Tile Trends for 2025: What’s in and What’s Out
As each new year approaches, trends in home decor inevitably shift, and tile design is no exception. With 2025 just around the corner, the tile landscape is poised for some dramatic changes. Moving away from minimalism, this upcoming year embraces maximalism with bold colors and unique designs, signaling a departure from the simplicity that has characterized previous trends.
House Digest, in collaboration with a panel of seven design experts, has conducted a comprehensive review of the evolving tile trends, shedding light on what is becoming outdated and what new styles are on the rise. Here’s a closer look at the tile trends we will leave behind as we step into 2025.
Out with the Old: Key Trends Getting the Boot
1. Wood-Look and Marble-Look Tiles
Once celebrated for their practicality, wood-look and marble-look tiles are starting to lose their appeal. Interior designer Courtney Batten notes a significant decline in these options, describing them as dated and overly 'builder-grade.' While these designs provided homeowners with low-maintenance alternatives that mimicked authentic materials, the desire for genuine, unique textures is reshaping consumer preferences. Batten advocates for a return to real marble or stone tiles, which offer individuality and warmth, as well as hand-crafted zellige and concrete tiles that showcase artisanal quality.
2. The Decline of Neutral Tones
The trust placed in neutral tones has been shaken. Camilla Masi, an interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design, highlights that neutral tiles are slowly fading from popularity, making way for vibrant colors. Although these tones have historically provided a blank canvas for homeowners, Masi points out that 2025 will see a resurgence of rich, saturated colors alongside earthy shades such as terracotta and muted greens. The movement towards bold tile choices promises to transform spaces into lively and visually engaging environments.
3. Mosaic Bands
The once-favored mosaic band trend is now considered outdated. Interior designer Courtney Cole advises homeowners to move away from these singular design elements, noting that they can appear contrived, especially in smaller spaces. Instead, Cole suggests opting for dramatic feature walls or seamless, large-format tiles that create a more cohesive aesthetic, allowing the tile designs to speak for themselves without distraction.
4. White Subway Tiles
Long regarded as a versatile choice across various design aesthetics, white subway tiles are also on the chopping block. Alexey Beliy, owner of HEX General Contractors, mentions that their stark glossiness can feel sterile, giving way to more textured finishes that introduce warmth. Homeowners are gravitating towards darker tiles and unique patterns to create a more inviting atmosphere, indicating a shift in tile choices toward those that foster distinction rather than conformity.
5. Cool Grays
Despite their reputation as a timeless favorite, cool gray tiles are gradually losing their charm. As homeowners seek warmer, more inviting spaces, the all-gray palette is being deemed unappealing. Designers are moving toward earthy tones like terracotta and soft beiges which resonate more intimately with current homeowner desires for warmth and comfort.
6. Large-Format Tiles for Flooring
Once hailed as a prominent trend, large-format tiles are also nearing their exit. Interior designer Shiva Samiei reveals that homeowners are now favoring smaller format tiles infused with dynamic patterns and colors, breaking free from the monotony of oversized designs. This shift reflects a broader desire for personalized aesthetics that incorporate texture and color.
7. Contrasting Grout Colors
The once-popular practice of selecting contrasting grout colors to accentuate tiles is also on its way out. Erika Dale, an interior designer, emphasizes that this trend has often resulted in cluttered or competing visuals that distract rather than enhance. Instead, a trend toward matching or subtly contrasting grout with tiles is emerging, allowing for a sleek and cohesive design.
In with the New: What to Embrace
As older trends recede, the focus for 2025 tiling designs will be on individuality, warmth, and sustainability. Handcrafted options and artisanal textures are set to dominate, embodying a spirit of uniqueness in home design. With a decrease in reliance on monotonous applications and an increase in the usage of rich colors and organic materials, homeowners are poised to make striking statements with their tile choices in 2025.
In conclusion, the upcoming tile trends reflect a broader cultural shift towards maximalism and self-expression. As homeowners embark on renovations and design projects, understanding these evolving trends ensures they create spaces that feel authentic and reflective of personal style. 2025 is shaping up to be a year of bold transformations in home design, and the world of tiles is certainly no exception.
