In contemporary design, tiles are no longer just about function but have evolved into powerful design elements that inject character, texture and vibrancy into bathrooms and kitchens. Essentially, tiles have advanced from being mere surface solutions to part of the material narrative and a means to create mood – through a splash of strategically placed pattern or colour or by zoning an open layout. What’s more, designers are finding new uses for tiles beyond these conventional areas of deployment. We explore the key trends defining this evolving role.

In recent years, we’ve seen a significant shift toward textured and large-format tiles, which create a seamless, spacious look in both bathrooms and kitchens, says RK Malik, Director and Principal Architect, RK Malik & Associates...