a pattern that helps to highlight the stove and the dark copper range hood. The use of white subway tile below the white cabinets prevents the room from feeling too busy and ensures the stove remains the star of the show.

12. Make “Hex-Cellent” Choices

The six-sided hexagon is a classic tile shape that’s surprisingly versatile. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials, hex tile offers a wealth of possibilities and timeless design. This contemporary kitchen features the Royal White polished marble hex tile. The stone’s natural tonal variation, combined with the tile’s shape, gives the backsplash a sense of movement that draws the eye up the wall.

13. Tile Above the Cabinets

Your wall cabinets don’t have to define your backsplash. This elegant kitchen takes the Cheverny Blanc patterned encaustic tile to the ceiling by tiling the space above the cabinets. The result is a stunning statement wall that maintains a sense of continuity.

14. Go Retro

An expanded backsplash offers a unique opportunity to showcase your style. This groovy kitchen, designed by Total 360 Interiors, embraces flower-power ideals with the Star Olive/Grey Encaustic tile. The bold, bright geometric floral pattern exudes 70s vibes, while the modern stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets ground this space firmly in this century.

This groovy retro kitchen features a bright green geometric floral patterned tile.
Featuring: Star Olive/Grey Encaustic. Design and photography by Total 360 Interiors.

15. Create Contrast

Contrasting colors–whether they be classic black-and-white or contemporary neutral-and-bright–add depth to your space. This chic kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features Noir Amalfi limestone tile installed with contrasting white grout. In addition to complementing the white cabinetry and window frame, the white grout lines highlight the tile’s classic brick-lay pattern. By extending the tile to the ceiling, the designer enhances the dramatic effect of the stark contrast.

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16. Find Historic Inspiration

Popular in the Victorian era, tin tiles were embossed with decorative patterns, adding both texture and visual interest. The 19th-century-inspired Victoria Gris Fonce tile (also available in Blanco) features the characteristic raised pattern in a durable ceramic format. Here, You Neek Designs updates Victorian aesthetics for a contemporary kitchen. The tin-look tiles behind the stove are flanked by white subway tile, another popular style of the era. However, the Annie Selke Artisanal White tile’s handmade look and the horizontal straight-stack layout add a modern twist. Extending the subway tile behind the open wooden shelving makes this design feel fresh.

This contemporary kitchen features Victorian-inspired tile with a raised pattern and white handmade-look subway tile.
Featuring: Victoria Gris Fonce and Annie Selke Artisanal White. Design and photography by You Neek Designs.

17. Add Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

If you love the sleek, chic silhouette of subway tile but want a more dynamic design, consider installing your favorite tile in a herringbone layout. The zigzag pattern of this classic format evokes a sense of movement by drawing the eye both up and across the space. We love how this backsplash, designed by Twigg + Lu Design Company, uses the Look Oliva subway tile as both a backsplash and window frames.

A chic contemporary kitchen featuring a green handmade-look subway tile backsplash.
Featuring: Look Oliva. Design and photography by Twigg + Lu Design Company.

18. Choose Classically Chic Chevron Tile

Another classic tile pattern that adds dynamic interest, chevron tile offers the same zigzag as herringbone, but with tiles specially cut to form the characteristic V-shape. This elegant kitchen, designed by Accent on Cabinets, features the Bianco Puro Honed Chevron tile. The luxurious white marble enhances the sophistication of this gold-accented white kitchen.

A luxurious contemporary kitchen featuring a white marble chevron-patterned mosaic backsplash.
Featuring: Bianco Puro Honed Chevron. Design and photography by Accent on Cabinets.

19. Add Rustic Details

You probably wouldn’t put real wood behind your stovetop, but wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers the contemporary rustic aesthetic of a cabin in an easy-to-clean, flame-retardant material. Available in a range of realistic designs–like the distressed Colonial Wood White Brillo tile shown here–wood-look tile makes your kitchen feel rugged without sacrificing modern conveniences.

A contemporary rustic kitchen featuring a distressed wood-look tile stove backsplash.
Featuring: Colonial Wood White Brillo. Design and photography by @joe_zah_bell.

20. Reflect Your Style

Glass tile’s naturally reflective surface adds brightness and depth to your space. This contemporary kitchen, designed by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, features the Winter Morning glass tile. The light playing across the surface makes the small backsplash feel more expansive. While it looks amazing in this bright and open kitchen, glass tile would also help illuminate a space that doesn’t receive much natural light.

A contemporary kitchen featuring a light blue glass subway tile backsplash and white cabinets.
Featuring: Winter Morning. Design and photography by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style. If you’re up to tackling a DIY project, check out our guide on how to tile your backsplash yourself. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

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