10 modern farmhouse tile flooring ideas for kitchens & bathrooms
by clé tile | published: May 06, 2025

wall: modern farmhouse brick 2½" x 9½" in white gloss; floor: clé cement 8" x 8" in black + white cathedral. design: azy labelle design / photo: chris mottalini
in the ever-evolving world of modern farmhouse style, the right type of tile can transform your kitchen or bathroom into a welcoming haven. the right farmhouse tile flooring idea will blend rustic charm with contemporary flair, creating a space that feels both timeless and fresh. and whether you’re renovating a small bathroom or updating a spacious kitchen with plentiful natural light, selecting a durable floor tile is crucial.
from white subway tile classics to unexpected patterns and material pairings, this guide dives into 10 inspiring ideas for farmhouse tile flooring. we’ll explore the benefits of each approach, offer practical installation and care tips, and help you find the right tile for your home’s unique character. ready to reimagine your floors? let’s get started.
a curated collection of farmhouse tile flooring ideas
farmhouse style celebrates authentic materials, simple forms, and thoughtful details. so, when navigating your tile options, it’s essential to balance function and aesthetics. after all, the flooring in a kitchens or bathroom must withstand moisture, foot traffic, and everyday wear and tear.
the wide range of tile materials available offers endless design possibilities — from nature-inspired shades to dramatic directional layouts — while ensuring easy maintenance and lasting performance. below, discover 10 farmhouse tile flooring ideas that promise to elevate your space, whether you favor the warm hues of terracotta or the elegant irregularities of handmade zellige.

wall: eastern elements terracotta 2" x 6" in rice paper; floor: belgian reproduction terracotta star + cross bundle in flemish black. design / photo: taylor + taylor
1. terracotta tones that ground the room
terracotta tile brings earthy warmth and texture to farmhouse kitchens and bathrooms. its clay-rich hues — ranging from burnt sienna to soft terra — create a grounding effect that pairs beautifully with hardwood floors or painted cabinetry. terracotta’s natural variation in color and slight surface imperfections also add character, reinforcing the farmhouse design ethos of authenticity.
for a modern farmhouse space, consider rectangular terracotta floor tiles laid in a staggered or herringbone pattern for an unexpected touch. just be sure to have your terracotta tile sealed properly to protect it against water absorption in wet areas. in addition, use a neutral grout that complements the warm palette. the result will be a cozy, inviting floor that feels as though it is part of your home’s history.
2. the quiet brilliance of glossy zellige
handmade zellige tile offers a subtle shine and organic allure that enhances modern farmhouse style. available in soft neutrals — from dove gray to cream — glossy zellige reflects light, making small bathrooms appear more spacious. the irregular edges and slight color shifts in each tile also convey artisan craftsmanship, adding an element of quiet luxury.
installing this tile in a herringbone or stacked layout can create gentle visual interest without overwhelming the space. you might pair zellige floors with matte-finish walls in complementary tones, and finish with minimal grout lines to emphasize the tile’s glossy surface. as for care: a ph-neutral cleaner is generally best for preserving the glaze.
3. checkerboard in soft neutrals
checkerboard tile is a classic pattern that feels right at home in modern farmhouse design. soften the bold contrast by choosing neutral tones — like warm ivory and light taupe or off-white and dove grey. this understated take on checkerboard flooring adds pattern and movement to a kitchen without clashing with farmhouse-style shiplap walls or vintage-inspired fixtures.
cement or stone checkerboard tiles offer exceptional durability and stain resistance when properly sealed. consider laying the squares at a 45-degree angle for a dynamic effect, or keep them aligned with the room’s walls for a more restrained look. don’t forget to have grout lines in moisture-prone areas sealed to prevent discoloration and ensure easy cleaning.

