6 Outdated Tile Choices That Interior Designers Aren't Using Anymore — And What They Say to Try Instead

By Ellen Finch published 16 June 2024 in Ideas

Cookie-cutter subway tiles

If you are looking for an alternative to subway tile layouts, consider experimenting with other shapes. ‘Introducing a unique shape through your tile selection is a fun way to add subtle interest to your space,’ says Laura Tribbett, principal and founder of Chicago design firm Outline Interiors. ‘We opted for a custom glazed Ann Sacks swiss cross in this schoolhouse style kitchen and it really makes a difference. You get a similar rhythm / repeat that a typical subway tile would yield, but you're totally mixing it up with that unique cross form.’

Muted grayscale

‘Maybe it's because I'm the parent of two young girls, but I am currently very much into multicolor everything,’ says Laura Tribbett. ‘When my team and I saw this “rainbow” concrete tile collection online [above], we put it in our back pocket and knew we would one day present it to a client with an open mind. That day came sooner than we expected and thus, the “rainbow shower” was born!’