Tiles is a progressive rock band formed in Detroit, Michigan, USA in Februa… Read Full Bio ↴Tiles is a progressive rock band formed in Detroit, Michigan, USA in February 1993. Tiles features Mark Evans (drums), Chris Herin (guitar), Paul Rarick (vocals), and Jeff Whittle (bass). It is signed to InsideOut Music in North America and Europe. Since its formation, the band has developed and refined a sound that blends experimental progressive rock overtones with an aggressive hard rock edge. Mixed with lyrics of an "observational" or "human experience" quality, Tiles continues to cultivate a sound that rewards more than just passive listening.

Patterns
Tiles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Take the chance to break away
This doesn't happen every day
The future's too unsure

Take the time to check the tab
Reality is not that bad
Truth need to be exposed

Sometimes it's easier
To copy history
It's tough adapting when there is no cure

Patterns are the maps you draw
Patterns don't take very long
Patterns weather ups and downs
Keep your feet flat on the ground

Know when it's time to cut
It doesn't mean you're giving up
Don't ever leave unless you're thinking

It's always easier
To cling to history
Sometimes your instincts know which way to go

Patterns are the maps you draw
Patterns don't take very long
Patterns weather ups and downs
Keep your feet flat on the ground
Patterns are the maps you draw
Patterns don't take very long
Patterns weather ups and downs
Keep your feet flat on the ground

Don't get too upset
No one wants all they get
Are we really comfortable?

Patterns are the maps you draw
Patterns don't take very long
Patterns weather up sand downs
Keep your feet flat on the ground
Patterns are the maps you draw
Patterns don't take very long

Patterns weather ups and downs
Keep your feet flat on the ground

Overall Meaning

The song "Patterns" by Tiles is about taking chances to break away from the usual routine and patterns that people have created for themselves. The lyricist urges the listener to make the most of the opportunities they have to move forward into the unknown. They encourage people to check the tab and to see that reality is not that bad, emphasizing the importance of facing the truth even if it might be uncomfortable. The chorus of "Patterns are the maps you draw" emphasizes the significance of creating patterns and adapting to change.

The lyricist acknowledges the challenges of adapting to change, stating that it's easier to follow history, but sometimes it's necessary to trust one's instincts and take a risk. The lyrics suggest that adapting requires effort and hard work, but it can be rewarding. The repeat of the chorus emphasizes the importance of patterns and staying grounded during times of uncertainty.

The song's message is inspiring and relevant to everyday life, reminding people that patterns are useful maps for navigating life, but sometimes it's necessary to break free and trust oneself. The lyrics suggest that change can be difficult, but it's essential for personal growth.

Line by Line Meaning

Take the chance to break away
Seize the opportunity to free yourself from something.

This doesn't happen every day
Opportunities to break free from something are rare.

The future's too unsure
The future is unpredictable and uncertain.

Take the time to check the tab
Take some time to assess the situation.

Reality is not that bad
Things are not as bad as they may seem.

Truth needs to be exposed
The truth should be brought to light.

Sometimes it's easier
It can be easier to follow what has been done before.

To copy history
To repeat what has been done before.

It's tough adapting when there is no cure
It can be difficult to adjust to something when there is no real solution to the problem.

Patterns are the maps you draw
Patterns are the paths you create for yourself.

Patterns don't take very long
Patterns can be formed quickly and easily.

Patterns weather ups and downs
Patterns can withstand both good and bad times.

Keep your feet flat on the ground
Stay grounded and stable.

Know when it's time to cut
Understand when it's time to let go.

It doesn't mean you're giving up
Letting go does not equate to giving up entirely.

Don't ever leave unless you're thinking
Don't make any hasty decisions, always think before leaving something.

It's always easier
It can be easier to follow what has been done before.

To cling to history
To repeat what has been done before.

Sometimes your instincts know which way to go
Your intuition can guide you towards the right path.

Don't get too upset
Try not to get too emotional.

No one wants all they get
No one wants to receive everything they are given.

Are we really comfortable?
Are we truly satisfied with our current situation?

Patterns are the maps you draw
Patterns are the paths you create for yourself.

Patterns don't take very long
Patterns can be formed quickly and easily.

Patterns weather ups and downs
Patterns can withstand both good and bad times.

Keep your feet flat on the ground
Stay grounded and stable.

Patterns are the maps you draw
Patterns are the paths you create for yourself.

