So Long, Subway Tiles — Pixel Tile Mosaics Are Taking Over Social Feeds (See Why!)

For years, design trends seemed to have been shaped with resale value in mind. From millennial grey and “sad beige” color choices to white kitchen cabinetry and shiplap walls, many design elements were kept neutral and safe so that a home would appeal to future buyers. But these days, homeowners (and even some enterprising renters!) are taking the initiative to give their spaces a bit more personality — even when it comes to permanent features such as tile. 

White subway backsplashes have somewhat fallen by the wayside for far more colorful and exciting tile installations. From plaid tile mosaics to iridescent finishes, I’m loving any and all applications of the statement tile trend. But there’s one tile style I’ve been noticing lately that has me particularly obsessed: I’m calling them “pixel tile mosaics.”

I’ve been planning a kitchen backsplash project myself, so my Pinterest has been full of unique tile inspo for months. I’d seen a few of these so-called pixel mosaics here and there, but it felt like the trend was really solidified once I saw designer (and alum of Apartment Therapy’s Design Changemakers Class of 2023!) Emily Rayna’s plans for her upcoming bathroom renovation. Using a gorgeous deep red square tile as a base, Rayna plans to create a white floral pixel mosaic design as a sort of statement wall treatment in her tiny bathroom. Rayna is always ahead of the curve and seems to stop at nothing to bring her creative visions to life; I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s finally done! 

While traditional tile mosaics can involve custom-cut tiles, these whimsical pixelated designs simply use standard 1” squares to create shapes and patterns, making the final product look almost like pixelated graphics. As a fiber artist myself, some of these designs are familiar; it feels like people are taking inspiration from cross-stitch and crochet grids to create these designs. These cross-stitch patterns are easily found online, or you can use a spreadsheet to create a custom design like TikTok creator @RamboKelsey did below for her bathroom floor. The possibilities are endless for the mosaics’ designs and applications. From kitchen backsplashes to bathrooms, this trend can work anywhere — and it’s one that’s easily customizable. 

Choosing to install a mosaic tile like this is a surefire way to add some whimsy and personality to your space. Whether you’re doing a more traditional large-scale pattern like this lace-inspired floor tile or something more unexpected like this folksy bathroom shower scene, you really can’t go wrong. This might not be a look for everyone, but in my opinion, as long as it puts a smile on your face it’s worth it — whether you live there for one year or a hundred! 

Another thing I love about this tiling technique is that not only can it be personalized, but it also makes mosaics so much more approachable for DIYers. A pixel tile pattern is a great option for tile amateurs who want a unique and custom look without the price tag. They don’t require any tile cutting or special tools, and can be done for relatively cheap using standard square mosaic tile sheets. A pixel mosaic will still require a lot of time and meticulous work, however; depending on the scale of your project and the complexity of the design, it will be somewhat painstaking to arrange and install the colored tiles. But in my opinion, the payoff is worth it.

From pixel tile mosaics to color drenching, homeowners (and renters, too!) have been taking some big and bold style risks this year, and I’m absolutely loving it. I’ll never get tired of watching people make their spaces their own. Now, I can’t wait to watch this trend take off and see what creative new designs people dream up.