So you've heard about color drenching, but there's a new take that's catching our attention. Cue the emerging tile drenching trend – the perfect way to balance style and function when decorating the more utilitarian spaces in your home.
Bold designs have dominated interior design trends this year, and tile drenching is no different. A versatile and enduring way to add something unexpected to your spaces, it works particularly well in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
But what exactly is tile drenching and how can you get the look tastefully? Here, interior designers share everything you need to know, plus a few inspiring spaces that are nailing the trend.
What is tile drenching?
An alternative to color drenching, tile drenching is when a room is decorated with tile on every surface. From the walls to the ceiling to the bath, it's a practical way to add bold style to every room in your home, but particularly more utilitarian rooms.
'Color drenching creates beautifully cohesive and immersive environments, and because tile also offers a textural component, it can make a bold statement within this trend. Since the color is uniform, it gives other materials, shapes, and textures (like tile) a chance to shine through,' says Kali Gibson, of Fireclay Tile.
It feels like the next step from color drenching, perhaps more daring but equally as striking. And it's the eye-catching effect that appeals to designers. 'Tile drenching is one of our favorite design techniques because it creates such a bold and cohesive look. By covering the walls with the same tile, you envelop the entire space in a unified material that draws the eye in,' says Kailee Blalock and Tailor Troia, founders at House of Hive Design Co.
Is tile drenching a trend that will endure?
It's always fun to introduce trends to your interiors, but when it comes to more expensive changes like tiles, it's important to consider whether the trend is fleeting or enduring.
'The appeal of tile drenching is that current trends are skewing towards personal expression and bold statements. Because this technique isn't centered around any particular color and can be confined to a single space, such as a powder room, it offers a playful and low-risk way to experiment. This flexibility could make tile drenching a lasting trend, particularly in rooms where bolder design doesn't feel too intimidating,' says Kali.
The ability to transcend interior design styles also makes tile drenching popular – and with the right design, you can create something unique and timeless. 'Tile drenching may be popular right now, but its versatility and ability to make a space feel elevated and cohesive means it will endure,' says Kailee and Taylor.
'Whether you’re using gloss, matte, or hand-painted tiles, it offers endless creative possibilities that can adapt to different styles and tastes over time. It’s a design choice that goes beyond trends,' they add.
Tile drenching ideas – 5 spaces the nail the trend
So we've established that tile drenching is a tasteful trend – and one that's here to stick around – but how do you create a cohesive scheme with it? Here are five spaces that have nailed the trend, balancing unique style and timeless appeal.
1. A tile drenched bathroom with green square tiles
The tile shape and layout alter the overall look and feel of your room. More intricate shapes and bold colors will offer a busy, maximalist look, but a more classic tile in a uniform design will create something more serene.
'Whether you choose a bold or softer hue, tile drenching gives a space a highly designed, cohesive, and intentional feeling. I think that field tile sizes (vs specialty shapes) are best for tile drenching because you see the color more than the pattern with this trend, so any of our ceramic, glass, or brick tiles can achieve this look,' says Kali.
This bathroom is a masterclass in how a simple square tile can create a striking design when approaching the tile drenching trend. Opting for a full green scheme with square tiles laid uniformly is a simple approach yet incredibly stylish and timeless.
2. A double tile drenched outdoor shower
Double drenching is another alternative to the color drenching trend, which essentially involves using two colors rather than one. This is an approach you can also use with tiles to create extra visual interest.
'When it comes to tile drenching, the impact is very dependent on your tile choice. We advise choosing a tile, or combination of tiles, that you love and that compliments the feel and character of your home, incorporating it to the extent you feel is right for the space,' says Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May.
In this outdoor shower, a subway tile has been used on the walls, while a more abstract tile has been chosen for the floors. It still has the effect of classic tile drenching, but creates a touch more contrast.
3. A cozy tile drenched living room
While tile drenching is more typical in a kitchen or bathroom, even the cozier rooms in our homes can really shine with this technique. It's an unexpected way to add color and texture where usually you would opt for wallpaper or paneling.
In this living room, a warm, earthy-toned tile has been drenched across the walls, contrasting with the darker finish of the floor tile. In theory, it sounds like it should be cold and sterile, but the irregular profile of the tiles adds character and combined with the soft furnishings, the space feels cozy and welcoming.
'Encasing an entire space in tiles is a bold yet timeless way to make a statement, transforming the room into a space of texture and depth. We recommend selecting a tile with an earthy tone such as our Jaipur Pompeiian Red tiles to keep the design from feeling to overwhelming. The versatility of tile drenching ensures that it can evolve with changing styles,' say Carly Allison, head of product design at Fired Earth.
4. A tile drenched marble bathroom
Creating a spa-like, luxury bathroom always sounds appealing – and there's one material that probably comes to mind. Marble is an assured way to elevate any space and bathroom, but tile drenching takes it one step further.
'Using marble-effect tiles, which replicate the beauty of marble on a porcelain tile, can be the perfect addition when it comes to tile drenching. It works best when used with large format tiles as fewer grout lines help to keep the illusion of one huge slab of stone,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
This bathroom features marble-effect tiles on the floor and walls – to soften the space, a natural wood vanity, woven rug, and a large plant have been introduced, adding to the tranquil feel.
5. A tile drenched kitchen
While tile drenching in itself is a visually striking design, with the right tile choice it can help to create the illusion of greater space in small spaces. 'Using oversized tiles in a small area tricks the eye into thinking that the room is much bigger than it is, so it can help to create a sense of scale where it doesn't naturally exist – which is another benefit of bringing this trend into your home,' says Grazzie.
As well as making a room look and feel bigger, they can also help to create your desired aesthetic, especially if you want a more contemporary or minimalistic space, like in this kitchen where large tiles have been introduced to contrast with the more traditional cabinets. Tile drenching has been introduced differently here, where floor tiles and countertops are the focus.
'Using matt large format tiles can deliver a sleek, spacious look, perfect for modern and minimalist spaces, as well as exude a warm, natural, homely look when drenched, allowing for light to bounce around the room with their beautiful soft appeal and creating a soothing, serene and light atmosphere,' adds Maria D Arráz, director at Tile of Spain.
From bathrooms to living rooms, the tile drenching trend will take your tile ideas to the next level. It's a cozier, chicer take on an ordinarily hard feature that brings unique style and character to your spaces.
