1. Printed Tiles Meant to Look Like Natural Materials

“You’ll see a lot of porcelain and ceramic tiles that replicate the look of natural stone or even wood,” says Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and creative director of Gabriela Eisenhart Interiors. “When you see it, run for the hills.”

Steph Schlegelmilch, founder and creative director of Studio Seva, agrees that printed porcelain tiles that emulate stone, marble, or other natural materials are indeed regrettable. “Printed porcelain tiles that are trying to emulate real stone seem to look more fake to me,” she explains. “If porcelain is a must in your project, I would rather see a cleaner look than a textured tile.”

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2. Peach and Pink

Flamingo colors? Shannon Askinasi, founder and lead designer for Ash & Pine Interiors, says this is one tile trend she’s ready to set free. “While the palette is trendy right now, try to think long term with this one,” the designer warns. “We all remember how cringy it was no more than five years ago when we walked into a pink bathroom; it felt like a time capsule.”

To avoid a similar fate, she suggests sticking to one shade if you’re drawn to this duo. Investing in a chic texture and tile shape can lend a bit more staying power to the look. 

3. Field and Tumbled Stone

These rugged, natural stone types are charming, to be sure, but they certainly have their pain points in kitchen backsplash applications. “Don’t get me wrong, I love the look. I think it’s super organic and beautiful, but it’s incredibly tough to clean,” says Eisenhart. “Last I checked, no one is bringing a pressure washer into their kitchen.”

If you want to get in on the look without compromising functionality, the designer suggests using it to surround a fireplace or on a kitchen wall that doesn’t see splatters or overspill from cooking.

4. Contrasting Grout

Gray grout with stark white subway tile had its moment, but Schlegelmilch says it’s time to make a return to grout colors that complement rather than stand out. The former can set a tone the designer describes as both elevated and natural, avoiding the dreaded chaotic feel of contrasting tile elements.

5. Terrazzo

“Terrazzo tile is undoubtedly playful and cutesy, but since it’s such a defining visual feature in any room, I think it’s another trend that will feel dated soon,” says Askinasi.

These days, the designer is looking to accessories, such as art, fabric, and even kitchen tools, to provide a splash of color. “If you’re investing in tile, you want to pick something that can change with your tastes over time.”

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6. Pattern on Pattern

Murals, mosaics, and patterns on patterns are in, but Askinasi says the more permanent feel of tile can make this a treatment you might come to regret. “It takes a lot more work and money to switch out tile than it would to get a cushion recovered,” she says. “For that reason, I try not to go overboard with tile illustrations.”

7. Marble 3-D Tiles

“My biggest issue with this design is that it can be dizzying,” says Askinasi. To give your floors a big dose of interest without compromising your or your guests’ equilibrium, the designer suggests using a herringbone layout. “You don’t have to do it in a classic, bigger block way. Play around with herringbone as a base, and you’ll land on something both fun and livable.”