June 19, 2025 • 8 mins
Think brown tiles are boring? Think again! We're diving deep into the surprisingly versatile world of brown tiles and discovering why these earthy-toned design elements deserve much more credit than they typically receive.
Brown tiles offer that perfect combination of practical durability and aesthetic warmth that's increasingly sought after in modern home design. Whether you're drawn to the light, airy feel of beige and taupe or the dramatic sophistication of chocolate and espresso tones, there's a brown tile that can transform your space. Our conversation reveals why these hardworking tiles conceal dirt masterfully in high-traffic areas while maintaining their charm year after year.
The styling possibilities with brown tiles are virtually endless. We explore how pairing them with neutrals creates minimalist elegance, while combining them with bold colors like navy or gold introduces dramatic contrast. Pattern selection takes center stage as we discuss the timeless appeal of subway layouts, the contemporary edge of hexagon arrangements, and the undeniable sophistication of herringbone designs. From kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms and outdoor spaces, brown tiles prove their versatility across every area of the home.
Should you choose porcelain for its weather resistance or natural stone for its unique character? We weigh the practical considerations against aesthetic desires to help you make informed decisions for your next renovation project. Join us as we celebrate these underrated design heroes and discover how brown tiles can elevate your home with their timeless appeal and remarkable versatility. Leave a rating and review, and reach out with your questions for our next episode!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
BELK Tile (00:01):
What kind of tile can you put on the wall or shower?
Do you have to seal tile?
How much extra tile should Ibuy for my project?
What thinset is the best for mytile application?
How hard is it to maintainnatural stone?
You have questions.
We have answers.
Welcome to the Belk TilePodcast.
(00:22):
How to style the bathroom, thebackyard, the kitchen, how to
improve your home style withtiles to make your home
absolutely beautiful?
Welcome to the Belk TilePodcast.
Here's your host, Mike Belk allright.
Abby (01:03):
So brown tiles?
They're everywhere these days,right From kitchens to bathrooms
.
I mean people are really lovingthat warm earthy vibe they
bring.
Mike Belk (01:11):
Absolutely, and it's not just about the aesthetic
appeal.
Brown tiles offer a combinationof durability and low
maintenance that's hard to beat.
Abby (01:19):
I feel they're like the hardworking tiles of the home
decor world they look great,they last forever and they don't
whine about getting a littledirty.
It's like tile perfection.
Mike Belk (01:30):
That's a rather spirited way to put it, but
you're quite right.
Depending on the material, likeporcelain, ceramic or natural
stone they really are built tohandle high traffic areas while
maintaining their charm.
Abby (01:40):
Oh, porcelain and ceramic, yeah, fancy stuff.
But OK, let me tell you aboutmy first DIY tile project.
Disaster, total disaster.
Mike Belk (01:48):
Oh no, what happened?
Abby (01:49):
Well, I was inspired by this Pinterest post, right?
So I went out, got what Ithought were matching tiles and,
let's just say, my kitchenended up looking like a
patchwork quilt from fivedifferent design eras, like
ceramic meets, retro meets, Idon't know, disaster chic eras
like ceramic meets, retro meetsI don't know disaster chic.
Mike Belk (02:07):
I can only imagine how unique that must have looked
.
But mismatched tiles cansometimes make for an
interesting aesthetic.
You know, in the right hands.
Abby (02:12):
Yeah, not mine.
It was horrendous, but that'swhen I learned the value of
picking the right material andactually paying attention to the
shades and textures.
Mike Belk (02:21):
It's a learning curve , and brown tiles in particular
offer a lot of flexibility interms of tones.
Lighter ones, like beige ortaupe, can make a room feel
larger, whereas darker optionschocolate or espresso add a
certain drama.
Abby (02:33):
Drama.
See, I knew I should have gonefor drama.
My kitchen could have been amasterpiece instead of a
cautionary tale.
Mike Belk (02:39):
Well, drama or not, I think what we're seeing is how
versatile these tiles are.
They blend beautifully withvarious design approaches, and
the durability factor just makesthem a sensible choice for most
homes.
