Patchwork Stripes and Jungle Florals—These Are the 7 Big Tile Trends
Number three doesn’t even look like stone.
Updated Oct 4, 2021 7:08 AM
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After three days of exploring dozens of booths at this year’s Cersaie (an annual tile show in Bologna, Italy), I can say with certainty that statement tile is the new subway. While rectangles are still dominating the market, for 2022 it’s all in the application. Roberto Cavalli showcased glossy animal print adorning all four walls of a bathroom, while Petracer’s dressed up a traditional herringbone with gold bars. Here are the top tile trends I spotted at the show. I promise that once you see these, you’ll never consider the material boring again.
The Gilded Age
It’s no surprise that bathrooms are hardly the most glamorous room in the home (although exceptions apply), but this year’s trade show wants to change that across the board. Accent subway tiles, gold-leaf inlay, and kintsugi-style bronze grout lines transform ordinary solid slabs into jewelry for your walls.
You Better Patchwork
Quilt lovers, rejoice! There’s a new way to mix and match that doesn’t involve fabric. Whether it’s a monochrome medley or complementary coordination, one thing is clear—solid colors are no longer enough.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Wallpaper
At every showroom, there was at least one collection that didn’t look anything like tile. In fact, it looked like wallpaper. Ceramic murals of florals, foliage, and even cityscapes offer a more durable (and definitely more permanent) solution for humidity-heavy spaces.
Neat as a Pinstripe
What once was a sign of sophisticated suiting (an Italian staple) has made its way out of the closet. Pinstriped tile is not only an attention grabber—it can make a room feel bigger. And some brands are even carving their patterns with high-pressure water for a 3-D effect.
Turn to Trompe l’Oeil
41zero42 created a tiled basketball court that, from afar, is reminiscent of your grandmother’s coverlet, while Paola Navone and ABK formed a “rug,” down to the ceramic fringe.
Welcome to the Jungle
Monstera leaves are back. (But did they ever leave?) Every millennial’s favorite plant made an appearance in a big way in both small, seemingly random patterns and on giant slabs.
Chill Pills
Art Deco inspired and oh so versatile, the pill shape can make a statement as staggered arches or serve as an unexpected swap for basic subway tile.