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.Large-format tilesIn 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. “Large-format tiles in sizes like 24”×48” or larger reduce the number of grout lines, creating a minimalist look and simplifying maintenance,” explains Rinki Kotak, Principal Architect, 4th Dimension. “Using them in bathrooms in shower walls or floors gives the illusion of more space. In kitchens, they can act as statement backsplashes that evoke contemporary sophistication.”“Sustainability and ease of maintenance, which lie at the core of contemporary design, are naturally achieved through large-format tiles,” says Rachna Agarwal, Founder and Design Ideator, Studio IAAD. Chhaya Sharma, Founder and Principal Designer, Design Artec, points out that in bathrooms, large-format tiles and earthy textures give a clean, seamless and spa-like feel.For a layer of sophistication without overwhelming the material palette, Neha Garg, Founder & Principal Designer, Studio Jane Designs, suggests pairing large-format tiles with stone-like finishes, with subtle metallic inlays or trims.Popular materials for oversized tiles include marble-look porcelain, polished concrete and natural stone textures, in both neutral and bold colour palettes, according to Kotak.Functional preferencesFunctionally, there is a growing preference for low-maintenance, anti-slip and easy-to-clean surfaces, says Garg.“Anti-skid tiles are being prioritised for wet areas to enhance safety without compromising design, eliminating the need for unsightly mats,” explains Tania Bhatia Shringi, Founder & Principal Architect, Studio Novoforma. And according to Malik, “Matte and anti-skid tiles are especially growing in popularity in senior living and healthcare projects, where functionality is as important as aesthetics.”Patterned tilesPatterned tiles have seen a resurgence as a way to inject energy and personality into bathrooms and kitchens, and create visual anchors in spaces, shares Abhilasha Joshi, Founder and Principal Architect, Kypad Design Office. “In bathrooms, they are often used to highlight a shower floor or the bathroom floor itself. In kitchens, they make way in underfoot galley-style layouts. The contrast between patterned tiles and simple cabinetry creates a beautiful tension that enlivens the space.”She cites intricate Moroccan motifs and modern geometric prints as popular examples of patterned tiles. Many opt for encaustic-look tiles, which replicate traditional patterns using modern materials, while others embrace maximalism with bold colours and clashing prints.Bold prints“Bold botanical and graphic prints such as floral tilework and large-scale prints are making a strong comeback; these add visual drama transforming the shower area into a focal feature,” says Aanchhal Bhuwalka, Principal Designer, AB Design.“We’re exploring deeper colours and cleaner patterns, like geometric and organic variations,” adds Devika Khosla, Creative Director, The Works Interiors.Agarwal agrees, saying boring hues are giving way to bold patterns, which include geometric compositions, mosaics and nature-inspired palettes that seamlessly blend form and function. “Intricately patterned floor tiles, or those with vibrant colour combinations, add an element of visual interest in residences.”In kitchens especially, warm and neutral tones have given way to statement colours with expressive surfaces like bold textures, handcrafted detailing or light-reflective glazes that layer depth, she adds.Handcrafted optionsThe opportunities for handcrafted tiles are also growing. “We’re exploring tiles that are handcrafted, like Moroccan tiles that add an artisanal touch to interiors,” affirms Khosla. In Terra, a residential project in Gwalior, she drew inspiration from the Chambal Valley’s captivating landscape and artfully clad the wall with handmade tiles. The two-floor high wall, through the earthy texture and sandy hues of the tiles, renders the entire space in a contextual flavour. This is complemented by a stone console table that takes inspiration from an iconic bridge on the Chambal River.In kitchens, which are seeing more creative and layered applications of tiles, Garg says the traditional backsplash has evolved into a space for design experimentation, with handcrafted ceramic tiles, graphic encaustics and subtle gradients making a comeback. Textured surfacesThe use of textured surfaces has significantly increased as they add character and depth to otherwise sterile environments, according to Rahul Mistri, Founder and Principal Designer, Open Atelier Mumbai. Leaning towards matte or textured finishes adds a layer of tactility instead of plain glossy surfaces, adds Khosla.“Clients are increasingly comfortable with asymmetry and texture – tiles are laid in offset or vertical patterns, or combined with other materials like fluted wood or brushed metal to break monotony,” says Garg. “Textured tiles that emulate stone have also become popular,” agrees Shringi.The growing use of vertically stacked fluted tiles in pastel tones such as sage green and blush pink highlights the growing preference for texture and rhythm on surfaces, adds Bhuwalka. “These tactile tiles bring subtle dimension while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Dusty pinks, sage greens and greys – earthy and muted hues – reflect a shift toward grounded, calming palettes that complement both natural materials and modern finishes, as seen in the mix of tile, marble and matte textures.”Visual continuityUsing uniform tile tones across walls and floors helps create visual continuity and makes smaller spaces appear more expansive, a useful practice in shrinking urban spaces, especially in compact bathrooms and urban homes, according to Shringi. Mistri has used tiles to create visual continuity while addressing practical considerations like durability and maintenance. In a recent clubhouse project, he used flamed granite not just to clad the building but also extend it seamlessly into the walkways, adding an earthy sophistication to the overall design. Earthy over glossyHomeowners are preferring earthy, tactile surfaces over glossy, marble-look tiles, says