Tile layout and design ideas for modern Utah County homes

Walk into any newer home around Utah County and you’ll notice it right away: clean lines, open floor plans, and a lot of hard surface flooring. Tile fits that look beautifully—but the layout you choose can make the difference between “nice” and “wow.”

Below are some favorite tile layout ideas we’ve helped homeowners bring to life, plus how to decide what works best in your own space.

1. Large-format tile for airy, modern rooms

Many newer homes in our area have big, open great rooms and long sightlines. Large-format tile (think 24" x 24" or longer planks) keeps those spaces feeling open instead of busy.

When you use larger pieces from our tile flooring collection, you get fewer grout lines and a more seamless, contemporary look. That works especially well in:

  • Open concept kitchen–living areas 

  • Primary suites with connected bathrooms 

  • Basements you want to feel brighter and less “choppy”

To keep things modern, we often suggest a tight grout joint and a grout color that’s close to the tile itself. In Utah’s bright, dry light, that subtle look still shows off the pattern without feeling harsh or high-contrast.

If you’re not sure how big is too big for your room, one of our dedicated reps can walk you through the options and even use our room visualizer tool so you can see different sizes in your own space before you commit.

2. Herringbone and chevron patterns for movement

In many Utah County homes, there’s a long hallway or a kitchen that feels like a straight “runway.” A simple way to add interest is to lay tile in a herringbone or chevron pattern.

Why it works:

  • The angled layout draws your eye through the space, making it feel intentional rather than just long. 

  • It pairs beautifully with wood-look porcelain planks, giving you that classic hardwood pattern with tile’s durability. 

  • In entries and mudrooms, it instantly makes a practical space feel designed, not just functional.

We often recommend this layout for mudrooms, laundry rooms, or that all-important entry off the garage—especially when families are tracking in snow, dust, and road salt. If you want a softer transition from these hard-working areas into living spaces, you can also coordinate your tile with nearby luxury vinyl for a cohesive look that still fits each room’s needs.

For complex patterns like herringbone, professional installation really matters. Our team handles the layout planning, cuts, and transitions as part of our flooring services, so the finished floor looks as good up close as it does in photos.

3. Stacked, offset, and mixed layouts for walls and floors

Modern design doesn’t just use tile on the floor. Backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and shower walls are huge style moments in today’s homes—especially around Lindon and nearby communities where people are mixing warm woods with crisp, clean tile.

A few layout ideas that work beautifully:

Straight stacked joints Instead of the traditional “brick” offset, stacking tiles in a perfect grid feels very current. It’s great for:

  • Minimalist bathrooms 

  • Kitchen backsplashes with simple cabinetry 

  • Accent walls where you want the tile texture to shine 

Classic offset with a twist A one-third offset (rather than half) on rectangular tiles helps reduce lippage and gives a more modern, linear feel. This is a smart choice in long hallways or open basements where lighting can highlight any unevenness.

Mixing sizes or borders Framing a main tile field with a border or accent strip can define spaces in an open layout—like visually separating a dining area from the living room without adding a wall. For homeowners who love natural materials, combining porcelain with natural stone accents can add texture and depth while still staying easy to clean.

If you’d like inspiration before committing, our online inspiration gallery is a great place to see how other homeowners have played with patterns and layouts.

4. Thinking about grout, transitions, and Utah’s climate

Tile layout isn’t just about where each piece goes. The details around it matter just as much—especially in a dry, dusty climate.

A few local-minded tips we share often:

  • Choose grout wisely. Light grout is beautiful, but in high-traffic areas where Utah dust and red dirt sneak in, a mid-tone grout can be much easier to live with. 

  • Plan transitions early. If your tile meets carpet, hardwood, or vinyl, we’ll help you plan heights and trim so everything feels smooth underfoot and safe for kids and older family members. 

  • Consider radiant heat. Many basements and main-floor great rooms in our area benefit from in-floor heating. Porcelain and ceramic tile handle radiant systems very well when installed correctly.

Our installers handle all of these details as part of a coordinated project, so you’re not left troubleshooting uneven thresholds or cracking grout down the road.

Ready to see tile layouts in your own home?

Choosing the right pattern is much easier when you can see it. You’re always welcome to visit our Lindon showroom to explore tile sizes, colors, and textures in person, then use our visualizer to try them in your rooms.

If you’d like one-on-one guidance from a dedicated rep—from design ideas through installation day—you can contact our team with your project details or go straight to a free in-home estimate request. We’ll help you create a tile layout that feels perfectly tailored to your modern Utah County home.