Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms of the home to remodel.  You want the spaces to look fresh and modern, but you don’t want to choose materials that are too trendy and will go out of style. Some design trends, like granite counters and eco-friendly appliances, have staying power, while others are popular for a few years and then fall out of fashion. Kitchen and bath tile are one of the telltale signs of age in a kitchen or bathroom. Picture the bright pink and blue tiles of the 1960s or the ornately patterned tiles of the 1980s. The make a home feel dated. To avoid regretting your decision in a couple years, follow these tips for choosing tile that won’t go out of style. 

Play it safe with neutrals

While you don’t want the kitchen or bathroom to look drab, colorful and bold tiles - while trendy - are a risk. If you tire of the color in a few years or the shade goes out of style, you’ll have to either live with the tile or rip it out and start again. If you’re craving a pop of color, consider incorporating a row of accent tiles in the bathroom or using a colorful backsplash in the kitchen. Or, you can introduce color with paint or accessories instead. Generally, it is best to avoid tiling your entire kitchen or bathroom in a bold color.

Consider white subway tiles

Subway tiles have been popular in bathroom and kitchen design for nearly a century. They are neutral and classic, but they also have character. Subway tiles are also easy to clean, which is imperative for kitchens and bathrooms.

If you choose a pattern, keep it classic

Patterned tile is far more likely to look dated in a few years than plain tile. However, that is not to say that you can’t choose a pattern if that’s what you like. The key is to find a pattern that is subtle, classic and understated. Think a subtle geometric pattern in a neutral shade such as light gray.

Avoid anything too new

Any style that is brand new can be a risk. There’s a balance here, naturally, because you want to design a space that looks fresh and modern. But it’s unwise to jump on the latest trend without knowing if it has staying power. Be wary of any tile trend that is brand new to the market or different from anything you’ve seen before. Sometimes these tiles are in vogue for just a season or two, then fall out of fashion. When in doubt, consult an interior designer and ask their opinion on your tile choice.

Consider natural stone

Natural stone has proved its staying power. No other material has survived the test of time so well. If you’re looking for a safe choice that is also beautiful, natural stone, granite or marble is an excellent choice. You won’t regret the decision five or 10 years down the road.

Choose dark tiles

Dark tiles in shades of black, gray or brown are in fashion, and this is a trend that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. Darker tiles look fresh and unexpected, but they’re still classic in style because they are neutrals. Tread lightly with dark tiles, however. You don’t want to cover the entire bathroom in dark tiles - perhaps just one area such as the shower. And if your bathroom is tiny, it is probably wise to avoid them altogether.

Jessica Dauray Interiors is a full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Founder, Jessica Dauray, and her design team specialize in custom interior design, as well as renovation and new home construction project consulting and management. JDI's unique interiors can best be described as livable and sophisticated. The designs incorporate classic, clean lines that function to fit your family's lifestyle and design aesthetic. JDI's projects include residences and corporate interiors throughout the New York Metropolitan area.