Fresh, Contemporary Designs That Transform Your Space
Tile is one of the most impactful design choices you can make in a bathroom remodel. It sets the tone for the entire space—adding texture, personality, and visual structure. Modern bathrooms today embrace clean lines, natural textures, and bold creative layouts, all made possible through carefully selected tile styles. At Cardinal Baths, we help homeowners choose tile designs that elevate aesthetics while staying durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting.
Below are the top 10 modern tiling styles that instantly bring a fresh, contemporary look to any bathroom.
1. Large-Format Tiles
Oversized tiles create sleek, uninterrupted surfaces that make bathrooms feel open and airy. With fewer grout lines, they also deliver a clean and minimalist finish.
2. Vertical Subway Tiles
A modern twist on the classic style. Stacked vertically, subway tiles elongate the room, add height, and feel fresh without departing from timeless design.
3. Matte Concrete-Look Tiles
Perfect for industrial, minimal, or spa-inspired bathrooms. Concrete-look tiles offer soft texture and understated elegance with exceptional durability.
4. Terrazzo Tiles
A major comeback trend. Terrazzo’s subtle speckle pattern adds movement and depth, making it a standout choice for both floors and statement walls.
5. Herringbone Layout
This sophisticated pattern adds dynamic movement and instantly elevates the space. Ideal for creating a focal point in showers or behind vanities.
6. Natural Stone-Look Porcelain
Get the luxurious look of marble, travertine, or slate with the practicality of porcelain. A flawless way to blend style and easy maintenance.
7. Sculpted 3D Tiles
Texture adds depth and character. 3D tiles create stunning shadow play, perfect for feature walls that feel artistic and modern.
8. Hexagon Tiles
Whether micro-hex or oversized, this geometric style brings clean lines and contemporary charm. Works beautifully as flooring or niche accents.
9. Wood-Plank Porcelain
Warm, organic texture with the water-resistance of tile. Vertical installation makes bathrooms feel taller, while horizontal planks widen the space visually.
10. Mixed-Material Tile Pairings
Combine matte with glossy, smooth with textured, or stone-look with geometric shapes to create a layered, designer look with serious visual interest.
How to Choose the Right Tile Style for Your Bathroom
When Cardinal Baths helps homeowners design a modern bathroom, we consider:
- Your preferred aesthetic (minimalist, spa-like, bold, or industrial)
- How much natural light your bathroom receives
- The size of the space and how tile layout affects the proportions
- The wall surround and shower materials selected for durability
Tile is one of the best ways to add personality and modern character to a bathroom. With the right style, even small spaces can feel elevated, bright, and beautifully designed.


