3 Tile Trends Emerging in 2021
See the latest tile colors, shapes and patterns that stood out at the virtual International Surface Event trade show
But there’s more variety than ever in shapes, patterns and color. And that was evident in the latest tile offerings that were on display during the virtual International Surface Event on Jan. 26-28. Some of these products are available now, while others are coming out later this year. Here we break down three top tile trends to look out for in 2021.
Photo from Emser Tile
1. New Neutrals
Clean and green. The color green in muted shades is one of the newest neutrals showing up in tile. It’s a nod to the biophilia design trend that brings nature into the home, and it can be considered a sign of growth and well-being. “Green emphasizes biophilia, but also is indicative of better things to come, and has healing qualities,” Zurfluh says. “It’s known to be one of the most restful colors to the human eye.”
Subtle greens are showing up in many shapes and sizes, including the Kale color shown above from Emser Tile’s new Hues collection. The satin-finish 3-by-10-inch rectangular tiles have an organic, artisan-crafted feel and come in six colors.
1. New Neutrals
Clean and green. The color green in muted shades is one of the newest neutrals showing up in tile. It’s a nod to the biophilia design trend that brings nature into the home, and it can be considered a sign of growth and well-being. “Green emphasizes biophilia, but also is indicative of better things to come, and has healing qualities,” Zurfluh says. “It’s known to be one of the most restful colors to the human eye.”
Subtle greens are showing up in many shapes and sizes, including the Kale color shown above from Emser Tile’s new Hues collection. The satin-finish 3-by-10-inch rectangular tiles have an organic, artisan-crafted feel and come in six colors.
Photo from Emser Tile
The tiles in Emser’s Passion collection, released in mid-2020, come in a variety of colors, like Verde, shown here, that vary in tone and have a handmade, shiny, zellige-style look of terra-cotta tile, even though they’re glazed porcelain. “They have a very natural, almost ombre look, and to me has that spa-like feeling that’s very clean and minimal,” Zurfluh says.
The tiles in Emser’s Passion collection, released in mid-2020, come in a variety of colors, like Verde, shown here, that vary in tone and have a handmade, shiny, zellige-style look of terra-cotta tile, even though they’re glazed porcelain. “They have a very natural, almost ombre look, and to me has that spa-like feeling that’s very clean and minimal,” Zurfluh says.
Photo from Emser Tile
Emser’s new Heksa tiles are larger-scale 8-by-9-inch hexagons that come in six colors, including this toned-down green called Forest.
Emser’s new Heksa tiles are larger-scale 8-by-9-inch hexagons that come in six colors, including this toned-down green called Forest.
Photo from Daltile
Warmer tones. Perhaps in response to a stressful year, the latest crop of neutral tile tones is warm, subtle and calming. Whether with a matte or glossy finish, tiles in creamy shades seem to be dominating the neutral palette. “There’s this underlying theme of needing comfort and calmness in the home, and earthy, inviting hues as we transition to warmer undertones,” Zurfluh says. “With the return of beige, tan, mushroom and brown, we’re seeing this warm neutral palette.”
Daltile calls its new warmer neutral palette “Cozy Essentials,” in shades that bring harmony and balance to a space. Its new Enlite porcelain tile mimics the subtle tones of natural stone in a 15-by-30-inch tile and random linear mosaics. Shown on the floor above is the large-scale Enlite tile called Illuminate.
Warmer tones. Perhaps in response to a stressful year, the latest crop of neutral tile tones is warm, subtle and calming. Whether with a matte or glossy finish, tiles in creamy shades seem to be dominating the neutral palette. “There’s this underlying theme of needing comfort and calmness in the home, and earthy, inviting hues as we transition to warmer undertones,” Zurfluh says. “With the return of beige, tan, mushroom and brown, we’re seeing this warm neutral palette.”
Daltile calls its new warmer neutral palette “Cozy Essentials,” in shades that bring harmony and balance to a space. Its new Enlite porcelain tile mimics the subtle tones of natural stone in a 15-by-30-inch tile and random linear mosaics. Shown on the floor above is the large-scale Enlite tile called Illuminate.
