If you’ve not been in the market for tile in 10-15 years or more, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised at all the new options in 2017. Daltile, producer of some of the most high-tech and unique tile ever made, has written an article about five trends for 2017 you need to see. If you are planning a bathroom or kitchen redesign with the hottest trends in the tile industry, here’s what you need to pay attention to this year.
TREND #1: GET INVENTIVE WITH WOOD-LOOK TILE
Wood-look tile has already been established as a favorite and that won’t change. In fact, wood-look tile is looking better and better with each new product introduced. But the trend will shift slightly this year toward some creative uses of wood-look tile.
Layouts and Applications
Look for tile planks in all sorts of interesting patterns, especially herringbone. You’ll also find wood-look tile making a strong appearance on the walls.
Reclaimed
This weathered, distressed look is hot and it will continue to grow in 2017. Everything from barn wood looks to aged painted planks will make more of an appearance than in previous years.
Painted
Painted wood will be the next bold thing in wood flooring. Tile will follow suit with whitewashed looks and even some brightly hued geometric patterns and floral designs on a classic wood grain texture.
Cross Grain
A new idea in wood is the cross grain. Most wood in the home shows the grain, but some manufacturers are showing interest in highlighting a new perspective. Think of what you’d see if you looked at a tree stump—that’s the cross grain. All those rings and texture will create a whole new wood-look in tile for 2017 and beyond.
TREND #2: SMOOTH, CEMENT-LOOK TILE
Cement, like wood, isn’t a new idea for floors and walls. But this trend is going to hit its stride in 2017. It’s a look that doesn’t date itself so it’s here to stay.
Cotto
2017 will see the paring of cotto and concrete—something only tile can give you. This gives a plain concrete look an upgrade by adding depth and character. The rustic and slightly aged look lets this look work in more classic designs rather than being exclusive to modern designs.
Soft Tones
Cement-look tile in 2017 will be softer and warmer, making it suitable for all kinds of design. Concrete isn’t just for modern design anymore. Look for it in warm grey, taupe, and beiges.
Size and Shape
Concrete-look tiles will begin to be available in many different shapes and sizes in 2017. Mosaic, planks, hex, and large format will become popular. This upgrade elevates cement-looks in design.
TREND #3: TAKE A LOOK AT BRICK
Brick-look tile is an easier-to-maintain option than actual brick and you’ll get the same look and feel. 2017 will see the classic Chicago loft look taken to the next level.
Floors
Most brick installations are for the wall. But 2017 will see brick on the floor. Brick-look tile on the floor is a great idea because porcelain is already a proven winner for floors.
Painted Brick
Just like wood, brick is getting a face lift with some paint. Painted brick has that retro look that is coming back into vogue but it still has a flair of the contemporary. Look for tile with graphics, text, and highlights in metallic colors.
Rustic
Aged brick, like the kind you’d find in an old downtown loft, is available in tile and probably the most popular choice in brick-look for 2017.
TREND #4: INTERPRET MARBLE IN A NEW WAY
The classic high-end look of marble is what everyone wants and in every imaginable format. Porcelain tile is ready to deliver.
Formats
Porcelain makes it possible for the marble look to go where it has never gone before. In 2017 it will be popular on the floor, wall, mosaic, and mixed with other materials.
Calacatta
This enduring, classic marble look with its white background and grey veining is going to be huge in 2017. When it comes to tile, the marble look is more realistic than ever.
TREND #5: HIGHLIGHT WALL TILE
Wall tile isn’t limited to a backsplash anymore. It’s replacing paint and wallpaper as the favored wall covering in 2017.
Metallic
Metallics as an accent make a design lean toward the dramatic. Even in small doses, metallic is a hit. It will be everywhere this year, but it will play a supporting role.
3D
Tile will jump off the wall in all kinds of 3D designs this year. While trends will still favor neutral colors, textures will be anything but neutral. Look for geometric pattern, waves, handcrafted look, and high-low mosaic patterns.
Length
Tile on the wall is getting bigger and getting away from classic mosaic backsplash. It won’t be unusual to see large format tile, including planks. The new favorite will be tiles 24 inches or more in length.
The year ahead is full of promise for design and for new developments in tile. Visit Daltile.com to see the latest and greatest.
