Tile Trends

TILE TRENDS
What do copper, stainless, hardwood and glass have in common? They represent some of the hottest tile trends currently popping up in hip bathrooms. Here's what designers have to say about today's latest bathroom tile trends.

GLASS

"Glass accent tile is really exciting right now," . Used for backsplashes, shower walls and as accents on floors, glass tiles add a depth, sparkle and luminescence not found in ceramic or natural stone. With a broad color palette, and finishes ranging from glossy to flat, glass tiles can fit most design schemes. When used sparingly, vivid glass tiles can provide exciting visual highlights. Conversely, when covering an entire bathroom wall, glass tile can create a luxurious spa-like atmosphere. Bonus: Many glass tiles are made from recycled glass.

METAL
Looking for a tile that complements either traditional or contemporary bathrooms? Gary Fratianne, owner of Creative Kitchens, Baths and Closets in Westlake, Ohio, says the natural choice is metal wall tile. "Much more interesting than those huge sheets of stainless or copper," says Fratianne, "small metal wall tiles allow the homeowner to create different patterns and designs." The most obvious application for metal wall tile is the backsplash. For a polished, contemporary look, Fratianne suggests going with stainless steel, which is available in finishes ranging from satin to brushed. Warm bronze or copper tile adds a timeless beauty to baths with more traditional style.

"PICTURE FRAME" A WINDOW
When Wolf points out the tile-bordered window in his showroom, his customers invariably say, "I can't believe how sharp that looks." For a totally finished look, Wolf may suggest removing a window's existing wood casing and replacing it with tile. "We call it 'picture framing' the window," he explains. Wolf typically recommends a natural stone or ceramic border tile with some depth for the best results. And to really tie the look together, incorporate tile used elsewhere in the room.