Top Ceramic Tile Design Trends for Western New York Homes

Ceramic tile is a perennial favorite for its durability, moisture resistance, and versatility qualities that are particularly valued by homeowners in Buffalo, Jamestown, and across the challenging Western New York climate. But while its performance is non-negotiable, its aesthetics are constantly evolving. Forget simple white squares; today’s ceramic tile is a key design element, offering incredible opportunities to introduce texture, pattern, and bold personality.

At Custom Carpets Center, we track the emerging ceramic tile design trends, helping you find a style that not only fits your home’s character but also maximizes its practical use. Here are the top trends defining WNY home interiors right now.

Trend 1: The Emergence of Large-Format Tiles

The move toward larger ceramic tiles is one of the most dominant trends today, offering a sleek, sophisticated, and contemporary feel to any room.

Seamless and Expansive Looks

• Minimizing Grout Lines: The main appeal of large-format tiles (24″x24″, 12″x24″, or even larger) is the reduction in visible grout lines. Fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more monolithic look reminiscent of vast slabs of stone, which visually expands the size of the room and makes for easier cleaning.
• Subtle Textures: Large format is often paired with subtle textures, such as wood-look grains or the soft veining of natural stone replicas. In an entryway or living area, this creates a high-end, sophisticated floor that feels quiet and expansive.
• Subway Tile Evolution: Even the classic subway tile is growing. Instead of the standard 3″x6″, homeowners are opting for elongated formats (4″x12″ or 2″x8″) to give a traditional pattern a modern, updated spin, often running them vertically or in a stacked pattern instead of the classic offset brick layout.

Trend 2: Bold Geometry and Pattern Play

For smaller areas like powder rooms, kitchen backsplashes, or fireplace surrounds, homeowners are embracing complex patterns and shape-mixing to create striking focal points.

Mixing Shapes and Colors

• The Hexagon is King: Hexagonal tiles especially those with high-contrast patterns or solid colors are hugely popular. They provide a softer alternative to sharp-edged squares and are perfect for creating unique designs on the floor or as a kitchen backsplash focal point.
• Mixing Patterns in One Space: A bold emerging trend is the intentional use of two or more different tile patterns in one space. For example, using a simple, solid-color subway tile on the main shower walls, then using a highly detailed geometric or Moroccan-inspired pattern on the shower floor or in a niche. This adds complexity and a bespoke, custom feel.
• Going Vertical: In the shower or on a wall, installing rectangular tiles (like subway tiles) vertically draws the eye up, making the ceiling feel higher a simple design trick to add height to a room.

Trend 3: Embracing Color and Texture

Ceramic tile’s ability to hold deep, saturated color and intricate texture is being fully exploited by WNY designers seeking to move beyond all-white kitchens and bathrooms.

Saturated and Earthy Tones

• Saturated Hues: Instead of pale blue, deep, saturated colors like forest green, navy blue, and matte black are trending for backsplashes and bathroom walls. These colors create a moodier, more luxurious atmosphere, especially when paired with metallic fixtures.
• The Look of Zellige: A popular aesthetic involves using ceramic tiles that mimic the handmade, slightly imperfect Moroccan Zellige tiles. These tiles have a high variation in color, texture, and glossiness across individual pieces, creating a rich, textured wall that feels handcrafted and unique.
• Patterned and Encaustic-Look Tiles: Homeowners are using patterned ceramic tiles (often mimicking century-old encaustic tiles) in laundry rooms and entryways. These tiles often feature bold, repeated geometric or floral patterns and are an excellent way to introduce high visual impact in a small, well-defined space.

By understanding these trends, you can use ceramic tile to transform your Tonawanda or Niagara Falls home, blending practical WNY durability with cutting-edge design.

Ready to bring cutting-edge tile design into your home? Contact us or visit one of our showroom locations in Orchard Park, NY – Williamsville, NY – Tonawanda, NY – Niagara Falls, NY – Olean, NY (Shop at Home) – Jamestown, NY. Custom Carpet Centers has become the Number One floorcovering dealer in the WNY area. We have three distinct divisions: retail/residential, commercial/contract and new home builder, each specializing in the very specific needs of those specific customers. Our areas of expertise include Carpet , Hardwood Flooring , Laminate Flooring , Luxury Vinyl Plank/Luxury Vinyl Tile , Waterproof Flooring and Resilient Flooring. For over 50 years, we have continued to maintain a strict policy that we will never sell seconds or off goods to any of our customers.