Texture, Color, and Drama: Tile is Having a Moment in 2025

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Ready to transform your space with the boldest tile trends of 2025? This episode dives deep into the exciting world of statement tiles that are revolutionizing home design right now.

Gone are the days when tiles merely blended into the background. Today's homeowners are embracing maximalism with open arms – from geometric patterns and Moroccan-inspired motifs to vibrant mosaics that command attention. As Mike notes, "Tiles aren't just a background anymore, they're the main event." We explore how hexagons, trellises, and abstract designs are taking center stage in kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond, creating conversation-starting focal points that express your unique personality.

Texture is having a major moment too. Those flat, glossy surfaces? They're making way for three-dimensional tiles that play with light and shadow. We discuss the rising popularity of fluted porcelain, contoured surfaces, and matte finishes in warm, earthy tones like terracotta and muted green. Sustainability enters the conversation as we highlight eco-friendly options including recycled glass tiles and cork-infused ceramics that prove you don't need to sacrifice style for environmental consciousness.

Even classic patterns are getting refreshed for 2025. Herringbone with oversized planks, chevron in unexpected colors, and subway tiles installed vertically – these traditional layouts are finding new life through creative applications. We share practical installation advice, color combination strategies, and tips for balancing bold choices with more neutral elements to create spaces that feel both timeless and thoroughly modern. Whether you're planning a complete renovation or just wanting to update a backsplash, this episode offers inspiration and guidance for making your tile selections truly spectacular. Subscribe now and join the conversation – what tile trend will you try first?

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (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.

Abby (00:43):
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Belk Tile Podcast.
I'm Abby and, as always, I'mhere with Mike.
Good morning Abby.
Hello everyone.
Well, I thought we would dosomething different today and I
would lead off.

Mike (00:54):
Oh, that sounds good to me .
I will sit back and drink mycoffee and follow your lead.

Abby (00:58):
Okay, let's get this started.
Today we're diving into thetile patterns that are going to
be everywhere in 2025.
And honestly, mike, I feel likethis year is all about being
bold, like really making astatement with your tile choices
.

Mike (01:11):
Yeah, absolutely Abby.
I mean, we've seen a shift overthe last couple years, but 2025
is just well, it's next level.
Geometric patterns are hugeright now Hexagons, trellises,
even some wild abstract motifs.
It's not just about the shapeeither.
It's the scale, the color, theway people are mixing and

(01:32):
matching.

Abby (01:33):
It's a lot of personality packed into a backsplash or a
bathroom wall Totally, and Ilove that maximalism is back.
We're seeing oversized prints,moroccan-inspired motifs and
mosaics that are justunapologetically vibrant.
I actually just wrapped up akitchen project where we did a
hexagon backsplash in emeraldand gold I'm not kidding Mike.
It took this super datedkitchen and made it the spot

(01:53):
where everyone wants to hang out.
It's a conversation starter forsure.

Mike (01:56):
That's the thing, right.
Tiles aren't just a backgroundanymore, they're the main event.
And you mentioned Moroccanmotifs.
Those are popping up everywhere, especially in bathrooms and
entryways.
I've even seen somecheckerboard revivals, but with
unexpected color combos, notjust the classic black and white
.

Abby (02:11):
It's like if you want your space to have energy now's the
time to go for it, and let's notforget the Art Deco influence.
I'm seeing a lot of bold lines,rich contrasts and those deep,
sumptuous colors.
It's got that vintage glam, butit feels fresh, not stuffy.
I think people are just readyto have fun with their spaces
again, you know.

Mike (02:29):
Yeah, and I think the key is don't be afraid to mix things
up.
If you want to try a bigpattern, maybe keep the rest of
the room a little more neutralso the tile can really shine.
Or if you're feelingadventurous, go all in with
color block tiles, I meankitchens and entryways are

(02:50):
perfect for that kind of dramaExactly.

Abby (02:51):
And if you're not sure where to start, just pick one
wall or a backsplash.
You don't have to commit to awhole room.
Sometimes a little boldnessgoes a long way.

Mike (02:55):
So, speaking of bold, let's talk about texture.
I feel like Abby.
We're seeing more and morepeople wanting that tactile,
three-dimensional look.
It's not just about color orpattern anymore.
It's about how the tile feels,how it plays with light,
Textured, stone-look tiles,fluted and ribbed surfaces.
Even 3D sculptural effects areall over the place.

Abby (03:14):
Yeah, and matte finishes and those organic earthy hues
are everywhere.
People are moving away from thehigh-gloss cool grays and
leaning into warm terracottasmuted greens.
High gloss, cool grays andleaning into warm terracottas,
muted greens and soft beiges.
It's all about creating acalming, grounded vibe and,
honestly, matte tiles are soforgiving no glare, no smudges,
just a really soft,sophisticated look.

Mike (03:35):
I had a client recently who wanted to redo their living
room and we used these contoured, fluted porcelain tiles on one
wall.
The texture was subtle but whenwe added the right lighting, it
just well.
It became the focal point ofthe whole space.
The shadows, the depth, it wasreally something.
And you know lighting is keywith these kinds of tiles.
If you want to highlight thetexture, you got to plan for it.