Photo from Daltile
Soft grays, golds and whites still dominate the neutral palette in marble and other stone tile, as well as porcelain that mimics it. Daltile’s new multisize Pietra Divina collection, shown here, features three marbles: Calacatta Dolomiti with gray veining, Nero Marquina black marble with white accents and Namaste with gray and gold elements. In the bathroom shown here the wall is Pietra Divina’s Namaste in a 1½-by-5-inch chevron mosaic. The floor is tiled in large-scale Namaste tiles that measure 12 by 24 inches.
Soft grays, golds and whites still dominate the neutral palette in marble and other stone tile, as well as porcelain that mimics it. Daltile’s new multisize Pietra Divina collection, shown here, features three marbles: Calacatta Dolomiti with gray veining, Nero Marquina black marble with white accents and Namaste with gray and gold elements. In the bathroom shown here the wall is Pietra Divina’s Namaste in a 1½-by-5-inch chevron mosaic. The floor is tiled in large-scale Namaste tiles that measure 12 by 24 inches.
Photo from Daltile
Here’s a closer look at Daltile’s Pietra Divina Namaste marble, available in a 12-by-24-inch polished and honed tile, and a 4-by-12-inch honed version.
Here’s a closer look at Daltile’s Pietra Divina Namaste marble, available in a 12-by-24-inch polished and honed tile, and a 4-by-12-inch honed version.
Photo from Emser Tile
Patterned tiles are as popular as ever, but many are showing up this season in subdued shades, like Emser’s new Design collection, shown here in the Art pattern, a faded, distressed look on a 9-by-9-inch tile. The collection also includes geometric patterns in subdued shades of black, gray and blue.
Patterned tiles are as popular as ever, but many are showing up this season in subdued shades, like Emser’s new Design collection, shown here in the Art pattern, a faded, distressed look on a 9-by-9-inch tile. The collection also includes geometric patterns in subdued shades of black, gray and blue.
Photo from Emser Tile
Here’s an encaustic-style porcelain tile called Portrait, from Emser’s Design collection, in a toned-down pattern with a cement look.
Here’s an encaustic-style porcelain tile called Portrait, from Emser’s Design collection, in a toned-down pattern with a cement look.
Photo from Emser
Portrait, from Emser’s Design collection, makes for a subdued pattern on a bathroom floor, where it’s less busy looking than color-saturated patterned tile.
Portrait, from Emser’s Design collection, makes for a subdued pattern on a bathroom floor, where it’s less busy looking than color-saturated patterned tile.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
Patterned tile isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but many of the latest collections have scaled back on high-contrast colors, focusing on warm, design-friendly neutral tones. Shown here is Nemo Tile + Stone’s new Elevate collection, which includes wall and floor tile in neutral solid colors and coordinating patterned tiles, like ceramic Sindara Mix C, used here as a backsplash accent behind a bathtub.
Patterned tile isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but many of the latest collections have scaled back on high-contrast colors, focusing on warm, design-friendly neutral tones. Shown here is Nemo Tile + Stone’s new Elevate collection, which includes wall and floor tile in neutral solid colors and coordinating patterned tiles, like ceramic Sindara Mix C, used here as a backsplash accent behind a bathtub.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
Here’s a closer look at Nemo’s Sindara Mix C, with its delicate mixed-pattern surface, from the Elevate collection.
Here’s a closer look at Nemo’s Sindara Mix C, with its delicate mixed-pattern surface, from the Elevate collection.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
This is Nemo’s Elevate Blue Wili tile, a geometric-forward tile that can be combined with the collection’s neutral solid colors.
This is Nemo’s Elevate Blue Wili tile, a geometric-forward tile that can be combined with the collection’s neutral solid colors.
Photo from Arizona Tile
Pretty pastels. There’s no rule that says neutrals have to be beige, white or gray. This year, blush pink, light blue, green and yellow are tile colors that let designers and homeowners play with a more varied neutral palette. The 5-by-5-inch square Blush tile from Arizona Tile’s new Flash collection shown here covers the bases with the latest light-pink color and square-shape trends.
