If you’ve heard of color drenching—using a single hue in a space for a dramatic, cohesive look—get ready for its bolder, more textured interior design cousin. Tile drenching is a striking design trend that’s all about tile. If you’ve seen the Oscar-nominated film The Substance, you’ve seen this trend work in set design. Elisabeth Sparkle’s (Demi Moore) penthouse bathroom was bedecked in black and white tile. Technically you can tile drench in any space, but the design trend works best in bathrooms where moisture resistance, durability, and visual impact go hand in hand.
So, how do you pull off this sleek and stylish look? Here’s everything you need to know to master tile drenching.
Step 1: Choose the right tile.
Since this design trend means you’ll be covering multiple surfaces, you want a functional and visually stunning tile. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are a durable, affordable option. Better yet, they’re available in endless colors and finishes. Alternatively, porcelain has a low porosity and is an excellent choice for bathroom tiling. You can also opt for glass tiles that’ll help make a small bathroom feel larger. There are also Zellige Tiles (handcrafted in Morocco) as well as marble and natural stone options (but beware, these require more maintenance).
Step 2: Pick a color or pattern that’s cohesive.
If you want a calm and seamless aesthetic, use a single color tile in a matte or high-gloss finish. Soft sage green, deep navy, charcoal gray, or classic white can create a striking effect. You can also use slight variations of the same color (think different shades of blue or warm terracotta tones). Or if you prefer something more bold, use tiles in geometric shapes, terrazzo, or Moroccan prints. If you go this route, use a subtle grout color to avoid visual clutter, says an interior designer in Overland Park, KS.
Step 3: Mix textures and finishes.
Using the same color scheme can quickly overwhelm a space, but not when you play with texture and finish. For instance, a mix of glossy and matte tile finishes will catch the light in different ways. Textured or handmade tiles can also add richness in this sense.
Step 4: Use tile in unexpected places.
You’ll find tile on almost every surface in extreme tile drenching. But for a more subtle commitment to this design trend, carry tile over into floating vanities, bathtub surrounds, or shelving niches. Doing it this way will give your space a custom feel without overwhelming it.
Step 5: Use lighting to highlight your tile’s depth, color, and texture.
Wall sconces and LED strips can emphasize tile texture and reflections, while recessed lighting or backlit mirrors provide a modern touch without interrupting the tile design. You can also use pendant lights with warm bulbs to soften and prevent the space from feeling too cold or sterile.
Are you ready to let tile take over? Though this trend may seem challenging to do correctly, with the help of professional interior decorators, you can make all of your tile dreams come true with tile drenching.
