Unforgettable kitchens and bathrooms

There are many noteworthy elements in kitchens and bathrooms, but tile is probably the highlight. A trending tile brand to be on the lookout for is Zellige, which is made in Morocco. “With a handmade, imperfect texture,” says Kimberlin Payne, senior designer at Dream House Dream Kitchens, “the tile continues to be a popular backsplash option in the kitchen.” The beauty in the tiles is their slight tonal variations. “And the style works well in a range of design aesthetics,” she says. Meanwhile, in terms of bathroom tile, “We are seeing a lot of play on traditional scales. For example, round penny tiles are blown up to a 2-inch diameter and paired with a contrasting grout to create a fun and whimsical pattern.”

However, it’s okay to rely on the classics for tile. Kitchen subway tile is still very popular. But you can update it with a twist. “Straight stacking subway tile in unique colors is also an avenue to bring personality to more contemporary or midcentury-inspired designs,” she says. “We’re also loving tiles that mix mediums, like marble and terrazzo mosaics.” In the bathroom, many homeowners still opt for larger-scale tiles in heavy-use areas where grout maintenance is a concern, Payne says. “But lately more clients are willing to take bold risks with their tile selections.”