Timeless Tile Layouts and Patterns for Your Next Home Remodel
When it comes to home remodeling, few design elements make as big of an impact as tile. Whether it’s used for a kitchen backsplash, a bathroom floor, or a statement shower wall, tile has the power to transform a space with texture, color, and pattern. But with so many options available, how do you choose a layout that won’t feel dated in a few years? The answer lies in timeless tile layouts—classic patterns that have stood the test of time and continue to look fresh in both traditional and modern homes. Below are a few enduring designs to consider for your next remodel.
Things to Consider Before You Get Started
Price: Tile pricing varies depending on material, size, and quantity. Some tile patterns require more time and skill to install, which can affect your labor budget.
Placement: Consider durability, porosity, and maintenance needs based on the room where the tile will be installed. For example, bathroom tile should be slip-resistant, while kitchen backsplash tile should be easy to clean.
Scale: Tile size can visually change how large or small a room feels. Large-format tiles can make a compact bathroom appear more spacious, while smaller tiles can add visual interest and highlight specific areas of the room.
Classic Tile Configurations by Shape
Square Tile Layouts:
Grid: Back to the basics! Square tiles set in a simple grid pattern will never go out of style. Clean, balanced, and timeless—this is a staple layout for any remodel.
Staggered: A twist on the classic grid, staggering square tiles adds subtle visual appeal while maintaining a traditional look.
Diamond: Often used in checkerboard designs, the diamond layout can also create a sophisticated monochromatic look. Using the same color tile in a diamond pattern is a great way to add depth to a small kitchen backsplash without overwhelming the space.
Rectangular Tile Layouts:
Running (Subway Tile): Perhaps the most iconic of all tile patterns, the running or brick layout is endlessly versatile. From subway tile backsplashes to large-format floor tiles, this layout looks great in any room.
**Pro Tip: For a modern twist, try running your tile vertically—like our clients did in their primary bathroom shower—for a sleek, contemporary look.
Stacked: If you prefer clean lines with a modern edge, a stacked layout is a perfect choice. Tiles are aligned directly on top of each other, creating a polished, minimalist appearance. Try stacking them vertically to elongate walls and add height to smaller spaces.
Crosshatch: Can’t decide between horizontal or vertical? A crosshatch pattern blends both for a visually interesting, custom look.
Herringbone: A perennial favorite, the herringbone tile pattern adds energy and movement to floors, backsplashes, and shower walls. Its distinctive “V” shape instantly elevates any space while maintaining timeless charm.
Composite Tile Patterns:
Basketweave: This elegant pattern combines rectangles and squares to mimic the look of woven fabric. The grout lines add traction, making it a great choice for shower floors or bathrooms.
Octagon Dot: A vintage-inspired favorite often seen in historic homes, this pattern pairs octagonal tiles with small contrasting dots—ideal for creating a charming, classic bathroom floor.
Geometric Tile Patterns:
Hexagon: The hexagon tile is a design classic that works beautifully on bathroom floors or accent walls. Its six-sided shape allows endless creative combinations with color and scale. Use solid tones for a clean look or mix shades for a modern mosaic effect.
Scallop: While not a true classic, the scallop (or fan) tile pattern nods to the Art Deco era and adds playful sophistication to bathrooms, kitchens, and powder rooms
Tile Inspiration: Primary Bathroom Remodel
Our client’s primary bathroom remodel combined multiple tile layouts in a neutral palette for a cohesive yet visually dynamic design. The walk-in shower features both a herringbone pattern and a running horizontal pattern on the walls and ceiling—proving that mixing timeless layouts can create a truly custom look.
Before & After
Trends come and go, but timeless tile patterns never lose their charm. Whether you love the refined symmetry of a basketweave tile layout or the subtle movement of herringbone, these designs offer a solid foundation that will look beautiful for decades.
When planning your next remodel, choose tile layouts that complement your home’s character and your personal style. The right tile pattern doesn’t just finish a room—it defines it.
If you’re ready to bring timeless design into your next renovation, our design-build team can help you select tile layouts, materials, and finishes that will stand the test of time—both in quality and style.
Contact us today to get started on your custom remodel!
Selections
Tile purchased through Clayton Tile.
Quartz countertops sourced from Upstate Granite Solutions.
Bathroom Faucets and accessories by Delta, Cassidy Collection.
Freestanding bathtub by Signature Hardware, Hibiscus Collection.
Vanity lighting by Capital Lighting.
Vanity is painted Sherwin Williams’ Shiitake.
Walls are Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams.
Trim and ceiling are painted Alabaster by Sherwin Williams.
Interior photography by Kim DeLoach.
