Tiles of the Unexpected: Unlikely Tile Trends that Gripped 2019

As the year (and the decade!) draws to an end, we’re looking back fondly on the tile trends that took us by surprise in 2019. Their surge in popularity for the trend-setters and style-conscious is surely a sign of things to come so if you’re considering a new look in your home this year, why not consider some of these trail-blazing options for 2020 as well?

Here are just a few of our favourite tile trends of 2019 that we never saw coming…

Zellige Stardust

While Moroccan-style tiles have been big news for some time, a new shape and form of them arrived in 2019 and few realised just how popular they’d be. Zellige tiles are generally high-gloss tiles but with an artisan look, roughly shaped with irregular edges and softly bumpy or crackled appearance. The light bounces beautifully off these tiles and creates an elegant lived-in look we love.

Our Craquel wall tile range mimics the look of Zellige tiles but dispenses with the high price. Mix and match them for an old-world feel or use all over in a single colour for big impact style that doesn’t overwhelm a space. These stunning tiles can be used in just about any style, from traditional period properties to the latest contemporary homes. We love this look as an alternative to the simple metro tile.

In The Pink

While ‘Millennium Pink’ was the internet darling of the late decade, the use of pink tiles has taken a little longer to be embraced. However, soft warm versions of pink – from salmon shades to dusty rose – are filtering into more permanent features, showing that it’s not a colour that’s going anywhere any time soon. Thankfully, it feels as though it’s finally shaking off its childish moniker and being seen for the easy-to-live-with neutral that it really is.

Our new Metro Pink is the perfect way to get this look at home. Combine them with warm wood tones, plenty of greenery and natural textures for an earthy California-boho vibe or keep things simple with white grout and shiny chrome finishes for a fresh take on traditional style.

Round We Go

Lounge Light Grey Matt Porcelain Tiles from Tile Mountain

Rounded shapes soften the harder lines in a bathroom featuring Lounge Light Grey Matt | Tile Mountain

In a world where we may feel more anxious or out of control, we’re seeing a return to softer shapes to make us feel calm, softening the edges and grounding us to more organic, natural comforts. Scallops, circles and lozenge shapes were a running theme of nearly every major design exhibition this year and so incorporating these shapes into our tile designs shouldn’t have come as any surprise.

Get the look with shaped tiles or look out for patterned tiles which create the look when combined. Pull in other rounded elements as well – from softly shaped chairs or round tulip tables to lozenge-shaped mirrors and curved sofas – to soften the harder elements of your space. If you love this look, check out our post exploring this unexpected trend in more detail.

All The Feels

Saying goodbye to the hard and cold look of urban minimalism, we’ve welcomed back pattern and texture in a big way in 2019. And while simple gloss or matt tiles look good in nearly every setting, we’re seeing a return to textured and embossed tiles to bring just a touch of personality to your walls.

Whether you’re choosing the rough, relaxed look of split-face tiles or thinking of creating a spa-like space, we have a wealth of styles you’ll love. Check out our blog post on textured and embossed tiles for even more ideas and inspiration for this head-turning trend.

Were any of these trends ones you embraced in your own home this year? Let us know in the comments or share your photos with us by tweeting us @TileMountainUK or tag us on Instagram!

Love this post? You’ll probably like these posts on the Tile Mountain blog too…

Tiles of the Unexpected: Unlikely Tile Trends that Gripped 2018

Trend Watch: Curves, Circles, Scallops, and Lozenge Shapes

Trend Watch: Subway Tile Alternatives