Farewell To Boring Kitchens And Bathrooms: The Tile Trend That's Taking Over

If you think the subway tile trend has left the station and hexagon mosaics are overdone, it might be time to get creative with your floor and wall coverings. Kitchens and bathrooms are begging for a little pizzazz, which is why homebodies are gravitating towards a versatile and timeless feature: plaid tiles. Buffalo check, window pane, tartan, you name it — everyone's giddy for grids. "People are craving design that feels comforting and familiar, but still fresh, and these classic grid-based patterns answer that," Damla Turgot of Otto Tiles and Design tells Livingetc. "They're versatile, playful, and lend themselves to both bold statements and subtle layering."

As the minimalist design aesthetic quietly fades, designers are seeing an uptick in playful tiles on social media and in home projects as an antithesis to uninviting, overly curated spaces. "Plaid designs add structure and quiet complexity to a space," designer Danielle Chiprut explains to The Spruce. Plaid tiles can also help when trying to accentuate different colors of a room, or they can fully embrace main character energy — the choice is yours. 

No one wants dated kitchen designs to put a damper on the busiest room in the house, and plaid tiles will make a bold addition to your floors and backsplashes. You don't need to stop there, though. Plaid tiles can also be used as a unique feature on kitchen islands, tabletops, and countertops, providing a playful pop that accompanies the colors and textures you already have in place. If you're toying with the peel-and-stick tile variety, don't be afraid to add it to shelving units, inside cabinetry, or in niches such as cubbies.  

Plaid tiles work just as effectively when combatting outdated bathroom styles — they're perfect for flooring, backsplashes, and shower cubbies. Should you be up for a DIY, place some plaid tiles in a frame, accompany it with your favorite print, and hang it on the wall for a personal touch. Or, you can place the tiling around a statement mirror for a stunning result. 

Regardless of the type of plaid you're working with, there are a few other tips you may want to keep in your back pocket. Consider where the plaid tiles will look good without overwhelming your space, and be sure to complement the colors that you're planning to use around the rest of the room. If you want to use your plaid to channel that nostalgic visit to grandma's, consider incorporating florals and wooden accents; for a more modern approach, you can pair your plaid with brass, leather, and metal accents.