'A touch of luxury is always in fashion': The top tile trends for bathrooms

Here’s a piece of trivia you can casually throw into conversation at your next dinner party: we were using tiles to decorate as early as the 13th century BC in Ancient Mesopotamia.

Originally offering insulation via the facade of buildings, tiles moved inside, covering floors, walls and eventually making their way as the water resistant hero of the bathroom. Society has come a long way since but our love for bathroom tiles remains today.

“We’re seeing tiles that show warmth and character through a handmade quality,” says Lauren Li of Sisalla Interior Design.

“We’ve moved away from perfect square-edged porcelain tiles and we’re embracing the imperfections that show evidence of the handmade.”

For a recent beach property, Li used cement tiles with a grey line edge and staggered the layout for a graphic effect.

Similarly, Mardi Doherty of Doherty Design Studio is seeing an interest in the tactile and handmade. For the studio’s Thornton residence, they used Moroccan tiles because of “their ability to capture and reflect light and provide a soft texture and movement to a bathroom space”.

While Li admits “grey and white still reign supreme” in bathroom tiling, she encourages owners to incorporate colour. “As the bathroom is closed off from the rest of the house, it’s a perfect opportunity to use a splash of colour to create a different feel and a restful sanctuary in the home,” she says.

Rosa Coy of Coy Yiontis Architects recently gave a project the Midas touch in an all-gold palette. “A touch of luxury is always in fashion,” she says. “We’ve just completed a powder room in a tiny gold hexagonal textural tile.”

Doherty has also observed a rise in “sage and soft pastels, graphic terrazzo in warm tones and lots of soft matt coloured tiles”. Her studio implemented an all-green tiled shower design for their Ivanhoe residence, combining narrow form rectangular ceramic tiles with natural stone and a skylight. “The skylight also allows for the reflection of the tiles to be highlighted.”

If you’re considering a bathroom overhaul, Coy suggests “extending wall tiles to the ceiling and up into the skylights”.

Floor-to-ceiling tiling offers a functional protective veneer but Coy says it can also “set the mood, be it luxurious, decorative or minimally calm”. Coy opted for natural stone to “create drama and a sense of calm at the same time” for a recent St Kilda East bathroom.

A design detail that is often overlooked but which can enhance the appearance of bathroom tiles is the grouting. “Be mindful of your grout colour selection, as this can have a big impact in the way tiles are seen,” says Doherty. “We sometimes use a coloured grout, as it is a fun way to introduce subtle colour and create interest.”

All three designers recommend engaging with a professional when it comes to tiling bathrooms because of its complex intricacies. “Both designers and tradespeople will maximise the potential of your space and budget,” Coy says.

Li agrees and recommends to “always invest in a talented tiler who you can trust with your beautiful tiles, especially when it comes to mosaics”. She also wants owners to consider finishes that work for their lifestyle. “Consider the maintenance of the finishes you’re selecting as they may require care when cleaning.”

Taking the time to research and invest in bathroom tiling that’s built for longevity and suits your preferences is worthwhile.