Transforming basic tile into a luxurious, high-end look doesn’t have to involve breaking the bank. With a few creative design tricks, you can elevate the simplest tile into a sophisticated feature. The key lies in exploring patterns, finishes, and color combinations that add depth and visual interest. In this guide, we’ll explore ways to turn basic tile into a stunning focal point that looks anything but ordinary! Keep reading for more.

Create Patterns with a Single Tile

Back Splash & Flooring

Elevating a basic tile design is easier than you think, and it starts with getting creative with patterns! A simple tile can transform into a stunning focal point with just a bit of imagination. Take the back splash in the picture, for example: each tile is laid individually to form a cross-hatch pattern that adds both texture and visual interest. In a mudroom setting, we turned a classic brick tile into a herringbone arrangement. Or, for an even more playful approach, consider using irregularly shaped tiles to craft a unique and eye-catching design. The possibilities are endless when you let your creativity lead the way!

Fireplaces

Fireplaces are another fun place to switch things up. In the left image, a standard brick fireplace gets a fresh look with bricks turned vertically. This simple change above the fireplace and at the top adds a striking pattern and elevates the classic brick wall. On the right, we took a more adventurous approach by creating an archway with brick tiles. The arch stands out against the plain white background, making it a bold focal point in the room. These tweaks show how a little creativity can transform a basic fireplace into a standout feature.

Different Orientations of a Tile

Horizontal Stacked

Elevating the look of basic tile in showers can be as simple as changing up the traditional subway pattern. Recently, we’ve been experimenting with different orientations, as seen in the images above. Here, we use a horizontal stacked pattern, where tiles are turned horizontally and stacked neatly above one another. This approach creates clean, sharp lines that add a modern touch to any shower space. It’s particularly effective with longer rectangular tiles, enhancing the style. This simple switch can make a big impact on the overall look of your shower.

Vertical Stacked

Similar to the horizontal stacked tiles is the vertical stacking pattern. It’s just as straightforward as it sounds: tiles are oriented vertically and stacked up and down. You can choose shorter tiles for a more compact look or longer tiles for a sleek, elongated effect. We’ve installed both styles, and each creates a stunning shower tile design. The vertical pattern adds a fresh touch, proving that a simple tile can lead to the most striking results!

Vertical Offset

Another tile orientation that can elevate a basic subway pattern is the vertical offset. In this design, tiles are oriented vertically and then “brick set,” meaning each row is offset by half a tile. This orientation offers a classic and traditional look, but with a bit more visual interest than the standard subway pattern. It adds a timeless charm without falling into the basic trap, giving your space a refined yet stylish update!

Same Tile, Different Versions

Different Colors

To make a bold statement with standard tiles, try incorporating different colors! A classic approach is to use a black and white combo, as shown in the images above. But don’t be afraid to explore other color combinations depending on your desired look. The versatility of this style is astounding. You can take a simple square floor tile, select two colors, and create a stunning pattern. This technique transforms a basic tile into a striking design element, all with minimal effort!

Different Finishes

Additionally, combining glossy and matte finishes of the same tile can create a subtly unique look. At first glance, the tile looks uniform, but as you move and the lighting shifts, you can see the difference. This variation adds depth and texture, making the tile design more dynamic and visually interesting. It’s a simple trick that can elevate a standard tile pattern into something truly distinctive!

Elevating basic tile to achieve a high-end look is all about embracing creativity and thoughtful design. By experimenting with patterns, playing with color combinations, or mixing finishes, you can truly transform ordinary tiles. These tips prove that you don’t need expensive tile to get that elevated look!

Shop below for some of our favorite basic tiles:

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