With the holiday season rapidly approaching in the form of non-stop Christmas radio, decorations we’ve seen since Halloween, and that slight panic feeling in the air – we direct our attention to a few upcoming hard surface trends of the New Year.

At our Charlotte marketing agency, the members of our shopper marketing practice are constantly researching how consumers think, act, and shop, and one thing we’ve noticed is shoppers are beginning to address remodeling as an opportunity to add personal elements to their homes. As Amy Tanenbaum, executive vice president of Sicis North America, said, “They are addressing the question of how our rooms make us feel rather than sustainability (particularly in the bathroom).”

Here are a few significant trends in tile we will see in 2016:

1. Embrace the Transition

Modern kitchens and bathrooms are so 1990s – transition is now. This involves moving toward simplicity rather than contemporary decor with clean lines and more minimalistic vibes. What is transition? Simply put: Traditional with an edge. Take the following bathroom pictures for example; the tile is everyday rectangular marble. But put the tile in a herringbone pattern and BAM: you have a traditional base with a modern flare.

2. Stand Out

With the ingenuity and knowledge in tile industry expanding over the years, we can now do incredible things with the “baked dirt.” Tile is now used as focal points in bathroom moldings, kitchen back splashes, and eye-catching floor patterns. These areas of interest are created through geometric tile, floral tile patterns, faux wood pieces, etc. to add depth and interest. Smaller bathrooms with a feature floor tile adds style without overwhelming the space.

3. Make the Bathroom Zensational

Bathrooms should be a soothing and relaxing haven from all the other rooms that give a calming vibe. Adding beautiful tiles near the bathtub creates serenity. Tile will also be used to zone the bathroom into a “wet room” that incorporates a shower and bathtub area, giving consumers an opportunity to create a unique space with a modern vibe to a traditional space. Consumers are leaving technology outside and bringing the outside in –making the room look earthy and sophisticated, while completing the zen-like atmosphere.

4. Sparkle and Shine

Metallic tiles, such as copper, gold, and silver, will be a consumer favorite next year. Especially when they are mixed with a wood-like tile or other mixed medium. Copper and gold in particular will be very popular and will give a luxe look. The tiles match appliances, such as copper vent hoods, stainless silver steel appliances, and now a growing trend toward gold hardware, to complement this modern look.

5. Join the Dark Side

Black tile is in! Put it on your floors, walls, and showers and it creates a chic look that used to be considered as moody. Grey and black tiles are turning into the new neutrals, since they work with almost all other colors and materials. When you add bright, bold colors (or even white) you give the room a modern twist, and take the edge off the harshness of the black tile. They also can make a room more welcoming and inviting as well as reflect the homeowner’s personality.