Why settle for ordinary when your tile can make an extraordinary statement? Today’s design trends are all about reinventing the layout—taking familiar shapes and arranging them in bold, unexpected ways that add personality, depth, and style to any room.

From timeless subway tiles to sleek, elongated rectangles, a fresh layout can instantly transform your space from predictable to unforgettable. Here are two trending techniques that are stealing the spotlight in today’s interiors:

Vertical Stacking Subway Tiles – The Classic with a Twist

Subway tiles have stood the test of time—but flip the script (literally) and watch your walls come to life.

• Elongate & Elevate: Placing subway tiles in a vertical stack draws the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher and spaces airier—perfect for cozy bathrooms or compact kitchens.
• Sleek & Minimalist: Straight, parallel lines create a clean, contemporary look that pairs beautifully with modern cabinetry and fixtures. The vertical lines of Manhattan Cloud from the Fifth Avenue Collection take geometric subways to new heights with this stunning design.

• Pop with Grout: A contrasting grout color defines the vertical lines, turning your tile into a true design feature.
• Size Versatility: Whether you choose the classic 3×9 format or on-trend sizes like 2×12, vertical stacking works across the board.
• Beyond the Backsplash: Try it on shower walls for a spa-inspired feel or on a statement wall to create a captivating focal point.

Boldness of the Double Basket Weave

The double basket-weave layout offers a modern take on an old favorite. Comprised of pairs of vertical tiles framed by pairs of horizontal tiles, this tile pattern is easy to plan and install.

• Timeless Appeal – Inspired by classic woven textiles, this layout adds heritage charm while still feeling fresh and on-trend.
• Visual Depth & Texture – The interlocking pattern creates subtle movement, making floors or walls feel more dynamic.
• Versatility Across Styles – Works beautifully in traditional, transitional, and modern interiors.
• Space-Defining Effect – Breaks up large surfaces with a structured, eye-catching design that draws the eye.
• Grout Selection – Narrow spaces between these tiles are filled with dark grout to subtly define the dimensional pattern.
• Durable Beauty – The repeated structure hides minor wear and dirt, making it practical for high-traffic areas.

Don’t Let Subways Have All the Fun – Think Mosaics Too

Mosaic tile isn’t just for simple grids—their variations in material, color and shapes make them perfect for creating unique wall designs.

• Get creative with how you place that linear mosaic. No rule says it has to go in a horizontal direction. Like the subways above, flip it to a vertical position for a sleek look. Stakes Sepia from the Glassique Collection is turned on its side, adding height to this powder room wall.

• Herringbone, chevron, pinwheel and pebble mosaics give you instant abstract design in a single piece of tile. Plus, the ease of installation found with a mosaic tile is a reward in itself for the DIYer. 
• Combine multiple products on a single wall. Think ceramic subway with a glass mosaic border or waterfall. Here, Mystic Rain from the Euphoria Collection adds a touch of shape and shimmer to the shower space.

Tile Framing – Custom Accents with Designer Impact

Tile framing is your secret weapon for highlighting architectural features with style and precision.

• Define & Draw Attention: Use a border of tile to make a window, shower niche, or backsplash the star of the show.
• Play with Contrast: Surround your framed space with a different color, texture, or pattern to add depth and intrigue. This extraordinary fireplace is the focal point of the room, using the stone Tangier from the Casablanca Collection.  

• Blend or Bold: Match your frame to your main tile for a subtle detail—or contrast dramatically for a designer-worthy statement.
• Function Meets Flair: A tiled shower niche doesn’t just hold your bath essentials—it’s also the perfect place to introduce an accent tile that reflects your personality.

Bring Your Vision to Life

Great design starts with bold choices. These creative tile layouts prove that with a little imagination, you can go far beyond “standard” and transform any space into a work of art. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or a small refresh, the wide selection of tile shapes, sizes, and finishes at Anthology Tile makes it easy to get creative with layout style.