Abby (02:50):
And the whole low maintenance thing right, like
who's got time to scrub tilesevery day?
Not me.
Mike Belk (02:55):
That's exactly it.
Brown tiles, particularly thedarker shades, are excellent at
concealing dirt or smudges.
They're perfect for busyhouseholds.
Abby (03:02):
Totally Okay.
So we've got durability, charm,low upkeep and bonus no DIY
nightmares.
If you choose wisely, what'snot to love.
Mike Belk (03:10):
I agree, and when paired correctly with other
colors or textures, they cantruly elevate the entire look of
a space.
Abby (03:16):
All right.
So we talked about pairingbrown tiles with other colors or
textures to really elevate aspace.
Now let's dive into styling,because I mean, once you've
picked your perfect brown tile,the real fun begins, right.
Like, what are you going topair it with?
Mike Belk (03:30):
Exactly, and the beauty of brown tiles is their
versatility.
You can pair them with almostanything, but the choices you
make can dramatically affect thevibe of a room.
Abby (03:39):
Yeah, like put them with neutral tones white, beige,
whatever and you've got thisclean, almost minimalist look.
But then throw in some navy orgold and bam instant drama.
Mike Belk (03:49):
Precisely.
And let's not forget earthytones olive, green, rust,
terracotta those can reallyemphasize the natural warmth of
brown tiles.
It creates a cozy, organic feelthat works beautifully in
spaces like living rooms orbedrooms.
Abby (04:02):
Love that.
Okay, but let's talk patterns,because I feel like this is
where things really get spicy,like herringbone.
Everyone's obsessed withherringbone.
Mike Belk (04:09):
Herringbone is indeed quite popular, and for good
reason.
I recently visited a friend'shome where they used a walnut
brown tile in a herringbonepattern for their living room
floor.
It completely transformed thespace.
It felt warm, inviting and,dare I say, almost luxurious.
Abby (04:25):
I want to see.
That sounds so good.
It's like it takes somethingsimple and gives it personality,
right?
Mike Belk (04:30):
Very much so.
And then you've got the classicsubway layout, perfect for
backsplashes or bathroom walls.
It's timeless Hard to go wrongwith it.
Abby (04:38):
For sure.
It's like the little blackdress of tile patterns.
You can dress it up or keep itchill.
Mike Belk (04:43):
Exactly, and if you're leaning towards something
more contemporary, geometriclayouts like hexagons can add a
modern edge, or large formattiles can make smaller spaces
feel more expansive byminimizing grout lines.
Abby (04:55):
Ooh, love a good hexagon moment.
It's like fun, but classy keepsthings interesting, you know.
Mike Belk (05:00):
Absolutely.
What's important is combiningthe right pattern with the right
shade of brown tile.
For example, using a lighterbeige in a smaller room can make
it feel airy, while a darkespresso tile in a bold pattern
can add drama to a larger space.
Abby (05:13):
Totally so.
Pairing the shade, the patternand the vibe you're going for,
that's the sweet spot.
It's all about balance.
Mike Belk (05:21):
It truly is, and getting these elements right can
elevate an interior fromaverage to extraordinary.
Abby (05:26):
All right.
So now that we've nailed downshades and patterns, let's talk
locations.
Where do brown tiles reallyshine?
I mean, you're not justthrowing them up anywhere, right
?
Mike Belk (05:36):
True, but there are quite a few spaces where they
shine, like kitchens andbathrooms.
For a start, the warmth of amedium brown tone can make a
kitchen feel incredibly inviting.
It's perfect for flooring orbacksplashes.
Abby (05:48):
Totally.
Kitchens are like the obviouschoice.
But bathrooms, oh, I love agood earthy-toned bathroom wall,
especially light brown or taupetiles.
Makes the space feel kind ofairy, almost like a little spa
retreat, you know.
Mike Belk (06:01):
Exactly, and for larger bathrooms, or if you're
looking to make a statement,dark brown tiles can add a
dramatic elegance.
Paired with the right lighting,they're stunning.
Abby (06:09):
Dark tiles are bold, yeah, but you've got to commit right,
Like no half measures.
