Not just for bathrooms and kitchens, tiles are a versatile, durable surface that can be used to add colour and pattern throughout the house, and even the garden too. Think a hardwearing hallway floor, a cheerful tiled chimney breast, a tile-clad outdoor shower or even a sophisticated tiled headboard – see the home of interiors expert Michelle Ogundehin for details.
Tiles have been around for centuries, with the earliest known use dating back to Egypt in 4000 BC. Nowadays, whether porcelain, ceramic, cement, stone or even something more exotic, there are a host of shapes, styles and finishes to choose from, all of which can be used in a plethora of inventive ways. With this in mind, we asked The House Directory members for their insider knowledge on what tiles they predict will be trending this year.
“Brick tiles are a perennially popular choice,” says Louisa Morgan, Marketing Director at Mandarin Stone. “Whether you opt for something rustic or reclaimed, or even a more streamlined design such a classic subway tile, the beauty of brick tiles is that their size and shape allow them to be laid in countless ways. Stacking tiles will create a different visual effect to staggering them, and their orientation has the power to change how the eye perceives the dimensions of your space. Lay them horizontally or vertically to suit the proportions of your project, or in a herringbone formation for a subtle injection of pattern.” mandarinstone.com
Super-slim with a light-grabbing glaze, the Loki wall tile collection is an elongated design that offers a fresh take on a brick tile. Available in a varied palette, this format can be laid in various patterns. From £65.76 per m2, Mandarin Stone
Available in a narrow brick and medium format square, Soho porcelain tiles come in both a matt and gloss finish, with gloss predominantly for use on walls, and matt suitable for floors. Mix the finishes to give a tactile, almost 3D appearance. From £47.50 per m2, Mandarin Stone 
Reminiscent of traditional terracotta flooring, the reclaimed look of these Brik Red porcelain tiles brings a warm feel to any interior. Ultra-hardwearing, they are ideal for feature walls in kitchen and living areas, or as statement flooring in heavy traffic areas. From £42.88 per m2, Mandarin Stone“This year, we’re anticipating a trend for soft pastel pinks throughout the home,” says Chris Brooke, Founder of Maitland & Poate. “Pink is a really lovely neutral that works well with lots of other colours, plus it adds a warmth to cloakrooms and bathrooms that can sometimes be on the chilly side. Green is also increasingly popular, from delicate sage through to deep, forest green. Tying pink and green together is terracotta and our antique reclaimed tiles, which can be used both inside and out, are one of our most in demand collections. Using these tiles in any combination will add warmth and character and is guaranteed to create a serene and inviting space, be it a bathroom, a kitchen or even a hallway.” maitlandandpoate.com
Beautiful, rare antique reclaimed Spanish tiles from the 18th, 19th & 20th century are artfully salvaged and painstakingly cleaned. Available in both decorative and plain options. From £240 m2, Maitland & Poate
Inspired by a love for artisan tiles, vibrant colour and patterns from around the globe, Coraje Verde handmade tiles from the Bohemia collection are handmade using traditional techniques with deep green and off white pigments. From £180 m2, Maitland & Poate
Camel & Stone Ombre tiles from the Lovely Collection by Maitland & Poate X 2LG Studio can be laid to create undulating large-scale stripes with soft edges, or to produce a wonderful patchwork of soft colours. Each tile is completely unique. From £240 m2, Maitland & Poate “We are definitely seeing a trend towards small format tiles, which bring character and definition to a room,” says Rebecca Cherrington, Head of Projects at Lapicida. “Natural stone is a popular choice and a favourite amongst designers, due to the infinite variety of tones and textures – good example is our Nero Parquet. Laying tiles in a herringbone pattern continues to be popular as it creates a decorative aesthetic that still feels modern. Darker shades are also trending as they offer a chic look that works equally well in both super-contemporary and classic settings.” lapicida.com
Nero Parquet is a black limestone that originates from Asia. Suitable for interior floor and wall applications, this popular material is an ideal choice to add dramatic black tones to an interior scheme. £154.80 per m2, Lapicida
These Verde Tone porcelain tiles mimic the look and feel of handmade glazed ceramic tiles, with an undulating surface and varied colour tone. They do not require sealing, making them a low-maintenance choice for splashbacks and wet rooms. £70.80 per m2 Lapicida
Capturing the authentic look and feel of handmade tiles, these new Qualis Rice Italian porcelain tiles create a rustic feel. The unfussy design means the collection can be used to achieve vastly different looks, from mid-century modern to a warm, Mediterranean vibe. From £82.80 per m2, Lapicida “Our mother-of-pearl tiles and decorative panels are becoming popular among eco-conscious homeowners who are looking for sustainably sourced, intricate wall and floor solutions,” says Richard Skeoch, Director at Hyperion Tiles. “These are supplied via transparent and ethical supply chains that use responsible harvesting practices, which ensure the preservation of marine ecosystems. When it comes to designs, botanical themes are emerging as a trend. These could range from exquisite, decorative patterns to more natural motifs such as the Golden Promise palm-themed design. Tiles that have an iridescent, luminous sheen work particularly well with metallic finishes found on brassware and tiles such as these are guaranteed to elevate your bathroom and give a luxurious feel.” hyperiontiles.co.uk
Inspired by exotic climes, Royal Palm Golden Promise mother-of-pearl decorative panels feature an intricate palm-themed motif. The versatile design is suitable for a variety of applications from shower areas to steam rooms. POA, Hyperion Tiles
Crafted from all-natural shell, White Pearl herringbone shell mosaics from Original Style offer beauty and exceptional practicality in bathrooms, showers and kitchens, and can be applied to both flat and curved surfaces. £22.96 per sheet, Hyperion Tiles
With its tawny shades and subtle shine, this natural Mother Of Pearl Shell Mosaic by Original Style creates an opulent backdrop, adding colour and texture that will transform your space. £89.95 per sheet, Hyperion TilesClick here to read more inspiring blog posts from our members.
Subscribe to be the first to receive TheHouseDirectory.com’s monthly blogs and design news.
Get Listed to reach thousands of potential new customers each month and join our established community of interior & garden design brands and businesses.
No products in the cart.