10 Creative Ways to Elevate Your Home Design with Tiles
Nov 07, 2023Tiles are often seen as purely functional elements in a home, used primarily in high-traffic areas like showers, mudrooms, and kitchen floors. However, these beauties can be so much more than just practical surfaces.
In this article, we will explore some unexpected and creative ways to incorporate tiles into your home. Get your tools ready, because we’re about to grout your brain with massive inspiration!
1. Add an Accent Wall
Accent walls are a popular design choice for adding visual interest to a room. While paint and wallpaper are commonly used for this purpose, tiles can offer a unique and stunning alternative.
The best part? There are so many different spots to add an accent to!
Coffee bars, breakfast nooks, in-home office spaces, and laundry room accent walls…These are just a few samples of areas where tiles can make a big impact in a small space.
A fun trick? You can even combine wallpaper and decorative tile by installing the tile as wainscoting with a fresh wallpaper above, creating a visually striking combination.
2. Upgrade Your Stair Design
Stairs are often overlooked – or should we say overstepped? – when it comes to home decor, they offer a great opportunity to showcase your personality and add a touch of style to your home.
You can also choose tiles with a repeating pattern for a more subtle yet stunning effect. We love this tile which hits all the spots, for instance.
By incorporating tiles into your stairs, you can transform an often-neglected space into a focal point that reflects your personal taste.
3. Create an Insta-Worthy Bathroom Vanity Wall
Your bathroom vanity wall is another area where tiles can make a powerful statement. When selecting tiles for a vanity wall, bolder options are often better, at least for us!
Our pros recommend choosing darker tiles with a handmade aesthetic to create a striking and visually impactful look. These tiles will also hide stains a bit more easily.
Then, to top it off, select a subtle grout color that blends with darker colors and will allow the beautiful tiles to shine.
In no time the use of tiles into your bathroom vanity wall will create a unique and Instagram-worthy space that exudes style and sophistication.
4. Adorn Your Kitchen With A Micro Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash is an ideal place to incorporate patterned tiles that not only serve a functional purpose but also add a touch of beauty to the space.
We all know this. However, did you know you can create a small scale micro backsplash tile design? It's just perfect for smaller homes! By using a tiled kitchen backsplash as an opportunity to make a powerful statement in no time.
You can choose to tile from the counter to the ceiling for a dramatic effect or opt for a centerpiece over your stove for a simpler yet impactful look.
Glass and porcelain tiles are excellent choices for kitchen walls because they are highly stain-resistant and come in a wide variety of designs to suit every style and space.
The best part for all you lazier DIY lovers out there? They are easy to install, allowing you to update the look of your kitchen simply by changing the tiles on the backsplash. (Feel free to call in the pros, if need be!).
5. Enhance Your Fireplace
Fireplaces are classic focal points in any home, and by selecting the right tiles, you can elevate their visual appeal even further.
When choosing tiles for a fireplace, it's important to select ones that are rated for heat applications. Natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain are popular choices that offer both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Adding some pretty tiles into your fireplace design -- be it a mantle or facade -- you can create a stunning focal point that adds warmth and character to your living space. We're almost positive you'll be hearing compliments on more than just the s'mores come winter time!
6. Make a Statement in the Shower
Tiles are a natural choice for shower walls, but you can take it a step further by exploring some modernized options for tile design.
You can use tile creativity with contrasting penny tiles on walls and floors, for instance. Or maybe try on tile patterns for size? When a larger scale pattern tile is added the impact is similar to a wallpaper application.
Another shower tile to consider? Large format, onyx-effect porcelain tiles are in high demand for shower walls.
These tiles feature striking colors and dramatic veining that create a spectacular finish. They offer a refreshing departure from the minimal grays and sleek white marbles that have dominated bathroom designs.
7. Designate a Pet Station
If you have a furry friend at home, why not create a dedicated pet station that showcases your tile style?
This especially works well if you can use leftover mosaic tiles from a previous project to create a bold and eye-catching tiled message around the pet feeding area.
This simple addition can add a touch of personality and uniqueness to your space while providing a functional area for your pet.
8. Create A Tile Rug
Who said that you had to use standard rugs in your home? No way! You can get things to be more creatively sound by using some tiles to create tile rugs. This is peak creative tile use, if you ask us!
We here at Apollo Tile believe that if you pick a patterned tile that resonates with you, it will never go out of style.
While it may be tempting to follow the herd and grab a trending fabric rug seen on Pinterest and Instagram, we want you to think outside the box. After all, it's essential to select a design in your home that speaks to your tastes and preferences. Tile rugs sure can.
Whether it's a bold and vibrant pattern or a more subtle and timeless design, choose the tile that makes you do a double take every time you see it. Then, work with a professional to make a mark on those floors. A suggestion? Do it in the bathroom or living room for the ultimate effect.
9. Create An Outdoor Patio That Wows
Tiles aren't just for indoor spaces; they can also be used to create a stunning outdoor patio. If you're looking to create an outdoor oasis, opt for porcelain tiles that are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
From intricate geometric pattern tiles to bold floral tile designs, there's available in the market that can add a touch of sophistication and charm to your patio.
No matter if you opt for classic terracotta or contemporary wood-effect tiles, the right tile will transform your outdoor space into an inviting and stylish retreat.
10. Think About Laundry Room Designs, Too!
Don't forget about your laundry room when it comes to incorporating tiles into your home decor. Tiles can be used to create a bright and airy space that is both functional and stylish.
For a modern look, consider using large-format tiles with a glossy finish. These types of tiles will help reflect light and make the room appear larger than it is.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional aesthetic, opt for classic wood look tiles or patterned mosaics. These are go-to staples, and can instantly make a space stylish yet impactful for years to come.
Wrapping Up Creative Tile Uses In Your Home:
Tiles have the power to transform any space in your home, from accent walls to fireplaces and everything in between. By exploring creative ways to incorporate tiles into your home decor, you can add beauty, style, and personality to your living spaces.
If you choose to create an eye-catching accent wall, upgrade your stairs, or make a statement in the shower, tiles offer endless possibilities for enhancing your home's aesthetics.
Now it's time to embrace the versatility and beauty of tiles, and let your creativity shine through in your home decor choices. Explore Apollo's Tiles today.
