Great tile design begins with a set of goals meant to address individual needs – and concludes with a WOW moment. Continued innovations have brought forth unique design options for tile, from the floor to the wall, both inside and out, opening the doors to explore tile patterns that create different layouts for a variety of looks and styles. Some patterns have been around for centuries. Others found their footing in fashion before transcending to interior design. No matter their origin story, today’s tile patterns and arrangements can be as unique as their owners’ personalities.
Explore tile patterns that set the foundation for interior design projects.
CHEVRON
The chevron pattern begins with two rectangular tiles cut on an angle so that they meet at a perfect point – and continues seamlessly to create a zig-zig design. As an accent, a chevron pattern encourages colorful choices and mixing complementary hues in the best ways. Think of fashion icon Missoni and their easily identifiable knitwear.
HERRINGBONE
Chevron’s sophisticated cousin is the Herringbone pattern, where one rectangular tile is cut to meet the side of the next, and so-on to create a staggered zig-zag effect. Timeless whether on walls or floors, herringbone designs date back to golden jewels first worn in ancient Egypt and are noted for their texture and parallel-slanted chain links.
VERTICAL STACK
Draw the eye to the sky with a Vertical Stack pattern – an unexpected and modern twist on classic subway tile design – by literally turning tile on its head. The pattern is finding its way into powder rooms, around fireplaces and as part of kitchen backsplashes. The use of grout to create a grid-like tile arrangement can add another element of interest, too, whether that means using the same or a contrasting grout color.
Looking to create a design moment in the smallest of powder rooms? Elongate the space with a Vertical Stack, Catch™ glazed ceramic tile. Simply luxe!
HORIZONTAL STACK
Horizontal Stack patterns offer a rectangular and column-like alignment that draws the eye up and down. This orderly approach can be enhanced creatively with tiles in varied color and texture. It’s no surprise, then, that the history of a Horizontal Stack dates to the grid-like system of subway transport first introduced in the U.S. over 100 years ago.
OFFSET
An Offset pattern mimics brickwork, where instead of being stacked one on top of another, rectangular tiles are staggered and reminiscent of a woven effect. Some of the world’s oldest buildings have stood the test of time for 1000s of years with this classic style. It may have begun as a means of delivering stability, but Offset patterns now are a staple for interior home design.
DOUBLE STACK
Alternate between two vertical stacked tiles and two horizontal stacked tiles to create an artistic Double Stack pattern. This take on classic stacked patterns goes to show that when it comes to tile arrangement, the creative options are endless.
TRIPLE STACK
Alternate between three vertical stacked tiles and three horizontal stacked tiles to create the indulgent Triple Stack pattern. The arrangement creates a new kind of grid. And even where there is order, there is also big and bold design.
HEX
Honeybees have given the Hexagon pattern their stamp of approval as the most efficient shape in design. Not surprising that the six-sided shape has become a staple for architecture, design and tile. Often, it’s the canvas for the signature look of Moroccan tile. A more modern approach finds the Hexagon in arrangements featuring a blend of blacks, whites and grays.
SQUARE GRID
Go with a Square Grid pattern, where square tiles sit stacked, creating orderly intersecting lines. Considered by some to be one of the easiest patterns to install, the look is anything but common when considering square tiles are available in an abundance of colors and sizes.
PINWHEEL
The Pinwheel pattern utilizes two different-sized square tiles in order to create an eye-catching geometric repeat. This arrangement often invokes a vintage feel, especially in the historic black and white color combination. Today, the intricate layout can still celebrate the past, but with a modern twist in color and installation.
No matter your preference, the best part of tile arrangements is the number of options available and opportunities to get creative. And knowing the provenance of many of these patterns is long and storied, means many are classics destined to remain in style for years to come!
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