Happy National Tile Day!
Each National Tile Day, Why Tile celebrates by starting a countdown. Every week leading up to Coverings, the preeminent event of the North American tile and stone industry, we share one of the tile trends we expect to see this year. These up-and-coming tile trends will be on show at Coverings as well as growing in popularity in homes and businesses all around the world.
So, which tile trend is starting off our countdown this year? Here’s a hint: It’s an offshoot of 2021’s trend of biophilia.
Because the popularity of nature and earthy elements is still going strong, textured wall treatments are having a resurgence. Most notable are the textural appearance and subtle color variations that replicate the artistic layering of plaster. Plaster-look tile brings an immediate warmth and richness to walls, as well as an artisanal touch.
Let’s take a look at some of the numerous options you have when it comes to plaster-look tile.
Gauged Porcelain vs. Mosaic Plaster-Look Tile
How realistic do you want your plaster look to be? Gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs create the look of actual plastered walls with minimal grout lines. They can be a great choice if you’re hoping to create a highly clean, minimalist, or industrial look.
Nevertheless, we can’t deny the allure of plaster-look mosaic tile — just check out the mosaic flooring above in mixed shapes.
Warm vs. Cool Plaster Looks
Plaster-look tile will inevitably add richness to your space thanks to its texture and color variations. But you can decide to further warm up your plaster look or cool it down depending on the shade you choose.
The two plaster-look flooring designs above are great examples. Warm tones such as the espresso hue will add coziness to your space, whereas the cement tone creates a more industrial look.
Colorful Plaster-Look Tile
We see many neutral plaster-look tile designs to mimic the look of, well, real plaster. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t opt for a little color!
We particularly love the combination of the industrial look of plaster and the playful touch of vibrant colors as shown above. Whether you’re adding an entire tile wall or merely interspersing tiles of different hues into your pattern (such as below) colorful tiles can brighten up your design.
[Related: Tile Color Psychology: How Your Tile Color Affects Your Mood]
Industrial, Chic, and Everything in Between
The uneven texture and raw look of plaster-effect tile lends it to work well for industrial decor, especially if you go with a cool gray tone. However, all it takes are the right accents to go from industrial to chic.
Take the two bathrooms above, which feature very similar plaster looks. The first opts for a slightly more distressed tile effect, larger tiles (and thus fewer grout lines), minimalist fixtures, and absolutely no decor for an almost austere design.
The second bathroom takes the opposite approach, incorporating a running bond layout to add more visual interest to the flooring as well as glamorous lighting and decor, rounded lines, and plants to lighten the effect.
Similar tile, but completely different looks!
[Related: Tile Trends We Love: Industrial Chic Tile]
Plaster Your Home With Tile
We hope one of these plaster looks has caught your eye! If not, don’t fret — five more 2022 tile trends are coming your way over the coming weeks. Be sure to check back each week for a new trend!
Are you part of the tile and stone industry? Come see these and more plaster looks on display at Coverings 2022 from April 5 to 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Planning on using plaster-look tile in your own home? Explore more plaster-look ideas on our Pinterest. Then be sure to share your project with us on Instagram using #WhyTileStyle!