Eclectic interior design is the art of combining furniture, patterns, textures and materials from different eras and styles into a single, cohesive space. So what is eclectic style, exactly? At its core, it is a design philosophy built on intentional contrast,&nbsp; where a well-designed interior does not start with plain colours and smooth surfaces, but with a creative mix of references held together by a clear visual logic.

Porcelain stoneware fits naturally into this balance between bold expression and design coherence, combining aesthetic appeal, versatility and functionality. In this article, we will look at what the eclectic style is, what its characteristics are, and how to recreate it through surfaces with different textural effects, carefully curated color palettes and combinations that only appear random at first glance.

This is precisely the strength of eclectic interior design: creating original, harmonious spaces with a strong sense of personality.

<h2 class="heading2">Eclectic style meaning: from 19th-century architecture to modern interiors</h2>

Many styles have been overtaken by new architectural and decorative movements over time, but eclecticism remains a fascinating example of continuity and reinterpretation.

Eclectic style emerged between the 19th and 20th centuries as an architectural approach based on combining different historical styles to create something new. The movement, known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclecticism_in_architecture" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Eclecticism in architecture</a>, selected furniture, structural elements, decorative motifs and historical ornaments, including those inspired by different cultures, and combined them according to the coherence of the project and its overall aesthetic value.

But what does &ldquo;eclectic&rdquo; really mean? It was used to describe architects and designers who blended different stylistic references when creating buildings. The goal wasn&rsquo;t to nostalgically recreate the past, but to shape an original language distinct from mere design revival.

Applicable to contemporary interiors, the eclectic style maintains this same logic: bringing together elements that seem disparate to create a unique space. The result can be controversial, as not everyone likes the blending of different eras, colors, and materials, but it is precisely this compositional freedom that makes eclectic interior design relevant and captivating.

<h3 class="heading3">Eclectic vs bohemian, maximalist and mid-century: key differences</h3>

Eclectic style is often associated with bohemian, maximalist and mid-century modern interiors. These styles may all include bold colours, distinctive furniture, patterns and decorative details, but they follow different design principles. 
Eclectic interior design is not defined by a single, easily recognizable aesthetic. Rather, it is a way of arranging a space by combining influences, eras, textures, and materials in a deliberate and harmonious manner.

<table cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGridLight" style="border-collapse:collapse; border:none" summary="Style">
	<caption>Key differences</caption>
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col" style="border-color:#bfbfbf; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:131px">
			Style
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="border-color:#bfbfbf #bfbfbf #bfbfbf currentcolor; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:224px">
			Characteristics
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="border-color:#bfbfbf #bfbfbf #bfbfbf currentcolor; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:246px">
			Difference from eclectic style
			</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:131px">
			Eclectic
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:224px">
			A mix of periods, colours, patterns, textures and materials.
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:246px">
			It does not follow one fixed aesthetic: it creates balance through a common thread.
			</td>
		</tr>
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			Bohemian
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:224px">
			Warm, relaxed and lived-in, with textiles, natural fibres, plants and handcrafted objects.
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:246px">
			More informal and decorative mood.
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:131px">
			Maximalist
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:224px">
			Intense colours, layered patterns, many objects and strong visual impact.
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:246px">
			Focuses on abundance; eclectic style can also be more restrained.
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:131px">
			Mid-century modern
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:224px">
			Clean lines, organic shapes, wood tones and functional furniture from the mid-20th century.
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-top:none; height:20px; vertical-align:top; width:246px">
			A specific historical style; in eclectic interiors, it can be just one element within the mix.
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
To stand apart from these other styles, eclectic interiors need a strong element of visual balance: a palette, a texture, or a material capable of giving structure to the mix. Floors and wall coverings can play this role particularly well, helping different styles, surfaces and decorative details coexist within the same space.

<h2 class="heading2">What does eclectic style look like? The 5 visual signatures</h2>

Eclectic style is recognizable by its mix of different elements, but that mix is never random. Patterns, textures, colors, furniture, and materials need to interact through a clear design logic.

<ol>
	<li>Intentional pattern mixing 
	Pattern mixing is not limited to fabrics and wallpaper: it can also involve floors and decorative wall coverings. With the <a href="https://www.emilamerica.com/collections/brand/ergon/medley/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Medley collection</a>, made up of different surfaces and graphic designs in versions such as Classic, Rock and Pop, it is possible to create eclectic yet controlled combinations. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Layered textures 
	Textures add depth and make a space feel more personal. Matte and glossy, smooth, and tactile surfaces can coexist within the same room. <a href="https://www.emilamerica.com/collections/brand/emilceramica/tele-di-marmo-crystal/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Tele di Marmo Crystal</a> enhances this effect through veining, reflections, transparency, and light effects. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cross-era furniture 
	Eclectic interior design combines furniture and references from different periods without trying to make everything match perfectly. The dialogue between vintage, contemporary, and decorative pieces can be balanced by floors and wall coverings, which give the home visual continuity. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A unifying color thread 
	Even an eclectic space needs color logic. A palette echoed in textiles, decorative details, wall coverings or flooring helps avoid a chaotic effect and connects different elements within the room. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>One anchor material that ties the room together 
	In an eclectic interior, patterns, textures, colours and different periods coexist. Anchor material is essential to bring order to the mix: porcelain stoneware can play this role across floors, walls, backsplashes, large slabs, mosaics and decorative surfaces.</li>
</ol>

