Get Floored by Creative Use of Tile
Don't get stuck in a subway-tile rut. Unlock the imaginative power of tile for floors and walls that will knock their socks off
You know how supposedly we use only 10 percent of our brains? Well, I think we use only about 10 percent of tile's capability too. I love staggered subway tile as much as the next girl, but let's face it: It's safe and predictable.
Tile is so much more than rectangular pieces of clay. It can add art, shine, dimension, pattern, color and pizzazz to a room. It can work in every room in the house, and it's comfortable outside too.
These 19 photos will inspire you to look at tile's possibilities in a whole new way. I think we're ready for the other 90 percent now.
Tile is so much more than rectangular pieces of clay. It can add art, shine, dimension, pattern, color and pizzazz to a room. It can work in every room in the house, and it's comfortable outside too.
These 19 photos will inspire you to look at tile's possibilities in a whole new way. I think we're ready for the other 90 percent now.
Floor-to-ceiling tile in the bathroom with an embedded mural of a clown fish. Who doesn't want to take a bath with Nemo?
These tile roses are a modern take on the ancient mosaic baths of the Middle East. Beautiful.
This fully tiled bathroom really has that steamy Turkish-bath feel.
A water-theme mosaic with a dolphin is a tiny piece of the Greek islands without that uncomfortable ferry ride.
See more Turkish design
See more Turkish design
The subtle tile waves repeated on this wall and floor are like a waterfall flowing through the room.
Ribbons of metallic tiles flutter against this wall, playing with the light and adding glamour.
A gold tile backsplash is pure glamour with just the right pinch of humor thrown in.
There is no reason an accent wall can't be tiled instead of painted. It reflects light, adding depth and texture.
Patterned tile does the job of wallpaper. Plus it's durable, waterproof and extra shiny.
This otherwise modern kitchen went the anti-subway-tile route with a colorful, full-wall cement tile backsplash.
A big, bold pattern in a small space creates drama.
This aqua tile emphasizes the architecture and delineates the bathing nook. Ah, bathing nook. Doesn't that sound nice?
In my fantasy home on the Spanish coast, we have this floor. It is so easy to sweep up the sand after a day at the beach.
A Gaudí-ispired exterior stairwell. The multishape organic mosaic captures the movement and sparkle of water. I absolutely love this.