Much like a fresh lick of paint, an expanse of new tiles across your walls or floor will instantly make a room feel more modern. “Trends for 2024 encompass everything from bold colour and richly textured surfaces to graphic, grid-like layouts, making it easy to make a statement, whatever your style,” says Phil Brenton, managing director at Artedomus.
Here are six looks you’ll be seeing in fashion-forward homes across the country this year.
Dynamic colour Bold colour is taking centre stage in tiles and stone trends in 2024. “While colours are still very much drawn from nature, there’s a richness to them we haven’t seen for a while – think tiles in rugged red, earthy green, ochre, inky blue and robust neutrals, and show-stopping natural stone, such as Larosa rose marble and Qariza quartzite, with its gold, apricot and lilac veining,” says Phil. “Designers are carefully balancing out these sumptuous tones with minimalist furniture and fixtures to make spaces feel harmonious and exciting.”
Rich & earthy terracotta For a bathroom or kitchen that feels both contemporary and cosy, terracotta is hard to beat – and it’s going to be even more popular this year than last, according to Phil. “Whereas the options in terracotta tiles used to be fairly limited, you can now find all manner of shapes, tones and finishes, including petite mosaics, classic brick shapes and square and rectangular styles in a choice of richly textured and glazed finishes. It’s opened up a world of possibilities for designers and homeowners.
“We’re seeing terracotta floor and wall tiles paired with ochre, burgundy and peach in bathrooms, and with warm oak and crisp white in kitchens, accessorised with brass or copper hardware and tapware for a look that feels cocooning and connected to nature.”
Handcrafted look “As designers and homeowners turn away from the mass-produced, artisanal tiles with a handmade feel that make a feature of their irregularities, such as a variegated colour or glaze or an uneven surface, are fast gaining traction,” says Phil.
“People are getting playful with their layouts and applications, such as using a grid pattern on bathroom walls and kitchen splashbacks for a modern-meets-eclectic feel, creating feature fireplace walls and custom bedheads, or spotlighting an interesting corner with a wall of handcrafted tiles in a contrasting colour,” he says. Arute Shinrin glazed ceramic mosaic tiles at Artedomus, with their irregular surface and stunning variegated finish, are perfect for creating this look.
Tactile surfaces “Textured tiles and surfaces are a great way to add depth and impact to a space, without overpowering it with colour or pattern, and it’s a look we’ll be seeing a lot of in 2024,” says Phil. “Think tiles with an earthy, roughened finish, terracotta tiles with pitted and raked surfaces, and designs with a delicately etched or scratched surface.”
Grid worthy Move over subway tiles – the grid is taking over in 2024. Bold, graphic and thoroughly modern, it’s the perfect way to reenergise a tired family bathroom, ensuite or even a bedroom. “Colour is key with this look,” says Phil.
“Designers are using products like DIN by Mutina ceramic mosaics in two or three eye-catching shades, like red and peach or light and dark green, and running them across walls, floors, countertops and even freestanding pieces like benches, with a high-contrast grout so the tile shape really pops.
“We’re also seeing bathrooms drenched in a single colour, with interest added by mixing different tile shapes or sizes, such as a wall of square mosaics in a crisp, grid layout paired with rectangular-shaped floor tiles in the same shade.”
Earth-friendly styles “Sustainability is a priority for today’s designers and homeowners, with many seeking out tiles and surfaces made in a way that’s gentle on the environment,” says Phil. “Quality and durability play into the sustainability movement too – those building or renovating want spaces that not only feel good to be in, but have longevity so they won’t need to be repaired or replaced just a few years down the track.
The INAX range of Japanese ceramic tiles are a great example; these handcrafted tiles meet strict JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) environmental guidelines for manufacture and distribution. Fiandre porcelain panels and tiles, which are made from natural materials with zero carbon emissions, are another notable, earth-friendly product at Artedomus. Fiandre MAXIMUM panels also feature ACTIVE 2.0 technology, which actively cleans the air and removes viruses and bacteria for healthier living spaces, without you having to lift a finger.
Artedomus is an Australian supplier of premium stone, tiles and architectural surfaces.
