Perhaps it's a backsplash (ha, ha, get it?) from the sleek modernism that’s had a solid grip on tile design for some time now, but I’m seeing bold, decorative tile designs making a real comeback. I’ve mainly noticed this trend in backsplashes, however it’s starting to pop up in bathrooms, powder rooms and even on fireplaces.

The Mosaic
This is probably my favourite, but is also the most costly. A custom design in mosaic tile has infinite possibilities, and as you can see below, works beautifully in modern, traditional and transitional spaces. To save on cost, many mosaic tile companies such as this one, offer prefab designs that are quite fetching.


Clockwise from the top: "Tribeca Kitchen", "Chinoiserie Powder Room", "Lotus Flower Bath"


From the left: "Stain Glass Flower","Japanese Dogwood", all from Cheryl Hazan

The Tile Mural
This is a design element that could potentially go astray (like if there were too many other things going on, or if the mural itself was poorly done), but if kept classic and applied in a traditional, restrained manner, the look is quite inspiring and unique.



Above: Tile by Design

Decorative Patterning
Perhaps the easiest incarnation of this trend to take home is the decorative patterning. This simply involves arranging plain or decorative tiles in a way so as to create a graphic focal point in your kitchen backsplash. The wall space above the stove, below the exhaust hood seems to be the best place for this type of design.


From the left: Latin Accents, Cabinet Pro

Bold Decorative/Ethnic Tiles
While ethnic tiles such as Moroccan and Mexican have always been a favoured style choice, now more than ever people are discovering what a little colour could do. These styles, while very specific, are a great alternative to the traditional kitchen, and are great in homes that have taken both the more opulent and rustic avenues in traditional decor. The serene fire place surround showcases how a decorative tile doesn’t have to necessarily be bold to add a solid focal point.


Clockwise from the top; Latin Accents, Kitchen Tile Direct, Seraser Designs

What do you think of these decorative tile designs?