April 8, 2025
What’s Hot, And Not…in Tile
When it comes to tile options for your home — from backsplashes and floors to shower walls, the colors, textures and pattern combinations seem endless. We went to one of the experts, Aye Scarsini, a designer at Decorative Materials, to find out the latest, hottest tile trends, what works and what doesn’t from among the options available to home owners in 2025.
MOVING TOWARDS COMFORT
When purchasing a new home or updating an existing one, fear of making trendy-now but obsolete-later choices can paralyze the non-designer. Aye believes that while there are definite trends and crazes you can follow when it comes to tile, any choice can be designed in such a way that makes them timeless. What matters most, she says, is how it complements or reflects your personal style and preference.
For example, white-white kitchens have been in vogue for a number of years and still they haven’t lost their appeal for all homeowners, Aye says. “But we are seeing a growing shift away from the light gray and all-white tiles to more earth tones.”
“People want to feel more comfortable in their homes and are moving toward warmer colors,” she said, which are naturally cozier. Even in interior design, consumers are leaning into that sense of comfort and well-being with handcrafted items made by talented artisans.
“You see that in the popularity of vintage pieces, too,” Aye says, a familiarity that carries over into classic patterns in tile, “like checkerboards, herringbones, or hexes, things that have been done forever.”
TEXTURE AND TOUCH
There’s an easy acquaintance with the classics, Aye says, that extends to wall, floor and backsplash surfaces in the form of matte and textured tiles.
HomesandGardens.com echoes this growing consumer craving for texture which can be seen in layered three-dimensional patterns, detailed embossing, and rough-ish materials that add visual interest and depth to a room. Natural stone tiles like slate or travertine, catch and divert light and shadow, which can change the feel of the space. Rough surfaces arrest attention and invite tactile exploration.
In contrast, polished tiles, which were popular in recent years, are being eclipsed by matte finishes. They offer a simple and sophisticated look revealing the inherent beauty of natural materials.
ECO-FRIENDLY AND LARGE FORMAT TILES
Eco-friendly and sustainable tiles like recycled glass and tiles made from salvaged and natural resources are durable and easy to maintain. Homeowners are more aware than ever of their impact on the environment and choosing sustainable materials assuages the conscience while accommodating style preferences.
Larger formats are also more widespread, Aye noted. “We went from 12 by 12, then 12 by 24 was the norm, and now we’re at 24 by 48.” You can use large format tiles in transitional spaces to create an elegant look, and for a striking effect, different grout colors can frame and highlight the size of each tile.
Large-format tiles have fewer grout lines, which contributes to a clean and modern look and the size adds more visual interest, making them ideal for contemporary spaces.
BOLD PATTERNS
If your personality leans toward bold, brave, and audacious, consider adding bright colors and bold patterns to your flooring, walls and/or backsplashes. Lines and geometric designs are having their “moment” and can create a focal point in a room with an intricate mosaic.
There are so many patterns from which to choose, including geometric shapes, floral “murals” and more abstract configurations. Patterns can reflect your unique personality and style and liven up even smallish spaces, like powder rooms and laundry rooms.
HIGH-TECH SMART TILES
Another trend gaining traction among designers and homeowners are smart tiles made with state-of-the-art materials and sensors that let you control temperature and lighting — some even clean themselves!
A floor that warms your feet warm on cold mornings or alters its appearance based on the time of day, can be both practical and appealing. And smart tiles that allow for alternating design options can react when you touch them, or change color with a smartphone app.
Check out the latest tile trends at Decorative Materials with showrooms in Denver (595 S. Broadway, Suite 121E) and throughout the High Rockies.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Step into the world of color, pattern and finishes with the builders and designers who work with new home buyers in Looking Glass. Sales associates at Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, Dream Finders (and soon Richmond American!) will happily point out opportunities for personalizing your new home in this Parker master-planned community. With parks, trails, community events and easy access to recreation, entertainment and shopping options, Looking Glass has it all!