From Niche to Necessary: The Black Tile Revolution in Modern Homes

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What kind of tile can you put on the wall or shower?

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Do you have to seal tile?

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How much extra tile should I buy for my project?

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What thinset is the best for my tile application?

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How hard is it to maintain natural stone?

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You have questions.

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We have answers.

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Welcome to the Belk Tile Podcast.

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How to style the bathroom, the backyard, the kitchen, how to improve your home style with tiles to make your home absolutely beautiful?

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Welcome to the Belk Tile Podcast.

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Here's your host, Mike Belk so black tiles have been evolving from a niche design element to the centerpiece of modern spaces.

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You know they're particularly big in powder rooms these days.

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I mean 50% of modern homes now feature black tiles in those spaces.

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Can you imagine that?

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50%.

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Wow, I mean, even five years ago most people shied away from dark tiles, especially in smaller rooms like powder rooms.

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Exactly.

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It's interesting how the perception has shifted.

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Now people see black tiles as sophisticated, even transformative.

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In cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco they're especially popular.

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Homeowners there are leaning into bold, high-contrast looks.

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Why do you think that is?

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Is it just trendy, or is there more to it?

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I think it's a combination of factors, for one, urban living tends to favor modern and minimalist aesthetics, and black tiles.

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Well, they just scream modern elegance.

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Plus, they're incredibly versatile.

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In Chicago, for instance, I worked on a luxury condo not too long ago.

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The client wanted their powder room to really stand out, so we used black hexagon tiles as the centerpiece of the design.

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Oh, stop right there.

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Hexagon black tiles Tell me that looked amazing.

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Oh it did.

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We paired the black tiles with brushed brass fixtures.

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Talk about striking.

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The lighting played a big role too.

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Soft, warm lights brought out the depth in the tiles' matte finish.

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It honestly felt like stepping into a little jewel box.

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That's the thing, right.

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Light is so crucial with black tiles, Without the right lighting they can go from luxurious to well kind of oppressive.

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That's true In smaller spaces like powder rooms.

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Lighting needs to be carefully planned, but when done right, a black tiled space can feel cozy, even glamorous.

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And it's not just Chicago.

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Los Angeles homes lean heavily on glossy finishes for a sleeker, more modern vibe, while San Francisco incorporates black tiles with a more rustic or industrial edge.

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Oh, I love that.

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So it's like each city has its own personality when it comes to black tiles.

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Exactly, and what's fascinating is that black tiles aren't limited to powder rooms.

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They're making their way into kitchens, living rooms, even outdoor spaces.

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It's really about mixing them with complementary elements like metallics, greenery or wood to create a balanced look that suits the space.

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I mean, the versatility alone is mind-blowing, Like whether you're aiming for bold, ultra-modern or something a little cozier, black tiles can do it all.

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Speaking of versatility, patterns are where black tiles really shine.

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They can completely transform a space.

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So what are some of the most popular patterns you're seeing lately?

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Patterns yeah, they're huge.

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Right now, hexagon, herringbone and chevron are dominating.

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Hexagon tiles in particular seem to have this timeless yet modern vibe.

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They can add structure to a space but still feel organic, you know.

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For sure.

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And herringbone it just gives this classic but fresh energy.

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Every time I see a black herringbone backsplash I want to like immediately redesign my kitchen.

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Herringbone's been really popular in kitchens lately, but it's versatile enough for floors or accent walls too.

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And then there's chevron, which, similar to herringbone, feels bold and directional but brings just a little more flair to the table.

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Yeah, I love that Chevron kind of pulls your eye through the room making it feel bigger.

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But okay, patterns aside, finishes are what really seal the deal with black tiles.

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Right, like there's such a difference between glossy and matte.

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Absolutely Glossy finishes are all about luxury and drama.

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They reflect light beautifully, making spaces feel larger and more open, perfect for smaller rooms.

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But matte Matte brings this soft, grounded elegance.

