You’ve probably noticed something odd happening in interior design lately. Patterns. Everywhere. Tiles that look like they were ripped straight out of a 1963 magazine spread are suddenly the cool kids again.
To be fair, I didn’t see this coming. I assumed the “retro tile revival” would be one of those trends that shows up on social media for a week and then quietly leaves the room. But here we are. People are swapping out safe grey floors for bold, almost mischievous patterns. And kitchens and bathrooms seem to be the places where this comeback is hitting hardest.
Maybe you’re wondering whether it works in real life or if it’s just one of those things that property managers rave about when they try to make a rental kitchen feel interesting without spending too much. They love a good tile moment. I get it. Tiles last. They’re easy to clean. And when the right pattern hits the right light, it does feel like the room has a pulse.
Perhaps you’ve also heard property managers suggest patterned floors as a way to make older homes feel intentional rather than “vintage by accident.” And honestly, they might be onto something.
Let’s talk about why patterned tile floors from the 60s are making a comeback, why they work surprisingly well today, and why your kitchen or bathroom might secretly be begging for them.
Why the 1960s style is suddenly everywhere again
If you look closely, you’ll spot a pattern in today’s patterns. They’re cheerful. A bit quirky. They don’t take themselves too seriously. Think geometric shapes, playful curves, sunburst motifs, or the kind of flowers that look like they belong on your grandmother’s apron.
I think people are craving a bit of personality at home. After years of neutral minimalism, the pendulum is swinging the other way. People want spaces that feel warm and slightly lived in. They want rooms that stand out. Something with charm.
And 1960s tile does exactly that. It’s bold. Memorable. It acts as a built-in decor layer. You could keep the rest of the room simple and the floor would still carry the vibe.
Plus, patterned tile is durable. Unlike some modern flooring trends that look amazing for six months and then betray you when the humidity shifts, tile stays steady. Property managers know this. It’s one reason you’ll see them recommend patterned tile in rentals that need to handle people, pets, and the occasional “oops” moment.
Patterned tile works even if the rest of the room isn’t perfect
One of the best things about these 1960s style tiles is that they forgive a lot. If your kitchen cabinets are a bit older, or your bathroom vanity has “character,” the patterned floor can pull the eye away just enough to make everything feel intentional.
You could have a very average room and still create a “wow” effect with the right tile.
It also brings in movement and texture without having to clutter your shelves or add things you’ll later have to dust. Honestly, who enjoys extra dusting? Not me.
And if you’ve been thinking about flooring ideas for workspaces, too, you might enjoy reading more about modern tile solutions like the ones in this article about office carpet tile. Different setting, similar principle.
How to choose the right patterned tile without going overboard
Here’s where things get tricky. Patterned tiles are fun, but too much pattern can turn a room into a dizzying puzzle. Sometimes I walk into bathrooms where every surface is screaming for attention and I’m not sure where to look. Or what to feel.
So, a few things to consider.
Pick a pattern you won’t get tired of next month
Some patterns are timeless. Others are… loud. If you feel unsure, hold a sample tile on your floor and stare at it while you drink your morning coffee. If you still like it after three days, you’re probably safe.
Balance the rest of the room
If the floor has a strong personality, keep your cabinets, walls, or shower tile simpler. Let the floor be the confident one.
Choose colors that play well with your existing things
You don’t need everything to match perfectly. But aim for harmony. Something that feels like it belongs even if it’s a bit unexpected.
Think about maintenance
Most patterned tiles today are porcelain or ceramic, which hold up incredibly well. Just make sure they have a finish that’s easy to clean because, yes, real life happens. Spills. Mud. Toothpaste attacks.
A quick word about kitchens
Kitchen floors take a beating. You drop things, spill things, cook things that splatter in ways you did not anticipate. Patterned tiles hide a surprising amount of chaos.
And I mean this in the nicest way. If your cooking style is anything like mine, you will appreciate how forgiving these floors are. The pattern adds visual interest that makes little imperfections less noticeable. Not that you should neglect cleaning. Just… life feels a bit easier.
Interestingly, patterned tile can also make small kitchens feel designed instead of cramped. A well-chosen geometric tile elongates the space. A softer floral pattern can add warmth if your cabinets look a little too modern and sharp.
And if resale value is something you’ve been quietly thinking about, flooring upgrades tend to help. You can read more about that in this article on flooring upgrades that boost home value. Patterned tile fits right into that conversation.
Bathrooms love patterned tile too
Bathrooms are the most tile-friendly rooms in any home, so if you want to try the 1960s comeback somewhere low risk, this is your spot.
A patterned tile floor can make even a plain white bathroom look chic. Or playful. Or whatever your style leans toward. Small bathrooms especially benefit from something visually interesting on the floor. It keeps the room from feeling like a box.
If you’ve ever looked into how small home upgrades can smooth the turnover process between tenants, you may have already come across conversations about turnovers made easy on the Earnest Homes blog. It approaches the topic from a slightly different angle, but the idea is similar. Thoughtful, low-stress improvements can make a space feel refreshed without stretching the budget.
If you rent out your home or plan to someday
Patterned tile makes spaces memorable. Renters remember memorable. It’s not about going bold for the sake of bold. It’s about creating a room that looks like someone cared.
Property managers often choose patterned floors for precisely this reason. It makes a home feel just unique enough to stand out in a long list of listings. And a kitchen with character or a bathroom with personality often photographs better too.
While we’re on the money topic, if you’re deciding between furnished or unfurnished rentals someday, you might find this comparison helpful from Priority One about which option makes more money. Patterned tile works for both setups by the way.
So, should you bring the 1960s tile trend into your home?
If you like personality, durability, and a room that makes you smile a little when you walk in, I’d say yes. Perhaps not in every single corner of the house. But a kitchen or bathroom. Definitely.
You don’t have to go wild. Even a subtle patterned tile can change the whole mood. And the best part is you get to enjoy something that’s practical and charming at the same time.
Maybe that’s why this trend keeps growing. It reminds you that homes are meant to feel interesting. Lived in. A bit bold sometimes.
And honestly, who doesn’t like a little comeback story.