Decorating & Design
February 19, 2020
Hot Look: 15 Ways To Brighten Up Rooms With Bold Tile

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Patchwork floor tile mimics the simple wainscoting on the walls to create a cool, contemporary look.

Preppy pink tile gives this wet room-inspired oasis a fun, youthful twist.

A vintage console, towering blooms and sophisticated tile underfoot make this understated entryway a major design moment.

Starry tiles pay homage to traditional farmhouse style, while emerald green cabinetry and gold hardware bring a modern touch to this pantry.

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.

This bathroom plays with contrasting elements, from the sliding walnut cabinetry to the dramatic matte black hexagonal tile.