4 trendy bathroom patterns (And what to do instead)

Over the years, we’ve seen some strong patterns in small spaces, like the powder bath, that are AWESOME, there is no denying that.

But because they are so awesome, those patterns have gained a lot of eyes that have been inspired to recreate them in spaces.

Here are some of those patterns, and if you are a fan of them (I am too), here’s how you can take that inspiration and make it your own to avoid looking like it’s already been done:

1) The GUCCI heron wallpaper

Stunning as it is – it’s been in a magazine, which means it’s been seen and done at this point. So take this as inspiration and put your own touch on it. Here’s how …

If you like this wallpaper, you’re not afraid to go bold. An alternative to try would be another unpredictable, organic mural wallpaper, like one of these below:

2) The King’s Star tile

I saw this in a restaurant bathroom a few years ago and took a photo of the public restroom, hoping no one walked through the door, because I ADORED it. I had never seen anything like it before. But now I feel like I’ve seen it in many bathrooms and kitchens, so it feels “done before” to me.

The good news is there are so many tile options out there, that one can easily create the same effect in a room without using the same tile as everyone else.

If you like this tile, then you probably like geometric patterns and appreciate symmetry. An alternative tile to try would be one that creates a fun and clear pattern, like one of these below:

3) The Feather Flock wallpaper

Another popular (and more affordable than Gucci) bathroom wallpaper in recent years is this Feather Flock pattern, especially since it comes in so many colors.

If you like this wallpaper, you probably like modern symmetry in your design styles without feeling too geometric, as geometric might feel too sharp.

Here are some alternatives to try that are symmetrical with a modern, organic twist:

4) The Checker tile

This is a fairly classic and timeless pattern, but we’re definitely seeing this become a trend as many people are getting in on the look (even by painting their existing floors). We saw it come into fashion a few years ago, and now it’s really hitting interiors at scale.

Checkered floors will continue to be a classic and timeless look when done well.

Here are a few tips to do your checker floor tile well (and so it won’t look like you did it during a DIY trend in a few years).

Use the right scale for your pattern

You don’t want too big of tile for a room because it will look like a mistake. A small room with too big of tile will feel crowded, fast.

For example, this is too big of tile for this size of a room – it looks like only 3 tiles can go across this floor. You barely get to see the pattern repeat. And choosing charcoal/white checker pattern (high-contrast pattern) brings attention to the floor where someone can easily see that the bathroom is probably around 4 to 5 feet from behind the toilet to the wall in front of it (assuming three 18-inch tiles).

Generally, my advice would be to not choose a high-contrast floor tile for a smaller room. Even when the tile is appropriately sized, it still draws attention to the floor and shows off the small dimensions. If you’re really drawn to checker floor tile and only have small bathrooms, here’s some tile inspiration:

If you’re committed to high-contrast black and white, then try a rounded tile. It will help blur the lines and dimensions.
Go with smaller tiles so that you can see the pattern repeat. Plus choose a light color to contrast the white so it doesn’t draw as much attention.
Choose a tile with a pattern within each tile. This will help create a more seamless look that draws attention away from the typical point of contrast in tile (edges & grout lines) and therefore prevents the room from feeling cramped.

Have a border tile

Notice the black border tile around the checker tiles. This helps the final look feel complete and well-planned.