Patterns don't take very long
Patterns can be formed quickly and easily.

Patterns weather ups and downs
Patterns can withstand both good and bad times.

Keep your feet flat on the ground
Stay grounded and stable.

Contributed by Alex Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Hélène Pivin

Hi, I do have a question it’s concerning paint color …
Do think painting my kitchen cabinet the bottom one in
Hc172 of Benjamin Moore
I do have a open concept so the wall long one is paint in Hc 172 revere pewter, the top counter is black and the title on the floor my
electros are white

I hope to receive a suggestion from you

Thank you

All comments from YouTube:

LKH Fun

3y↑22

This was so good that I had to watch it twice. Tons of good info!

designchickee

Yahooooo... I love that. Thanks for watching and commenting!

80monia

Same here LOL

Claudia Hansen

2y↑4

Beautiful, creative ideas, illustrated with on point example photos. I didn't imagine there could be so many variations!

Carol Ann Noble

3y↑1

I so enjoy your design videos. I also like subway tile installed vertically. My favorite is the black and white square tile on floor 💕 An idea née to me is using 2 or 3 rectangular tiles to make squares going in opposite directions. Many thanks!

designchickee

Thank you for watching and commenting!

K Tay

3y↑1

I am remodeling my guest bath. That last tile look, with 3 horizontal and one vertical pattern is awesome. Just what I need to make my plain white subway tiles more fun!

Ronnie McDee!

1y↑1

This is good! I sell tile and wanted to learn more. Somethings I noticed in the field I will edit and post below.

1. When doing a running brick pattern be careful with 50 split. Longer man made tiles have a bow and at 50 you will have a low point meeting a high point.

Dawn Bowie

Love this video! I'll be using the double-tile herring bone pattern on my bath floor now that I've seen this and while it may require more cuts by the installer, it will dress up my vanity and shower by miles.

Daniel Boland

Thank you for so many great and perfectly described options. I'm doing a 21'x16' kitchen and am ready to take a direction away from ordinary now,

Camellia

Thank you for such an informative and helpful video perfectly timed for me as I am trying to plan out wall to wall floor tiling throughout the whole of my flat as it is more allergen friendly / pet friendly.

If you like the idea and think there may be enough interest can you please do a more in depth video on practical considerations to do with tiling such as how to design invisible access to things such as invisible access to pipes in case of a plumbing emergency, how to lay it and prep the floor in such a way so as to avoid cracking (particularly large format tiles), how to have it best work with underfloor heating, sound reduction, preventing heat loss and water leaks through a tiled floor if on a first floor, avoiding grout issues etc

Donna Richards

I painted my cabinets Benjamin Moore Collingwood Gray first. I know I did this backwards but I was hoping to keep my corian countertops. But, the 90's flesh color of the corian did not look any better. They did look great with the original pickled maple but I then decided to replace them with Emerstone Borghini Classic quartz. They are an off-white with a gris vein that looks great with the cabinets. My dilema is picking a tile backsplash. I want to do something simple with a pretty type of subway, maybe like the ones that are not smooth that reflect the light differently, but nothing more elaborate. White tiles make the countertop look dirty, creamy white are too yellow, gray clashes with the cabinet color. I also am replacing my can lights with led 5000 to give a more white light in the room that is south facing with no windows in the work area but does have a lot of windows much further from the kitchen work area in the open floor plan. This makes the kitchen very shadowy in the day time. HELP!!!

Camellia

Thank you for such an extremely helpful video which couldn’t have come at a better time for me - am trying to work out a stylish and yet affordable way of doing continuous wall to wall floor tiles across my whole flat as I do not like dust and want something pet friendly.

If you like the idea and think there may be enough interest can you please consider doing a video on practicalities such as how to design it in such a way so as to allow invisible access to pipes in sections, prevent water damage / drainage issues, optimising the efficiency of underfloor heating, sound and heat insulation as well as how to make a room with a tiled floor sound less echoey, considerations to prevent cracking (particularly if using larger format tiles), implications of differing materials particularly in terms of installation and long term wear.

Shauna Shephard

3y↑1

Well done. Very clear and easy to understand.

Madonna Hagedorn

3y↑1

I used a 3x12 inch subway tile in creamy grey straight stacked in my tub surround. It's so nice. I can't for the life of me decide on a kitchen backsplash. I don't want to make a mistake.

