Create Eye-Catching Tile Flatlays [ 5 Simple Steps]

Creating a flatlay is a simple and effective way of adding professional-looking visuals to plan the logistics of an upcoming tile project.

So, whether you’re chronicling your next renovation project on social media or looking to present your tile design ideas to a potential client, tile flatlays can help you experiment with color combinations, textures, patterns, and finishes to complement your style and bring the aesthetics of the space in harmony.

The result? You spend less time deciding on the design of the space and more time bringing your beautiful flatlay to life!

But, What Exactly Is a Flatlay?

Glad you asked! A flatlay is a style of photography in which you arrange items in a very controlled manner on top of a flat surface—usually on a table or the floor—to capture a bird’s eye view of a 3-dimensional scene.

It often involves careful planning and precision to create exciting compositions. But these days, it’s also a method that both professional and DIY interior designers use to style living spaces.

Flatlays for Interior Design

Typically, interior designers create stunning flatlays (also called moodboards or interior palettes) using fabric, carpet, counter, or plumbing samples alongside the tile to create the mood for an interior space.

At Tile X Design, however, we like to create ours using only tile because, well, that’s our thing!

In fact, we put a great deal of thought into our flatlay designs and feature different styles and patterns of mosaics, subways, stone look, or wood look tiles for a customized look that allows you to achieve any aesthetic you desire. And because tile is such a versatile surfacing material, the possibilities are endless. Therefore, if you need help creating a modern, rustic, or French farmhouse design, a tile flatlay is the perfect place to start.

How To Create a Tile Flatlay at Home

When working on a project that necessitates multiple tiled areas, flatlay design helps you visualize how one product will look next to another and how all the products together will function as a complete design.

To give your design projects a professional edge, follow these five steps to create beautiful tile flatlays in minutes.

Step 1: Choose Quality Materials

When creating a tile flatlay for an upcoming design project, gathering any quality materials you plan to use for the “actual” renovation is essential.

For example, if you want to tile the living room floor with aspen oak wood look tile, you’ll want to include a sample in the flatlay to ensure you have the correct color, finish, and pattern.

At Tile X Design, we offer samples of our extensive collection of quality tile products. We offer delivery options for designers or you can browse our extensive collection when you visit our showroom.

Step 2: Experiment with Color Combinations

Accenting your flatlay with color and pattern combinations is a great way to add character and create a unique style. However, before you decide on colors and patterns, consider the mood you’re hoping to achieve.

Earthy

Want to connect with nature? From chocolate browns to creamy tans, earth tones create a cozy atmosphere and blend perfectly with wooden and wicker furniture, plants, and greenery. For a contemporary look, pair with bright whites and whites with highlights of gray and blue accents.

Calmness

If you’re looking for a relaxing atmosphere, consider calming blues. For example, a blue ceiling in your living space can give off the illusion of a starry night sky. Utilize shades of blue to create a unique pattern within the tile, or opt for a single color as an accent wall tiling feature.

Additionally, blends of royal blue, navy, and turquoise will create a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere for any room.

Cozy

To create a clean, modern, and comfortable space, the most popular tile colors are bright neutrals such as white, cream, and beige. These colors create a calming atmosphere perfect for small areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

You can also pair these colors with darker tiling accents like chocolate brown or gray to add contrast or pair them with light wood elements to create a bright and airy space.

Energetic

Greens can add an energizing, vibrant touch to any room. For example, use a lime green and white combination to enliven a bathroom or hunter green and gray for a bold, modern kitchen backsplash. Mossy greens are also great for creating an organic, natural look when paired with light colors like taupe.

Vibrant

Reds are a great way to make any space bold and dramatic. Opt for a tomato red and white combination for bathrooms, or use dark and light berry red with veining in kitchens. Red is especially eye-catching when paired with grays, like black and raven gray, or creams and sand.

Step 3: Utilize Props for Contrast and Color Swatches

Once you’ve chosen the color combination for the flatlay, you can also introduce contrasting colors against its background. These bold but subtle accents create tension points and interest throughout your photos.

For example, adding a few colorful flowers or green plants against a white background can give your flatlay an eye-catching pop of color! Designers will often use homeowners’ favorite tchotchkes or items that are the source of palette inspiration, as well as their plants or heirlooms to bring together the flatlay and maximize the “how this is going to feel when I’m living it” effect.

Here are a few flatlay ideas to inspire your design!

Step 4: Employ Different Lighting Techniques

Lighting is integral to the effect of your tile flatlay design, as it will bring out the texture of your chosen materials. Consider using natural or artificial light—or both. 

In our showroom, for example, we encourage people to use our different spaces to view their selections, as we have different lighting temperatures in different areas.

Step 5: Experiment with Creative Angles 

If you’re documenting your tile renovation on social media, or you’re planning to present your idea for an interior design customer, experimentation is key to creating a unique tile flatlay. 

Try adjusting the angle of your photo in creative ways; different camera angles can add extra texture and depth to your design. You can also play around with digital distortion effects to add visual interest, like blurs or distortions that will give your tiles an organic look. 

Have fun zooming in on details and playing around with scaling effects for a unique finish you’ll love!

Want More Tile Flatlay Ideas?

Whether you’re interested in meeting with our tile experts to help design your upcoming renovation or want to create your own tile flatlay to present to a potential customer, we have the materials and inspiration you need!

We invite you to browse our stunning tile flatlay combinations online or visit our showroom. You can schedule an appointment or stop by during regular business hours. 

In the meantime, follow us on Instagram for more flatlay ideas and design inspirations in 2023 and beyond!