The history of home design is full of trends that have come and gone. A style may suddenly skyrocket in popularity, capturing the hearts of homeowners and designers everywhere, only to fade away just as quickly. Taking this into account, homeowners will often look to the pillars of home design that have stood the test of time when preparing to remodel or upgrade their home. It’s these elements of timeless home design that ensure the spaces in your home won’t go out of style, and when it comes time to sell, won’t hurt its resale value.

5 Timeless Tile Designs

White Subway Tile

Subway tile is ubiquitous—and for good reason. Clean, simple, and elegant, these tiles make it the top backsplash choice for many kitchen renovations and bathroom remodels. The white surface brightens the space, making it feel clean and organized. Resilient and easy to clean, subway tile may be just what the designer ordered for your next home project.

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Penny Tile

Penny tile has stayed relevant through the years, and not just for aesthetic reasons. Though penny tile is visually appealing, its many grout joints make it ideal material for slick and slippery surfaces such as the shower, bathtub, or bathroom floor. This practical function has kept penny tile at the forefront of homeowners and professional remodelers alike for decades. With many color combinations from black and white for a retro look to colorful mosaics for the more eclectic homeowners, there’s an option for everyone with penny tile. While it’s commonly used in bathrooms, penny tile is also great near fireplaces and kitchen backsplashes.

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Herringbone Tile

Known for its distinctive angular arrangement, herringbone has been a fixture of interior design for decades. Herringbone tile brings flair and texture to a space, and its repetitive pattern will help to liven up any room without pulling away from other points of interest. It is a popular choice as a backsplash on bathroom walls, behind vanities, or in shower stalls. For those seeking the cleanliness of subway tile but prefer more dramatic lines, herringbone may be the perfect choice for you.

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Checkerboard Tile

Checkerboard is one of those rare designs that has the ability to continually reinvent itself. It carries a vintage charm but is also often found in aspects of modern design. It’s simultaneously formal and fun. Out of all the timeless tile designs, checkerboard is perhaps the most flexible. The design can make a great impact on the floors in a space as small as a bathroom yet is bold enough to make a statement in a larger surface area like a foyer. 

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Hexagon Tile

Though there is a certain geometry to all the previously mentioned designs, hexagonal (or honeycomb) tile’s unique shape gives it its trademark pattern. There are several variants of hexagonal tile, including stretched hex and picket tile, that can deliver that timeless feel you’re looking for while breaking up the monotony of rectangular lines in your home. Hexagonal patterns are bold and eye-catching, yet their patterns can provide a sense of calm and orderliness. Whether you decide to use it as a backsplash, shower tile, or floor tile, Hexagon tiles will add intrigue to the space.

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The right tile may be just the ingredient you need to tie your home together. It can make a surprising difference in your next remodel, so it’s worth your time to explore the many different options available before making your decision. For more on timeless home design, find out which 7 Vintage Design Elements are still popular today.