For years, interior design trends favoured simplicity—plain painted walls in neutral shades were the go-to choice for homes across the UK. But times have changed. More and more homeowners and designers are moving away from bare walls in favour of texture, personality and pattern. And at the centre of this shift is the growing popularity of wall tiles.

Tiles have broken free from the confines of bathrooms and kitchens and are now being used creatively throughout the home. From bold feature walls to subtle textures that catch the light, tiles offer a level of interest and permanence that paint simply can’t match.

The Rise of Texture in Interior Design

One of the biggest reasons behind the move away from plain walls is the demand for more texture in our interiors. Smooth, flat paint finishes have their place, but they often fall short when it comes to creating depth and atmosphere. Tiles introduce a tactile quality that adds warmth and richness to a space.

From lightly rippled ceramic to polished porcelain and hand-finished encaustic styles, tiles provide surfaces that are as pleasing to touch as they are to look at. Whether used in a hallway, around a fireplace or in a bedroom alcove, the effect is instantly more layered and lived-in.

Tiles That Tell a Story

Tiles don’t just cover a surface—they make a statement. With so many colours, shapes and finishes available, it’s now easier than ever to create a unique feature wall that reflects your personality or design vision. Geometric patterns, Moroccan-inspired designs, metro tiles laid in herringbone formations—these are choices that turn walls into talking points.

Unlike a painted wall, which might need regular touch-ups or redoing when trends change, a well-chosen tile design feels timeless and considered. It brings intentionality to a room and suggests thought and creativity in the design choices.

Practical Beauty That Lasts

While people are drawn to tiles for their looks, their practicality shouldn’t be overlooked. Unlike painted walls that mark, chip or fade over time, tiles offer a long-lasting finish that stands up to everyday wear and tear. This makes them perfect not just for splash zones in kitchens or bathrooms, but also for hallways, living rooms and open-plan spaces where durability matters.

They’re easy to clean, resistant to stains and moisture, and hold their appearance for years. For busy households or homes with pets and children, tiled walls can be both a design feature and a smart practical choice.

Expanding Design Possibilities

Modern tiling no longer means sticking with basic square shapes or clinical white surfaces. Today’s designs include scallop-edged tiles, oversized slabs, 3D surfaces and even tiles that replicate natural materials like wood and fabric. These design innovations are giving homeowners more freedom to experiment.

Using tiles vertically instead of horizontally, combining gloss and matt finishes, or mixing shapes and sizes in a single scheme are just some of the ways creative minds are using tiles to push beyond the limitations of plain painted walls.

Colour and Contrast That Last

Paint can be unpredictable. Even with the best preparation, colours may appear differently depending on light and application. Over time, walls can fade, scuff or suffer from discolouration. Tiles, on the other hand, deliver true, lasting colour. Whether you go bold with jewel tones or keep things neutral, the finish stays vibrant year after year.

Glossy tiles reflect light beautifully, helping to brighten darker rooms, while matt and textured finishes absorb light in a way that softens a space. Combining both can create contrast and definition in ways that a single wall colour often can’t achieve.

Seamless Transitions Between Zones

In open-plan living spaces, using tiles can help define different areas without the need for structural changes. A tiled wall behind a dining space or TV unit creates visual boundaries while still allowing the room to feel connected. Tiles can also be used to link indoor and outdoor spaces when carried from a kitchen out onto a garden wall or patio.

This flexibility is something designers and homeowners are embracing—using tile not just as decoration, but as a tool to shape how a space flows and functions.

More Than Just for Wet Rooms

Tiles have traditionally been seen as a practical choice for wet or steamy environments, but their role in interior design has now expanded well beyond that. Tiling behind a bed instead of using a headboard, wrapping a chimney breast in textured tile, or using mosaic as a splash of detail in a cloakroom—these are all examples of how tiles can add elegance and structure in unexpected places.

Design-led cafes, hotels and shops have embraced this look for years, and homeowners are now following suit, bringing the bold, characterful style of commercial interiors into their own living spaces.

A Style That Works With Everything

One of the greatest strengths of tiles is how easily they adapt to different styles. Minimalist homes benefit from sleek, tonal tiles that add depth without visual clutter. Period properties can be enhanced with classic patterns or traditional materials like marble and terracotta. Eclectic spaces come alive with vibrant colour combinations and handmade finishes.

Tiles complement other materials beautifully too. Paired with wood, metal, concrete or exposed brick, they form part of a layered design language that works across modern, rustic, and industrial interiors alike.

A Shift Towards More Thoughtful Interiors

Plain walls aren’t going away entirely, but their dominance is definitely fading. As homeowners look to personalise their interiors and invest in finishes that are both beautiful and built to last, tiles offer an exciting alternative. They combine function with creativity, helping to create homes that feel individual, textured and carefully considered.

For those looking to move beyond the basic and embrace more design-led living, tiles provide an ideal canvas—one that adds substance, style and staying power to every wall they cover.