Pretty pastels. There’s no rule that says neutrals have to be beige, white or gray. This year, blush pink, light blue, green and yellow are tile colors that let designers and homeowners play with a more varied neutral palette. The 5-by-5-inch square Blush tile from Arizona Tile’s new Flash collection shown here covers the bases with the latest light-pink color and square-shape trends.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
For those not afraid to play a bit with color, Nemo Tile + Stone’s new Glow collection offers 2-by-10-inch tiles in four colors, and in a matte, glossy or holographic finish, for an iridescent effect. Solid neutrals can be mixed with the pastel-colored Hologram tiles for a one-of-a-kind look.
Nemo design director Katie Michael-Battaglia says people now are more likely to play with patterns and colors to make their spaces unique. “Pastels are a way of adding color with a sense of neutrality, and consumers want to assure resale value in their design choices, but they also want something that can make their spaces stand apart,” she says. “It’s about adding those jewel pieces in kitchen and bath spaces that make a space unique. I see a lot of trends coming back, but with a fresher twist, like trying out a pastel.”
For those not afraid to play a bit with color, Nemo Tile + Stone’s new Glow collection offers 2-by-10-inch tiles in four colors, and in a matte, glossy or holographic finish, for an iridescent effect. Solid neutrals can be mixed with the pastel-colored Hologram tiles for a one-of-a-kind look.
Nemo design director Katie Michael-Battaglia says people now are more likely to play with patterns and colors to make their spaces unique. “Pastels are a way of adding color with a sense of neutrality, and consumers want to assure resale value in their design choices, but they also want something that can make their spaces stand apart,” she says. “It’s about adding those jewel pieces in kitchen and bath spaces that make a space unique. I see a lot of trends coming back, but with a fresher twist, like trying out a pastel.”
These are Nemo’s holographic-finish Gloss tiles from its Glow collection, with a surface that can take on different colors with changing light.
Photo from Arizona Tile
Arizona Tile’s new Flash collection includes a 3-by-12-inch tile, shown here in Light Blue, laid out in a vertical stack pattern.
Arizona Tile’s new Flash collection includes a 3-by-12-inch tile, shown here in Light Blue, laid out in a vertical stack pattern.
Photo from Arizona Tile
2. Refreshed Classics
Hip to be square. Square tile has been gaining popularity in recent years, but today’s squares are not the pink-squared bathroom tiles you grew up with. Many of the latest squares look hand-crafted and range from subdued neutrals to glossy and colorful. “We’re seeing squares really come back in style,” Emser’s Zurfluh says.
The 5-by-5-inch square tile in the new Flash collection from Arizona Tile, shown here in white, imitates handmade tile, with a glaze that varies between individual tiles in eight colors. The collection also includes a 3-by-12-inch tile.
2. Refreshed Classics
Hip to be square. Square tile has been gaining popularity in recent years, but today’s squares are not the pink-squared bathroom tiles you grew up with. Many of the latest squares look hand-crafted and range from subdued neutrals to glossy and colorful. “We’re seeing squares really come back in style,” Emser’s Zurfluh says.
The 5-by-5-inch square tile in the new Flash collection from Arizona Tile, shown here in white, imitates handmade tile, with a glaze that varies between individual tiles in eight colors. The collection also includes a 3-by-12-inch tile.
Photo from Emser Tile
Here’s Emser’s new square tile called Kaze, which the company says is a word “derived by air, wind, manner and style.” The 4-by-4-inch tiles are available in six colors.
Here’s Emser’s new square tile called Kaze, which the company says is a word “derived by air, wind, manner and style.” The 4-by-4-inch tiles are available in six colors.
Photo from Emser Tile
New-look subways. Classic white subway tile in a traditional horizontal offset brick pattern has its roots in early 1900s New York subways and gained popularity in hospitals as a hygienic, easy-to-clean surface. It is an easy design solution, and with today’s sanitary concerns in mind, it continues to be a timeless look for bathroom and kitchen walls. But in recent years, this rectangular tile has taken on new looks.
This season’s subway tiles are available in a range of sizes and colors, and designers are stacking them vertically, horizontally and in herringbone patterns for modern looks, like the Emser 3-by-8-inch Passion tile, shown here in the glossy Rosa color.
