Tile Trends Around the World

Maria

Welcome back to the Tile Choices Podcast, everyone! I’m Maria, and as always, I’m here with Bruno. Today, we are taking a little trip around the world… through tile, of course!

Bruno Mendolini

Ciao! I’m very excited about this one, Maria. You know—tile, it isn’t just a thing for the floor or the wall. It’s, uh, like a window to the past, to the stories of the people who made them. Perfect example: Spanish azulejos. Did you know, some of those designs go back more than five centuries?

Maria

Yes! And those Moorish roots, right? The way those intricate geometric patterns and bold, bright colors took shape—it’s amazing. What I love is how even today, Spanish tiles are all about storytelling, almost like weaving history into the house.

Bruno Mendolini

Exactly. The patterns, they are not just for show. Each one has meaning. Geometry, floral, that famous brilliant blue glaze—ah, I remember seeing a tiled courtyard in Seville, every tile hand-painted, not a machine in sight. In Italy, we say you can’t fake that kind of soul.

Maria

Absolutely. And these tiles, they find a home everywhere—from sunny courtyards to stair risers, and now in modern kitchens. I had this client who wanted something special for her entryway. We mixed encaustic-look Spanish tiles with sleek, contemporary cabinets, and it just—wow, it popped! The whole space told a story the minute you walked in. It’s that drama and artistry, you know?

Bruno Mendolini

Si, and for the homeowners who want that touch of history… Spanish tiles are perfect. They bring a sense of—how do you say?—gravitas, but in a playful, colorful way.

Maria

That’s a good word, Bruno! And I think if you want an entryway or kitchen that makes people stop and say, “Tell me about this!”—start with a bold Spanish tile.

Bruno Mendolini

Now, Maria, from Spain we go west—all the way across the Atlantic! Mexican Talavera tiles. These are some of my favorites for color. They share some history with Spanish azulejos, but… they take it somewhere completely new, yes?

Maria

Oh, totally. Talavera’s got that Spanish heritage, but the colors—oh my gosh—cobalt blue, terracotta red, those golden sunny yellows. It’s like a fiesta in tile form. And, they’re all hand-painted, just like four hundred years ago! That folk art spirit—little suns, flowers, even animals sometimes.

Bruno Mendolini

You know, a few years back I visited a market in Puebla. Every tile, completely unique—the artists, they don’t try for perfection, eh? Those “imperfections” make each tile feel alive. I saw them used in a fountain outside a little restaurant, all the colors reflecting in the water. Just beautiful. Makes me want to go eat some tacos, honestly!

Maria

(Laughs) Same! And I love how the small irregularities feel so honest. In the design world, we call that “wabi-sabi” sometimes—beauty in imperfection. Mexican tiles just radiate warmth and joy. Great for backsplashes, or staircases, or like you saw, outdoor fountains. Super inviting.

Bruno Mendolini

It’s the kind of tile you reach out and touch when you pass by. Perfect for rustic or bohemian homes—if you want a space with soul, that’s it. Talavera brings that folk energy. But you have to balance—the color can be overwhelming if you don’t use it thoughtfully.

Maria

Alright, so from Mexico, let's head back across the pond to my favorite topic—Italian tiles! Bruno, this is your territory, so I’m gonna let you start.

Bruno Mendolini

Ayy, grazie! I grew up around these. You know, Italy, we have a long, long history. Renaissance mosaics—my nonna used to tell stories about the old churches in Rome—and then, of course, Carrara marble. But even now, Italy is leading, especially with porcelain technology. We take old elegance and mix with new innovation.

Maria

Right, the trends in Italian tile right now—marble-look porcelain, terrazzo coming back, even these huge slabs that are so seamless. It’s luxury but super practical, too.

Bruno Mendolini

Si, those large-format slabs—they make a bathroom feel like a fancy spa. And the porcelain, it looks like marble, but no high-maintenance, right? I’ve seen outdoor terraces, showers, whole living rooms with these slabs. It screams “la dolce vita!”

