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Design Trend Alert: Tile 2021

Tile is an often-overlooked interior design power tool. Done well, tile can drive mood, temperature, style, and design vibe. But tile trends move fast.  

Here’s a recap of some “shop talk” I had with my expert colleague Dave Mastrangelo; whose family has run the Tile Studio in Doylestown for 46 years.  

Donna Hoffman: Let’s do this Dave! What are the hot kitchen tile trends you see for 2021?  I’m seeing bolder choices and geometrics; colored grout that is re-invigorating subway tile, and, I’m loving those backsplashes going to the ceiling!  

Dave Mastrangelo: I agree. Generally, we’re seeing backsplashes with massive personality continuing: herringbones, chevrons, scallops, arabesques. Shape is strong. As far as colored grout, here in Bucks County we’re seeing gray and charcoal, both of which look great. 

DH: I’ve seen red, green, blue and black grout nationally, but not here in Bucks yet.    

DM: Some real excitement is happening with solid slab porcelain in 5’ x 10’ sheets or larger. Picture it “book matched” in a shower. Or, running up a fireplace just as you would with stone. It’s spectacular, and with the ink jet printing used, it looks just like stone. 

DH: Stunning. Must be very tough to install and transport. 

DM. It is. The slabs are so thin. You need a highly trained AND certified installation team. But that’s true of all tile. It’s very costly to correct the problems caused by poorly done handyman jobs.  

DH: What tile trends do you see changing?   

DM: Encaustic tile is changing. It’s still popular as flooring in laundry rooms or powder rooms, but less so on backsplashes. And we haven’t seen tumbled stone specified in a while.  

DH: What about subway tile: Love it or hate it? 

DM: Subway tile is timeless, but we’re seeing less of the standard 3” x 6”.  People want larger sizes, or something that looks handmade.  

DH: You know, I also think application is part of trend. Where you put the tile is a trend. Remember those tiled kitchen counters that where a pain to clean? Glad that one went away. 😊  I am loving the innovation in tile application now: for example, running tile from counter to ceiling or running tile up the front of an outdoor bar. I’m about to propose to a client that they tile the inside of her Butler Pantry glass cabinet doors for some extra eye candy.  

DM: Yes, all of those look great. Don’t forget about tiled accent walls in powder rooms. 

DH: Beyond the above, what other bathroom trends do you see for 2021?  

DM:  Large format tiles are SO “in” right now:  tiles sizes that are 24” x 48”; 36” x 36”. People are moving away from grout lines. The trend is a seamless, sleek look.  

DH: Dave, I have about 2” left for this article!  Quick! Any “outdoor” tile trends? 

DM: Yes! Exterior porcelain pavers are hot. They are “bullet proof”, tougher than slate, and more durable than an outdoor paver or travertine. And they won’t fade or get slippery when wet, making them great for walkways or pool decks.  

DH: Thanks Dave!  PS. Hey lovely reader: Dave suggests you head to www.ceramictilefoundation.org to find a certified installer. And yes, you guessed it, The Tile Studio is a certified installer's dream. 😊 Happy Tiling! Xo - d 

About Donna Hoffman: A multi-award-winning Bucks County based designer, Donna heads her design company specializing in new construction, renovation, whole home and full room design to deliver livable luxury to discerning clients.  Seen in Forbes, Real Simple, TV and radio, Donna is one of the nation’s design thought leaders and founded, TheInteriorDesignAdvocate.com which provides on-line courses for DIY’ers.  

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