How To Elevate The Look Of Your Bathroom
Bathroom tile has a utilitarian purpose, so it must be durable, easy to maintain, and moisture resistant. At the same time, the tile you choose should reflect your personal style and be visually pleasing. Fortunately, bathroom tile has come a long way from the simple, plain designs of the past. Modern trends embrace creativity, allowing homeowners to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Whether it’s with bold colors, playful patterns, or sleek minimalism, tile can transform a bathroom into something truly special.
1. Geometric Shaped Tile
Geometric tiles like hexagons are perfect for creating that "wow" factor while maintaining a clean, modern look. Their versatility allows them to work in both small accent areas and larger spaces. By choosing neutral colors, you can ensure that the patterns remain elegant and visually balanced. For added texture and depth, consider pairing geometric tile with fixtures in matte finishes and natural stone accents.
2. Large Format Porcelain Tile
Large format porcelain tile is very on-trend. Slabs can be used for a tub surround, in a shower, and on the floors and walls, creating a sleek, ultra-contemporary look in a bathroom. Large format porcelain tile offers understated elegance, is easy to keep clean, requires few grout lines, and needs minimal maintenance over time. Pairing large slabs with simple fixtures or contrasting textures can elevate the design even further.
3. Wood-Look Tile
Wood-look tile, available in ceramic or porcelain, comes in a wide array of styles from rustic to contemporary. Tiles with a wood-like grain are available in long planks or in a variety of shapes to fit almost any application in a bathroom. Porcelain and ceramic tile is easy to clean, and unlike real wood, requires very little maintenance.
4. Subway Tile
Subway tile is timeless and known for its versatility and durability. These days it can be found in many different colors, sizes, finishes, and styles. Stack subway tiles vertically or horizontally or use them in a chevron or herringbone pattern. Highlight the shape of the tiles by using a contrasting grout color, or for a more seamless look, use grout that matches the tile. With subway tile, the design options are endless.
5. Picket Tile
Picket fence-shaped tile is a modern alternative to traditional subway tile. Available in glossy or matte finishes and in neutral or bold colors, picket tile has a sophisticated look with an ageless appeal. Installing picket tiles horizontally can elongate a space, making it appear wider. Vertically installed picket tiles can create the illusion of height, making low-ceilinged rooms feel taller. This orientation is ideal for accent walls or shower surrounds where you want to emphasize verticality.
6. Square Tile: Printed Design
Incorporating square tiles with subtle prints is a fantastic way to add personality and style to your space while maintaining a classic aesthetic. Create a focal point by installing printed square tiles on one wall of your bathroom. Opt for soft, muted patterns like delicate geometrics or understated florals to add depth without overwhelming the space.
7. Square Tile: Corrugated
A corrugated, matte finish on square tiles can truly elevate the design of your bathroom. For a dramatic look, choose rich, intense colors like navy blue, emerald green, charcoal gray, or deep burgundy. These shades will make the textured surface stand out, adding a luxurious and sophisticated air to your bathroom. If you prefer a more understated approach, consider using a neutral, monochromatic color scheme where the tiles are just a shade darker or lighter than the surrounding walls. This will create a cohesive look while still allowing the texture to take center stage.
8. Distressed-Look Tile
Embracing the charm of an Italian farmhouse is a wonderful way to bring warmth and character into your home. Distressed-look natural stone tile with its subtle veining and variations in tone can achieve that vibe. Design a space that feels as though it has been lovingly aged over time by using travertine, limestone, or slate on your floors, shower, and tub surround, or create a striking accent wall that becomes the focal point in your bathroom.
9. Penny Round Tile
Penny round tiles can be used on shower walls or floors for high visual impact in a bathroom. These small tiles come in many colors and finishes and are even available in metallics, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities. Pairing black penny round tile with white square tile is an especially stunning combination if you like a retro look with a slightly modern edge.
10. Contrasting Grout And Tile
Selecting grout that is lighter or darker than the tile can completely change the look of a bathroom. The newest trend is matching the grout to the color of the plumbing fixtures or bathroom hardware to achieve a polished, custom look that feels intentional and unique. Contrasting grout reveals the pattern of the tile and makes the colors pop, too. For example, pairing white grout with black tiles emphasizes the geometric shapes and adds a graphic, modern touch. Consider using grout with a slightly different texture or sheen than the tile to add an additional layer of interest. This could be a matte grout with glossy tiles or vice versa, adding depth and sophistication to the design.
At Meridian Homes, we specialize in luxury remodeling and custom home building in the Washington, DC area. Our mission is to create exceptional residences that exceed expectations. Our highly personalized design process and careful management of every project have earned us a reputation over many years for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship. Contact us today to begin your custom home or remodeling project.