Elise R

3y↑2

Thank you! So helpful. I am redoing a kitchen and I am educating myself. This was so good!

designchickee

Yay! Glad it was helpful!

Nebuchadnezzar

I'm an electrician. However I have an interest in tile. I usually do tile for people that want high end custom work. Your video is greatly helpful. In understanding better uses of tile creating interesting and unique looks.

designchickee

Cool, thanks so much! Glad it was helpful.

Cynthia Allred

50w

My tile installer suggested using polished 12 x 24 vertical tile in the shower and matte on the floor. A couple of people at tile stores said that would not look as cohesive or spa-like as using the matte tile throughout. I am inclined to agree even though the polished tile is more striking. What is your opinion on this? 11:20

DMJ 822

My wife and I are having a new bathroom built in our house and your video provided TONS of valuable information. Thank you so much!!

designchickee

1y↑1

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!! And good luck!

Phill

This is a really good video.
Am about to lay a large format floor tile, 30 inches by 18 inches in a room 22ft by 13 ft and can't decide what pattern to use. I think third offset may look good or just stacked horizontally. Have you any tips?
Thanks again.

tina lemons

Love this video! As a designer myself I love this info!

designchickee

Awesome! Thank you!

Michele Clifford

3y↑1

What a great and thorough explanation of tile options. We are get ready to install a large bathroom shower tile and found this video most interesting. Hmmm. My tile man (hubby) is going to love you (us). Found the dark herringbone tile exhibited in shower most delicious of options. May haven’t to seriously alter existing choices to include this. Thanks again for the updated info on tile choices. I’m stoked to share and employ...Just Brilliant!!!

designchickee

Glad it was helpful!

SCD Observer

3y↑2

My fav is quite rare. I like octagonal tiles but they have a lot of hexagonal ones. I also like fish scale ones too.

designchickee

I love all those too...but this video I was highlighting different patterns with tiles and hex, octagonal and scales are pretty much the only pattern you can do with them. But I do love them! Especially hex tiles... love love. Thanks for watching!!

SCD Observer

@designchickee yes, I didn't read the title carefully before commenting. 😂

designchickee

@SCD Observer no problem whatsoever. :)

Lili

Love fish scale!

Jay Q

I’m buying a new build home and my shower wall comes with square 3x3 white tile. What ideas would work in accenting them without changing it all out (at a significant cost)? I was thinking of a horizontal glass tile stripe going along the wall under the shower head but is it bad to mix square and rectangle tile?

Robert Scarpetti

Love your videos! I sent a message to your company, in regards to advice on my white cabinet shaker kitchen back-splash with stainless steel dark gray Kitchen Aid appliances. We have Calcutta Brazil Quartzite/Dolomite Honed Counter-top with dominant veins and we are seeking to have a great offset with a back-splash without taking away the counter tops accents. We want a timeless piece however not a subway style since we want to have some different classic and timeless piece. We were looking at a gray arabesque, other designers suggested to use white vein marble. Any suggested styles and colors would be great. Thank you again for your great videos and valuable insights!!!

Marie Claude Normandin

This is probably one of the most valuable video I have seen on tiles...! Thanks 🥰

designchickee

So glad!

Rosana P.

2y↑1

I have a flooring dilemma. My kitchen is in the heart of my home and flanked by two different patterns of wood flooring. On one side, which is the front half of the house built in the ‘40s, there’s beautiful golden oak parquet wood flooring. On the other side, which is an addition added in the 2000’s, there is 3-1/4 x 58-1/2 golden oak plank wood flooring. What flooring should I install in the kitchen, and more importantly, what color? My kitchen has white shaker cabinets with matte champagne brass hardware, including on the stainless steel appliances. Counters are creamy white marble look quartz. I’d love to do some type of wood but that means that the kitchen wood floors would look different than the adjacent wood floors on either side. I don’t see how I can make 3 adjacent wood floors work. Any ideas? I’m considering a tile in a mid tone gray in a large herringbone pattern.

light1x.

3y↑2

Plad tiles ! Never seen that ... stunning 🤩

James DUGUAY

3y↑1

WOW ! Great video, giving lots of new idea's to the what could of been just pedestrian tile jobs.
I'm saving this video to watch latter.
Thanks

designchickee

Thanks for watching!!

