Tile mosaics bring both luxury and whimsy to a space

To make a mosaic more unique, and infuse a dose of whimsy, choose an application that reflects your life and personality. The design could refer to a favourite pet, person or place — or even an inside joke.   Photo by ashkan forouzani/Unsplash

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Lately in the interior design sphere, there’s been much ado about mosaics. Whimsical tile mosaics in particular. Made by arranging pieces of stone, glass or other materials into decorative patterns, they fit nicely into the current trend toward individuality and artisan techniques.

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“For us, the appeal of custom mosaics lies in their ability to tell a story,” Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, told the Homes & Gardens website. “No two designs are the same, making them the ultimate choice for those who seek exclusivity and craftsmanship in their interiors.”

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Tile mosaics date back to ancient Greece and Rome, but some experts say the current resurgence is a reaction to years of mid-century modern interiors. In place of simple lines and a focus on functionality, people are craving embellishment and personalization.

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It’s similar to the way art nouveau took hold in the early 1900s in response to the Industrial Revolution, according to mosaic master Pierre Mesguich, of Mesguich Mosaik.

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“Today we have the same huge progress in technology,” he told Vogue in May 2025.

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Since they demand time, intricate work and collaboration with a craftsperson, tile mosaics can be costly. But thankfully, a little can go a long way. To save money and create a focal point, you can spotlight a smaller mosaic image on a wall or floor instead of covering the entire area.

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As Mesguich told Vogue, “Mosaics are a luxury finish, but can make an impact at any scale.”

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In terms of cleaning and maintenance, mosaics can be thankfully low effort. According to Jennifer Beget, of J Beget Designs, your eyes will be drawn to the colours and overall effect of a pattern or image — not any spots with dirt or stains.

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“Mosaic flooring hides grout lines, because the grout is tiny and there is more focus on the beautiful pattern the tile makes over anything else,” she told The Spruce.

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To make a mosaic more unique, and infuse a dose of whimsy, choose an application that reflects your life and personality — maybe a hobby, favourite place, beloved pet or even an inside joke. You could also draw on your cultural heritage or incorporate symbols of friends and family members.

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“Try swapping out the more historical items like fishbones for pizza for something more personal,” Peggy Haddad, of Peggy Haddad Interiors, told Better Homes & Gardens. “For me, that might be a cat paw print, a tennis ball, a flower, or a favourite candy.”

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Once you’ve settled on a concept, look for a professional installer who specializes in mosaics. If you can’t find one on your own, ask a local tile retailer or interior designer for recommendations.

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“This is an art and the craftsmanship is essential,” said Haddad.

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