What is eclectic style? A designer's guide to mixing patterns, textures and materials

Visual continuity, clean lines and seamless surfaces are the key features that make a walk-in shower an ideal solution for contemporary, design-led bathrooms.

In this article, we will look at what defines a walk-in shower and which surfaces or material effects to choose from according to the style of the bathroom.

<h2 class="heading2">What is a walk-in shower?</h2>

A walk-in shower is a contemporary solution that works especially well in spacious bathrooms, creating a continuous environment that is easy to enjoy every day. It is a shower that can be accessed directly, often without a traditional door, either completely open or partially screened by a glass panel. It can be designed with or without a shower tray, but in both cases the correct slope towards the drain must be planned to ensure that water flows away properly.

In this type of project, surfaces become a key design feature because they remain fully visible.

<h2 class="heading2">Why the walk-in shower defines contemporary bathroom design</h2>

The walk-in shower has become one of the most representative features of the contemporary bathroom. It removes visually heavy elements such as enclosed shower boxes, framed doors, raised shower trays or curtains, creating a cleaner, and more spacious perception of the room. The shower is no longer seen as a separate area, but as an integral part of the whole bathroom.

Transparent glass, large slabs and reduced grout lines help strengthen this seamless visual effect, while wall coverings and floor tiles should be chosen carefully so that they work together naturally. Together, these elements can help create the perfect <a href="https://www.emilamerica.com/magazine/creating-your-perfect-zen-bathroom/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Zen bathroom</a>: a balanced, harmonious space designed for everyday relaxation.

Another important aspect of the modern bathroom is how easy the surfaces are to clean. Today&rsquo;s daily routines often lead us to prefer more essential spaces, with fewer elements that can make the room feel heavier and cleaning more complicated. In this sense, a walk-in shower with fewer profiles, fewer doors, and fewer hard-to-clean corners is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy every part of the home with greater simplicity and comfort.

<h2 class="heading2">Walk-in shower ideas for every space</h2>

A walk-in shower is not designed only for large, luxury bathrooms. If planned correctly, it can also adapt to different types of spaces.

<h3 class="heading3">Frameless walk-in shower and doorless designs</h3>

There are several solutions to choose from when designing a walk-in shower.

<ul>
	<li>Frameless solutions use glass panels without a frame or with minimal profiles. Their main advantage is visual: the glass protects against splashes without interrupting the perception of the space, maintaining an open effect while helping to contain water.</li>
	<li>Doorless solutions, on the other hand, are more essential. They remove the door completely and require greater attention to the slope, drainage, and position of the showerhead.</li>
</ul>

An open shower can feel colder or less contained than an enclosed shower box. For this reason, it is important to choose tiles in the right colours and dimensions, so that the desired effect can be achieved, while also carefully considering the position of the water jet and the possible need for a glass screen.

<h3 class="heading3">Small bathroom walk-in shower ideas</h3>

In a small bathroom, a walk-in shower can be a good solution because it reduces the visual bulk of a traditional shower enclosure. The absence of a door and shower tray can make the room feel more open, airy, and spacious.

Some useful solutions for a small bathroom include:

<ul>
	<li>Installing a transparent glass panel instead of a closed shower box, to visually expand the space;</li>
	<li>Choosing light or neutral surfaces, to help light spread more easily throughout the room;</li>
	<li>Using the same tiles for the shower area and the bathroom floor;</li>
	<li>Creating niches inside the shower instead of using protruding shelves;</li>
	<li>Choosing large-format tiles to reduce visual fragmentation;</li>
	<li>Considering smaller formats or <a href="https://www.emilamerica.com/magazine/mosaic-tiles-design-guide/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">mosaics</a> if the aim is to add movement or provide greater grip.</li>
</ul>

These choices should not reduce the walk-in shower to a simple space-saving solution. In many cases, the real benefit of this type of shower is more visual than physical.

<h3 class="heading3">Walk-in shower with seat or built-in bench</h3>

Adding a seat inside the shower can be useful for elderly people or for those with reduced mobility, allowing them to enjoy the shower in a more relaxed, barrier-free way. At the same time, a seat can become a versatile comfort feature: practical, elegant, and inclusive.