Debit257

Is there a certain size floor tile that you should use for a small half bath? Can you use a large 12x24 tile size?

Isobella Wise

This was exactly what I needed, thank you!

MAKA IELTS ACADEMY

In Pakistan Flower pattern tiles are very common in society which looks vibrant and colourful. Actually different society has different perspective regarding designs so what i seem beautiful may be casual for other. So what you have portrayed is your perspective which i believe is sobar and decent. Thx

designchickee

I’m of Portuguese descent and we have beautiful patterned tiles too! Thanks for watching and sharing!

j.h. adventure

Great video and very interesting patterns! I'm one of those tile setters.

designchickee

Very cool! Thanks for watching and commenting!

Diana Banks

Oh my gosh. Thank you. I was in the tile store for 4 hours. Brought home 2 samples and well one is good one is not. I’m headed back tomorrow and I will now have a good idea on what to get after watching your video. Thank you so much.

designchickee

You are so welcome!

Wendy Poyhonen

So I'm going to use a 2.5 x 8 inch Riad tile in a creamy white for my backsplash. (My cabinets are white the color is Snowbound and my slabs are Perla Venata) I have thought about just using herringbone pattern but have also thought about vertical subway done in 1/3's. Here is my dilema, I have decided to mix in glass, Glazzio Americana series (Coupe de Ville) I was going to cut the sheet into 1/4" strips to place between the subway tiles. What is the best way to accomplish this?

Silvia Perdomo

Great visual tile ideas for my upcoming remodel project. Thanks 😊

designchickee

Great! I'm so happy it was useful for you! Good luck with the remodel! And thanks for watching.

Jamie Lee

3y↑1

That was a GREAT video! You always show beautiful examples and I find you and your voice very appealing. Thank you! 🙏🏻

designchickee

Wow, thank you!

Evelyn Melian-Glick

3y↑1

I needed this video. I’m still debating on what time to use with my black granite countertops. My kitchen cabinets will be a soft white but I really want some glam. Subway tiles are everywhere, and are mostly boring. What color should I use?

designchickee

3y↑2

Look to the rest of your home. Find a colour that ties it all together...just make it subtle. Not too bold. Thanks for watching!

Jakerz99k

3y↑1

Love your videos keep it up😊😊😊

designchickee

Thank you so much 😀

thangamani pillai

2y↑1

So many
Innovative ideas
Amazing💜🎊😊
Keep it up
Olga
Simple yet
Stunning
Yellow tiles u showed
Vow...i too hv
Contrasting floor tiles
Green brown
Love it...u showd
White black

designchickee

Thank you for watching!! :)

TC Topcat

3y↑1

Great topic! Your soothing upbeat approach makes videos easy to watch.

designchickee

Shucks...thanks!

Sandy Rousseau

What back splash would you recommend for black counter top and dark wood cabinet. Not in a space to change counters or cabinets but want to add back splash

Keri Robicheaux

LOL! I love it when you said, "The installers love me." I bet they do!
:~)
Love your work!

designchickee

Thank you for watching! :)

joelthomas79

42w

As an installer I would like to add 2 cents. The cost of installation can vary greatly between all of those patterns due to tile waste and time. If cost is of no concern then yes, a Lamborghini (herringbone shower with multiple tile colors and offset grout) looks better than a Ford Focus (subway tiles with matching grout)

kat russell

3y↑1

You didn't do basketweave, one of my favorites. My 1930s house has stone tiles (likely reused) in the entryway in this pattern. I love it. I agree that herringbone is the most beautiful pattern.

designchickee

Basketweave is very similar to crosshatch though! ;) Love a basketweave mosaic too!

Nikki DiArmando

3y↑1

In love with rectangular stacked and herringbone slate

light1x.

Me too ❤️

Joan Tischer

Very informative video on tiles/patterns! I am renovating my Master bathroom, looking for a tranquil place. Walls light gray, floors, gray/white veining 12x24 porcelain matte tile. The shower center wall gray/white herringbone matte tile with the two remaining walls with the gray/white veining tile. I am not certain about the shower floor tile?? Need help with this tile choice (solid gray)?? what do you recommend??

designchickee

3y↑1

Solid gray tile would be nice... maybe a herringbone too.

