Trending Tile Designs for Kitchens & Bathrooms in 2025

Because Your Home Deserves a Little Wow-Factor

Tile is no longer just a “finish”—it’s a statement. Whether you're updating your kitchen backsplash or refreshing a tired old bathroom floor, 2025 is all about bold choices, earthy textures, and designs that make you want to show off your floor plan on Instagram. Let’s dive into this year’s most exciting tile trends that even the toughest construction worker can appreciate.

1. Zellige Is Still the Main Character

Handmade Moroccan zellige tiles are holding onto their crown in 2025. Why? Because each one is a little bit imperfect—and that’s the beauty. These glossy, uneven tiles add rich texture and a sense of craftsmanship that even the most seasoned contractor will admire. Perfect for a backsplash or shower wall, zellige tiles play well with modern, rustic, or minimalist styles.

Pair with earthy tones and warm metals for a passive house-approved aesthetic.

2. Bold Checkerboards—Now in Color

Black and white? That’s old news. This year, home builders are loving colorful checkerboard tiles in unexpected combos—think terracotta and cream, sage and white, even navy and blush. This trend adds serious personality to both kitchens and bathrooms, especially when matched with open framing and floating shelves.

Even custom home builders are starting to spec this look into new builds. We’re calling it: checkerboard is the new marble.

3. Terracotta, But Make It Luxe

Green building is trending, and terracotta tiles are stepping up as the sustainable star. But don’t think basic red floor tiles—2025’s terracotta is softer, smoother, and often glazed for a more refined look. Whether on walls or floors, they bring warmth and a grounded vibe (and pair perfectly with ready mix concrete countertops).

Bonus: they play nicely with expansive soils because they expand and contract well with natural shifts.

4. Large Format = Low Maintenance Love

Say goodbye to grout lines every five inches. Large-format tiles are taking over modern bathrooms and kitchens, offering a sleek, seamless appearance that’s both contemporary and cost-effective in the long run. Think 24x48 or even slabs. This style screams luxury and also reduces cleaning time.

From a general contractor's perspective, large tiles speed up install times and reduce potential change orders on your project.

5. Textured, Fluted, and 3D Tiles

Fluted tiles (yes, like the ones that look like mini waves) are splashing onto the scene—pun very much intended. Designers and builders are using these dimensional tiles on kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, and even ceilings.

They reflect light in fun ways and add visual movement, which feels right at home in any modern building construction project.

6. Monochrome Magic—Especially in Green & Blue

Solid color tiles in moody tones—like forest green, slate blue, and charcoal—are dominating construction site vision boards. When used floor-to-ceiling, this creates an immersive, spa-like environment.

Pair with fire-resistive finishes and high-end felt (underlayment) for a stylish foundation that’s just as practical as it is beautiful.

7. Metallic and Glazed Finishes

Shiny, high-gloss tiles are back—but not in a tacky way. Think metallic sheens, glazed finishes, and reflective textures that bounce light and add glam. You’ll spot them in shower niches, backsplashes, and accent walls, especially in homes with open CAD-designed floor plans.

They look stunning under soft lighting and play nicely with GFCI-protected outlets in wet areas. Form + function = chef’s kiss.

8. Organic Patterns & Stone-Inspired Porcelain

Contractors and designers alike are loving stone-look porcelain that mimics the swirling veining of marble, quartzite, or onyx—without the cost to build a house rising unnecessarily.

Porcelain is durable, easy to maintain, and ideal for high-moisture areas. Bonus points for pairing it with matching frieze boards and fascia trim for a cohesive finish.

9. Sustainable Tiles Made from Recycled Materials

For our eco-minded clients (you know who you are), 2025 is bringing beautiful recycled tile options that reduce waste and support green board construction goals. These tiles use repurposed glass, ceramic, and even concrete to create stunning, one-of-a-kind designs.

Talk to your construction company about integrating them into a cost-plus contract—your future self (and the planet) will thank you.

10. Custom Mosaic Art—Because You’re Extra, and That’s Okay

Last but definitely not least: personal expression through tile art is huge. Mosaic murals in showers or kitchen backsplashes are turning heads in the world of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and blueprints. Want a koi pond in tile? A starry sky over your stove? Go for it.

Just make sure your daily report includes an extra coffee run for the installer—they’re gonna need it.

Final Grout Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a full remodel, building your dream kitchen, or just updating a bathroom floor, tile is where style meets function. With these trending designs, your space can be fire-rated, functional, and fabulous—all while keeping your footer (footing) solid and your style game stronger than your glulam beams.

Need help picking the right materials or mapping out your form and foundation? Call your friendly neighborhood general contractor or construction company—we’re here to tile, style, and smile. 😎🛁🧱

Want to see how these trends can look in your home? Contact us today to set up a design consult or request a bid. Let’s bring your vision to life—tile by tile.