Tile is the most visible element of any bathroom renovation. It defines the style, sets the tone, and — done well — can make a modest bathroom feel like a luxury spa. Here’s what’s working in NJ bathroom remodels right now, and what to think about before you commit.
What’s Popular Right Now in NJ
Large Format Tile
24×24 and 24×48 tiles are dominant in high-end NJ bathroom remodels. Fewer grout lines make the space feel larger and cleaner. They work especially well on floors and in large walk-in showers. The tradeoff: more complex installation requiring an experienced tile setter and a perfectly flat substrate.
Marble and Marble-Look
Real marble — Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario — remains the gold standard in luxury bath renovations across Short Hills, Summit, and Chatham. It requires sealing and maintenance but nothing replicates the look. For homeowners who want the aesthetic without the upkeep, large-format porcelain marble-look tiles have gotten extraordinarily good and cost a fraction of the real thing.
Zellige and Handmade Tile
Moroccan-influenced zellige tile — with its irregular surface and subtle variation — has become a signature element in high-end bathroom renovations. Works beautifully as a shower accent wall or backsplash. Not for every home, but in the right space it’s stunning.
Warm Neutrals and Earthy Tones
The all-white bathroom is fading. Warm whites, creams, greiges, and soft terracottas are dominant right now — they photograph well, feel warm, and don’t show every water spot the way bright white does.
Fluted and Textured Tile
Vertically fluted tile on a feature wall or the exterior of a freestanding tub adds texture and dimension without pattern. Popular in contemporary bathrooms throughout Morris and Union County right now.
What’s Timeless (Safe Choices for Resale)
- White or off-white subway tile — never wrong, always clean
- Classic marble hex floor tile
- Neutral large-format porcelain floor with white walls
- Simple brick-pattern in a neutral tone
What to Avoid
- Trendy colors that date fast — Millennial pink, bold navy, aggressive patterns. Fine if you plan to stay forever; risky for resale.
- Very small grout joints with dark grout — Shows every imperfection in the substrate and is hard to keep clean.
- Mixing too many patterns — One statement tile per bathroom. Two is risky. Three is a disaster.
The Installation Matters As Much As the Tile
The most beautiful tile in the world looks terrible if it’s poorly installed — uneven grout lines, lippage between tiles, grout smeared on the surface. Tile work is a craft. The difference between a mediocre tile setter and a skilled one is visible every single day.
Carnevale Construction has been doing custom tile work across Morris and Union County for over 40 years. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, reach out to Sal at SalCarnevale1@gmail.com or contact us here.