Why It’s Time for Statement Tiles

Is your space missing that extra something? We show you how easy it is to inject a dose of pattern and texture with these great designer tile ideas.

Designers haven’t been divided on this one—geometric and patterned tiles are going to be bigger than ever in 2016. As The Cross’s Megan Baker puts it, these will be “taking centre stage in bathrooms, kitchens and restaurants,” because they add a much-coveted layer of pattern and texture to play with in the space. Another designer from our 2016 trend report AlyKhan Velji says the mix of patterns in concrete cast tiles brings a sense of casual elegance, whether they’re installed on walls or floors. “The look is quite chic and timeless,” shares Velji.To inspire your next tile transformation, we’ve collected some of our favourite examples from the West’s most talented architects and designers. Bold Design. The tile in this bathroom was a partnership between DOTY 2015 winners Measured and the artisans at Dear Human in Vancouver. (For photos of the whole home, click here).Pattern Language. One of our favourites! A bold, geometric tile adds a splash of personality to this modern, white-on-white workspace. (This was just one of our 21 Great Spaces feature in our Jan/Feb issue).Blue Crush. This was actually the cover shot on our Fall 2015 issue of Condo, and for good reason. The Falken Reynolds designers went with a charming herringbone tile in a light blue aqua to add just the right touch of colour to the mix of white, walnut, and bleached oak. (See the full New York-style loft here).Character Kitchen. This is actually an office kitchen in Calgary designed by Elena Del Bucchia. Eschewing generic laminate flooring, Del Bucchia took a risk with multicoloured chevron tile that totally pays off. (See the rest of her design here).Bold and Beautiful. This Turkish-bath inspired all-tile washroom is like a “luxurious locker room,” says the Vancouver homeowner Jennifer Lindberg. She collaborated with designer Marianne Amodio to make the no countertop, no tub, minimalist wet room a reality—and does it ever make a statement. (Get a closer look here).Fun and Funky. The spunky tile work (seen here in a geometric duo of light brown and white) was a big part of why we fell for this restaurant in Gastown, designed by Vancouver’s Shiloh Sukkau. (Find more photos of the Taco Bar here).Colour Pop. This monochromatic kitchen would look so different without the grey and gold Mutina tile backsplash. We like how it’s both current in design and nostalgic thanks to a muted colour palette. (Get more views here.)The Showstopper. Architect Marianne Amodio, another DOTY 2015 winner, hand-tiled this fireplace herself. Easily one of the most striking features in the eight-person home. Amid says she devised a theory during the this project that no colours clash, we’d say this fireplace passes the test. (More colour where that came from).