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It's more muted, easier to maintain and, honestly, better for high traffic areas.

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And then you've got slate finishes right.

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They give such a natural textured look.

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I worked on a project last year where we paired matte black subway tiles with brass fixtures.

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It was like instant drama.

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Oh, that sounds stunning.

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Brass and black tiles are a match made in design heaven.

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Mixing metallics with black tiles, whether it's brass, gold or even chrome, elevates the entire space.

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It's bold but balanced.

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Totally.

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And then when you throw in a pop of color like deep emerald green or a dusty pink, oh my gosh, it just completely transforms the vibe.

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Yeah, that color pop is a great way to soften black tiles while maintaining their dramatic impact.

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And let's not forget pairing black tiles with white for that classic high-contrast look.

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It's simple, timeless and works in pretty much any setting.

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Oh, 100%.

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Plus, you've got the option of mixing multiple textures in one space, like combining matte floors with glossy walls or slate accents.

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It just keeps the design interesting, you know.

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Exactly.

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Texture and contrast are key when working with black tiles.

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They give depth and personality to a room without overwhelming it.

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The options are practically endless.

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So with how finishes and pairings can completely transform a space, it's also key to think about the materials themselves Ceramic, porcelain, marble, slate they all bring their own vibe and, of course, their own price point.

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Let's break it down.

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Right Ceramic tiles, for example, are probably the most affordable option.

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They all bring their own vibe and, of course, their own price point.

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Let's break it down Right Ceramic tiles, for example, are probably the most affordable option.

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They're super versatile, come in tones of finishes and styles and they tend to fall on the lower end of the pricing spectrum.

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We're talking a few dollars per square foot for some really solid choices.

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Which makes them perfect for someone doing like a budget-conscious bathroom refresh.

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Right, but then you've got to step up with porcelain tiles, which feel a bit more luxe and definitely more durable.

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Exactly, porcelain is a great middle ground option.

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It's denser, less porous and can handle higher foot traffic, so it's a smart choice for kitchens or even outdoor patios.

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You're looking at anywhere between $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the texture and finish.

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And then there's black marble tiles oh my gosh, they're just.

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That's peak luxury right there.

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But let's be real, they don't exactly come cheap.

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No, marble's definitely a higher-end option.

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With its veining and polished sheen it's truly stunning.

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But you're looking at $20 to $30 per square foot, and that's before installation costs.

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It's more of an investment, but for spaces like a master bathroom or an entryway it's tough to beat in terms of impact.

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Totally agree.

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But what about slate?

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I love that.

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It bridges the gap between earthy and chic and it just feels so tactile, you know.

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Absolutely.

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Slate tiles are incredibly durable and they perform well in areas exposed to elements like outdoor spaces or mud rooms.

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Price-wise, they're somewhere between porcelain and marble, so typically around $10 to $20 per square foot.

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Plus.

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They're naturally stain-resistant, which makes them really practical.

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Oh yeah, I had a project where we used black slate tiles on an outdoor patio.

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The clients were worried about spills and stains because you know it's a space they entertain in all the time.

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Slate was like the perfect solution.

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They loved the natural texture and it holds up beautifully against weather and wear.

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That's a great example, and what's nice about Slate is that, like you said, it brings that natural element while still feeling upscale.

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It's the kind of material that works in everything from rustic to modern designs.

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Exactly, and that's what's so great about these different materials You've got options that fit every style, every budget, and they don't feel like compromises.

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It's all about choosing what works best for the space and the way it's used.

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Couldn't have said it better myself.

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I think that's a wrap for today and hey, if this episode helps just one person feel more confident about picking out their black tiles, then we've done our job.

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Totally.

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This has been so much fun.

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Thanks for joining us everyone, and we'll catch you next time.

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You've been listening to the Belt Tile Podcast.

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When it comes to creating a beautiful home using tile, this is the podcast for products, design ideas and tips.

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