How to Incorporate Printed Tile into Your Interior Design

Does a trend like printed tile scream “I want to be like everyone else and jump on the band wagon” or “I’m unique and brave enough to commit to something a tad risky”?  We’re thinking it’s the unique and brave option since the beauty of these babies are unparalleled in interior design.

There are a lot of tile brands that offer this trend and so many different options within each style.  There are more neutral prints that have an incredible elegance to them, yet others that have more of a cultural vibe.  There are ornate tiles where the look is more eclectic, floral inspiration pulling from our natural surroundings, geometric prints with hard edges, and even patterned looks that can offer a customized look depending on how they are installed.  Either way, they’ll leave you feeling inspired anytime you walk by.

Generally, printed tiles are porcelain, offering floor or wall applications, which makes the range of where they can be installed so vast.

Read on to gain inspiration of where to install printed tile so you can get the look you’re after.

 

Floor Applications

The use of printed tiles on the floor are a great application because of the unique look they create.  Install them in a more intimate area, such as a powder room or eating nook to add character to an otherwise small and lack-luster space.  They can also be installed within a solid tiled floor for an area rug type of look- it’s less committed than an entire floor and really makes a statement, that could ultimately be changed out by putting an actual rug over it.  Another inspired look would be to use it as an interesting transition from room to room.  Instead of creating a hard edge separating two rooms, you could “feather” in the print tiles and increase the saturation of them until they are all that is in the room.  This could be used in a hallway leading into an entry, or a kitchen with an adjoining eating nook.

 

Accent Wall Applications

Painted accent walls have been commonly found in homes for year but now printed tiles are creating a similar, yet more dramatic statement.  With so many prints and colors to choose from, a more neutral and subtle look could be opted for, or a bold and eclectic look could become the focus in a room.  A tiled accent wall would be a wonderful feature in a reading room, sitting area, eating nook, powder room, small bathroom, or in the entry of a home.  All of these spaces are perfect for a unique wall that stands out because they aren’t rooms that are constantly frequented such as your living room or kitchen.  Use these normally subdued areas to make a big impact to your interior design.

Art Applications

Printed tiles offer a unique look across the board, but you could take it one step further and install them in lieu of art in your home.  Artistic tile in the bathroom pulls from older cultures who believed bathrooms should be used as a spa or personal retreat area.  Printed tile could be installed behind the bathtub or in the shower as a 3’ x 3’ area, among other solid tile.  Art isn’t usually installed in a bathroom, but printed tile offers the look of art, yet it won’t warp from the increased moisture in the air.  Another interesting place that printed tile can be installed is behind a bed in lieu of a traditional headboard.  It offers a unique look and is perfect for someone who prefers less furniture.

 

Backsplash Applications

This might be the most common application for printed tile.  The backsplash area in a kitchen or bathroom serves as an area that could easily be changed out down the road and is less disruptive when it comes to construction.  Changing the backsplash allows you to redesign an area without re-configuring a space, and it’s typically a smaller space that you could add more of a design element to.  A single row of printed tile among solid tiles could add a little interest or make a larger impact and tile the entire backsplash wall from counter to cabinet.  The space behind a cook top beckons for an interesting backsplash and this is a space where it could almost look like installed art, as well as being functional.  It could also be installed behind a bar, which could also double as an accent wall.  Opt for a printed tile that has a little color in it and then incorporate solid tiles that are more neutral yet enhance the color in the printed tiles.  Together, they can create harmony in your room, yet stand out as a design feature.

 

 

 

 

Other Unique Applications

Printed tiles can be used anywhere tile can be installed but another interesting place to use printed tile is applied on a kitchen island.  A common trend right now is opting for a kitchen island that is a different color than the cabinets, but one step further could be to tile the kitchen island to create a more customized look.

 

A common application for a fireplace façade is tile but traditionally more solid or stone look tiles have been used.  Why not create an interesting focal point in your family or living room by using printed tile?  They could be intermixed or installed as a frame or mantelpiece, offering a unique design.

Tile already has so many positive features- easy to maintain, won’t fade in sunlight, durable, can be installed over radiant floor heating, indoor and outdoor applications, and so on; which is why it is a great choice in material to create a more unique look in your home, especially when it comes to printed tile.

30 thoughts on “How to Incorporate Printed Tile into Your Interior Design”

  1. You’re welcome. Let us know if there is anything in specific you’d like to see on the blog relating to interior and home design.

  2. Your article is very informative. It’s a welcome change from other supposed informational content. Your points are unique and original in my opinion. I agree with many of your points.

  3. I love all of these ideas. I have been thinking of using a printed tile in the master bath and around my freestanding tub. I would also like to use it in the laundry room on the floor, as a hearth on the fireplace and under the island in the kitchen. How do I go about mixing patterns, or should I use the same throughout?

    1. How exciting to be adding such fun elements of design to your home! Creating a cohesive look throughout your home is important so the look has flow and intention. Choosing the same pattern for all applications is ‘safe’ but it doesn’t necessarily add interest or personality. Choosing the same pattern for each space, but in a couple different colors or varying sizes (depending on where the tile is being installed) could add more interest to the overall look. Some tile brands offer collections where you might find an entire look that offers patterned tiles in different sizes, patterns that vary slightly, different colors, etc. They take out the “guess work”, when it comes to design, by offering tiles in a collection. You could also choose two or three different patterned tiles and repeat them in a few spaces, or even incorporate some different shapes in solid colors to give the space some texture but allowing the eye to rest. In the end, you want to make sure you are choosing patterns that fit within your whole house color palette and personal decorating style. Have fun and go with what feels right!

  4. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
    I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later on. Cheers

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