New-look subways. Classic white subway tile in a traditional horizontal offset brick pattern has its roots in early 1900s New York subways and gained popularity in hospitals as a hygienic, easy-to-clean surface. It is an easy design solution, and with today’s sanitary concerns in mind, it continues to be a timeless look for bathroom and kitchen walls. But in recent years, this rectangular tile has taken on new looks.
This season’s subway tiles are available in a range of sizes and colors, and designers are stacking them vertically, horizontally and in herringbone patterns for modern looks, like the Emser 3-by-8-inch Passion tile, shown here in the glossy Rosa color.
Photo from Arizona Tile
The 3-by-12-inch Flash ceramic tile from Arizona Tile has a soft glaze and slight tonal variations for a modern minimalist twist on traditional subway tile, especially when set in a herringbone layout as shown here.
The 3-by-12-inch Flash ceramic tile from Arizona Tile has a soft glaze and slight tonal variations for a modern minimalist twist on traditional subway tile, especially when set in a herringbone layout as shown here.
Photo from Emser Tile
The new artisanal-looking ceramic Raku tile from Emser was inspired by the Japanese method for firing pottery. Shown here in a custom color, the 3-by-12-inch tile shines in a traditional offset horizontal layout.
The new artisanal-looking ceramic Raku tile from Emser was inspired by the Japanese method for firing pottery. Shown here in a custom color, the 3-by-12-inch tile shines in a traditional offset horizontal layout.
Photo from Daltile
3. Updated Shapes
Interesting geometry. This season’s selection of geometric tiles expands on a trend that’s here to stay. The raised relief patterns on Daltile’s new Aesthetic tiles add a modern, structural dimension to a wall. The collection features six 12-by-36-inch white ceramic raised-surface tiles, including Geometric, shown above, plus one flat tile.
3. Updated Shapes
Interesting geometry. This season’s selection of geometric tiles expands on a trend that’s here to stay. The raised relief patterns on Daltile’s new Aesthetic tiles add a modern, structural dimension to a wall. The collection features six 12-by-36-inch white ceramic raised-surface tiles, including Geometric, shown above, plus one flat tile.
Photo from Emser Tile
Emser’s new Mizu collection features square ceramic tile with oval-shaped ellipses on the surface. “We’re seeing a lot of curved and organic shapes, and that has a lot to do with the biophilia trend, whether it’s droplets of water or leaf shapes,” says Emser’s Zurfluh. The Mizu tiles come in five colors, including the saturated green shown here.
Emser’s new Mizu collection features square ceramic tile with oval-shaped ellipses on the surface. “We’re seeing a lot of curved and organic shapes, and that has a lot to do with the biophilia trend, whether it’s droplets of water or leaf shapes,” says Emser’s Zurfluh. The Mizu tiles come in five colors, including the saturated green shown here.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
Nemo Tile + Stone’s new Elevate collection includes Brave Mix F, shown here, which mixes angular-shaped patterns on its tiles, creating a unique backdrop for any space. The collection includes solid colors and patterns in a variety of subdued colors and sizes.
Nemo Tile + Stone’s new Elevate collection includes Brave Mix F, shown here, which mixes angular-shaped patterns on its tiles, creating a unique backdrop for any space. The collection includes solid colors and patterns in a variety of subdued colors and sizes.
Photo from Daltile
One of Daltile’s new Pietra Divina tile varieties features visually striking Nero Marquina black marble mixed with triangular metal shapes, available in 14-by-14-inch spectrum mosaic sheets.
One of Daltile’s new Pietra Divina tile varieties features visually striking Nero Marquina black marble mixed with triangular metal shapes, available in 14-by-14-inch spectrum mosaic sheets.
Photo from Daltile
Another geometric offering from Pietra Divina’s Nero Marquina marble selection has a cupola mosaic of varying shapes, for a dramatic Art Deco look.
Another geometric offering from Pietra Divina’s Nero Marquina marble selection has a cupola mosaic of varying shapes, for a dramatic Art Deco look.
Photo from Emser Tile
Emser’s new Design line features geometric patterns on 9-by-9-inch porcelain tile in scaled-back colors, like Sketch, shown here.
Emser’s new Design line features geometric patterns on 9-by-9-inch porcelain tile in scaled-back colors, like Sketch, shown here.
