Transcript
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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.
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Hey everyone, welcome back to the Belk Tile Podcast.
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I'm Abby and, as always, I'm here with Mike.
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Good morning Abby.
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Hello everyone.
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Well, I thought we would do something different today and I would lead off.
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Oh, that sounds good to me.
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I will sit back and drink my coffee and follow your lead.
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Okay, let's get this started.
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Today we're diving into the tile patterns that are going to be everywhere in 2025.
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And honestly, mike, I feel like this year is all about being bold, like really making a statement with your tile choices.
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Yeah, absolutely Abby.
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I mean, we've seen a shift over the last couple years, but 2025 is just well, it's next level.
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Geometric patterns are huge right now Hexagons, trellises, even some wild abstract motifs.
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It's not just about the shape either.
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It's the scale, the color, the way people are mixing and matching.
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It's a lot of personality packed into a backsplash or a bathroom wall Totally, and I love that maximalism is back.
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We're seeing oversized prints, moroccan-inspired motifs and mosaics that are just unapologetically vibrant.
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I actually just wrapped up a kitchen project where we did a hexagon backsplash in emerald and gold I'm not kidding Mike.
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It took this super dated kitchen and made it the spot where everyone wants to hang out.
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It's a conversation starter for sure.
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That's the thing, right.
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Tiles aren't just a background anymore, they're the main event.
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And you mentioned Moroccan motifs.
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Those are popping up everywhere, especially in bathrooms and entryways.
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I've even seen some checkerboard revivals, but with unexpected color combos, not just the classic black and white.
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It's like if you want your space to have energy now's the time to go for it, and let's not forget the Art Deco influence.
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I'm seeing a lot of bold lines, rich contrasts and those deep, sumptuous colors.
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It's got that vintage glam, but it feels fresh, not stuffy.
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I think people are just ready to have fun with their spaces again, you know.
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Yeah, and I think the key is don't be afraid to mix things up.
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If you want to try a big pattern, maybe keep the rest of the room a little more neutral so the tile can really shine.
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Or if you're feeling adventurous, go all in with color block tiles, I mean kitchens and entryways are perfect for that kind of drama Exactly.
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And if you're not sure where to start, just pick one wall or a backsplash.
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You don't have to commit to a whole room.
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Sometimes a little boldness goes a long way.
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So, speaking of bold, let's talk about texture.
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I feel like Abby.
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We're seeing more and more people wanting that tactile, three-dimensional look.
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It's not just about color or pattern anymore.
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It's about how the tile feels, how it plays with light, Textured, stone-look tiles, fluted and ribbed surfaces.
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Even 3D sculptural effects are all over the place.
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Yeah, and matte finishes and those organic earthy hues are everywhere.
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People are moving away from the high-gloss cool grays and leaning into warm terracottas muted greens.
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High gloss, cool grays and leaning into warm terracottas, muted greens and soft beiges.
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It's all about creating a calming, grounded vibe and, honestly, matte tiles are so forgiving no glare, no smudges, just a really soft, sophisticated look.
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I had a client recently who wanted to redo their living room and we used these contoured, fluted porcelain tiles on one wall.
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The texture was subtle but when we added the right lighting, it just well.
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It became the focal point of the whole space.
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The shadows, the depth, it was really something.
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And you know lighting is key with these kinds of tiles.
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If you want to highlight the texture, you got to plan for it.
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Absolutely, and I love that.
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Sustainability is finally front and center.
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We're seeing recycled glass tiles, terrazzo with recycled content, even cork-infused ceramics.
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It's not just about being eco-friendly.
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Though these materials look and feel luxurious, you don't have to sacrifice style for sustainability anymore.
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Yeah, and I think that's a big shift.
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People want their homes to reflect their values, but they also want them to look great.
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So you get these beautiful, durable tiles that are also good for the planet Win-win right.
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Totally, and if you're thinking about using these new materials, just make sure you check with your installer about any special requirements.
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Some recycled glass tiles, for example, need a little extra care during installation, but it's worth it for the look and the peace of mind.
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All right, so let's shift gears a bit.
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Classic patterns, herringbone, chevron, hexagon they're not going anywhere, but they're definitely getting a makeover.
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I'm seeing herringbone with oversized planks, chevron in bold colors and hexagons in everything from tiny mosaics to huge, almost mural-like layouts.
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It's like the classics but with a twist.
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Yeah, and large format tiles are a big part of that.
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You get fewer grout lines, which makes the space feel bigger and more connected.
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I mean we talked about this in our episode on shower floors how the right pattern and scale can totally change the vibe of a room.
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Vertical installations are also trending, especially with subway tiles.
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It draws the eye up, makes ceilings feel higher and just gives a modern edge.
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Okay, mike, I gotta ask do you think it's time to retire the classic subway tile or do you think those new proportions and artisan glazes keep it fresh?
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Oh, that's a tough one.
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I mean, I'm a sucker for a good subway tile, but I get it.
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People want something new.
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I think as long as you're playing with scale, color or finish, subway tiles can still be super stylish.
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But if you're just doing the same old white, maybe it's time to mix it up a bit.
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Yeah, I'm with you.
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I love a classic, but I think the key is to make it your own.
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Try a vertical stack, go for a handmade look or pick a bold color and, honestly, with all the artisan glazes out there now, even a simple subway tile can feel totally new.
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And don't forget, these patterns aren't just for walls, floors, fireplace surrounds, even outdoor patios.
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There's so much you can do.
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It's all about finding the right balance between timeless and trendy.
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Exactly, and if you're not sure, just start with a small area like a powder room or a backsplash.
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You can always go bigger once you see how much you love it.
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Now let's talk about how all these patterns and textures actually come together.
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Installation is getting a lot more precise these days Laser guided layout tools, new adhesives that cut down on install time all that good stuff.
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It's not just about the tile you pick, it's how you put it in and, as we've said before, even the best tile can look bad if it's not installed right.
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As we've said, before.
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Even the best tile can look bad if it's not installed right For sure.
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And color is a huge part of the story for 2025.
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We're seeing earthy tones think terracotta, honey, muted greens, paired with soft pastels and even some metallics.
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It's all about layering colors for a dynamic but still cohesive look.
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I love using metallic accents with matte tiles for a little extra pop, and don't be afraid to mix in a pastel or two, especially in bathrooms or bedrooms, where you want a calming vibe.
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Yeah, and if you're a homeowner or a designer listening, my best advice is to plan ahead.
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Get samples, lay them out in your space and see how they look in different lighting.
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Don't just go off a photo or a showroom display.
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And if you're trying something new, like a 3D tile or a bold color, test a small area first.
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It's way easier to make changes before everything's set in stone literally.
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And don't forget about grout.
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Contrasting grout can really highlight a pattern, but if you want a more seamless look, go for something that blends.
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And, like we said in our last episode, proper prep and installation are everything.
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If you're not confident, bring in a pro.
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It's worth it for the peace of mind.
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Absolutely.
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And that's a wrap for today's episode.
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We hope you're feeling inspired to try some of these trends in your own space.
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There's a lot to play with, and we'll be back soon with more ideas and tips.
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Abby, always a pleasure chatting tile with you.
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Same to you, Mike.
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Thanks everyone, everyone for listening.
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Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what tile trends you're loving this year.
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We'll catch you next time on the Belk Tile Podcast.
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Bye, Mike.
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Bye Abby, take care everyone.
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You've been listening to the Belk 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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We hope you got some useful practical information from this show and we'll be back soon, but in the meantime, reach out.
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The website is wwwbelktilecom.
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Make sure to leave a rating and review and if you have questions or comments, reach out and we'll talk about it on the next show.
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Till next time.