Tile Trends 2020/2021 with Domus – Jess Piddock

Jo attended the Domus ‘Tile Trends 2020-2021’ event and was fascinated to see how trends translate from haute couture, through conceptual interiors, to individual tiles.

As catwalk relates to high street fashion, conceptual trends are expressed in extreme form in cutting edge hotels, restaurants and fashion showrooms, but can be adopted in subtler ways for the home.

Retro Futuristic

Light, playful and shimmering, Retro Futurism is an attractive Sci-fi aesthetic.

In tiles, this translates to sparkly, iridescent surfaces and curved forms;

Use at home:

With care! While spectacular at scale, an attempt to be subtle with this scheme could end up looking retro-tacky. Combine hand-glazed tiles with a subtle iridescence (we love Zellige for this) with bold mirrored lighting (Tom Dixon nails this look…). Coloured shower screens in pastel hues would work well…

Galactic Exploration

The darker twin of retro futuristic, this look combines rocky & cracked planet surfaces with dark, twinkly galactic patterns.

In tiles, consider ‘granite’ textures (vs bush hammered), oxide glazes & effects, and rich, dark palettes;

Use at home

This ‘grown-up’ look lends itself to a spacious (no pun intended) bathroom. In smaller spaces, use these in lower areas, with lighter finishes above. When exploring texture consider:

• Ease of cleaning
• Directional lighting to enhance texture and twinkle.

Bloodstone

Red is ubiquitous in fashion, and an orange-red palette pervaded Maison et Objet.  Bloodstone is darker, richer, and more moody, with varied opaque, transparent and translucent veining creating a varied palette of shade and tone.

In tiles, use rich reds with variety introduced through texture, colour, or shape.

Use at home

You’ll know if this one’s for you. Keep it warm and sumptuous with plenty of variation and finishes in warm metallics.

Mixed Classics

As the name suggests, this is all about combining ‘classic’ tiles (natural stone, terrazzo and even metro tiles) to create a new look.

In tiles, look for ranges that combine two or more classics, or unusually shaped tiles, and create your own patchwork.

Use at home

Pick your favourite classics and combine! We love the green look above with marble effect with glazed tiles, and have used modelo triangles in mixed stone-effect porcelain to great effect in this project.

Dark and Light

‘Dark & light’ updates the retro, monochrome look by adding depth of colour and texture. Angled surfaces and lighting create a sense of multiple shades from one colour or finish.

In tiles, this look is encapsulated in large format stone-effect tiles with dramatic veining, monochrome terrazzo, and abstract patterns. As elsewhere, smaller tiles that combine rich matte and gloss glazes work well.

Use at home

Dabble by substitute uniform metro tiles with mixed finishes or go ‘all in’ using black as a dramatic feature wall and matching surfaces.

New Age Mysticism

Tie-dye, batik and gemstones. Think expensive kaftans at Coachella, not dolphin necklaces.

In tiles, this means stone (effect) tiles with rich gemstone hues, organic patterns on hand-glazed tiles, and striking colour / pattern combinations.

Use at home

Try bold pattern in a small cloakroom, or create a feature (low tiles around a bath, tiled niche) in a larger bathroom in rich jewel tones. Invest in a glamorous bath robe and a suitable home fragrance to complete the look/feel.

As always, treat trends as inspiration but keep a firm eye on your practical needs for your space, and the durable themes in your interior tastes. See our guide to tiles and tiling for tips on using tiles in your home.

*or actual marble but only if you’re ready to look after it very carefully.