Either you're going fullespresso chic or you're not.
Mike Belk (06:16):
Precisely.
And then there's the livingroom, which is another fantastic
space for brown tiles,especially for flooring around a
fireplace.
The durability and warmth theybring to high traffic areas is
unmatched.
Abby (06:27):
Oh yeah, a brown-tiled fireplace surround.
That's like main characterenergy for a living room.
It draws the eye withoutscreaming for attention.
Just natural drama.
Classy but cozy.
Mike Belk (06:36):
And we can't forget outdoor spaces.
Porcelain is particularly idealfor patios or outdoor kitchens.
It's weather-resistant anddurable, so it holds up
beautifully in those areas.
Abby (06:46):
Alright, hang on porcelain outdoor tiles, but what about
natural stone?
I mean, doesn't it add thatsort of rustic outdoor vibe?
Mike Belk (06:53):
It does unquestionably.
However, natural stone oftenrequires sealing to maintain
longevity, whereas porcelain isvirtually maintenance-free.
Abby (07:04):
It's a debate of aesthetics versus practicality,
true, true, but I mean, ifyou're already creating this
dreamy outdoor setup, don't youwant to go all out?
Natural stone just has thatcharacter, you know.
Mike Belk (07:12):
That it does.
I suppose it ultimately dependson what matters most ease of
maintenance or the uniquetexture that natural stone
offers.
Abby (07:24):
Right, so there's no wrong answer.
It's all about finding whatfits with your vibe, your space
and maybe even your cleaninghabits.
Mike Belk (07:27):
Precisely and regardless of the material.
Brown tiles bring a timelessappeal that transitions
effortlessly across all thesespaces.
Abby (07:34):
Couldn't agree more Brown tiles practical, stunning and
seriously underrated.
So if you're out there planningyour next reno project, throw
some respect on brown tiles.
Mike Belk (07:44):
And that's all for today.
It's been an absolute pleasure,as always, diving into the
world of design with you.
Same Thanks for tuning in fortoday.
It's been an absolute pleasure,as always, diving into the
world of design with you.
Abby (07:49):
Same Thanks for tuning in everyone.
Catch you next time.
BELK Tile (07:54):
You've been listening to the Belt Tile Podcast.
When it comes to creating abeautiful home using tile, this
is the podcast for products,design ideas and tips.
We hope you got some useful,practical information from this
show and we'll be back soon, butin the meantime, reach out.
The website is wwwbelktilecom.
(08:16):
Our store phone number is614-543-8334.
Find us on Facebook and Twitterat Belk Tile, and on Instagram
at Belk Tiles.
Make sure to leave a rating andreview and if you have
questions or comments, reach outand we'll talk about it on the
next show.
Till next time.
What kind of tile can you put on the wall or shower?
Do you have to seal tile?
How much extra tile should Ibuy for my project?
What thinset is the best for mytile application?
How hard is it to maintainnatural stone?
You have questions.
We have answers.
Welcome to the Belk TilePodcast.
(00:22):
How to style the bathroom, thebackyard, the kitchen, how to
improve your home style withtiles to make your home
absolutely beautiful?
Welcome to the Belk TilePodcast.
Here's your host, Mike Belk allright.
Abby (01:03):
So brown tiles?
They're everywhere these days,right From kitchens to bathrooms
.
I mean people are really lovingthat warm earthy vibe they
bring.
Mike Belk (01:11):
Absolutely, and it's not just about the aesthetic
appeal.
Brown tiles offer a combinationof durability and low
maintenance that's hard to beat.
Abby (01:19):
I feel they're like the hardworking tiles of the home
decor world they look great,they last forever and they don't
whine about getting a littledirty.
It's like tile perfection.
Mike Belk (01:30):
That's a rather spirited way to put it, but
you're quite right.
Depending on the material, likeporcelain, ceramic or natural
stone they really are built tohandle high traffic areas while
maintaining their charm.
Abby (01:40):
Oh, porcelain and ceramic, yeah, fancy stuff.
But OK, let me tell you aboutmy first DIY tile project.
