Tile Ideas and Inspiration for Your Home

90s Home Updates

Refresh with Sleek and Contemporary Tile Styles

While there can certainly be some charm in a salvageable 90s-era bathroom when done right, the tile of the 90s feels, well, a bit tired. The decade is known for its earth tones, shiny brass, Tuscan beige, travertine golds and browns, honey oak, and more. Needless to say, it had its day and it’s time to move forward with some new tile ideas and inspiration!

But just because 1990s-style tile isn’t quite timeless doesn’t mean an entire bathroom or kitchen needs to be demolished to the studs. A tile refresh in a clean and simple aesthetic can be just the antidote you need to modernize your home.

Pin this for easy reference!

tile ideas and inspiration shower in white penny round and subway tile

Streamlined Tile Ideas and Inspiration for Backsplashes

Graphic tile can be drop-dead gorgeous. But sometimes the most streamlined and simple visual approach feels the most contemporary in style – especially for a former 90s-era kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Plus, a style like a straightforward subway tile, for instance, is much more likely to feel timeless no matter how many decades go by. As long as you remember that less is more, you’ll be on the right path. After all, you want the rest of the space to shine, too.

tile ideas and inspiration dark kitchen cabinets with creamy wavy backsplash tile — Cream catalina-style tile keeps this kitchen backsplash simple, yet adds a touch of a textured infusion to the space. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

A small and bright chevron tile pattern transforms this kitchen into an open and airy space while still providing a hint of excitement in its pattern. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

mirrored tile used as a mirror in a bathroom tile ideas and inspiration — Mirrored subway tile works double duty as this bathroom’s mirror and backsplash, keeping things classic, yet simultaneously visually interesting. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

Unique Patterned Tile Ideas and Inspiration for Floors

While backsplash tiles are best in simple styles, there’s no reason you can’t have some trend-setting additions to your home. We love adding unique tiled floors here and there in a home to get an infusion of character. Not only is tile hardier and less prone to damage from water or excessive dirt and mud, but it’s also just plain fun. Be aware, though, that smaller spaces are the key to nailing these styles. Keep the bolder options to mudrooms or powder rooms so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming.

brick backsplash in basement bathroom with grey vanity cabinet tile ideas and inspiration — Graphic encaustic cement floor tile takes this basement bathroom up a notch and elevates its style in a modern and fresh way. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

LVT luxury vinyl tile in grey and white pattern in a grey mudroom tile ideas and inspiration — LVT (luxury vinyl tile) helps to protect this mudroom floor, easing any worries about water damage from wet and muddy shoes. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

A stunning black and white graphic encaustic cement tile adds instant visual texture to this streamlined and beautiful bathroom tile ideas and inspiration — A stunning black and white graphic encaustic cement tile adds instant visual texture to this streamlined and beautiful bathroom. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

RELATED: How Much Shiplap is Too Much?

Unexpected Tile Ideas and Inspiration

Of course, one of the most exciting things about tile is that there are endless ways to incorporate it into your home. Shower niches, fireplaces, and entryways, and more are all up for grabs for tile ideas. And with the extensive variety of styles out there – pebbled, penny, graphic, and more – you’re sure to find one that feels unique and totally up your alley. And since these unexpected pops of detail are located in less obtrusive spaces in your home, you can get as wild as you like. Just be sure to balance out the surrounding space with a calmer aesthetic to let that flash of personality come alive.

A gleaming marble mosaic fireplace creates a modern aesthetic in this living room that is hard to beat. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

an updated creamy white and grey kitchen with warm grey subway tile ideas for the 90s home — While this kitchen’s backsplash is simple in color palette and style, it still offers an unexpected flair thanks to the arabesque tile stove backsplash addition. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

black and white patterned tile in shower niche with white subway tile — Surrounded by a classic subway tile pattern, this shower niche gets a style upgrade with a dose of a bold graphic encaustic cement tile. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

Modern Shower Tile Ideas and Inspiration

Skip the 90s all-over shower pan insert styles and go for modern vibes instead. Actual tile is the way to go to modernize your shower. And to make your life easier – both for cleaning and visual simplicity – we always recommend choosing a larger size tile for the shower stall walls. The calmness it will evoke will make you feel like you’ve gone to the spa every time you step inside its door.

textured oversized white tile in a shower tile ideas and inspiration — Textured oversized shower tiles lend this shower stall a contemporary look that feels unique and interesting. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

pebble tile in a shower niche shampoo shelf — With a little personality added via the pebble tile shower niche, this bathroom gets a dose of style that wows. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

white penny floor tile with oversized white subway tile and black mosaic shampoo niche in shower — By pairing together penny floor tile, oversized subway white tile, and a vibrant black mosaic shower niche, this bathroom is a modern marvel, indeed. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

So, what do you think of our tile ideas to update the 90s home? Get that pin button ready and start setting up your dream mood board. Because once you’ve got a modern-style tile in place, there’s no stopping your 90s remodel. It’s sure to be jaw-dropping in no time.

By Megan Johansson, Contributor to Carla Bast Design

Choose your paint colors with confidence

Hi, I’m Carla

I’m glad you’re here! You are in the right place if you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of embarking on a remodeling or interior design project. Living with an outdated home and don’t know where to start? I’ve helped families like yours update their home and create spaces that reflect what’s important to them for over 25 years.

Join me!

I’ve been honored to be featured in and receive awards from:

The Spruce

Apartment Therapy / Cubby

Houzz / Best of Service & Design

Minnesota Chapter ASID – First Place Award

MSP Magazine, Best Use of Color

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Hunker

Home Crux