13 Mins Read
June 26th, 2024
authors are vetted experts in their fields and write on topics in which they have demonstrated experience. All of our content is peer reviewed and validated by Foyr experts in the same field.
Verified Expert in Interior Design
Abbie is the Owner of Feather&Fossil and specialises in Maximalist Interior Design schemes for residential clients. Abbie has experience and qualifications in Interior Design and Project Management.
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One stunning design feature that can continue to give scintillating looks to your home, while offering durability for years on end is tile. Given the ocean of choices you have in every material, color, finish (gloss, matte, coarse), size, shape, and texture, you need to know which ones can work exceedingly well for your design style, and budget compared to others.
Your choice of material decides how much you spend on tile installation, maintenance, regular sealing, grouting, etc. And it’s a choice that can save you money, or drain your design budget in the long run. Go for a perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality without compromising on quality or safety – but this choice can be difficult to make.
That’s why we have crafted an exhaustive list of tile ideas for indoor and outdoor tiles to help narrow down your list, use with a floor plan creator, and talk to your contractor about it.
Jump ahead to:
Black and white tiles, not necessarily subway tile, especially when laid wall to wall, exude a powerful personality. The graphic pattern expands space visually. It strikes a visual impact so much so that you can get an attractive pattern regardless of your budget. The durability of black and white mosaic tiles largely depends on the material. Ceramics, porcelain, and natural stone (such as marble tile) are common materials, each with varying degrees of durability.
These tiles pattern often have a glazed surface, which adds a protective layer against stains and scratches, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. They can be used in a variety of patterns such as checkerboard, chevron, herringbone pattern, basketweave pattern, or custom mosaics, allowing for creative freedom. You can spice up traditional white subway tiles by infusing black tiles and patterns in the tile layout. Black can make a space feel smaller, while white can open it up. Designers should balance the two to achieve the desired spatial effect.
| Olga Gomes, Registered Interior Designer and Owner at OG Design Studio says, “Practical tiles don’t have to be plain or boring. You can make any tile stand out by using different colored and patterned tiles at the right places, especially the borders.” |
Having a great pattern tile in the middle and lining it with a border tile is an amazing illusion – it gives the impression of having an area rug. The thicker the border, the more the middle patterned tile looks like an area rug. You can include wood floor tiles throughout the rest of the house, and white tiles in the middle so the tile bears the brunt of high traffic.
You get both aesthetics and practicality in one, you can use expensive tiles to serve as the border and use less expensive, complementary tiles in the middle, so you don’t have to spend a lot on maintenance. Depending on the type of room you’re using the border tile, you can choose how thick or thin the border is.
A great option for kitchen and bedroom flooring. Like all natural materials, they are timeless and durable. Comes in unique colors, patterns, vein movement, textures, sizes, and finishes (polished, honed, brushed). You’re spoiled for choice between marble, limestone, slate, travertine, and sandstone, among others.
Meets the demands of a busy kitchen and bears high traffic. But, you may want to refrain from using them as countertops since natural stone may be highly porous, and ruin your tile if stained. Natural stone, regardless of which stone you choose, needs to be sealed and resealed frequently. Natural stone tiles are awesome for installing underfoot heating and can be perfect to use in any climatic conditions. They are aesthetic, give your home a premium look, excellent to bear any thermal condition, and instantly enhance your home resale value if you’re looking at remodeling the house and flipping it. For inspiration, utilize kitchen design software to plan your remodel effectively.
| Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic Tiles |
| Made of refined clay, heated to super-high temperatures | Is made out of clay, among several others |
| Extremely durable, and resistant to chipping, scratching, and wear and tear. Great for high-traffic areas | Can be more prone to chipping, and cracking. |
| Mildly moderate water absorption, making it suitable for outdoor spaces | Absorbs water too much, and is unsuitable for wet areas |
| Difficult to cut and install, requires extensive preparation, and installation procedures | Easier to cut and install, and can be taken up as DIY projects |
| Super-expensive, due to higher production costs and subsequent installation methods | Affordable and cost-effective |
| Low maintenance is needed since the tile is resistant to chips and wear and tear | High maintenance and periodic sealing are required especially in wet areas |
This is a charming, and majestic choice of tile material. Its natural grains, colors, and patterns are great. Hardwood has a lot of character about it, and can instantly boost the appeal of your home in the eyes of your guests. Using home design software, you can explore different options and visualize the impact. Depending on your color scheme, and design style, you can choose the color and type of hardwood you want – oak, maple, cherry, walnut, taupe, etc.
Wooden planks need to be acclimatized to your house’s humidity levels before you fit them to prevent them from expanding or contracting before installation. Ideally, you should give them a week or so to ensure there are no problems after installation. Some brownie points of using hardwood floor tiles are that they increase home value, and bear the test of time. On the other hand, it is super expensive, needs frequent and high maintenance, has high moisture sensitivity, and has no ability to hold underfoot heating.
