Trends in Ceramic Tile
There is no question that ceramic tile grabs residential market share in the United States. Today's consumers see tile in their local home centers, when they tour Parade of Homes, when they leaf through shelter magazines and when they travel. This has forced the industry to offer a wider variety of design than we've ever seen before. Where in the past the general thinking was that small tiles had to be used in small areas, now even the largest tiles are recommended in small rooms to create elegant floors, countertops and walls.
With the new breadth of design options, lower costs, improved performance and extensive consumer exposure, homeowners building new homes are using ceramic tile in the major living areas of their homes including dining rooms, kitchens and all of the bathrooms. With the open concept floor plans now, it's hard to find a stopping point. Homes flow from the entry through to the kitchen and breakfast area. While carpet is still often used in family rooms and great rooms, many floor plans have the carpeted area bordered with tile, or tile a walkway around the room, carrying the theme to the fireplace or down the hall.
One of the most popular trends in tile is the use of shade variation for a more natural, rustic look. Ceramic tiles can range from complete color consistency to the popular "random" look. No longer is the average consumer looking for 8x8 smooth tiles. Old world natural stone looks, limestone, porcelain and marble textures are all popular choices. Modular tiles are very popular, as are diagonals, clipped corners and decorative listello borders and inserts. Earth tones are big in the marketplace, but the term "earth tones" incorporates a much broader spectrum of color than seen in the past. There is a wider selection of terra cottas available, and even mixtures of soft gray-violets are being used as neutrals. Golden colors and biscuit tones are also popular.
At no time in the past has such a variety of product been seen as in today's baths. Baths are big business in the ceramic tile industry, with rooms of generous proportions and custom features to pamper their owners. What has led to this room of excess, you might ask?
The average house has grown in size by 365 square feet since the 1970's, while lot sizes have shrunk. Designing bigger houses on smaller lots has prompted custom homebuilders to turn to more two-story designs. Along with two-story designs came the opportunity for more bedrooms and baths. Nearly 31% of new homes have four or more bedrooms, and most of these include at least two baths in addition to a large spa-bath adjacent to the master bedroom suite. In the early '80's, baths became more luxurious in both size and features. What was once considered custom options - double sinks, whirlpool tubs and separate showers - are now standard. Many homes today have his and her baths, each with its own walk-in closet and a built-in vanity.
The advent of the separate shower and tub area instantly put ceramic tile back in the bathroom. Tile began to emerge as a decorative element instead of a utilitarian one. Consumers finally embraced the large-format tiles as they began to see the benefits of fewer grout joints and beautiful design. Natural and faux stones made their way into the bath, and a whole new era began in bath design. Luxurious and easy to maintain, tile was a natural.
Another trend is the tiling of the entire bathroom - walls, floors, countertops and tub areas. This has been the norm in European bath design, and the approach is finally taking hold in the United States. This has led to an offering by manufacturers of matching floor and wall tiles of large and small format, square and rectangular shapes and architectural-type trim pieces combined to make very stylish interiors. You can now create columns, arches, mirror frames and even tile "area rugs" inset into the floor.
Wherever you use it, tile offers a design capability few other materials can match, and it is one of the most easily maintained materials you'll ever have the pleasure of having in your home.
