Decorating & Design
Hot Look: 15 Ways To Brighten Up Rooms With Bold Tile
Author: Jacklyn Gilmor
Published on February 19, 2020
As much as we love subway tile for its goes-with-everything sensibility and timeless aesthetic, there’s nothing like a bold tile to liven up a space. Pack a punch in your kitchen, bathroom or entryway by adorning your walls — or floors — with bold tile. Whether it’s a gilt, Gatsby-style pattern underfoot or a turquoise mosaic backsplash, discover 15 ways to add pizzazz to your most hardworking spaces.
Horizontal wall paneling provides a place for the eye to rest and puts all the focus on the pretty patterned tile on the floor and tub. The geometric blue floral is refreshing and unexpected.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home September 2019
Designer: Luke Havekes
Whimsical floor tile adds a playful touch to this Old World-inspired bathroom. The vibrant pastels — reminiscent of St. Tropez architecture — balance the warm natural wood on the vintage dresser-turned-vanity.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home Kitchens + Baths 2018
Designer: Ami McKay
An intricate accent wall in the shower creates an elegant focal point for this crisp white bathroom. A glass enclosure creates clear sight lines into the shower.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home April 2018
Designer: Sarah Keenlyside & Lindsay Konior
The backsplash becomes the pièce de résistance in this Japanese-style kitchen with white oak cabinetry. Deep turquoise mosaic tiles pop against the pale wood.
Photographer: André Rider
Source: House & Home December 2019
Designer: Richard Ouellette & Maxime Vandal
Dark terrazzo tile exudes sophistication in this high contrast shower, drawing the eye to the landscape outside. A brass shower head warms up the space.
Photographer: André Rider
Source: House & Home December 2019
Designer: Richard Ouellette & Maxime Vandal
Gold, black and marble give this bathroom floor a luxurious feeling, especially when paired with a gilt side table and curvaceous sconce in the same color palette.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home June 2019
Designer: Kimberly Watt, W Design
In this feel-good blue kitchen , a fun pop of pattern frames the range, tying in the cabinetry’s soft blue shades. “It looks contemporary but fits with the age of the house,” says designer Jean Stéphane Beauchamp.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home April 2019
Designer: Jean Stéphane Beauchamp
This high-contrast bathroom proves the design power of monochrome. Moroccan cement tiles don’t overpower the small space, thanks to the solid sink and bench. Potted plants keep things feeling fresh.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home August 2019
Designer: Lysanne Pepin
In this bright white space, deep blue floor tiles feel timeless. A wooden accent chair — topped with a beaded necklace and stack of soap — keeps the space from feeling too stark.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home Spring/Summer 2019
Designer: Tanya Schoenroth
Patchwork floor tile mimics the simple wainscoting on the walls to create a cool, contemporary look.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home Kitchens + Baths 2019
Designer: Cathy Radcliffe & Teigan Jorgensen
Preppy pink tile gives this wet room-inspired oasis a fun, youthful twist.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home Spring/Summer 2018
Designer: Sally Armstrong
A vintage console, towering blooms and sophisticated tile underfoot make this understated entryway a major design moment.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home June 2019
Designer: Francesca Albertazzi
Starry tiles pay homage to traditional farmhouse style, while emerald green cabinetry and gold hardware bring a modern touch to this pantry.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home May 2019
Designer: Cameron MacNeil
To create the illusion of more space in a narrow entryway, add pattern to the floor. This refined black, white and gold pattern makes a grand first impression.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home April 2019
Designer: Shirley Meisels
This bathroom plays with contrasting elements, from the sliding walnut cabinetry to the dramatic matte black hexagonal tile.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home Spring/Summer 2018
Designer: Shirley Meisels