Maria

Oh yes, exactly. I just finished a project—a primary bathroom renovation using seamless Italian porcelain. The client said, “I feel like I’m at a five-star resort every morning now.” It’s elegant, but also durable—something Italian tiles have mastered. Everyone wants that timeless, high-end feel and Italian tile delivers, hands down.

Bruno Mendolini

It’s also about technical precision. Italian factories, they push the limits—more durable, more options for customization. So, if you want drama and a showpiece, Spanish style. For color, Mexico. But for refined luxury that lasts? It’s got to be Italy.

Maria

But, you know, no matter where tiles come from, trends keep changing. Something I’ve been seeing a lot lately—tiles made with recycled materials, more eco-friendly manufacturing. People are really thinking about sustainability now, not just style.

Bruno Mendolini

Yes, and beyond the “green” side, technology has, uh, exploded in tile design. We have 3D printing, digital tools that let designers and homeowners see patterns on the wall before even buying a single box of tile. Makes planning much easier, especially those big, bold looks.

Maria

Exactly. And I keep seeing “smart” tiles coming out—tiles with built-in lighting, or even heating. We’re not just talking about pretty surfaces anymore; it’s, uh, about how tile interacts with the way people live. Like, can your bathroom floor warm your toes on a cold morning? With these new integrations—it totally can!

Bruno Mendolini

It’s exciting, but I always remind people—don’t get lost in the tech. Choose designs and innovations that actually improve your daily life, not just what’s trendy. That’s, ahh, something we talked about back in the “Bathroom Tile Trends” episode, Maria—the balance between new and timeless.

Maria

That balance is a good point, Bruno. Another thing I’m loving is how material science is advancing. Tiles are lighter, stronger—you see it in these new outdoor spaces and busy restaurants where you couldn’t use fragile materials before.

Bruno Mendolini

Si, and customizable options are, like, exploding thanks to digital tech. For a homeowner, you can basically send in your own design—maybe your favorite flower, or your initials—and have that pattern printed on tiles. Completely custom look. It’s almost intimidating, how many options there are.

Maria

Yeah, and speaking of tech, smart tiles are popping up everywhere—like tiles with sensors that can control the temperature in your bathroom floors, or embedded LED lights for guiding you at night. It’s pretty wild. If you’re planning a renovation, think about what really adds to your space—sometimes it’s those little details, not just the “wow” factor.

Bruno Mendolini

Exactly! Don’t forget, sometimes innovation is also in the subtlety. Like, the ability to make a durable tile that’s thin enough for a wall covering, but tough enough for a busy family kitchen. That’s progress too, not just the flashy stuff.

Maria

Another thing I think is going to be huge—augmented reality, or AR, for picking tiles. It’s still kind of new for most of us, but being able to visualize exactly how a patterned tile will look in your entryway or shower before you commit? Talk about empowering people!

Bruno Mendolini

Si, and with so many tile brands moving to certified eco-labels—sometimes sustainability claims are, mmm, fuzzy. So, look for the certifications if you care about making a real impact, not just the buzzwords. That’s important with all these new options floating around.

Maria

Definitely. Also, the nature-inspired trend is only growing. You see more biophilic designs—tiles that mimic wood grains, stone, even plant patterns—because people crave those connections to nature. It’s not just a style choice. It’s about well-being, comfort, that sense of calm.

Bruno Mendolini

And, and, we hear this from designers all over: Bring in those global influences, but balance with your own needs. Mix Spanish or Mexican color splashes with Italian simplicity. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but remember less is sometimes more!

Maria

Absolutely, Bruno. Tile is more than a material—it’s a statement about your home, your values, your story. Don’t be afraid to travel the world through your design choices.

Bruno Mendolini

And with that—ah, our journey ends for today. Thanks for joining us as we explored tiles from Spain to Mexico to Italy, and beyond. Next week, we’ll talk all about grout colors—trust me, it matters more than you think! Maria, always a pleasure talking tile with you.

Maria

Same to you, Bruno! Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with anyone who’s dreaming of a home refresh, and check out our website for even more inspiration. Arrivederci, everyone!

Bruno Mendolini

Ciao tutti! Until next time!