The engineered wood flooring tile keeps the beauty of natural wood, durability of synthetic materials, and moisture resistance. This type of flooring tile is made of multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard usually cross-bonded together with a veneer of real solid hardwood. This layered structure prevents the tiles from expanding and contracting due to heating and cooling, thus making it palpable for indoor and outdoor settings.
These tiles are available in a wide range of styles, finishes, and wood species. They can mimic the appearance of traditional hardwood floors while providing options that are not typically available in solid wood, such as wider planks or distressed finishes. This versatility allows designers to incorporate them into various design aesthetics, from rustic to contemporary. Use this tile material generously in living rooms, modern bedrooms, hallways, basements, modern bathroom designs, and outdoor spaces as well.
Be it natural-looking patterns, or materials resembling those in nature, vinyl flooring can work perfectly for you. Great for underfloor heating and is simply heartwarming for you to walk on cold surfaces during cold seasons. It’s super easy to install, and easy to be acclimated in the design scheme. Vinyl has the potential to resist water and can withstand foot traffic, scratches, movement, and stains. It’s softer underfoot compared to others. It’s less expensive than others, and just right for almost all design styles.
Laminate is cost-effective, beautiful to look and durable to stand harsh weather, and traffic. You can customize it to look textured, high gloss, wide plank, etc. It’s a material that can made to resemble any natural material – wood, stone, and ceramic. A simple, straightforward way to make your floor and wall look expensive without breaking the bank. Compared to natural materials, laminate tiles are more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for both residential and commercial projects.
They are relatively easy to install, often featuring click-lock systems that make DIY installation feasible. Use them generously in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways – anywhere that bears high traffic. They may not bear prolonged exposure to moisture, so you need to factor that in when you decide where to use them. Laminate tiles suit modern/contemporary, traditional, rustic/farmhouse, and industrial design styles.
An almost no-brainer for industrial-themed homes, concrete tiles are hands down the most durable option for your home. They can last up to 50 years if maintained right (they’re also easy to maintain). Concrete can withstand extreme weather conditions and is a perfect choice for both indoors and outdoors and in areas with high traffic. You can make any patterns out of them, paint them, stamp them, texture them, draw stencil patterns over them, etc, and customize them in any way you out, depending on the design style surrounding the tile. Suitable for patios, walkways, custom countertops, and pool surrounds because of their resistance to weathering.
Not only is concrete tile great for industrial style, but it can also come in handy for modern, contemporary, rustic, Mediterranean, and eclectic. When considering them for your home, you’ll need to consider their weight (concrete is heavier than other tiles), sealing (takes a lot of curing time before sealing), resealing, regular maintenance, efficient installation, and cracking prevention due to climate change.
Super reflective surface tiles that are perfect for making your space look bigger and brighter than it is. They are a bright and charming alternative to other conventional tiles. You can choose between tinted glass, fluted, mosaic patterns, glossy, iridescent, fused, and a lot more. With the right insulation, grout, and coating during installation, or home improvement, they can also be used as an exterior covering for a home. But some of the most common places to use glass tiles are wet areas like powder room, bathroom tiles designs, shower walls, bathroom walls, bathtub surrounds, bathroom renovation, accent walls, and relaxation spots within the house.
Glass’ inherent properties like sleek looks, clean lines, etc make it a coveted choice for minimalist designs. However, designers love using them aptly in coastal, Art Deco, and eclectic design styles. If you are going for glass tiles anywhere in the house, make sure to give extensive instructions to your contractor/builder for proper installation.
They give a 3D aspect to walls and work best when used in neutral, monochrome settings. With an inherent visual interest, their curves and edges are highlighted which come out aesthetically when the room is well-lit. If you resorted to color drenching in a particular room and are running out of ways to make each zone look special, bringing in sculpted tiles will do the trick, and capture the interest of your guests.
If durability is your deal breaker, but you also fancy a tile with a splash of color, this is the option for you. It comes in a myriad of colors and looks one of a kind. But, please note that terrazzo may not retain heat and may be cold on your toes. It can look like a cross between nougat and epoxy flooring.
| The Paint People, an interior design and paint brand in Canada says, “Terrazzo tiles are one of a kind, and can look like they floor chips all over. But, we’re starting to see it pop up everywhere, and is quickly becoming a popular choice. Since it doesn’t retain heat, it might be cold on your toes when used as a flooring material.” |
Textile tiles, also known as fabric tiles or fabric-inspired tiles, are a unique type of tile design idea that mimics the look and texture of various textiles such as fabric, linen, or even leather.
Textile tiles are versatile and can be used in various areas of the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. In kitchen and bathroom floor spaces, they can be used as tile backsplashes, bathroom backsplashes, shower tiles, or accent tiles to add a touch of softness and texture to the room. In living areas and bedrooms, textile tiles can be installed as feature walls, fireplace surrounds, or decorative elements to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water is typically all that’s needed to keep textile tiles looking their best.
