Top 5 Tile Picks

Tile is a material regularly used for interior design...feature walls, mudroom floors, bar backsplashes, bathroom showers, just to name a few. Some of the newest trends are gorgeous and worth considering for your next reno project. Not all tile is created equal, so it's good to read the recommended usage. Some work better in showers, some are better suited for walls, and some are only made for floors. Also, grout should not be an afterthought, so decide what the goal is when making your selection - to compliment or to contrast your tile. Here are my current Top 5 Tile picks:

#1: TERRACOTTA- the past few years have seen a warming up trend for interiors and this includes tile. Terracotta tile brings warm hues to any space and offers a nod to history. Gorgeous for entryways or bathroom floors or anywhere you want to feel the warmth. Try it with more updated shapes to bring a new spin on an old classic:

Kasbah Cross Terracotta Porcelain 4.7" x 4.7" at the Tile Shop:

Parry Clay Terracotta Orange 3x8 Fishscale Matte Ceramic Wall Tile at Tilebar:

#2: ELONGATED SUBWAY - the classic 2x6" tile is being refreshed with both very long and very slim styles. The new leaner tile looks beautiful in a chevron or herringbone pattern with contrasting grout. The finishes are varied such as matte, gloss, and textured, and the patterns are endless. It's a safe way to branch out from the ordinary:

• Carolina 2x20" Polished Ceramic Wall Tile in Moss Gray at Tilebar:

• Kaikos Skinny Chevron Glass Mosaic in Blue at Bedrosians Tile & Stone:

#3: ZELLIGE - this is a trending look now inspired by Moroccan style. These handmade ceramic beauties have so much texture, movement and interest, they stand alone as the feature of any room. Best suited for feature walls as they are delicate. The 4x4" squares are particularly stunning:

• Zellige 4x4" Gloss Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile in Alabaster at The Tile Shop:

• Montauk Gin 4x4 White Ceramic Wall Tile with Mixed Finish at Tilebar:

#4: OVERSIZED - this is taking a classic tile (think 12x24") and going for broke on the scale. Bigger is bolder now and offers less grout lines and covers more surface area. This is great for large, high-traffic areas. Here are some options that have an updated take on the original:

• Madox Antracita 30x59" Porcelain Tile in Gray at Floor & Decor

Lombardi Bianco Textured 30x60" at Floor & Decor

#5: FLUTED or RIBBON - the look of matchsticks creates an interesting, vertical 3D style without the need for much grout. There are glossy ceramic, matte porcelain and wood-look options to consider. The fluting texture is very cool and makes a big yet understated impact:

• Kenridge Ribbon 24x48" Wood Look in Maple at Tilebar:

• Curved Fluted 3D Glossy Ceramic 6x12" in White at Tilebar: