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Inspiring Tile Design Ideas and Trends for 2025

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Sleek and Contemporary Tile Styles to Update your Home

When it comes to designing kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond, few materials are as versatile and transformative as tile. As an interior designer who’s worked on countless remodels and fresh new builds, I’ve seen firsthand how the right tile design ideas, tile patterns, tile finishes, and tile materials can completely redefine a space. Whether you’re updating a dated powder room, creating a spa-like retreat in your primary bath, or adding decorative accents to a laundry room or entryway, the possibilities are endless.

In this post, I’m sharing my favorite tile design ideas and inspiration—along with expert tips—to help you create the perfect design for your home. From timeless classics to bold, modern looks, here are the easiest ways to use tile as a focal point and give your home that designer touch.

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Inspiring tile design ideas and trends for kitchens bathrooms floors and accent walls featuring modern patterns finishes and materials by Carla Bast Design

RELATED: Subway Tile for 2025, Inspiration & Ways to Install

Why Tile is the Designer’s Best Friend

There’s a reason interior designers love tile: it’s one of the easiest ways to add visual interest, durability, and timeless style. Tile instantly elevates a room, giving it texture, color, and a polished feel.

Here are just a few reasons why tile is such a great way to transform your indoor spaces:

  • Durability and ease of maintenance. Ceramic and porcelain wall tile, natural stone tile, and even wood-look porcelain tiles are incredibly durable, standing up to moisture and everyday wear.
  • Endless variety. Whether you love classic subway tiles, marble tiles, or bold bright colors, there’s something to suit your personal style.
  • Flexible application. Use tiles on shower walls, backsplashes, floors, ceilings, or as an accent wall to create a unique, custom look.
  • Perfect for small spaces. In a small bathroom, powder room, or laundry room, the right tile patterns can make the space feel larger and more intentional.

Now let’s dive into some specific ideas!

Kitchen & Bathroom: Backsplashes Tile Design Ideas That Shine

Streamlined Tile Ideas and Inspiration for Backsplashes

One of the easiest ways to elevate your kitchen & bathroom is by updating the backsplash. For a timeless look, you can’t go wrong with classic subway tiles in glossy white or white subway tile with contrasting grout. This design is clean, versatile, and suits nearly every style.

glossy black subway tile with white grout in a white kitchen
kitchen backsplash white subway tile with contrasting grout

For a more unique look, consider different shapes like hexagon or artisan tiles. Or choose different colors in a stacked or herringbone pattern for added visual interest.

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)
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)
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)

If you’re updating a small space, opt for light-colored small tiles or white tile to keep the room bright and open. And don’t overlook the power of natural stone tile or white marble for a high-end feel.

RELATED: Quartz vs. Granite, How to Choose the Right Countertop

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Bathroom Tile Design Ideas: Create Your Personal Spa

Bathrooms are one of the most impactful places to start when updating your home. Because they’re often smaller, they’re the perfect design canvas for experimenting with different colors, finishes, and layouts.

Powder Room Perfection

The powder room is one of the most fun places to play with bold colors and textures. A focal point tile wall behind the mirror, a bold black and white patterned floor tile, or shimmering glass tiles on the ceiling create an unforgettable impression.

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)

Walls That Wow

Using bathroom wall tiles is a great way to make your bathroom feel fresh and clean. For a modern look, consider large-format ceramic wall tiles in soft neutrals, dramatic textures, or glossy finishes. Or go bold with a dramatic accent wall behind your vanity or tub, using decorative accents like patterned small tiles or bright colors.

Dramatic black wavy wall tile is highlighted with a backlit mirror and open shelving in a modern bathroom. A contrasting wood-look tile in the shower creates balance.
The texture of this black wavy wall tile is highlighted with a backlit mirror. A contrasting wood-look tile in the shower creates balance.
Carrying the marble look shower wall tile to the vanity backsplash creates a seamless cohesive look in this small bathroom.
Carrying the marble look shower wall tile to the vanity backsplash creates a seamless cohesive look in this small bathroom.

Floor Tile Design Ideas: Ground Your Design

When designing a bathroom floor, I often recommend marble tiles or ceramic tile in a neutral color palette. If you want something more playful, consider herringbone patterns, chevron, or unique patterns in a small-scale tile. In small spaces, larger tiles with minimal grout lines can make the room appear bigger and more cohesive.

Unique Patterned Tile Ideas and Inspiration for Floors

brick backsplash in basement bathroom with grey vanity cabinet and encaustic patterned floor tile
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)

RELATED: Wilds Overlook Bathroom & Basement Details

Floors That Feel Timeless

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.

LVT luxury vinyl tile in grey and white pattern in a grey mudroom tile design 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)

When choosing floor tile, it’s important to think about how you want the space to feel. In high-traffic areas like entryways and mudrooms, porcelain wall tile or ceramic tile in a wood-look porcelain tile finish adds warmth while still being durable.