Disaster, total disaster.
Mike Belk (01:48):
Oh no, what happened?
Abby (01:49):
Well, I was inspired by this Pinterest post, right?
So I went out, got what Ithought were matching tiles and,
let's just say, my kitchenended up looking like a
patchwork quilt from fivedifferent design eras, like
ceramic meets, retro meets, Idon't know, disaster chic eras
like ceramic meets, retro meetsI don't know disaster chic.
Mike Belk (02:07):
I can only imagine how unique that must have looked
.
But mismatched tiles cansometimes make for an
interesting aesthetic.
You know, in the right hands.
Abby (02:12):
Yeah, not mine.
It was horrendous, but that'swhen I learned the value of
picking the right material andactually paying attention to the
shades and textures.
Mike Belk (02:21):
It's a learning curve , and brown tiles in particular
offer a lot of flexibility interms of tones.
Lighter ones, like beige ortaupe, can make a room feel
larger, whereas darker optionschocolate or espresso add a
certain drama.
Abby (02:33):
Drama.
See, I knew I should have gonefor drama.
My kitchen could have been amasterpiece instead of a
cautionary tale.
Mike Belk (02:39):
Well, drama or not, I think what we're seeing is how
versatile these tiles are.
They blend beautifully withvarious design approaches, and
the durability factor just makesthem a sensible choice for most
homes.
Abby (02:50):
And the whole low maintenance thing right, like
who's got time to scrub tilesevery day?
Not me.
Mike Belk (02:55):
That's exactly it.
Brown tiles, particularly thedarker shades, are excellent at
concealing dirt or smudges.
They're perfect for busyhouseholds.
Abby (03:02):
Totally Okay.
So we've got durability, charm,low upkeep and bonus no DIY
nightmares.
If you choose wisely, what'snot to love.
Mike Belk (03:10):
I agree, and when paired correctly with other
colors or textures, they cantruly elevate the entire look of
a space.
Abby (03:16):
All right.
So we talked about pairingbrown tiles with other colors or
textures to really elevate aspace.
Now let's dive into styling,because I mean, once you've
picked your perfect brown tile,the real fun begins, right.
Like, what are you going topair it with?
Mike Belk (03:30):
Exactly, and the beauty of brown tiles is their
versatility.
You can pair them with almostanything, but the choices you
make can dramatically affect thevibe of a room.
Abby (03:39):
Yeah, like put them with neutral tones white, beige,
whatever and you've got thisclean, almost minimalist look.
But then throw in some navy orgold and bam instant drama.
Mike Belk (03:49):
Precisely.
And let's not forget earthytones olive, green, rust,
terracotta those can reallyemphasize the natural warmth of
brown tiles.
It creates a cozy, organic feelthat works beautifully in
spaces like living rooms orbedrooms.
Abby (04:02):
Love that.
Okay, but let's talk patterns,because I feel like this is
where things really get spicy,like herringbone.
Everyone's obsessed withherringbone.
Mike Belk (04:09):
Herringbone is indeed quite popular, and for good
reason.
I recently visited a friend'shome where they used a walnut
brown tile in a herringbonepattern for their living room
floor.
It completely transformed thespace.
It felt warm, inviting and,dare I say, almost luxurious.
Abby (04:25):
I want to see.
That sounds so good.
It's like it takes somethingsimple and gives it personality,
right?
Mike Belk (04:30):
Very much so.
And then you've got the classicsubway layout, perfect for
backsplashes or bathroom walls.
It's timeless Hard to go wrongwith it.
Abby (04:38):
For sure.
It's like the little blackdress of tile patterns.
You can dress it up or keep itchill.
Mike Belk (04:43):
Exactly, and if you're leaning towards something
more contemporary, geometriclayouts like hexagons can add a
modern edge, or large formattiles can make smaller spaces
feel more expansive byminimizing grout lines.
Abby (04:55):
Ooh, love a good hexagon moment.
It's like fun, but classy keepsthings interesting, you know.
Mike Belk (05:00):
Absolutely.
What's important is combiningthe right pattern with the right
shade of brown tile.