For this reason, a built-in bench can also become a true architectural element if it is covered with the same material as the walls, strengthening the overall look of the shower.

<h2 class="heading2">Walk-in shower tile ideas: porcelain stoneware solutions</h2>

The technical properties of porcelain stoneware make it a highly versatile material that is resistant to water and humidity, making it ideal for walk-in shower surfaces. Waterproof and wear-resistant, it can withstand frequent foot traffic without deteriorating, ensuring an impeccable result even years after installation.

Anti-slip technology also makes it possible to combine safety and comfort with a ceramic surface that feels smooth to the touch. The innovative technology applied to these coverings increases the coefficient of friction of porcelain stoneware without affecting its aesthetic appearance.

<h3 class="heading3">Large tile shower design with porcelain slabs</h3>

The design potential of porcelain stoneware tiles is also expressed through the variety of formats available across the different collections. Large slabs are particularly suited to walk-in showers because they create broad, continuous, and striking surfaces. Large porcelain stoneware slabs in the 47.2&quot; &times; 109.4&quot; size are especially suitable for achieving an elegant, modern and sophisticated effect, thanks to the seamless appearance of the surfaces.

<ul>
	<li>Fewer visual interruptions, for a clean and contemporary effect;</li>
	<li>Fewer visible grout lines, ideal for creating a sense of order and continuity;</li>
	<li>A more striking visual impact, especially when choosing distinctive material textures.</li>
</ul>

Walk-in shower: the contemporary bathroom solution for seamless style and easy living

Selecting the right tile dimensions involves much more than just a simple style choice. It dictates the perceived volume of a room, the seamlessness of the floor, the frequency of grout lines, and the technicalities of the entire installation.

This guide breaks down:

<ul>
	<li>standard industry formats and how they compare;</li>
	<li>the most effective sizes for specific rooms;</li>
	<li>grout joint planning;</li>
	<li>geometric laying patterns including herringbone;</li>
	<li>the core design logic for picking the right format.</li>
</ul>

<h2 class="heading2">What are the standard floor tile sizes?</h2>

Standardized sizes vary depending on the architectural intent and the specific space. Emilamerica&#39;s catalog is organized into five main format categories, each with a distinct purpose:

<ul>
	<li>Small format tiles (2&frac34;&quot;&times;5&frac34;&quot; to 12&quot;&times;12&quot;): the classic size for mosaics, decorative inserts, shower floors, and feature walls;</li>
	<li>Medium scale (12&quot;&times;24&quot; to 24&quot;&times;24&quot;): the most versatile range for everyday residential interiors;</li>
	<li>Large format tiles (6&quot;&times;36&quot; to 36&quot;&times;72): designed for contemporary, seamless interiors and indoor-outdoor continuity;</li>
	<li>Extra-large (48&quot;&times;48&quot; to 48&quot;&times;110&quot;): statement surfaces with minimal visual breaks;</li>
	<li>Countertop slabs (from6 3&quot;&times;126&quot;): premium slabs used for kitchen tops, islands, backsplashes, and bespoke furniture.</li>
</ul>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary="Category">
	<caption>Standard floor tile sizes</caption>
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">CATEGORY</th>
			<th scope="col">SIZE RANGE (inches)</th>
			<th scope="col">SIZE RANGE (cm)</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align:center">SMALL FORMAT 
			(Best used for: Shower floors, mosaics, decorative inserts, backsplashes)</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">2&frac34;&quot;&times;5&frac34;&quot; - 12&quot;&times;12&quot;</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">7&times;15 &mdash; 30&times;30 cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align:center">MEDIUM FORMAT 
			(Best used for: kitchens, bedrooms, everyday residential flooring.)</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">12&quot;&times;24&quot; - 24&quot;&times;24&quot;</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">30&times;60 - 60&times;60 cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align:center">LARGE FORMAT 
			(Best used for: Contemporary interiors, open-plan living, seamless floors)</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">6&quot;&times;36&quot; - 36&quot;&times;72&quot;</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">15&times;90 - 90&times;180 cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align:center">EXTRA LARGE SLAB 
			(Best used for: statement floors, wall cladding, architectural surfaces)</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">48&quot;&times;48&quot; - 48&quot;&times;110&quot;</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">120&times;120 - 120&times;278 cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align:center">COUNTERTOP SLABS 
			(Best used for: Kitchen countertops, islands, vanity tops)</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">63&quot;&times;126&quot;</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">160&times;320 cm</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2 class="heading2">How tile size affects the look and feel of a room</h2>

A tile&#39;s size redefines a room&#39;s proportions. Grout frequency and installation angles influence how we perceive light and space as much as furniture or wall colors.

