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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
12 Responses
What beautiful spaces and beautiful tiles! I especially love the graphic floor tiles!
There are so many great ideas for how to use tile in this post, Carla. Thanks for the inspiration! I’m a real fan of penny tile, and I love how it looks in this last image of your work.
Beautiful tile choices. I love the encaustic cement tiles in smaller spaces like bathrooms – that black and white is so pretty!
Such great tips! Love the tile and designs you have selected to showcase!
These projects are so beautiful. I love the way you have used tile in many of these bathrooms and kitchens.
Gorgeous photos to go along with all of your tips.
Lots of great inspiration here Carla, I love so many of the tile choices you show! I could not even choose which one is my favorite!
Great tips and inspiration. I love the bold black and white graphic encaustic cement tile you used in several of your designs!
Every image is so gorgeous that I just pinned and pinned Carla. Beautiful work on all these projects of yours while the mud room design is a love for me along with tons more in this post. Bravo
I love the tile work!
Amazing work is done. Thanks for sharing. Keep posting.
Thank you!