Tile Trends and Takeaways
August 25, 2020
Today we’re recapping 2020 tile trends and takeaways that are spanning the globe, from mixed color palettes and wood looks to industrial chic and speckled surfaces. You don’t have to live in Italy to discover the leading-edge design ideas that are taking the world by storm – just keep reading!
There are two basic tile choices: material and size. Ceramic tile is known for its stain-resistance and colorful options. Stone tile is best known for its strength and classic textures. But there are all sorts of choices beyond the basics, including shapes, patterns and finishes – matte, glossy, rough and metallic.
Tile That Mimics Natural Wood
Traditional stone looks are still popular in 2020, but tile textures that mimic natural wood are on the rise. The colors of these wood-grained imposters vary from an attractive multi-hued high variation coloring, to medium brown, brown-taupe, grey, and blonde. In addition, the patterns and unconventional widths (mixing three, five and seven-inch widths as well as wide plank, offer lots of options for anyone making new-build decisions about flooring this year and next.
In this video from Flooring Inc., you’ll see that manufacturers can mimic all the most sought-after wood flooring colors, grains and surface textures for authentic stylings.
The most popular shades seem to be light grays and whites, as well as other cool tones. Porcelain wood-look tiles start with a white base, so the resulting colorways are closer to a true gray or white-washed look vs. what you would get with real hardwood. Check out the varied options for white-washed tiles on WayFair.
Top Trends in Pattern Design
Black and white stenciled tiles with mesmerizing patterns that your eyes tend to travel along are perfect for a modern farmhouse style or retro décor – if either of those are your favorites. According to The Flooring Girl, who collects samples and weighs in on floor and wall projects — mosaics are hot these days, especially marble ones. Mosaics come in a variety of shapes including subway tiles, small squares, herringbone, basket weaves and even Moroccan tile shapes.
Like the look of terrazzo? Then speckled tile is its eye-popping cousin. You’ll find variations in scale – smallish pebble-like patterns and even large-scale animal print impersonations. The intentional nod to postmodernism finds its inspiration in both nature and technology, and you’ll recognize the influences of each.
A Look at Tile Textures
While smooth floors remain classic, 2020 is a big year for textures, too. There are lots of wood-like looks from which to choose include reclaimed, wire-brushed, distressed, hand-scraped and smooth.
For more of a rustic flavor, check out some of these stone textures from Build.com. From tumbled basalt to rough-hewn slate in a variety of hues, these random asymmetrical patterns might add visual interest to a pedestrian laundry room floor or entryway.
For hints about what’s hot in tile for the remainder of 2020, check out these two Forbes articles about trends to watch. You’ll find the most current applications from around the world – including Italy and Spain – for kitchen spaces, walls and even shower stalls.
Hands-On Designers in Southshore
The experienced designers representing the builders in the master-planned community of Southshore stay current on trends in flooring and wall tile (as well as wood flooring, finishes, paint colors, hardware, and cabinetry). They will be your hands-on guides through the tile design journey! Take an inspirational tour of the brand new homes from Taylor Morrison, Richmond American Homes and Toll Brothers for a taste of Life at the Lake. These ranch and two-story designs are priced between the $400s and the $700s.