For example, using a lighterbeige in a smaller room can make
it feel airy, while a darkespresso tile in a bold pattern
can add drama to a larger space.
Abby (05:13):
Totally so.
Pairing the shade, the patternand the vibe you're going for,
that's the sweet spot.
It's all about balance.
Mike Belk (05:21):
It truly is, and getting these elements right can
elevate an interior fromaverage to extraordinary.
Abby (05:26):
All right.
So now that we've nailed downshades and patterns, let's talk
locations.
Where do brown tiles reallyshine?
I mean, you're not justthrowing them up anywhere, right
?
Mike Belk (05:36):
True, but there are quite a few spaces where they
shine, like kitchens andbathrooms.
For a start, the warmth of amedium brown tone can make a
kitchen feel incredibly inviting.
It's perfect for flooring orbacksplashes.
Abby (05:48):
Totally.
Kitchens are like the obviouschoice.
But bathrooms, oh, I love agood earthy-toned bathroom wall,
especially light brown or taupetiles.
Makes the space feel kind ofairy, almost like a little spa
retreat, you know.
Mike Belk (06:01):
Exactly, and for larger bathrooms, or if you're
looking to make a statement,dark brown tiles can add a
dramatic elegance.
Paired with the right lighting,they're stunning.
Abby (06:09):
Dark tiles are bold, yeah, but you've got to commit right,
Like no half measures.
Either you're going fullespresso chic or you're not.
Mike Belk (06:16):
Precisely.
And then there's the livingroom, which is another fantastic
space for brown tiles,especially for flooring around a
fireplace.
The durability and warmth theybring to high traffic areas is
unmatched.
Abby (06:27):
Oh yeah, a brown-tiled fireplace surround.
That's like main characterenergy for a living room.
It draws the eye withoutscreaming for attention.
Just natural drama.
Classy but cozy.
Mike Belk (06:36):
And we can't forget outdoor spaces.
Porcelain is particularly idealfor patios or outdoor kitchens.
It's weather-resistant anddurable, so it holds up
beautifully in those areas.
Abby (06:46):
Alright, hang on porcelain outdoor tiles, but what about
natural stone?
I mean, doesn't it add thatsort of rustic outdoor vibe?
Mike Belk (06:53):
It does unquestionably.
However, natural stone oftenrequires sealing to maintain
longevity, whereas porcelain isvirtually maintenance-free.
Abby (07:04):
It's a debate of aesthetics versus practicality,
true, true, but I mean, ifyou're already creating this
dreamy outdoor setup, don't youwant to go all out?
Natural stone just has thatcharacter, you know.
Mike Belk (07:12):
That it does.
I suppose it ultimately dependson what matters most ease of
maintenance or the uniquetexture that natural stone
offers.
Abby (07:24):
Right, so there's no wrong answer.
It's all about finding whatfits with your vibe, your space
and maybe even your cleaninghabits.
Mike Belk (07:27):
Precisely and regardless of the material.
Brown tiles bring a timelessappeal that transitions
effortlessly across all thesespaces.
Abby (07:34):
Couldn't agree more Brown tiles practical, stunning and
seriously underrated.
So if you're out there planningyour next reno project, throw
some respect on brown tiles.
Mike Belk (07:44):
And that's all for today.
It's been an absolute pleasure,as always, diving into the
world of design with you.
Same Thanks for tuning in fortoday.
It's been an absolute pleasure,as always, diving into the
world of design with you.
Abby (07:49):
Same Thanks for tuning in everyone.
Catch you next time.
BELK Tile (07:54):
You've been listening to the Belt Tile Podcast.
When it comes to creating abeautiful home using tile, this
is the podcast for products,design ideas and tips.
We hope you got some useful,practical information from this
show and we'll be back soon, butin the meantime, reach out.
The website is wwwbelktilecom.
(08:16):
Our store phone number is614-543-8334.
Find us on Facebook and Twitterat Belk Tile, and on Instagram
at Belk Tiles.
Make sure to leave a rating andreview and if you have
questions or comments, reach outand we'll talk about it on the
next show.
Till next time.
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