Kitchen Design
New Tile Styles for the Kitchen
Large-format, mosaic, metallic, and wood tile designs will be darlings of showrooms and trade shows this year
It’s rare today to find a kitchen that doesn’t include at least one tile element. And quite often, it’s an element you’d really like to change! Tile should be selected with an eye to your cabinet finishes and counter tops so that the final kitchen has a pulled-together look, not just a current one.
These 2012 tile trends from the top U.S. design centers and upcoming Coverings trade show can give your kitchen a fresh new look when selected well. Which ones inspire you?
These 2012 tile trends from the top U.S. design centers and upcoming Coverings trade show can give your kitchen a fresh new look when selected well. Which ones inspire you?
Ultra-large format wall tiles are very much a trend for 2012. They work especially well in a backsplash area, like this one from American tile maker Crossville, as they're so much easier to clean than a standard 4- or 6-inch tile. Large format tiles are a great add-on to a contemporary kitchen.
Graphic patterns are hot this year for the casual color and pattern they add to a kitchen. Texture can be added to the mix, as well, tying in yet another hot trend.
A little graphic goes a long way, as you can see in this Ceramic Tile of Italy backsplash, so consider using it just as a focal point.
A little graphic goes a long way, as you can see in this Ceramic Tile of Italy backsplash, so consider using it just as a focal point.
Subway tiles on steriods are a definite trend for 2012. No longer just small and white, this traditional style is getting a colorful, oversize makeover, as you see in this Fireclay Tile backsplash.
Glass tile is a continuing trend for 2012. You'll see it in glittery mosaics, as shown here, and in larger formats.
Metallics will still be on trend for 2012. You'll see them solo, as shown in this backsplash, and mixed in with other tile materials.
Mosaics are an ancient art that is seeing a comeback. You don't need to limit yourself to traditional themes either, as this backsplash stylishly declares.
Mosaics are an ideal element for personalizing your space, a definite kitchen trend. Custom mosaic designers can create a backsplash or floor rug that speaks to your hobby, history or passions.
Mosaics are an ideal element for personalizing your space, a definite kitchen trend. Custom mosaic designers can create a backsplash or floor rug that speaks to your hobby, history or passions.
Recycled materials are resource-friendly and great-looking, too. Fireclay Tile's Debris Series, shown here, has been joined by other lines to give you eco-friendly options for your kitchen update.
Tile doesn't need to stand behind a sink or cooktop anymore. Tile accent walls, like this second Ceramic Tile of Italy design, bring texture and color to otherwise neutral spaces.
Large-format tiles are also a strong trend in kitchen flooring this year. They usually have rectified edges, allowing them to install with minimal grout lines. This looks clean as well as modern and minimizes maintenance.
One of the hottest trends of 2012 is wood-look floor tile, like this one from Ceramic Tile of Italy. Unlike real wood, you don't have to worry about water spilling on it. It looks great and wears well. You'll just find that the tile is rather hard underfoot.
More: How to Shop for Tile
Browse tile in the Products section
More: How to Shop for Tile
Browse tile in the Products section
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