As we enter the second half of 2024, the world of interior design is abuzz with anticipation for the latest tile trends, which seem to come alive in summer, when the light hits them just right and the most vibrant styles seem to glow anew.
With homeowners and designers alike eager to show off their best side, tiles are a brilliant way to bring stylish accents into our living spaces. This second half of this year promises a diverse range of tile designs, taking influences from warmer climes and bolder colour palates than we’re perhaps used to here in the UK.
Today, we’re delving into 9 of the biggest tile trends set to dominate Summer 2024. Care to join us?
Terracotta Tiles: A Timeless Classic
Terracotta tiles have long been a staple in Mediterranean-style homes, but 2024’s sunnier months sees them making a major comeback in various design styles. These earthy, warm-toned tiles are perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere both indoors and out, reflecting the light particularly beautifully on those alpenglow mornings and sepia-soaked evenings that the UK climate tends to do so well.
These earthy tiles not only add a touch of sun-kissed allure to admittedly, occasionally drab UK homes and gardens, but they also provide unbeatable heat resistance and temperature regulation. Thanks to their natural, porous composition, terracotta tiles remain cool to the touch during the UK’s increasingly balmy days, offering a welcoming respite for bare feet while preventing indoor environments from overheating. Their tactile nature also chimes rather succinctly with some of our next trending tile choices…
Nature’s Coloured Tiles: Harmony & Welness
In design, we are constantly inspired by the outdorrs and this year will see a collection of palettes that are at one with nature.
When it comes to designing a space that promotes wellness, nature is a crucial element which should be incorporated into the design process at every turn. Welcome some of that natural feel-good factor into your homes by bringing in those blues and greens.
Known as the colour of harmony and balance, green will bring that feeling of peace into any space of your home. It’s also the colour of nature, so adding a few splashes (or licks) of green to your home helps by bringing a bit of the outdoors in.
Alternatively, light shades of pinks, that are unassuming and nurturing remind us of sunrise and sunset. Moreover, this colour brings some seriously feel good energy with it.
Textured Tiles: Depth & Dimension
Textured tiles are set to take centre stage in 2024’s latter half, offering a unique alternative to traditional smooth finishes. From subtle, tangible patterns to bold, three-dimensional designs, textured tiles can add depth and dimension to any space. Ideal for feature walls, shower enclosures, and backsplashes, textured tiles are a must-try trend for those looking to make an impact with their interior design.
This surge in popularity can be attributed to the fact that textured tiles not only breathe life and depth into living spaces with their tactile appeal and striking relief patterns, but also reflect the growing desire for authenticity and connections with nature. Yep, biophilic design is in, and we’re very much here for it.
With environmental issues on the forefront of the public consciousness, there is a growing appreciation for organic, earthy materials and surfaces that bring a sense of serenity and groundedness into our lives. Textured tiles achieve this effect by marrying the functional and aesthetic benefits in a manner that echoes the outdoors and embraces imperfections, embodying a certain Wabi-Sabi philosophy – the elusive beauty of imperfection – at a time when society is craving respite from the polished, overly-curated digital age.
Natural Limestone: Elegance Meets Sustainability
Natural limestone tiles are at the forefront of every interior designer’s lips this year, celebrated for their eco-friendly properties and elegant appearance. Available in a range of neutral shades, these tiles can effortlessly complement any colour scheme, with limestone’s durability and versatility making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, allowing homeowners to create a seamless flow between their living spaces (another key trend this year, incidentally).
We’re particularly enamoured with the limestone tiles at mystonefloor.com, whose texture and natural-light encouraging properties seem to sing in chorus with Summer 2024’s other major tile trends.
Read: The best ways to allow more natural light into your home
Checkerboard Tiles: Bold & Playful Patterns
Checkerboard tiles have been making a statement in 2024 with their bold, eye-catching patterns, and expect this to continue as the year brightens up and our desire to ‘peacock’ increases in tandem.
This timeless design is being reimagined in new and exciting ways, from oversized squares in the bathroom to vibrant colour combinations beyond the usual monochrome chessboard aesthetic.
The bold, retro aesthetic of the checkerboard evokes feelings of nostalgia and craftsmanship, which feels like a sweet kind of relief in the face of an uncertain future and the increasing automation of traditionally creative pursuits.
Moroccan Tiling: Exotic & Intricate Designs
Moroccan tiling has long been admired for its intricate, handcrafted designs and vibrant colours. No wonder, then, that this trend is set to explode this summer.
From mesmerising geometric patterns to elaborate floral motifs, Moroccan tiles are perfect for adding a touch of far-flung flair to any space. The distinct, handcrafted nature of these tiles offers a unique visual experience, infusing spaces with character and charm while seamlessly blending modern design trends with historical artistry.
Read: 5 garden ideas for bringing our favourite destinations home this year
Mosaic Tiling: Artsy & Sustainable Tiling
There’s been a renewed interest in colourful mosaics this year. Mosaic tiling has been a popular trend in homes for many years, and it continues to be a sought-after choice for homeowners looking to add a unique and personalised touch to their living spaces. This versatile and durable design option offers a wide range of benefits and can be used in various applications, such as floor and wall decoration, backsplashes, and even as art pieces.
One of the main reasons behind the popularity of mosaic tiles is their ability to create visually appealing patterns and designs. With a vast array of shapes, sizes, and materials available, homeowners can experiment with different styles, ranging from classical and organic to industrial and artisanal.
Mosaic tiles can be arranged in geometric layouts, intricate images, or even custom designs using water-jet technology, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Moreover, mosaic tiling is sustainable as environmentally friendly as it can they can be made from recycled materials.
Portuguese Tiling: Artful & Timeless
Portuguese tiling, also known as Azulejos, is another tile trend expected to make (and look like!) waves in Summer 2024. These beautiful blue and white hand-painted tiles are characterised by their intricate patterns and rich azure hues. Perfect for creating a statement wall or backsplash, Portuguese tiles can effortlessly elevate the aesthetic of any room.
Interestingly, Azulejos tiles share some influence with modern Moroccan tiling’s intricate designs. Taking inspiration from the Moors, who ruled parts of the Iberian Peninsula, including Portugal and Spain, the Moorish artistic sensibility and influence brought geometric, arabesque patterns and ceramic tile work to the region, which later evolved into the distinct blue and white glazed style seen in traditional Portuguese Azulejos tiles.
That said, we wouldn’t necessarily suggest mixing these two tiling trends; the visual effect may be more than a little jarring.
Large Format Tiles: Expansive & Minimalist
Large format tiles have been gaining popularity in recent years, and 2024 is no exception. These oversized tiles create a sleek, seamless look that’s perfect for modern, minimalist spaces, helping enhance the visual perception of space in smaller homes, making areas look larger and more expansive, while the minimal grout lines provide a clean, seamless appearance.
On top of that, large format tiles are versatile and low-maintenance, ideal for the busy modern-day homeowner. Available in a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone, large format tiles are a versatile option for those looking to achieve a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
The Bottom Line
It’s clear that the world of tile design is more diverse and exciting than ever before. From terracotta and natural limestone to checkerboard and Moroccan tiling, there’s a tile trend to suit every taste and style. Whether you’re planning a home renovation or simply looking for inspiration, be sure to keep these tile trends in mind for a stylish and on-trend living space. We can’t wait to see what you do with this place!