Top Tile Trends for 2026 - What’s Hot in Interior Design

Tiles are about more than just walls and floors; they set the tone of a space. As we head into 2026, several exciting tile trends are rising- blending beauty, innovation, and practicality. Here’s what is becoming popular, and how you can apply these trends to your home or project.

1. Earthy Colours & Terracotta Revival

Warm, organic tones are coming back strong. Terracotta hues, sun-baked oranges, soft rusts, and earthy browns capture that natural, grounded feel. These colours are being used for feature walls, splashbacks, and even flooring to bring warmth into bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Designers are moving away from purely cool greys and embracing palette shifts toward natural, tactile shades.

How to Use Locally: On the Gold Coast, where indoor/outdoor flows are important, terracotta or earthy tiles work beautifully on transitional spaces (like patios or sun rooms) to feel cohesive with surrounding garden/landscapes.

2. Large Format Slabs & Minimal Grout Lines

Big, sleek tile slabs continue to gain traction. Large-format porcelain or ceramic tiles make spaces feel more expansive by reducing grout lines and creating a smoother surface. These tiles are especially popular in open-plan spaces, bathrooms, and kitchen floors.

Why It’s Trending: Fewer grout lines mean easier cleaning, less maintenance, and a more seamless look. This appeals to both functionality and aesthetics.

3. Textured & 3D Tiles

Tiles with texture- fluted edges, 3D designs, natural stone textures, hand-applied finishes- are being used to add visual and tactile interest. These stop spaces from looking flat, especially in neutral-toned rooms.

Application Ideas: Use textured tiles on feature walls, behind bathroom vanities, or even in shower niches. On the Gold Coast humid climate, textured matte finishes can also help with slip resistance in wet zones.

4. Mixed Patterns, Geometrics & Statement Pieces

Patterned tiles are making a resurgence: bold geometrics, artistic mosaics, checkerboards with a twist, and even mixed-shape combinations. It’s more common to see them used in limited areas (like accent walls, floors, or backsplashes) to make a statement without overwhelming the space.

Pro Tip: Pair patterned floors or walls with simpler surrounding tiles so the pattern becomes a feature, rather than competing elements. Contrasting grout can also emphasise patterns.

5. Natural Stone Looks & Artisan Finishes

Tiles replicating natural stone (marble, travertine, slate) or artisan tile styles (zellige, hand-glazed, encaustic) are in demand. These add uniqueness — variation in colour, texture, and tone that mass-produced tiles often lack.

Regional Fit: With coastal homes and humid climates, porcelain stone-look tiles are especially useful — getting the aesthetic without issues of porous natural stone.

6. Strong Colours & Moody Tones

While neutrals remain important, richer, deeper hues (forest green, deep blue, charcoal or “moody” greige) are popping up more in accent tiles, cabinetry pairings, and statement spaces. These colours help anchor a space, especially in large open homes, or smaller bathrooms where contrast can create drama.

How to Choose What’s Right for You

Function first: Wet areas (bathrooms, outdoors) may need slip-resistant finishes; high-traffic floors need durability.

Scale matters: Large-format tiles look great in big rooms; patterns and mosaics shine in smaller feature zones.

Balance is key: Combining plain, neutral tiles with a few statement or textured pieces avoids visual overload.

Local climate: The Gold Coast’s humidity, Brisbane’s heat — pick tiles that handle moisture, cleaning, and wear well.

Resale & longevity: Trends are great, but consider whether the tile style may date too quickly if you plan to resell.

How We Can Help:

At August Tiles, we’re already curating stock to match these 2026 trends. From large-format porcelain slabs and natural stone-look tiles to rustic terracotta options, artisanal finishes, and sustainable tile lines — we’ve got something to suit every style and space.

Stop by our Gold Coast showrooms to see these trending styles in person or browse them online. Let our experts help you pick tiles that not only look current but feel timeless — ones you’ll love for years.