Earth tones are rising from the ash of blah-blah grays to showcase shades in warm, comforting tile styles. Creams and beige tones also provide a stylish alternative to stark whites in farmhouse decor and minimalist palettes.

Transitional spaces (those that marry decor features) benefit from the easy tones of beiges and browns that find common ground in all decor styles. Some design perspectives suggest that earth tones help “ground” a space to create a soothing environment. Ceramic tile options with freeze-thaw resistance mean you can use your tile of choice outside as well as inside. Of course, earth tones used in outdoor living areas coordinate well with Mother Nature and because ceramic tile is made of naturally occurring materials, you are not introducing artificial materials or toxins into the earth.

Discover earth tone examples below and also on our Pinterest board that you can incorporate into your next project.

Contemporary Geometric Tile

While tile can come in complex shapes that demand your attention, the simple square shape of most tiles still remains popular. Uniform shapes and patterns are a hallmark of many modern designs, one reason why square tiles are in this room. The geometric artwork on the wall says it all — this is a room…

Gray and White Hexagon Tile Backsplash

Ceramic tile patterns have been around for hundreds of years, ranging from simple designs to complex mosaics. Even something as simple as hexagons add depth to what would otherwise be a normal kitchen. Ceramic tile has always been a popular option for backsplashes, and adding a little flare with a design gives your kitchen more…

Iridescent Tile Mosaic in Earth Tones

A unique tile mosaic is sure to have your guests talking. Versatile in size, style, and design, tile is the perfect material for jaw-dropping displays, such as this iridescent mosaic. Mosaics are popular for backsplashes in both the kitchen and the bathroom, but are also trending as a beautiful option for feature walls and fireplace…

Herringbone Bathroom Tile Wall

Tile can transform a basic bathroom wall into something beautiful yet simple. Tile is a preferred bathroom surface because of its low maintenance and waterproof assembly, and the versatility of tile also allows unique installations. In this bathroom, the combination of colors and the herringbone pattern make for a one-of-a-kind look. The selected colors bring…

Wood-Face Ceramic Tile

Team up the trending modern farmhouse style and the simplicity of new industrial home design with a wood-face ceramic tile. The high contrast grain texture of this tile makes whites pop while welcoming accent colors from light wood shades to sleek black-blacks. More durable and versatile than wood flooring, ceramic style can be used in…

Cheerful Starred Bathroom Tile Flooring

Star gazing just took on a whole new meaning. It’s a vintage vibe using the latest in manufacturing technology — these simple square tiles form a mosaic pattern based on how the installer arranges them. Any simple decor lets this cheerful pattern shine through as the star attraction or build upon the design motif for…

Glossy Marble-Look Tile Flooring

When your flooring choice is a masterpiece itself—ceramic tile can support both the elegant look of public spaces such as art galleries but also the easy maintenance, durability, and efficiency public spaces demand. The large panel size and marble tones of this ceramic tile will serve for decades to showcase treasures while keeping countless visitors…

Whitewashed Wood-Look Mosaic Tile Backsplash

Modern and elegant don’t begin to describe this mosaic, whitewashed, wood-look ceramic tile. The clean lines created by the tiles are accented only by the simple and functional fixtures, all of which serves as a stunning backdrop for the pearly white vessel sink. In fact, beautiful functionality is the theme of this bathroom, as ceramic…

Oxidized Metal-Look Tile Flooring for a Restaurant

That cool new place downtown transforms from a hot lunch spot to a hot date meet-up seemingly without effort. Perhaps it’s the chameleon quality of this charcoal industrial look ceramic tile. By day, it’s cool and unassuming. By night, it’s sultry and romantic. Whatever time of day, this tile is built to serve up an…

Cement-Look Tile for a Store’s Flooring

This store’s design leads you with a clever layout of large panel cement-look ceramic tiles. The diagonal pattern directs you to products where black industrial finished ceramic tiles take over to blanket the walls. It’s a rugged look with earth tones accenting both styles of tile. Ceramic tile resists, scratches, dents, and dirt, so will…

Running Bond Stone-Look Kitchen Floor Tile

Big, bright, and beautiful are duly accented by this charcoal stone-look floor laid in a running bond pattern. And yes, we can envision running through this kitchen (or maybe riding a big wheel), but being stopped by its brilliance. Notice how the natural textures and subtle colors of the room have beautifully amplified the view,…

Ivory Stone-Look Ceramic Tile Flooring

Perpendicular modern angles are accented by the ivory stone-look ceramic tiles running at an angle through this open floor plan. Surprise! An angled architectural element echoes the angles created in the floor. The look is clean and uncluttered, with subtle texture and movement that adds interest, as well as the durability and easy maintenance of…

Stone-Look Mosaic Subway Tile

These stone-look mosaic subway tiles are a classic bet that’s on-trend and on-functionality for a backsplash or wall feature. A neutral look with subtle movement that’s reminiscent of that spa you went to in Italy, right? Okay, maybe you haven’t been to Italy, but don’t these tiles make you want to create a sensual, elegant…

Multicolored Mosaic Tile

Mosaic ceramic tile is perfect for small floorspaces, showers, and backsplashes. These thin vertical rectangles will elongate whatever space they cover, and the under-the-sea blues, sandy tans, and cloudy whites will evoke the perfect day at the beach.

Mediterranean-Style Ceramic Tile Sink

Che bel lavandino! What a beautiful sink, which could be in an Italian villa or in your home. Ceramic tile has an endless variety of design options, such as this stone-look design with a beautiful old-word patina. Ceramic tile is the right choice for bathrooms, with resistance to water, mold, mildew and bacteria. Durable and…

Blue Tiled Bar

The metallic blues of these square and horizontal tiles provide a calm richness and sophistication. Light plays off the mosaic tiles, tempting your mind to wander to far-off places while you enjoy a relaxing beverage. The horizontal beige glass tiles provide symmetry to the wood of the lower bar, without disrupting the dreamy feel. Bring…

Large Tiled Shower With a Window

The expanse of this unique shower echoes the wide open spaces seen through the window. Small square mosaic tiles in earth tones frame the window like a piece of art and contrast the desert landscape with the vibrancy of design. Tile is water-resistant and keeps mold, mildew, and bacteria at bay, making this style practical…

Distressed Terracotta-Look Floor

Earthy tones abound in this charming living room. The distressed ceramic tile floor ties together both the russet of the couches and the verdigris of the wallpaper, and the alternating grain of the tiles adds an interesting twist to a straightforward grid. You don’t need to worry about the floor actually becoming distressed — ceramic…

Overview Stone Look Lobby

Welcome! A reception space speaks volumes of what is just behind this desk. Set a tone and speak your vision with ceramic tile. This square stone look laid in a traditional grid switches it up by alternating the direction of the tile pattern. Toffee and cream tones mimic traditional nature while the steel grey grout…

Large Brown Square Floor Tiles

Keeping it simple is the oldest design trick in the book, and these large brown flooring tiles prove that simplicity hasn’t lost its magic. The floor’s dark color and warm tones contrast beautifully with the crisp white walls, giving the space a cozy feeling. Ceramic tile’s easy care only adds to the room’s charming simplicity,…