Tile manufacturers today are shattering the stereotypes with vibrant colors, animal prints, metal and wood effects, and dimensional textures. The trend is towards imitating fabrics and patterns already welcomed in design, such as leather, silk, damask and denim, and leopard spots, tiger stripes, alligator and snake skin textures Hot motifs include circles, spheres and abstract florals. And textured tile that invites tactile experience is in high favor with designers right now

Hot design trends will include:

The Sincerest Form of Flattery

Today's tile designers are drawing inspiration from other materials, using all the skills at their disposal to create tiles that imitate other well-loved design elements. Today's tiles echo the beauty of materials such as fur, denim and leather, natural wood or metals. They may look like other, less durable materials, these tiles, because they are ceramic, offer unparalleled strength, flexibility and endurance. Few materials perform as well on walls, floors or countertops as ceramic tile.

Tactile Tiles

If your idea of tile is a hands-off, smooth, slick surface, think again. Manufacturers have started putting as much touchability as visual appeal into their tile designs. Grooves and reliefs add visual appeal and turn tile into a fashion statement.

Some draw their inspiration from classic architecture, creating tile with vaults, domes and pyramids. Others go playful and modern with pentagonal shapes, circles, spheres and pillow shapes.

Color is back in interior design and tile is following this trend by offering designs saturated with color. Warm, neutral tones share the stage with cool-water-inspired hues.

Round motifs are also hot, from simple circles to more complex designs.

Grout is Great

Grout has gone way beyond its original function as the simple adhesive that held the tile in place. Today, grout can be used as a decorative element to enhance the design message of virtually any tile. The tile industry is meeting the demand with products that add visual and tactile appeal, as well as dollars and cents value, to their homes.