Don’t Be Scared! This New Tile Trend Is Both Classic And Surprisingly Fresh

“Jess…A trend? For a permanent finish??!” I know, I know. It sounds like a gut job in 10 years but hear me out. This isn’t a trend that feels or looks like “a trend” per se. I mean a stripe pattern is one of the most classic patterns of all time, right? So if you were to take a risk on a pattern, this would be it. Even Emily was HIGHLY considering using it for the farmhouse guest bath. What’s also pretty (read: extremely) great is that there are a ton of different ways to go about designing with it. Need some visual aid? Well, let me show you…

These bathrooms and the yellow bathroom above are the ones that were Em’s biggest inspiration for what she was thinking for the farmhouse house guest bath and I can see why. The hand-painted tiles in moody jewel tones are incredible and look almost vintage…perfect for the farmhouse. Plus they played around with the pattern. For the yellow bathroom, they played with orientation and did a variation of the stripe with that staggered border. Then for the green and red showers, the tiles are actually diamond-shaped but painted in a way that creates stripes when layed all together. It’s so visually interesting and yet wildly simple. Emily ultimately felt that this pattern was for a different style of home, not her minimal shaker farmhouse. Secretly she kinda regrets not going for it…would you have made the same decision??

Here is another play on stripes because the pattern is also a herringbone! How cool does this look and how appropriate but fresh for a modern vintage bathroom design? There’s so much movement with the bolder color variation in the gold stripes but then the white stripes help to ground the design so it doesn’t look too busy.

Something super important to consider with this type of tile install is that unless the tile magical comes in sheets, the labor to individually place each of these tiles will cost you. I don’t want that to be a surprise! Talk to your tile installer before you get your heart too set on this design. Or maybe install it yourself!

I mean give me a break! How sweet is this bathroom?! The contrast between that floral wallpaper and the geometric stripes is so good. Plus that pencil trim tile really finishes it off beautifully. Oh and 10/10 for that tonal-colored baseboard. This bathroom is just FULL of personality but doesn’t look trendy. See what I’m talking about with this pattern? No need to worry about it going out of style.

If you’re someone who wants the best of worlds, a fun AND calming bathroom, may I suggest a pastel-colored stripe tile pattern? This bathroom is exactly that. The colors are soft and inviting but the pattern says “hey baby, I’ve got some personality too!” It also helps that the tile only goes up half of the wall. If it was the whole wall this would still have been an awesome bathroom but would have had a completely different look and feel. Keep that in mind along with pattern scale. Note that the square tiles on the floor are half the size of the ones on the wall. It’s a small detail that adds visual interest. Plus it’s just cool.

This tile and pattern application feels a bit more modern than the ones above. Despite the vintage-inspired floral wallpaper, console sink vanity, and fixtures, the horizontal stripes in that skinny tile feel modern to me. It’s a fun play on mixing styles without going too hard. Can we also note the genius idea to put the shower knobs on the outside of the shower?? Not even a chance of getting wet before you want to. I love it so much.

These next few rooms are more modern but with a ton of soul. Clearly, this is a very cool bathroom that leans o n modern side but has so much depth. The handmade tiles that are slightly imperfectly laid is what does it for me. They are a wonderful contrast to the other modern elements in the room. This could have easily been a neutral-toned, modern organic bathroom but instead, has all of those elements with a very fun twist. I think what we are seeing is the importance of color tone and texture. You can still add a fun pattern to your calm room if you choose the right color. This olive green is both vibrant and soothing.

I know I’ve already shown this kitchen in my plate post but how could I not include it?! It’s so fun and shows that stripes aren’t just for bathrooms. This is definitely a statement. But if you want something bold and fun that has lasting power this is an incredible option. Also, can we note that perfect archway and the accent pattern? Same tiles, just a slight twist!

Same house, different room, different color, also amazing. Check out that tiles detail amount the window. So good!

Now we are only to the purely modern bathrooms. Get those tumbled tiled outta here! These two bathrooms are muted in tone and lovely. The tricolored stripes on the left would be so fun in a kid’s or guest bath. Then notice the play with tile scale on the wall and how the striped are spaced. There are only two kinds of tiles but the overall application is so fun.

Let the fun continue. I love that saturated green and black color mix! Oh and I also love how the grout lines don’t match up. I think that adds to the playfulness…the vaulted ceiling doesn’t hurt either. This is another great example of choosing to not tile from floor to ceiling around the entire room. They choose the perfect moment to do it. It makes that wall/ceiling moment feel special and avoids making the whole room feel too overwhelming.

Maybe you just want a striped accent? This is a bathroom in a hotel room so pattern risks like these are encouraged:) But honestly, I love it. All of the other design elements are super classic so the pop of color with the tile (and the blue wall) is such a small but impactful choice.

I think we all remember this bathroom by Natalie Papier from last year’s ORC. I mean what a stunner! Aside from choosing the most joyous yellow color maybe ever, the tile’s super large scale is what makes it fun and modern and even “cabana”. I’m sure because Natalie also only did stripes going from wall to wall in one direction, that it helps to visually elongate the room. A little visual trick if you will. This bathroom will always make me happy.

Same idea but skinnier stripes! You really can’t go wrong with black and white tile and this pattern just makes the combo that much better. Also, I can’t get over how cool having lockers in a family home bathroom is.

So what are your thoughts? Do you think this is a “safe” pattern for longevity? Which is your favorite room? See you in the comments!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: via Splendido Mare