The concept of “tile drenching” is poised to become a significant trend in bathroom design for 2025, reflecting a maximalist aesthetic. The following three ideas illustrate how effortlessly one can achieve this look.
Making a statement in bathroom design has never been more accessible.
The most compelling trends in bathroom design effectively balance beauty and functionality, and the emerging trend of tile drenching exemplifies this principle. While a bathroom primarily serves a practical purpose—often being the first and last space one visits each day—it is equally important for it to be visually appealing. The selection of bathroom tiles is crucial in any wet and humid environment; they not only safeguard walls and floors but also present an excellent opportunity to introduce color and pattern.
Having established a fondness for bathroom tiles, it is time to elevate their use. If you have contemplated whether to coordinate your bathroom floor and wall tiles, experts in the field advocate for a definitive affirmative. Tile drenching is set to be a prominent feature in 2025, and the following guidelines will assist you in incorporating this trend into your own home.
Understanding Tile Drenching
“Tile drenching has garnered significant attention over the past year, and we wholeheartedly support it as it facilitates a seamless visual flow across surfaces,” states Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra.
“Whether one opts for a single tile type throughout or utilizes a collection of tiles in varying scales and orientations, it is possible to create a space that embodies either minimalism or maximalism, depending on personal preference. This trend possesses substantial staying power,” she adds.
The rise of color drenching in 2024 indicates that homeowners are increasingly bold in their use of color and pattern. When combined with the practicality of tiled surfaces in bathrooms, this trend offers the best of both worlds.
“This approach is suitable for any size room, including the smallest bathrooms, even when utilizing large-format tiles. In fact, large-format tiles can be particularly advantageous for this aesthetic, as they minimize grout lines that might disrupt the tile-drenching effect. For those hesitant to fully commit, consider applying the same tiles to both floors and walls but limiting the tiling to half of the wall. This serves as an excellent compromise for individuals wishing to explore this trend,” Grazzie concludes.
Here are a few ideas that demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of achieving this look in various spaces:
- Experiment with Laying Patterns
Tiles provide ample opportunity for creativity; even the most basic shapes, such as subway tiles, can yield intriguing designs. Altering the laying pattern is the most straightforward method to achieve this. Similar to kitchen flooring, consider employing a minimalist tile shape to create a bespoke pattern that makes a significant impact.
“When implementing tile drenching, experiment with diverse tile textures or laying patterns. For instance, utilize a metro tile in a herringbone pattern on the floor while employing the same tile in a vertical orientation on the walls. This approach maintains visual interest and prevents monotony without compromising the tile-drenching effect,” explains Molly Woodward-Moor, Interior Designer and Creative Director at Stone Superstore.
- Establish a Color Contrast
Tile drenching does not necessitate matching wall and floor tiles. While this method creates a cohesive yet bold scheme and simplifies decision-making, varying the wall and floor tiles can contribute to an eclectic aesthetic.
To successfully implement this idea, select two colors that are complementary or diametrically opposed on the color wheel, or opt for a more classic choice, such as chequered floor tiles. Additionally, incorporating texture through handmade tiles will enhance light reflection in a richly surfaced bathroom.
- Utilize Uniform Tiles
We acknowledge that whether one is learning to tile a bathroom floor independently or engaging a professional tiler to create a custom pattern, the process can be labor-intensive and costly.
For a more straightforward solution that still makes a bold statement, consider using large-scale tiles on both floors and walls, or explore the option of bathroom wall panels that can be applied throughout the space. With larger tiles, a marble-effect surface is particularly appealing, allowing for a neutral yet distinctive pattern to envelop the entire bathroom.
These suggestions provide simple methods to embrace the tile drenching trend in your bathroom. However, the beauty of a maximalist approach lies in its adaptability; feel free to trust your instincts and combine patterns and colors that will enhance your daily routines.