Photo from Emser Tile
Here’s the Sketch pattern from Emser’s Design collection used as flooring.
Here’s the Sketch pattern from Emser’s Design collection used as flooring.
Photo from Arizona Tile
Arizona Tile’s new Paloma line offers a contemporary take on shapes like rhomboid, long hexagon and picket, the latter shown here in a soft white called Cotton. The collection offers seven neutral colors and includes a square.
Arizona Tile’s new Paloma line offers a contemporary take on shapes like rhomboid, long hexagon and picket, the latter shown here in a soft white called Cotton. The collection offers seven neutral colors and includes a square.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
Hexagons endure. Among geometric tile, hexagons continue to evolve in a variety of patterns and sizes, allowing for mix-and-match designs that create unique walls and floors. Nemo Tile + Stone’s new Reef collection includes a variety of patterned and solid porcelain hexagons that mimic encaustic tiles, each measuring 7.7 by 8.9 inches. Here, the patterned Lagoon Positive tile is laid out in a starburst pattern on the wall.
Hexagons endure. Among geometric tile, hexagons continue to evolve in a variety of patterns and sizes, allowing for mix-and-match designs that create unique walls and floors. Nemo Tile + Stone’s new Reef collection includes a variety of patterned and solid porcelain hexagons that mimic encaustic tiles, each measuring 7.7 by 8.9 inches. Here, the patterned Lagoon Positive tile is laid out in a starburst pattern on the wall.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
Here’s a closeup of Conch Shell Negative tile from Nemo’s new Reef collection.
Here’s a closeup of Conch Shell Negative tile from Nemo’s new Reef collection.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
This room shows Nemo’s Reef Pearl above Conch Shell solid color tile on the wall, and Conch Shell Positive on the floor.
This room shows Nemo’s Reef Pearl above Conch Shell solid color tile on the wall, and Conch Shell Positive on the floor.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
Nemo’s Reef tile in Coral Negative makes for a striking, bold-toned geometric surface.
Nemo’s Reef tile in Coral Negative makes for a striking, bold-toned geometric surface.
Photo from Nemo Tile + Stone
This backsplash displays Nemo’s Reef tiles in Pearl, Sand and Obsidian, with Breeze for a pop of blue.
This backsplash displays Nemo’s Reef tiles in Pearl, Sand and Obsidian, with Breeze for a pop of blue.
Photo from Emser Tile
In a geometric style indicative of the early 20th-century design movement, the new Bauhaus collection from Emser reflects the trend’s simple geometric aesthetic. Mixing the collection’s patterned and solid neutral-colored 9-by-10-inch porcelain tiles reflects the artistry trend that Zurfluh says is flourishing. “This mixing and matching of colors and patterns is one place where Bauhaus falls in,” she says. “You can be the artist and put together what you want.”
In a geometric style indicative of the early 20th-century design movement, the new Bauhaus collection from Emser reflects the trend’s simple geometric aesthetic. Mixing the collection’s patterned and solid neutral-colored 9-by-10-inch porcelain tiles reflects the artistry trend that Zurfluh says is flourishing. “This mixing and matching of colors and patterns is one place where Bauhaus falls in,” she says. “You can be the artist and put together what you want.”
Photo from Emser Tile
Emser’s new Heksa tiles allow for flexible and fun design with six color options, each measuring 8 by 9 inches. Mixing white, gray and black gives a lively boost to flooring, as shown here, letting individual style shine through. “People have decided, ‘this is my home and I want it to look how I want and don’t have to match what my neighbors have done,’” Zurfluh says. “It’s what represents you.”
Emser’s new Heksa tiles allow for flexible and fun design with six color options, each measuring 8 by 9 inches. Mixing white, gray and black gives a lively boost to flooring, as shown here, letting individual style shine through. “People have decided, ‘this is my home and I want it to look how I want and don’t have to match what my neighbors have done,’” Zurfluh says. “It’s what represents you.”
Ready to tile your home? Stop by Cabinet-S-Top located at 1977 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256. Our professional design team can assist you in designing the perfect creation. Give us a call to set up an appointment - 330.239.3630
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