checkered tile floor near a colorful patterned rug.

Patterned Tile: Past, Present, Timeless

Bathroom Renovation, Design Trends, Featured, Sustainability

August 30, 2025

At Jkath, we’ve long believed that flooring materials carry just as much weight as the ones at eye level. Patterned tile has a way of instantly grounding a space, both literally and stylistically. Whether laid in bold contrast or soft tonal shifts, it’s a detail that speaks to history while keeping pace with modern design.

A person wearing white sneakers and blue jeans stands on a cobblestone pavement with scattered brown pine needles

A Nod to the Past

Patterned tile is nothing new. It’s a centuries-old craft with roots across Europe and the Mediterranean. From encaustic cement designs to checkerboard stone floors in stately homes, pattern was once the backdrop of everyday life. We love that by reintroducing this tradition into today’s homes, we connect to the old-world while layering in modern finishes. This beautiful green mosaic was captured on a personal trip in the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, built in 1895. The above image are original stone pavers in Glasgow outside the Glasgow Cathedral, providing inspiration for many Midwestern mudrooms today.

Geometric tile floor with a pattern of black and white diamonds and squares.

A Modern Approach

In the homes we design, pattern isn’t about being loud. It’s about being intentional. A two-tone checkerboard in stone or porcelain adds quiet drama. Larger-format squares create a sense of rhythm without overwhelming the room. And when paired with natural stone counters, brass hardware, or custom cabinetry, the effect is one of balance: collected, timeless, and perfectly livable.

Tile Bar: Fordham Grigio and Blanco porcelain tiles cut into 12 x 12 squares.

A pair of gold handles on a dark cabinet with a glass door, set against a black soapstone countertop and grey checkered tile floor.

Why We Love It

Timeless Appeal – Checkerboard, herringbone, and geometric motifs never truly fall out of style.
Durability Meets Beauty – Tile brings both resilience and artistry to kitchens, entries, and mudrooms.
Design Flexibility – From high-contrast black and white to softer gray-on-taupe palettes, the range is endless.
Patterned tile is having its modern renaissance, not as a fleeting trend, but as language that continues to evolve with us. It’s a reminder that every detail, from custom cabinetry details to the floor beneath your feet, deserves its moment in the spotlight.