Shringi. “Moving beyond the cool elegance of natural stones like Statuario, today’s design sensibilities embrace warm, grounded tones – think beiges, browns and muted neutrals – that infuse bathrooms and kitchens with a sense of calm, comfort and understated luxury. Matte finishes, soft neutrals and even terracotta tones that bring in a sense of calm while still making a statement are trending, according to Sharma.Agarwal cites the use of warm-toned brown tiles across the full height of a bathroom’s walls – not just as cladding but as a material that sets the tone of the space – to bring calm and cohesion, and added texture without any glare.A combo effect of earthy plus glossy can be achieved by combining matte fluted tiles with high-gloss stone, or using dark trims to frame tile layouts, suggests Bhuwalka, calling this a way to lean into layered contrast to define luxury in subtle ways.Tile-plus-light solutionsIn both bathrooms and kitchens, the role of natural and artificial lighting has become central to how tile choices are made and perceived, says Garg. For instance, warm and earthy-toned tiles paired with soft and diffused lighting can transform private spaces like bathrooms into a peaceful retreat, notes Agarwal. It’s all about creating the right mood. “In bathrooms, patterns and finishes that evoke tranquillity are often paired with ambient lighting to improve the overall experience,” says Mistri. What else?Another emerging trend is the combination of two contrasting tiles on the same wall. “We call them half-and-half wall treatments, like the vertically divided application of different colours and textures,” says Bhuwalka. “It’s a smart way to delineate zones within compact spaces while adding a designer touch.”“Wooden tiles continue to be popular for their warmth without compromising durability,” avers Khosla. “Subway tiles are also being reimagined in fresh shapes and arrangements. A significant rise in the use of recycled and eco-conscious materials is happening as designers put sustainability at the forefront of design.”Truly, innovative thinking is putting terrific tiles at the forefront of design. Going beyond convention Tiles are no longer confined to just floors and walls, according to Rahul Mistri, Founder and Principal Designer, Open Atelier Mumbai. “Tiles can clad doors and be used to craft bespoke furniture pieces and partitions. The strength, versatility and robustness of new-age tiles make them ideal for many applications, from kitchen countertops to swimming pools and façades.” From countertops to furniture, tiles bring a textural narrative to spaces, affirms Devika Khosla, Creative Director, The Works Interiors. “We’ve used tiles as decorative inlays to add artisanal flair to tabletops, headboards and more. Whether hand-painted or digitally printed, they serve as bold statement pieces in contemporary interior design.” Tiles are increasingly being applied to furniture elements like vanities, tabletops and cabinetry to add texture, durability and visual interest, and visually expand smaller areas, especially in day-use spaces like powder rooms or compact washrooms, says Chhaya Sharma, Founder and Principal Designer, Design Artec. In day rooms or compact spaces, she says tiles have been used to create striking accent features such as backlit niches, fluted surfaces, or even as cladding for custom storage units, merging utility with refined aesthetics. In kitchens, tiles are now being used on island fronts, open shelving back panels and even as decorative façades for appliances, adding a bold yet practical layer to the design. In residential settings, Studio Jane Designs has explored tile-clad niches and bathroom shelves, which Neha Garg, Founder & Principal Designer, says, “are often overlooked integrations but can add immense character and allow for cohesive material continuity while offering flexibility in scale and expression.” In a commercial styling project, she has used hand-cut patterned tiles to wrap a low-height seating plinth that ran along a daylit atrium, to add visual rhythm and help define the circulation flow and seating zones within a multifunctional space. And in hospitality and residential lounges, Garg has clad coffee counters with Moroccan-inspired tiles to create a strong visual identity for the space, and also for aesthetics, durability and ease of maintenance in a high-use area. “Applying large-format tiles as countertop surfaces, instead of stone, delivers a more seamless, cohesive aesthetic,” says Tania Bhatia Shringi, Founder & Principal Architect, Studio Novoforma. 4th Dimension has designed a coffee table that doubles as a storytelling surface. Using handcrafted mosaic tiles, Rinki Kotak, Principal Architect, created a tabletop that depicted a local folk-art narrative in earthy hues and textured finishes. “The tile surface was durable, stain-resistant and became the focal point of the living room,” she says. “Paired with a minimal teakwood frame, the bespoke table transformed functional furniture into artistic expression.” Kypad Design Office has lined the back panels of open bookshelves in a reading nook with matte-finished encaustic tiles in muted tones. “The visual layering of patterned tiles behind neatly arranged books and curios added an unexpected design flourish, and provided a cool, stone-like background that regulated temperature and humidity,” says Abhilasha Joshi, Founder and Principal Architect. In Lumora Residency, a project in Rampur, RK Malik, Director and Principal Architect, R.K. Malik & Associates, incorporated custom-designed tiles into built-in seating areas and planter bases within the day rooms to enhance the aesthetic appeal and also add durability and ease of maintenance to the high-use areas. The tactile quality of the tiles introduced a unique texture, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and design. Quick Bytes 1. Rise of large-format, textured tiles. 2. Anti-slip, easy-to-clean surfaces preferred for their practicality. 3. Tiles now used in furniture and facades. 4. Patterned tiles add personality while bold prints create visual drama. 5. Growing love for handcrafted tiles. 6. Matte finishes preferred over glossy.