The latest tile trends you need to know about

Beautiful and durable, tiles have been around for thousands of years, but there has probably never been such a choice of shapes, sizes, colours, patterns and finishes as there is right now. “Tiles are no longer just practical – they’re also being used as statement pieces,” says Bunnings trend and design manager Jane Wright who talks to us about some of the latest tile trends. While the plethora of tiles on offer might make decision-making tricky, it also means that whatever the look or space you have in mind, from high-traffic hub to showering sanctuary, there’s a tile out there to make it work. 

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At a glance: What are the latest tile trends?

• Impactful designs: “The overall trend is a move toward more creative and bold tile designs in general,” says Jane. “Designers are experimenting with geometric patterns, unique textures and vibrant colours.” 
• Warm colours: Expect to see creamy tones, natural, earthy hues, deep blues and rich burgundy. 
• Artisanal: Look out for more tiles with a handmade appearance, like traditional Moroccan zellige. 
• Mosaics: Sheets of tiny tiles are still here and still beautiful, with endless creative possibilities to mix and match or form unique designs. 
• Marble: Go big with strong colours and bold veining. 
• Coloured grout: “Contrasting grout can look great on a mosaic,” says Interior designer Katie Scott of Sticks+Stones Design. “If you’re using epoxy grout, you have to be sure of the colour as there’s no going back – whereas standard grout can be stained if you change your mind,” she adds. “Note that the two look noticeably different so it’s best not to mix and match!” 
• Green tiles: “Fresher and cleaner green shades are beginning to emerge, offering more vibrant and positive directions in interior design,” says Jane.
• Heating: “We’re seeing tiles become more common throughout the home as underfloor heating becomes more readily available,” says Katie.

From entryways to kitchen tiles, here are some of the latest tile trends to help you find the right style for your home.

What are the tile trends for living areas and bedrooms?

Tiled entries are an obvious choice for practical reasons, and can also act as a visual starting point to your home’s aesthetic. But more recently, this form-meets-function material has moved into ‘softer’ living areas. “The trend is driven by the growing variety of tile designs, textures and finishes that offer warmth and style while being practical,” says Jane. 

• “Tiles that mimic wood are becoming popular in living rooms, entryways and even bedrooms,” says Jane.
• “The versatility of large-format tiles, which can create minimalistic looks, is also a factor – they can be used on walls, floors and even as art pieces,” says Jane. 
• And a feature such as a tiled fire surround or chimneybreast can bring serious design kudos – and decorative flair – to a space.

What are the trending tile styles for the bathroom?

Wet zones are the tile’s natural home. We’ve seen plenty of powder-room panache in recent years but, going forward, Jane says tiling trends will be:

• Influenced by a blend of sustainability, artisanal craftsmanship and strong neutral patterning.
• The one-tile effect: using the same tile across walls, floors and even benchtops. Katie suggests this simple repetition evokes a sense of luxury. “We’re seeing a lot of large tiles in earthy tones being used across several surfaces. This minimalistic style can make bathrooms feel very Zen and create a spa-like experience,” says Katie. “It can also draw attention to other features such as hardware and lighting.”

Tip: “If using darker-coloured tiles, you need to be very careful of lighting or it can feel a bit like a cave,” says Katie. “Make sure lighting is warmer and that there are other tones to create a bit of contrast.”

What are the latest trends for kitchen tiles?

While tiles are ideal for kitchen floors and walls, they can also be used to turn splashbacks into a decorative statement with a feature mosaic, colour, pattern, shape or even a mural. 

• Tiled kitchen bench: “Porcelain tiles are such a great, durable material for kitchen benches,” says Katie Scott. For spaces like kitchens with plenty of moisture, using an epoxy- or resin-based grout is usually the best way to go. “Epoxy is more water-resistant than standard cement grout,” Katie explains. “So if you’re doing a cool mosaic kitchen benchtop, it can help prevent food like spaghetti sauce from leaving stains.”
• Using tiles to define specific floor areas: “Tiles are increasingly being used in high-traffic areas like the kitchen work zone,” says Jane Wright. “Tiling sections in floors can help delineate work areas while providing extra durability and easy-to-clean surfaces.”

What are the trends for outdoor tiles?

With such a wide range of outdoor-friendly styles available, the only restriction is your imagination. Think about tile options for these spaces: 

• Tiled pathway or floor on the front porch – tessellated and encaustic designs are traditional choices.
• Tiles for patios, pool zones and balconies. “Outdoor porcelain tiles are designed for durability and are being used to create seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces,” explains Jane. “Often used on floors, walls and even outdoor kitchens, they come in various textures and finishes to suit different tastes and environments.”

Ready to add tiles to your home?

Read our article on 10 tile patterns you need to know.

Photo credit: Guy Bailey, Bureaux, Kaboodle Kitchen.