Timeless Trends: Elevating Home Design Without Becoming a Time Capsule

In the world of home design, trends come and go. But every now and then, a trend surfaces that isn’t just about looks—it’s about function and experience. One trend designers are embracing right now? Tile drenching.

Rather than sticking to traditional zones like shower walls or tub backsplashes, tile drenching extends tile onto walls, floors, and sometimes even ceilings—creating an immersive, spa-like environment.

According to interior designer Jeff Andrews, this isn’t just a fleeting trend. “Tile drenching is not a new technique, but it has endured over the years, because it is as practical as it is timeless in a bathroom.” It makes spaces feel cohesive, expansive, and easy to maintain.

Designer Laura Lubin, founder of Ellerslie Interiors, adds that the appeal lies in creating environments that feel calming and sensory at the same time. “In a world craving both simplicity and sensory richness, this technique strikes the perfect balance.”

From the practical to the aesthetic, designers are finding creative ways to embrace this look.

What the Experts Recommend

1. Focus on Color and Mood.
Designer Rochelle Zemlak, founder of Rochelle Lynne Design, suggests using neutral or soft tones to keep the space timeless and calming. Natural textures like travertine and muted stone tones work beautifully for this. If you’re bolder, moody and saturated hues can create a dramatic statement without overwhelming the room.

2. Be Strategic with Tile Size and Placement.
According to Molly Torres Portnof, founder of DATE Interiors, proportions matter. Oversized tiles help avoid a busy look, and mid-size tiles maintain the serene effect without feeling clinical. Smaller mosaics can work—but overuse them and the result can feel cluttered.

3. Pay Attention to Grout.
Laura Lubin recommends matching grout to your tile for a seamless, enveloping feel. But if you love geometric patterns, contrasting grout can highlight shapes and angles—just be sure you’re aiming for intentional impact, not visual chaos.

4. Keep It Cohesive.
Designer Gray Walker notes that tile drenching works best when you limit your material palette. Sticking to one tile throughout the space keeps the look bold yet harmonious. Using the same tile floor-to-ceiling creates continuity and makes smaller bathrooms feel larger.

5. Balance With Lighting.
In a fully tiled space, lighting matters. Soft, indirect light will prevent your tile from feeling cold or sterile. Think sconces, backlit mirrors, and warm temperature bulbs to soften the overall look.

6. Partial Drenching Is Just Fine.
If fully tiled walls feel like too much, designers like Camilla Masi suggest using tile drenching selectively—perhaps wrapping tile from the floor into the shower area or extending it up a half-wall behind a soaking tub. This achieves the immersive feel without overwhelming the room.

My Take: How I Approach Trends Like This in My Own Home

Personally, I design with a clear goal: avoid making choices that will timestamp my home to a specific decade.

Consider this:

• All-white, sterile kitchens? Pure 2020s.
• Cool grey walls throughout? So very 2010.
• Burgundy, warm beiges, and shiny gold fixtures? Straight out of the 1990s.

For my home, I choose designs that I hope won’t scream any particular era when I look back five or ten years from now. But here’s the truth: it’s impossible to avoid trends completely. If you love something—and it genuinely brings you joy—lean into it. For me, tile drenching is one of those trends I appreciate, but I’d embrace it in moderation.

I love the idea of a floor tile gently wrapping into the shower and maybe continuing up a half-wall behind a tub. This feels modern and calming, but not overpowering. It allows me to nod to the trend without shouting it.

At the end of the day, you can’t design your home for a fictional future buyer. You’re the one living there now. Your home should refresh you, excite you, and make your daily life better.

When you decide to sell, you can evaluate then what updates make sense for buyers. Until that day? Make choices for you. Trends like tile drenching, when done thoughtfully, are simply one way to elevate your space without sacrificing personal style.

Final Thought

If you’re drawn to the idea of tile drenching, keep it simple, cohesive, and personal. Trends come and go—but a space that feels like you never goes out of style.

Considering updates to your own home?
Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply looking to fall back in love with your space, I’m here as a resource. From timeless upgrades to market-focused renovation advice, I help Charleston homeowners make smart, stylish decisions that work for them—and eventually their potential buyers.

Reach out anytime—I'd love to be your resource, whether you're remodeling, buying, or just curious where to start.