Julia Orme

Thank you! We’re about to remodel our kitchen, and I found a perfect dove gray subway tile, but it only comes in 3x12 and 2x4. The 2x4 is too small. The backsplash area isn’t huge, but our kitchen is fairly large. It’s a transitional style. I can’t find the same shade in 3x6 anywhere. What do you think about going with a 3x12? Is it more of a bathroom look, or would it work in the running brick 1/3 offset pattern?

Nancy Larkin

3y↑3

These are the classics, love them!

designchickee

Classics are always a good idea! Thanks for watching.

Robab Shakiba

44w

I am planning to remove living room carpet and replace it with tile/hardware flooring. The carpeted area is connected to a tiled floor area and i cant find the exiting tile. Looking for ideas on how to used different complementing tile. Thank you

biondatiziana

Great info - thanks!

Kostas_ well known

Perfect look Olga AGAIN ! I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS AND YOU !

Monica

I would love to see a video about purchasing armchairs or dining chairs. What should I look for in terms of build, materials etc...

Asha Kuldip

Love this video!

Doug Tulumaris

at minute 9:56, what size tile is used with barn white wood looking porcelain tile in the cross hatch pattern? Very nice and unexpected!

Helen Welborn

2y↑1

is there a tile design app? I'd like to practice different layouts for a shower cover.

denise d.

I’ve purchased a matte grey from
Lowes offset at 1/3 shift
For bathroom floor remodel, I have designers block for shower floor and wall tile I’m afraid my choice will be boring so many choices- the bathroom is for parents 85 years young .
So outdated from 2004

Arvin Castro

Saving this for reference. Thanks!

Hélène Pivin

Monica

3y↑2

The best interior vlog!

Kadilak Homes

Lots of good ones!

Doris Westfall

Wish you were in St Louis! I always learn from you. Thank you! We are doing a full kitchen and laundry room Reno-it’s exciting and scary!

designchickee

"Meet me in St. Louis!" LOL Thank you for your kind words. And thank you for watching! Good luck!

Belverly Jameson

Can you take the wood look title and do it as a herringbone pattern

L W

Tile installers love me lmao(herringbone)!!! Thank you for your tips though!! I loved your video!

designchickee

You're so welcome!

BigGeno

Learned so much today

designchickee

Thanks for watching and I'm glad it was helpful!

Nick Garwood

3y↑10

Enemies with the tile setter 😅 But a good designer can make a tile setter's career. I've installed mostly boring designs perfectly. Those jobs have all been useless for marketing.

designchickee

3y↑3

It's always a team effort! I do have installers that appreciate a challenge. It's like you say... if you're good at what you do, you'll love the challenge and it will makes us both look good!

Vickie Hadd

3y↑1

BE good to your tile setter. They work HARD!! And THEYRE very talented

L W

I adore your ideas but tile professionals hate us...

Amisha

Rock the Boat

3y↑1

45 degrees not 90 for diagonal stacking....same for the squared herringbone tile....

Stella R.

Very nice video, but 90 degrees was confused with 45 degrees. Turning pattern with 90 degrees does nothing for checkerboard.

designchickee

Correct! Thanks for catching my mistake.

engalvan

3y↑2

My favorite designer

designchickee

Awww. Thank you!!

Rosehaven

Crosshatch for the win!

StephAndTasha

Thank you !

TC Topcat

3y↑1

How do you custom match grout color to tile color?

designchickee

3y↑1

That would be a difficult process... just find a grout that matches the tile as closely as possible. That's your best bet!

Jamie Lee

3y↑3

Lol. “Tile installers love me”. 😂😂😂

Madonna Hagedorn

The square tiles we still have in our 2nd bathroom, yet to be remodeled. They look so dated.

designchickee

They're coming back into style! LOL

Debbie Kerr

I love your channel.

designchickee

Thank you so much!

Maria Camacho

Can I put a pattern of vertical tiles between horizontal subway tiles?

designchickee

I'd be worried it's not a classic tile pattern and it would date easily. I tend towards classic design when it comes to things that can't be changed easily. Good luck!

Pat Campisano

You’re awesome! 😎

designchickee

You rock!

Pure_of_Heart

You read my mind about the tile person loving me hahaha!!

Sam S

I have a picket tile for my shower and want to do harringbone for my floor do you think it will be too busy. they are both plain Ivory color

designchickee

I'd tend to do similar shapes if you're doing different tiles... like a picket tile and a hex tile or a brick pattern with a herringbone pattern. Similar shapes look like they belong together. Good luck!