Abby (03:57):
Absolutely, and I love that.
Sustainability is finally frontand center.
We're seeing recycled glasstiles, terrazzo with recycled
content, even cork-infusedceramics.
It's not just about beingeco-friendly.
Though these materials look andfeel luxurious, you don't have
to sacrifice style forsustainability anymore.

Mike (04:17):
Yeah, and I think that's a big shift.
People want their homes toreflect their values, but they
also want them to look great.
So you get these beautiful,durable tiles that are also good
for the planet Win-win right.

Abby (04:28):
Totally, and if you're thinking about using these new
materials, just make sure youcheck with your installer about
any special requirements.
Some recycled glass tiles, forexample, need a little extra
care during installation, butit's worth it for the look and
the peace of mind.
All right, so let's shift gearsa bit.
Classic patterns, herringbone,chevron, hexagon they're not

(04:49):
going anywhere, but they'redefinitely getting a makeover.
I'm seeing herringbone withoversized planks, chevron in
bold colors and hexagons ineverything from tiny mosaics to
huge, almost mural-like layouts.
It's like the classics but witha twist.

Mike (05:05):
Yeah, and large format tiles are a big part of that.
You get fewer grout lines,which makes the space feel
bigger and more connected.
I mean we talked about this inour episode on shower floors how
the right pattern and scale cantotally change the vibe of a
room.
Vertical installations are alsotrending, especially with
subway tiles.
It draws the eye up, makesceilings feel higher and just
gives a modern edge.

Abby (05:26):
Okay, mike, I gotta ask do you think it's time to retire
the classic subway tile or doyou think those new proportions
and artisan glazes keep it fresh?

Mike (05:34):
Oh, that's a tough one.
I mean, I'm a sucker for a goodsubway tile, but I get it.
People want something new.
I think as long as you'replaying with scale, color or
finish, subway tiles can stillbe super stylish.
But if you're just doing thesame old white, maybe it's time
to mix it up a bit.

Abby (05:48):
Yeah, I'm with you.
I love a classic, but I thinkthe key is to make it your own.
Try a vertical stack, go for ahandmade look or pick a bold
color and, honestly, with allthe artisan glazes out there now
, even a simple subway tile canfeel totally new.

Mike (06:02):
And don't forget, these patterns aren't just for walls,
floors, fireplace surrounds,even outdoor patios.
There's so much you can do.
It's all about finding theright balance between timeless
and trendy.

Abby (06:12):
Exactly, and if you're not sure, just start with a small
area like a powder room or abacksplash.
You can always go bigger onceyou see how much you love it.

Mike (06:21):
Now let's talk about how all these patterns and textures
actually come together.
Installation is getting a lotmore precise these days Laser
guided layout tools, newadhesives that cut down on
install time all that good stuff.
It's not just about the tileyou pick, it's how you put it in
and, as we've said before, eventhe best tile can look bad if
it's not installed right.

(06:42):
As we've said, before.

Abby (06:42):
Even the best tile can look bad if it's not installed
right For sure.
And color is a huge part of thestory for 2025.
We're seeing earthy tones thinkterracotta, honey, muted greens
, paired with soft pastels andeven some metallics.
It's all about layering colorsfor a dynamic but still cohesive
look.
I love using metallic accentswith matte tiles for a little
extra pop, and don't be afraidto mix in a pastel or two,

(07:05):
especially in bathrooms orbedrooms, where you want a
calming vibe.

Mike (07:08):
Yeah, and if you're a homeowner or a designer
listening, my best advice is toplan ahead.
Get samples, lay them out inyour space and see how they look
in different lighting.
Don't just go off a photo or ashowroom display.
And if you're trying somethingnew, like a 3D tile or a bold
color, test a small area first.
It's way easier to make changesbefore everything's set in

(07:28):
stone literally.

Abby (07:29):
And don't forget about grout.
Contrasting grout can reallyhighlight a pattern, but if you
want a more seamless look, gofor something that blends.
And, like we said in our lastepisode, proper prep and
installation are everything.
If you're not confident, bringin a pro.
It's worth it for the peace ofmind.

Mike (07:46):
Absolutely.
And that's a wrap for today'sepisode.
We hope you're feeling inspiredto try some of these trends in
your own space.
There's a lot to play with, andwe'll be back soon with more
ideas and tips.
Abby, always a pleasurechatting tile with you.

Abby (07:59):
Same to you, Mike.
Thanks everyone, everyone forlistening.
Don't forget to subscribe andlet us know what tile trends
you're loving this year.
We'll catch you next time onthe Belk Tile Podcast.
Bye, Mike.

Mike (08:08):
Bye Abby, take care everyone.

Speaker 1 (08:11):
You've been listening to the Belk 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 usefulpractical information from this
show and we'll be back soon, butin the meantime, reach out.
The website is wwwbelktilecom.

(08:33):
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Till next time.