These tile walls look lived-in and can be used in any space that you’ll relax in, or feel cozy in after a long, hard day. They’re mostly handmade tiles, and have a coarse texture that feels rustic. They appear to bear the ravages of time and wear, exuding comfort and warmth. You can find these in any color, design, and shape (square tile, hexagon tiles, etc.), and they’ll still win your heart with how they make you feel at home, seamlessly fitting into various patterns in interior design.”
| Nick Lewis, a renowned interior designer and influencer says, “I’m absolutely obsessed with Venetian plaster walls. They’re super-textured and work well with a farmhouse look or a rustic home. If you’re looking for something that suits a family setting, this is your go-to.” |
Turquoise Moroccan mermaid scales on deep green tiles that create an oceany vibe. Gives a whimsical touch to the space, and naturally relaxes those entering the room. Denotes a slow, quiet movement of fish, and relaxes the onlooker. Since the shower tile for the bathroom has curved edges like penny tiles, grout lines are minimized, and the homeowner doesn’t need to spend time cleaning them.
A popular visually striking choice of tiles to pique your guests’ interest. You can stack them in a linear pattern that looks pleasing, or complex designs that intrigue onlookers. Be it outdoor walls, floors, walkways, or indoor surfaces, trapezoid-shaped tiles won’t let you down. Common options include ceramic, porcelain, natural stone (such as marble or slate), and even glass. Porcelain and natural stone trapezoid tiles are generally highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
They have intricate cuts, look trendy and chic, and incomparable. Put them in small spaces and they’ll appear majestic. These tiles date back to medieval Europe and retain their charm. They’re available in an assortment of materials – porcelain, glass, and even metal, offering options suitable for different applications and environments. Although they look dainty, they’re super durable and can withstand heavy traffic, wear and tear.
Just as much you focus your efforts on indoor aesthetics and making them slip-resistant, you need outdoor flooring that adds to your charming exterior, and completes the look you’re going for. Tiles may be an amazing option, considering their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore a few popular options.
Excellent weatherproof tiles that seem like they’re made exclusively for outdoor settings. They’re made of synthetic fibers that resist mold, mildew, and stains due to prolonged exposure to varying weather conditions. No matter what happens, you can easily clean and maintain them. The only choice you need to make carefully is the material of the carpet, choose one whose fibers withstand heavy traffic, and you’re sorted.
They have a rustic charm about themselves. They come in earthy colors and exude a lovely outdoorsy, yet calming aura in the space they’re in. With a bold, rough surface, quarry tiles are amazing to use in indoor and outdoor areas, mostly outdoor, because they blend in with nature very well. Regardless of whether you want a modern or traditional exterior, quarry tiles can help you with it.
Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay, which is molded, fired, and left unglazed to retain its warm and organic aesthetic. They look handmade which gives a sort of lived-in feeling to the space they’re in. Adds a lovely Mediterranean flair to the house. Although they’re durable and can be used in kitchen backsplashes for kitchen design, more often than not, designers use them on accent walls and outdoor flooring. The Talavera tiles on the other hand are hand-painted, a bit expensive but totally worth the investment.
Their intricate patterns draw attention to themselves and they instantly become the focal point of the room. You can use them in a wide variety of design styles, and help create an inviting atmosphere – ideal for a home. They’re glazed after being hand-painted, so you can use them in outdoor spaces too.
They originate from the Middle East and are known globally for their versatility and aesthetics. Comprises of intricate, floral, flowing patterns, geometric shapes, square tile and interlacing motifs. Wherever they are used, they become the focal point of the space. They look exotic, and capture the onlookers’ attention, especially if the walls and surrounding decor are monochromatic, minimalistic, or lighter in color. They are great for patios and outdoor recreation areas.
Given that your home’s floor plan is unique, how do you know which of the above tile patterns and tile layout and materials will work in your space and which won’t? You figure it out by visualizing your home with your favorite tile patterns and ruling out the ones that don’t fit in.
How can you visualize every space of the home without leaving anything to chance? With an advanced tool like Foyr Neo.
Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Sign up for Foyr Neo’s 14-day trial.
Step 2: Go on to the Neo mood board and curate everything you’d love to have in your home.
Step 3: Create the floor plan of your home on Neo.
Step 4: Choose from 60,000+ 3D decor materials and simply drag and drop them into the interior design.
Step 5: Get any material in any color scheme, texture, shape, or pattern and truly customize your home.
Step 6: View the makeover in 2D and 3D, from all possible angles and lighting conditions.
Step 7: Render your design in a few minutes and witness your home in all its glory.
That’s all it takes! With 24/7 support and live chat, we’re here to help you if you ever get stuck anywhere. You can find tutorials on how to design on Neo all over the internet, so you’re never truly alone when you design using Neo.
What are you waiting for? Start curating your mood board for your home, sign up for Foyr Neo’s 14-day free trial today.
Interior Design Styles
January 20th, 2024
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