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Many homeowners struggle with tile selection. Tile affects how a space functions, how easy it is to clean, and how a home feels each day. A busy household with kids, pets, or frequent visitors needs surfaces that stay strong even with daily use. When tile stains, chips, or ages too fast, the home feels harder to maintain. This adds stress to routines that are already full.
Families also look for materials that support calm and organized spaces. A room feels different when tile brings balance instead of distraction. Colors, textures, and layouts influence the tone of a home. Homeowners may feel overwhelmed because the options are wide and the results last for years. This makes every tile decision feel weighty.
This is where Architessa enters the picture. Architessa is a respected tile and architectural surfaces company with decades of experience. In this feature, we speak with David Benson, CEO and President of Architessa. David has a clear view of what homeowners searched for in 2025. His team works with designers and builders nationwide and understands which products perform well and which trends are gaining momentum.
Their insight pairs naturally with the work of AV Architects + Builders. Led by Francisca Alonso, AV Architects + Builders brings more than two decades of experience in designing and building custom homes in Northern Virginia. The firm focuses on modern living and simplified daily performance. When both teams share their expertise, homeowners receive guidance grounded in design principles and supported by real-world product knowledge.
This article helps readers understand tile trends that shaped 2025. It outlines key insights from the interview facilitated by Francisca Alonso and provides practical direction for anyone planning a new home or renovation. The goal is to make tile choices clearer, smarter, and more aligned with daily life.
Year in Review
What tile trends defined 2025 for residential design? Are there any colors, sizes, or patterns that stood out compared to last year?
Warm tones set the direction for 2025. Homeowners wanted tile that felt natural and grounded. These colors helped create rooms that felt balanced and easier to maintain visually. Many families shifted away from cold grays and chose earthy palettes instead. The change created more comfortable and welcoming interiors.
Large format tiles continued to rise in demand. These formats help reduce grout lines and give open spaces a cleaner appearance. They work well in living rooms, kitchens, and wide hallways. Francisca Alonso noted that her clients asked for simple layouts that reduce visual clutter and support modern living.
Patterns also returned strongly. Versailles layouts became popular among homeowners who wanted movement and variety without overwhelming the space. Mixed sizes added interest while staying easy to pair with other elements in the room. This made patterned tile feel fresh again and suitable for many home styles.
The Vista House, Great Falls, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
Innovation and Materials
Were there any new materials or technologies in tile manufacturing that caught your attention this year?
David explained that manufacturers focused on advanced finishes. Instead of introducing new materials, factories improved the quality of porcelain textures. Better presses and refined production methods created surfaces that look and feel more natural. These updates brought more depth, variation, and tactile comfort to porcelain options.
Semi polished surfaces, tumbled edges, and slip resistant finishes showed noticeable improvement. These details made porcelain more versatile across indoor and outdoor spaces. Homeowners gained access to tile that performs well in wet areas, heavy traffic zones, and feature walls.
Francisca added that texture plays a big role in design results. A floor that feels good underfoot adds comfort to daily routines. Walls with refined surfaces elevate mood and help light move through a room in a softer way. These improvements offer designers more flexibility when shaping a home.
Best Sellers
Which tile collections or looks were the top residential sellers for Architessa this year?
Palatial recorded the strongest performance in 2025. Homeowners liked its classic marble look and the wide range of sizes that fit different rooms. It offered flexibility during installation and supported both modern and traditional interiors.
Aristocrat 2.0, Lutece, and Jetty followed closely. These collections highlight warm limestone tones and gentle variation. They appealed to homeowners who wanted an updated look without leaning into heavy patterns. David said that interest in limestone tones grew faster than expected and stayed steady throughout the year.
The 12x24 size continued to dominate. It sold three times more than the next format. This confirmed how strongly homeowners prefer a balanced layout that feels clean and easy to maintain. The success of this size shows how practical considerations guide many design decisions today.
Creative Applications
Beyond kitchens and bathrooms, where are you seeing homeowners get creative with tile in 2025?
Outdoor spaces grew into a major area of interest. Homeowners upgraded pool decks, patios, and exterior walkways with durable tile. David shared that sales of exterior stone, zellige inspired options, and pavers increased significantly. These materials helped families extend the function of their homes beyond indoor rooms.
Many households invested in outdoor living because it provides more space for gatherings, everyday relaxation, and practical routines. Tile performs well outdoors because it withstands weather, water, and heavy foot traffic. Families valued the combination of appearance and durability.
Francisca Alonso added that outdoor spaces play a larger role in modern home design. They support wellness, recreation, and flexible use. Tile provides consistency between interior and exterior areas, which helps create a unified look across the property.
Personal Favorite
What was your personal favorite tile trend or collection of 2025, and why?
David shared that limestone inspired porcelain stood out as his personal favorite. It captures the character of French and Italian stone with the convenience of porcelain. These tiles offer subtle tones that work with many interior styles. They add warmth without feeling heavy.
He used the Lutece series in his own kitchen. The 24x48 format created a clean and cohesive layout. He said the upgrade made a strong difference in the feel of the space. The tile delivered durability and a timeless look.
Francisca Alonso noted that when a professional uses a product in their own home, it signals trust in its performance. David’s choice highlighted how limestone tones meet both style and daily function needs.
Looking Ahead
What tile trends or innovations do you predict we will see in 2026?
David expects 3D textured materials to grow in popularity. Fluted surfaces, rustic finishes, and depth driven designs are gaining attention. These textures give walls and surfaces more visual impact without requiring complex patterns.
He also pointed to a growing interest in travertine inspired porcelain. European manufacturers are already leaning toward this direction. These options provide the look of natural stone with easier upkeep, which appeals to many homeowners.
Francisca Alonso explained that porcelain accent walls already appear in many custom homes. They create a strong feature while staying simple to clean. This trend will continue as more families look for low maintenance design upgrades.
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The Hill House, McLean, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders
Explore Tile Solutions
What is the best way for people to reach you or visit Architessa to explore these designs in person?
David recommends starting with architessa.com. Architessa offers a wide range of tile and architectural surfaces, along with detailed Style Guides that help homeowners compare looks, explore materials, and make informed decisions. Their team provides expert advice on selecting products that are both stylish and durable. Visit their website to browse collections and download guides.
For homeowners planning a custom home or renovation, the AV Architects + Builders team led by Francisca Alonso can guide you through tile options and integrate them seamlessly into your overall design. Schedule a discovery call today to discuss your project, and explore the Learning Center for articles and resources supporting every stage of home building. Connect with Architessa and AV Architects + Builders to start planning your tile selections and bring your vision to life.