clé carrara marble 5" x 5¾" hex. design: becki owens / photo: rebekah westover

wall: modern farmhouse brick 2½" x 9½" in white gloss; floor: clé cement 2" x 8" in basil. design: jr corleto / photo: virtually here studios
4. tactile brick to evoke farmhouse heritage
glazed brick tile captures the rustic texture of reclaimed brick while offering the added perks of easy maintenance. the slight variation in relief adds tactile interest underfoot, and the elongated rectangle format creates the illusion of traditional brick pavers. choose muted reds, pale greys, or white finishes to complement your modern farmhouse palette.
to echo the look of a brick pathway or hearth, try having the tiles laid in a running bond or basketweave pattern. this tile works especially well in mudrooms and transitional spaces between the kitchen and dining room, bridging indoor and outdoor vibes. you can help emphasize the tile’s textured surface by choosing a grout color that highlights the tile edges without creating a harsh contrast.
5. material pairings that tell a story
pairing two tile types can create a narrative within your farmhouse space. for example, combine natural stone tile with a border of porcelain penny round tile in a coordinating hue. this approach can help delineats zones — such as a wet area in a bathroom — while showcasing the contrast between smooth and more textured surfaces.
nervous about using two different tiles on the floor? play with your wall tiles too, such as by pairing a slate kitchen floor with a glazed subway tile backsplash. the key is to select tiles with complementary tones and scale, like oversized field tiles anchored by smaller patterned accents. this way of mixing and matching elevates farmhouse design beyond simple flooring, turning your tile selection into a cohesive design statement.
6. large format tiles to extend sightlines
large format tile — aka tile that is 24×24 inches or larger — minimizes grout lines and visually expands small spaces. in compact bathrooms, fewer seams mean less visual clutter, allowing your farmhouse-style fixtures and vintage-inspired lighting to shine. neutral colorways like soft beige, pale gray, or muted terracotta can also reinforce a calming atmosphere.
in kitchens, continuous large format flooring unifies open-plan layouts, drawing the eye through cooking, dining, and prep areas. as you work with your contractor, be mindful of subfloor flatness to ensure proper lippage control. large tile also simplifies cleaning: wider grout joints reduce mildew buildup, and sweeping or mopping is more efficient.
7. nature inspired shades for sense of calm and quiet
farmhouse design often draws upon nature’s palette: muted greens, warm greys, and soft blues. natural stone or cement tile in these shades instills a sense of calm in bathrooms and kitchens alike. consider hexagonal tiles in sage green for a soothing floor that complements white subway tile walls and oak cabinetry.
for a coastal farmhouse vibe, you might consider soft grey rectangular tiles laid in a stacked pattern. these subtle hues pair seamlessly with hardwood flooring in adjacent dining rooms or living spaces, maintaining a cohesive farmhouse aesthetic. choose matte finishes for a natural look and consider a grout that’s a slightly darker shade for depth.

wall: clé subway 2" x 8" in matte white; floor: clé cement hex in black. design: margaret costello interiors / photo: scarlett mcdonald
8. the artistry of irregular whites
white tile is a farmhouse staple, and irregular edges and varied thickness bring added character. handmade-style ceramic tiles — often called artisan whites — feature soft curves and a gently rippled surface. when installed on the floor, these tiles create a canvas for rustic rugs and woven textures.
try pairing these tiles with rough-hewn beams or exposed brick walls for maximum farmhouse impact. a light gray or off-white grout highlights each tile’s shape without overpowering the subtle tonal shifts. for kitchens, an extra-durable variety of artisan white ensures that high-traffic areas remain beautiful and easy to clean. as for maintenance: regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping will keep the bright floor looking fresh.
9. bring fluid motion with a directional layout
directional patterns like chevron, herringbone, and basketweave inject energy into farmhouse spaces without departing from a classic aesthetic. these patterns can also recall the look of hardwood flooring while resisting moisture better in kitchens and bathrooms.
for a more graphic approach, use narrow rectangular tiles in a chevron layout, alternating two neutral colors for subtle contrast. these layouts can guide the eye along a corridor-like kitchen or elongate a small bathroom. precision during installation is critical, so be sure to work with an experienced tile setter to keep grout lines consistent and patterns seamless.
10. bring history and weight with stone
natural stone tile, such as travertine or limestone, lends authenticity and heft to farmhouse interiors. choose honed finishes for slip resistance in bathrooms and a soft, matte look that ages gracefully. warm beige travertine tiles with natural pitting evoke old-world kitchens, while pale gray limestone adds a contemporary twist.
keep in mind that stone tile needs regular sealing to protect against stains, especially in kitchen cooking zones and spill-prone areas. pair your tile floor with crisp white walls or beadboard paneling to highlight the stone’s natural veining and texture. the inherent variations in each slab ensure that no two tiles are alike, reinforcing the farmhouse ideal of handcrafted imperfection.
choosing the right farmhouse flooring sets the tone for your modern kitchen or bathroom. from warm terracotta to glossy zellige, each farmhouse tile flooring idea brings its own personality and practical benefits. whether you’re renovating a small bathroom or reimagining a sprawling entryway and kitchen, you can create a space that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern.