The great thing about bathroom tiles is that they are so versatile, with the innate ability to be used in a variety of different ways. There's no greater proof of this than what you'll see here in this collection of bathroom tile ideas that touch on so many different facets, techniques and styles of interior design. Featuring some of the best talent in the country, you'll find much to be tempted and inspired by to kickstart your own creative journey.
1. Marry yourself to marble
Marble tiles are arguably the most luxurious option to consider for a bathroom and if you're going to indulge yourself with them, then you might as well fully commit to it. A great example of this can be seen in this stunning bathroom renovation in Remuera by Borges Design with the use of large format marble tiles on the floor and walls. The large tile size really allows the natural veining of the marble to shine through for an elegant and organic look.
Featured project: Remuera Renovation by Borges Design
2. Shape a feature wall into your design
Bathroom tiles traditionally only existed in square and rectangular formats but now come in a variety of shapes, allowing homeowners to create something unique and captivating. You can amplify this further by using them in a feature wall, like the hexagon tiles showcased in this stylish bathroom renovation by Treetown Kitchens. Combined with its beautiful shades of blue, it dazzles the eye, elevating the bathroom to one that stands apart.
Featured project: Tamahere Renovation by Treetown Kitchens
3. Seek seamless serenity with a tiled walk in shower
The best bathrooms are soothing spaces where you can seamlessly transition from one area to another without even realising it. A tiled walk in shower allows you to do this effortlessly, especially when the same tiles are used throughout the design. The bathroom in this Papamoa Beach house by Flowerday Homes features exquisite Oceanic Floor Tiles in this way, achieving an incredibly calming ambience for its occupants to enjoy.
Featured project: Papamoa Beach House by Flowerday Homes
4. Go for a polished look with a glossy finish
Another nice tile characteristic that offers a variety of options is its surface finish, allowing you to incorporate different elements of texture and light into your design. One option here is to select tiles with a glossy finish, as seen here in this Mount Eden bathroom by Trinity Interior Design. The reflective qualities of these tiles perfectly illustrate the vibrancy they can bring, working off both the artificial and natural light sources in the space.
Featured project: Mount Eden Bathroom by Trinity Interior Design
5. Take textures to the next level
The bathroom is a very tactile place as a sanctuary for cleaning and grooming, which is why the manipulation of texture comes up time and time again in bathroom design. As already discussed, bathroom tiles are a fantastic exponent of texture in look and feel. This contemporary bathroom in Alexandra by Instinct Interiors takes this idea to the next level, using large stone tiles on the bathroom walls and floor and patina-styled subway tiles as a feature. It's a dynamic pairing and one that creates depth and stylish contrast.
Featured project: Alexandra Residence by Instinct Interiors
6. Enhance your space with encaustic tiles
Encaustic tiles are a type of patterned tile that evokes history and heritage, dating back to the European Middle Ages. They are a great way to make a feature of your bathroom floors, enhancing the whole space with their detail and charm. This bathroom in St Heliers by Nicola Manning Design benefits from all these qualities, with encaustic tiles that are allowed to shine in all their glory.
Featured project: St Heliers Ensuite by Nicola Manning Design
7. The all-white approach
A big advantage of bathroom tiles, especially porcelain and ceramic tiles, is that you can find them in almost any colour, allowing you to carefully curate a colour scheme. One of the most popular choices is the all-white bathroom, wonderfully done in the ensuite of this Georgian style home in Fendalton by Ingrid Geldof Design. The white tiles of polished natural stone give the bathroom a sophisticated, luxurious feeling accentuated by the colour scheme that personifies purity.
Featured project: Fendalton Ensuite by Ingrid Geldof Design
8. The all-black approach
At the other end of the spectrum, a bold choice is to opt for an all-black approach seen here in this stunning bathroom in Wiri by Celia Visser Design. It's a dramatic, statement bathroom if there ever was one, and the large black tiles canvas the space full of unique, one-of-a-kind features. If you want to create a memorable, designer bathroom, then this is a great idea to consider.
Featured project: Wiri Bathroom by Celia Visser Design
9. Downsize and square-up with mosaic tiles
Mosaic tiles are a great idea for a bathroom offering plenty of visual interest and intrigue and a surprising amount of versatility. This is demonstrated to a tee in this bathroom in Mairangi Bay by Lloyd Hartley Architects that boast bathroom walls carefully constructed with square mosaics. The use of these small square tiles perfectly complements this innovative design which features a curved bathroom wall that extends around to the shower cubicle.
Featured project: Mairangi Bay Home by Lloyd Hartley Architects
10. Stick with the classic choice of the subway tile
Sometimes a simple idea is the best idea — a statement that rings true when considering subway tiles for your bathroom. Fully embraced in the bathroom walls and bathtub surrounds of this bathroom in Queenstown by Macfie Architecture, its sleek form makes the bathroom feel familiar and comfortable. The light grey grout lines here also help soften the look but give them enough definition to draw the eye.
Featured project: Bungalow Bathroom by Macfie Architecture
11. Bet on a trifecta of tiles
Most bathrooms will feature at least one type of tile. Some will opt for two. Few are daring enough to try for three. This exquisite bathroom in Remuera by Bespoke Interior Design belongs to the latter group, utilising three different types of tiles. Large format bathroom floor tiles, a touch of marble for the bathroom walls and a splendid feature of mosaic tiles inside the shower. It's not an easy thing to do but, when executed well, it looks sublime.
Featured project: Rangitoto House by Bespoke Interior Design
12. Add dimension to your bathroom design
Bathrooms are often smaller spaces in the home and can also be unusual in shape. One of the ways to deal with this challenge is to play with depth and dimension and a good strategy for this is to use textured tiles. This unique bathroom in Tutukaka by Houston Architects used wave form textured tiles to evoke the sea and counter the angular aspects of the room. It works rather nicely and helps make a focal point of the indulgent freestanding bath.
Featured project: Tutukaka Bathroom by Houston Architects
13. Unleash the artist within using glass tiles
This list has featured a lot of natural stone but we can't end it without a tribute to the humble glass tile. In some ways, they are the jewels of the tile family. Their glossy, vibrant, shimmering qualities can bring a lot with a little, as seen in this Lynmore bathroom by Marlene Hudgson Design. The use of glass bronze tiles in the shower adds lustre, drama and personality to the space in a pure form of expression, like a great work of art.
Featured project: Lynmore Bathroom by Marlene Hudson Design
Some great bathroom tile ideas to inspire you
With some of the best bathroom tile ideas in the country covered, you'll hopefully now understand the possibilities and potential that are at your fingertips. From shaped wall tiles to intricate encaustic tile floors, the options and opportunities are vast. Take your time and think carefully about how bathroom tiles can help you achieve the bathroom you've always dreamt of.
Related article: Designer bathtub tile surround ideas for Kiwi homes