Most of us mainly associate tiles with two rooms in the house – the kitchen and the bathroom, where, no doubt, their durable water and heatproof qualities come in handy. Yet think beyond the ordinary when it comes to using this time-honored material in your home, and you’ll be rewarded.

We know there’s a wealth of ways in which the humble tile can be used to enhance a space, so we talked to 7 interior design experts to find out about the projects in which they’ve used tile ideas more unexpectedly. From creating patterns and statement walls to zoning, it’s seriously worth considering the countless possibilities of tiling, and exactly what you want to create by introducing them.

1. Consider a fire surround

(Image credit: Chris Snook)

Historically, fireplace surrounds were often covered in decorative tiles as an inexpensive way of introducing color and pattern to a room. In this project, Sophie Rowell, from the interior design studio Côte de Folk, created a statement fireplace using coffee-brown Zellige tiles, making the fireplace a key feature of the open-plan living room.



The versatility of tiles goes beyond just the kitchen and bathroom. Interior design experts have found innovative ways to use tiles in home decor projects. From creating statement fire surrounds to personal legacy walls, there are endless possibilities. Hand-painted murals, tiled bar areas, and unexpected tiled panels add flair and individuality to any space. Zoning bath areas in bedrooms and creating modernist-inspired tile waves are also popular choices. When it comes to using tiles in decor, thinking creatively and outside the box can lead to stunning results.