In recent years, the trendiest way to accent a room was to dress up walls with vibrant color or funky wallpaper, but this year it’s all about decorating with tile. Yes, we said tile–and we’re not talking about your regular old backsplash. Innovative shapes, textures, patterns and materials are taking tile out of the kitchen and bath and into almost every other living space in the home.

Beyond the Backsplash

Why is tile becoming the focal point in many interiors? The answer is simple–versatility! New advances in technology have made tile easier to produce, less expensive, thinner, and, definitely more stylish. Trends have moved beyond the traditional ceramic toward use of more unexpected materials. Luxurious metallic finishes are being used to add shine and glamour to interiors, while the rusty look of a patinated copper has become a popular choice for industrial chic. Large scale geometric prints, concrete, wood and dramatic three-dimensional tiles are some of the many other options available to homeowners. It’s not surprising that with more visually appealing choices, people are using tile in innovative ways to show off their personal style. In the bedroom, the traditional headboard is being traded in for a tile-covered wall, and customized mosaics and avant-garde designs are literally turning walls into eye-catching works of art–no need for sculptures or paintings.

Check out the photos below for some of the newest trends in tile design. We hope that you are inspired to use tile in a way that you have never considered before!

louisghostchair6-kitchendining

source: Popham Design | photo credit: Simon Upton

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source: Popham Design | photo credit: Roger Davies

louisghostchair6-kitchendining

source: Lonny

louisghostchair6-kitchendining

architect: Marco Giunta| photo credit: Andrea Ferrari

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source: Marazzi

louisghostchair6-kitchendining

source: Pinterest | photo credit: Jordi Canosa

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source: Fiandre

louisghostchair6-kitchendining

source: Fiandre

louisghostchair6-kitchendining

source: Like Good Architecture | architect: Olga Freiman | photo credit: Manolo Yllera