You know how good ideas are often kind of obvious in hindsight? Like sliced bread, or basketball nets (they used to be literal baskets – someone had to climb up and grab the ball every time!), or can openers? Well, today’s tile pattern falls into that category for me. Hear me out: I think it’s high time we gave plaid tile its fair shake.
OKAY, OKAY. I can hear your scoff from here. Indulge me! We’ve seen striped tile; stacked tile; checkered tile – why not plaid? It’s timeless (literally – some estimate that the tartan pattern is over 3,000 years old!), it’s unexpected, and it feels like a breath of fresh air. Below, you’ll find 19 design-forward spaces that nail the look – take a peek and let me know what you think. Are you mad for plaid, or is this better left for the pages of our favorite design magazines? I NEED TO KNOW. But first, let’s talk about all the magic things plaid tile can do…
It Creates A Sense Of Place
CABIN. WOODS. LUMBERJACK. CAMPFIRE. FLANNEL. Did I guess right? Were those the first things that came to mind when you saw this mountain retreat by Noz Nozowa? (“Oh my god, that’s a really loud bathroom” might be up there, too.) But that’s the best part about this buffalo check surround – it creates such a specific sense of place. I mean, can’t you just picture yourself sinking into a steaming tub after a long day of chopping lumber?
Let’s say you’re setting up a wine bar in San Francisco. You want it to feel familiar and cozy and safe, like walking into a memory. Enter: this patterned linoleum floor, which instantly transports guests to (a) their favorite 1950s diner or (b) their 1970s dive bar or even (c) their high school auditorium. It’s comforting without being overt or overpowering.
It Adds “Oomph” In A Neutral Space
White cabinets. Quartz counters. A butcher block island. Stainless steel appliances. If it sounds like I’m describing your kitchen, it’s probably because I am (albeit unintentionally). And you’re in good company, too – my mom has the same setup in my childhood home. It’s a classic combination for a reason! But the simple addition of plaid tiled walls elevates this kitchen from everyday to extraordinary. (The beautiful photos by Key don’t hurt, either.)
GENIUS use of pattern. Hear me out: imagine this floor in wood! It’d emphasize the unique shape of the kitchen, and the uniformity would make the space feel unfinished – you’d want to see some sort of art or small table to fill in the negative space on the left. But in plaid…it’s perfect.
WELL, DANG. That’s one way to make a first impression! In a room full of stunners (The trim! The leaded glass! The Murano pendant! The oak door!), this mosaic floor takes the cake. Totally show-stopping. Totally timeless. It transforms the whole entry, don’t you think?
It Creates Flow
Want to add a smidge of color? Perhaps I can interest you in about ~40 sky-hued tiles dispersed amongst an earthy plaid floor. They’re subtle enough to blend in, but they could also serve as a jumping-off point for a more saturated paint color should this family ever be interested in a bathroom refresh.
How good is that pop of plaid? If you’re working to connect rooms with bold, disparate color schemes (I’m looking at you, orange and navy!), consider tiling your hallway in a complementary plaid hue. The hard finishes here makes this space feel FAR more polished and intentional than a plaid rug, too. (I’m filing this one away for my own future use.)
It Balances Monochromatic Color Schemes
This cascading tile is so stunning that I bet you didn’t notice that nearly EVERY OTHER VERTICAL SURFACE is cladded in wood. (I’ll give you a second to scroll back up and peek in the mirror. You see that back wall? All oak, baby.) It’s a symbiotic relationship: the unexpected tile freshens up the wood walls; the timeless pattern brings gravitas to the on-trend warm-toned walls.
Talk about balance! The neutral floor brings a utilitarian, functional edge to this twee wallpaper (donned with adorable dog illustrations, FYI) and saccharine front door. And let’s be real: if this floor works with baby pink, it’ll work with ANYTHING.
It Softens Traditional Spaces
Lovers of traditional design styles often find themselves navigating the tightrope walk between “too precious” and “too casual.” You’ve designed a beautiful home – how can you signify that it’s livable? You guessed it: PLAID FLOOR. (Friendly, kind-eyed dogs and whimsical floral arrangements don’t hurt, either.)
I’ll take one of these, please. Shaker cabinet fronts, a big farmhouse sink, a beautiful bridge faucet…and a sweet, unexpected floor that says “Hey, I know how to do color in an elevated way.” That combination is DIVINE – I can only imagine how dynamic this space is when it’s styled with warm wooden trays and cheery yellow flowers!
It Can Transform A “White Box”
Ah – the dreaded “white box.” (Read: a room with no inherent architectural detail.) Some folks love a white box; others, like myself, feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. In this case, a coat of limewash paint, a patterned floor, and beautiful stone detailing transform this bathroom from builder-grade box to architectural marvel.
NOW WE’RE TALKING. Is there trim? No! Is there moulding? No! Did anyone even think to check? No! WHITE BOX, TRANSFORMED. (But seriously – the commitment to the grid pattern – even in the trashcan! – is inspiring. May we all find such a strong design point of view in our own homes.)
It Offers Vintage Charm
Well, this is adorable. Imagine: you enter through the Dutch door on a warm spring afternoon. “This couldn’t possibly be cuter,” you’d think, walking towards the duck egg island. And then, you’d see it: the world’s sweetest stove niche. I WOULD SIMPLY FAINT. What a delightful surprise in a home filled with original details!
I’ve heard that a picture is worth a thousand words, and for the most part, I think that’s true. The exception? THIS picture, which is worth an entire novel’s worth of words. (From here on out, I will be imagining this kitchen in every mid-century home I pass.)
It Adds Big Impact (Even With A Little Footprint)
For years, we’ve told you to play with the design in your powder room. Try a loud wallpaper! Try a bold paint color! But NOT ONCE have we suggested a mosaic tile floor – the injustice ends today. How fresh is this?! The blue tones are SO good – these tiles will be easy to pair with a number of other colors, should any future residents wish to install the aforementioned loud wallpaper/bold paint/traditional powder room ephemera.
Oh, hello. I didn’t expect to run into you here in this LITERAL DOLLHOUSE COME TO LIFE. How much charm does this gingham backsplash bring to this kitchen? Seriously – imagine the same photo with a simple white zellige or a stacked subway tile. It’s a tiny design choice that transforms the look and feel of the room as a whole. MAGICAL.
It Creates A Budget-Friendly Statement
The best part about plaid tile? IT’S BUDGET-FRIENDLY. Let me rephrase: it can be budget-friendly. Almost all of the above floors and backsplashes were crafted from simple combinations of 2″x2″ or 4″x4″ tiles. As a lover of printed concrete tile, there’s something liberating about realizing that I can DIY my own patterns!
One more tip: ask your favorite tile manufacturer or retailer if there are deals to be found on seconds, scraps, or overstock product. Plaid tile will require at least 3 different shades, which means that you may only need a box or two of each color you select – this opens you up to a whole WORLD of discounted tile. You might be able to land yourself a tiled statement wall for less than the cost of a standard wall!
Alright – the tile you’ve seen runs the gamut. WHAT SAY YOU? Is this a trend for us normal gals, or is it too much? I know which side I’m on – what do you think? xx
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: How Our New Laundry Room Came Together