RELATED: Insider Tips on Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT, LVP)

For bathroom floors, marble tiles or natural stone tile provide a luxurious touch. And in laundry rooms, patterned small tiles or even colorful cement tiles add charm and personality.

A stunning black and white graphic encaustic cement tile adds instant visual texture to this streamlined and beautiful bathroom tile design 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)

For a modern look, try bold black and white graphic tile patterns. Or, for a softer feel, stick to a neutral color palette of beige, cream, or gray.

RELATED: How Much Shiplap is Too Much?

Create a Focal Point with an Accent Wall

Tiles aren’t just for floors and backsplashes—they’re also a great way to create a focal point.

In living rooms, use decorative accents like white marble or glass tiles on a fireplace wall. In bedrooms, a new tile headboard wall in muted tones can add texture and elegance. Even in indoor spaces like hallways or stair risers, unique patterns and different shapes can create a designer-inspired moment.

A wall of 3D wood-look tiles creates a dramatic backdrop in this living room tile design idea
A wall of 3D wood-look tiles creates a dramatic backdrop in this living room.

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)
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)

RELATED: 13 Stunning Fireplace Accent Wall Ideas for Your Home

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)

One of my favorite details to include in shower remodels is a shower niche lined with patterned encaustic tile, glass tiles or white marble mosaics. It’s both functional and beautiful.

Modern Shower Tile Design 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 tile design idea
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 tile design ideas
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)

Tips from an Interior Designer: Choosing the Right Tile

After working on so many projects, I’ve learned that the perfect design comes down to thoughtful planning. Here are my top tips as an interior designer to help you get it right:

  • Consider scale. In small spaces, use small tiles to add texture without overwhelming. In larger rooms, larger tiles with minimal grout lines create an expansive feel.
  • Stick to a color story. A neutral color palette with one or two bold color or bright color accents keeps the room cohesive.
  • Mix finishes thoughtfully. Combining matte and glossy, or smooth and textured, adds dimension and interest while still feeling polished.
  • Think about maintenance. While marble tiles are beautiful, they require sealing. For lower maintenance, opt for ceramic tile or porcelain wall tile.
  • Test samples in your space. Lighting can change how colors and finishes look in your home, so always test before committing.
bathroom is wrapped in textured subway tile in a basket weave pattern creating a more spacious looking tile design idea
This bathroom is wrapped in textured subway tile in a basket weave pattern creating a more spacious look with the continuation of the tile.

Trending Bathroom Tile Design Ideas for a Modern Look

If you’re drawn to a modern look, consider these trending ideas:

  • White walls with white subway tile and black grout for high contrast.
  • Sleek ceramic wall tile in oversized slabs for minimal seams.
  • Warm wood-look porcelain tiles paired with crisp white walls.
  • Dramatic bold black floor tile with a neutral color palette elsewhere.

These trends bring a fresh, updated vibe while still feeling timeless.

large steam shower with wood Look tile plank walls, shampoo shelf niche with penny round tile and penny round tile shower floor tile design ideas
A steam shower with wood look tile plank walls, shampoo shelf niche with contrasting white penny round tile and penny round shower floor tile. Design by Carla Bast

Why Interior Designers Love Tiles

For interior designers, tiles are an essential tool because they check all the boxes: functional, beautiful, and customizable. Whether you’re updating a small space like a powder room, making a small bathroom feel larger, or bringing new life to your kitchen & bathroom, tiles allow for endless creativity and personalization.

Tiles help define a space feel, set the tone of the room, and reflect your personal style. With the right choices, even the smallest indoor spaces can become showpieces of perfect design.

Ready to Start? Plan Your Perfect Design

If you’re ready to update your home with new tile, here’s a quick checklist to get you started:

  1. Define the indoor spaces you want to focus on.
  2. Decide the mood you want each room to have.
  3. Choose a neutral color palette with one or two accent bright colors or bold colors.
  4. Pick your material: ceramic tile, marble tiles, porcelain wall tile, or wood-look porcelain tiles.
  5. Choose tile patterns or layouts, like herringbone patterns, chevron, stacked, or brick.
  6. Test samples at home under your lighting conditions.
  7. Work with a professional installer for a flawless finish.
Luxury Traditional Master Bathroom marble vanity top 3 lights, grey arabesque tile, off white cabinets
Luxury Traditional Master Bathroom with marble vanity top and grey arabesque tile backsplash wall. Design by Carla Bast

Final Thoughts

Tiles are truly one of the most transformative materials in home design. They bring together durability, beauty, and a sense of timeless style that can elevate so many spaces in your home. Whether you opt for classic subway tiles, striking decorative accents, or soft natural stone tiles, your tile choices can turn even the most small space into a statement.

Cheers

Hi, I’m Carla

carla-bast-interior-designer-and-blogger

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.

I’ve been honored to be featured in:

Real Homes

The Spruce

Apartment Therapy / Cubby

Twin Cities Luxury + Fashion

MSP Magazine

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Hunker

Home Crux

 

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