As we near closer to Fall 2022, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on what is trending in the hard finishes world. Below are two different trends that I am starting to see more and more of on my feeds…and let me just say I am obsessed with them! Nods towards the 60’s and 70’s retro tile styles, as well as a respect to the Wabi-Sabi tradition are highlighted below. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

TREND 1 | Small-Scale Square Tile Mosaics

Design: Jessica Helgerson + Photo: Aaron Leitz

This first trend is a lot of fun. I have been seeing more and more designers preferring a smaller scale tile on the walls and floor. Not only is this unexpected, but I love how it nods towards the mid-century bathrooms we all have saved to our Pinterest boards. Since there has already been a resurgence of the 60’s and 70’s in not only fashion, but interiors as well, this tile trend just makes sense! Pair it with the olive greens, mustards, and walnut tones and you have yourself a fresh take on a mid-century modern style.

Above on the right, you can see how designers like Jessica Helgerson are choosing the small scale tile with a bit of shimmer to it, which can create a lot of interest! I do have to warn you that this choice is not for everyone. With more grout lines, there comes more work….but the finished look can make the extra maintenance all worth it.

Small Scale White Tile Bathroom Wall Tile Trends 2022 Interior Design — Design: Rob Kennon Architects

I especially love this trend when designers incorporate a color. This dark olive mosaic is perfect for creating a more modern and moody feeling in these bathrooms.

This small-scale mosaic trend is even popping up on floors in bathrooms. Using it on the floor and walls can help a space feel cohesive and larger because the eye doesn’t have to start and stop at any transitions. What do you think of this trend? Would you incorporate it into your own bathroom?

SHOP SMALL-SCALE MOSAIC TILES:

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TREND 2 | Straight-Set Natural Stone on Floors

I have been dying to use this tile pattern in a project this year. I love this idea of using real stone and mortar on the floor, but keeping it modern with a straight-set pattern to blend with 2022. This style is a new take on the farmhouse brick floor that everyone has been loving in mudrooms / hallways / laundry rooms. Slate and terracotta on the floor will always be classic and timeless, but in this pattern it feels so fresh!

Many would say this floor tile looks “Perfectly Imperfect”, which goes along really well with the Wabi-Sabi tradition. Wabi-Sabi is the acceptance of imperfection and elements changing and wearing over time. While it is very popular in Japanese culture, we can see it making its way into architecture and design worldwide. What is amazing, is when walking on these floors barefoot, you get to really feel the texture of the slate or stone. This feeling leans towards a “one-with-nature” attitude and can help bring the outdoors in.