Contrary to common belief, oversized tiles can work well in tight rooms: fewer grout joints mean fewer visual interruptions, making cramped areas feel broader. The key is finding a format proportionate to the room&#39;s footprint, not chasing the largest tile available.

Small formats serve a different purpose. In expansive spaces, they add rhythm and artisanal texture, ideal for Mediterranean or traditional interiors where the floor becomes a design feature rather than a silent backdrop.

Rectangular formats are powerful tools for spatial manipulation. Laid lengthwise, they elongate perspective; laid crosswise, they &quot;push out&quot; narrow walls. This makes them perfect for hallways, long kitchens, or bathroom feature walls.

During planning, the 3-4-5 rule helps installers ensure 90&deg; corners. Based on Pythagorean geometry, it provides precise reference lines that prevent layouts from drifting at the edges.

<h2 class="heading2">Best floor tile size by room: a room-by-room guide</h2>

Finding the right format requires looking at both the function and the footprint of the space. Whether you are dealing with a bathroom, kitchen, or an open-plan living area, the priorities shift between visual flow, safety, and maintenance.

<h3 class="heading3">Best tile size for bathroom floors</h3>

The best tile sizes for bathroom floors are 12&quot;&times;24&quot; and 24&quot;&times;24&quot; for standard rooms, smaller formats or mosaics for shower zones, and 24&quot;&times;48&quot; or larger for master suites. 
Bathroom design balances aesthetics and technical performance. In standard or small bathrooms, 12&quot;&times;24&quot; or 24&quot;&times;24&quot; formats minimize grout lines without feeling out of scale with the fixtures.

Shower zones follow different logic: smaller formats like 4&quot;&times;4&quot; or mosaics handle drainage slopes more easily, and their additional grout joints improve slip resistance on wet surfaces. 
For master suites or spa-style bathrooms, 24&quot;&times;48&quot; or 48&quot;&times;48&quot; formats create continuous, relaxing surfaces that enhance stone, travertine, or concrete looks. The <a href="https://www.emilamerica.com/collections/brand/emilceramica/dual-travertine/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Dual Travertine by Emilceramica</a> collection is a notable example. Its 10&times;10 format allows for a textured, authentic travertine look that fits both minimalist and high-drama bathroom designs.

<h3 class="heading3">Best tile size for kitchen floors</h3>

The best tile size for kitchen floors is large format &mdash; 24&quot;&times;48&quot;, 32&quot;&times;32&quot;, or 36&quot;&times;36&quot; &mdash; because fewer grout joints make cleaning easier. In compact kitchens, 12&quot;&times;24&quot; or 24&quot;&times;24&quot; offer a better balance between proportion and practicality. 
Kitchens face constant exposure to moisture, stains, and heavy foot traffic, so large-format tiles are the most practical contemporary choice: fewer joints mean less dirt build-up and simpler maintenance. 
In open-plan layouts, larger tiles also create visual continuity between kitchen, dining, and living areas. In smaller kitchens, medium formats keep proportions comfortable without overwhelming the room.

<h3 class="heading3">Best tile size for living rooms and open-plan spaces</h3>

Modern homes often merge the living, dining, and kitchen areas into one fluid zone. In these large-scale environments, oversized slabs are the most effective way to anchor the design.

Using formats like 48&quot;&times;48&quot; or 48&quot;&times;110&quot; results in an architectural, orderly floor with very few visible joints. This is especially beneficial for stone, marble, or concrete-look materials, as the larger surface area allows the natural veining and depth of the pattern to show through uninterrupted. The <a href="https://www.emilamerica.com/collections/brand/level/level-marmi/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Level Marmi series</a>, for instance, utilizes these large slabs to turn the floor into the primary focal point of the room.

How to choose the right floor tile size: the complete guide

From September 21 to 25, 2026, Emilgroup opens the doors of its headquarters for the EmilDays 2026 &ndash; Etherea.

An immersive experience dedicated to discovering our new collections, where white, light, and materiality tell the story of how surfaces can transform spaces and the experience of those who live them.

Five days to meet, share ideas, and explore firsthand the vision, research, and innovation that drive Emilgroup&rsquo;s design.

SAVE THE DATE &ndash; OPEN DAYS

📅September 21-25, 2026 
👉&nbsp;10 AM &ndash; 5 PM 
📍Emilgroup Headquarters - Via Ghiarola Nuova 29, Fiorano Modenese (MO), Italia

HOW TO REACH US

A complimentary shuttle service will connect Bologna with our headquarters in Fiorano Modenese and will be available to all visitors throughout the event.

For more information, please contact your sales representative or email events@emilceramicagroup.it.

EmilDays 2026 - Etherea

Related Articles

What is eclectic style? A designer's guide to mixing patterns, textures and materials

Walk-in shower: the contemporary bathroom solution for seamless style and easy living

How to choose the right floor tile size: the complete guide

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