Read on to discover 15 of our top tile design predictions for 2026—timeless looks and ideas that will shape the year ahead and inspire beautiful spaces you’ll love for years to come.

1. Rustic Modern

Characterized by warm, muted neutrals, natural materials and an atmosphere of relaxed refinement, rustic modern design is contemporary and sophisticated, yet still cozy. This style is perfect if you’re looking to update your modern farmhouse home—many of the same principles of approachable earthiness apply, but with fewer literal farmhouse elements.

This wet room, designed by HGTV star Alison Victoria, features a wall of rough-cut stone paired with the opulent Bianco Puro chevron marble mosaic, proving that this rugged style can also be elegant. If you love the warmth of modern farmhouse but are drawn to spaces that are a bit more streamlined, rustic modern is the perfect evolution.

2. Pleated Materials

Soft and romantic, pleats are rippling through the interior design world—offering unique tactile and visual texture in unexpected materials and spaces. This beautiful entryway features Kelli Fontana Tommas Classico marble-look wall tile. The raised, fluted pattern mimics pleats found in fabric, adding dimension and a dynamic quality as the pattern casts shadows in shifting light (you can achieve a similar look using Home Kit-Kat tiles). Kelli Fontana Patina Mirror tiles in Eclipse and Siren also contribute depth to the space.

Explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection for more of this bold, classic, and whimsical aesthetic.

3. Hand-Painted Motifs

Playful and expressive, painterly patterns have been gaining popularity over the past decade—and we predict they’ll continue to bring beauty and joy to interiors in the coming year. The chic bathroom below captures this trend perfectly with tiles from our exclusive new Laura Park collection.

The Cosmo Aegean Blue porcelain wall and floor tile, adapted from one of Laura Park’s signature wallpaper prints, brings artistic flair to the room’s floor with its hand-painted-look floral pattern and expressive brushstrokes. Soft blue tones flow seamlessly into the Seaside Marble wall tiles and coordinating shower floor mosaic, creating a serene, cohesive space full of color and charm.

Explore our wide selection of patterned tiles to discover more hand-painted motifs to suit your style.

4. Modern Organic

Much like rustic modern design (featured at #1 on this list), modern organic design celebrates natural materials and earthy tones—but with a more curated, minimalist sensibility. This style balances warmth and simplicity, pairing clean lines with organic texture and pattern for a look that feels effortlessly sophisticated.

In this serene patio, the Nikki Chu Tangier Pumice tile captures that balance beautifully. Its hand-drawn geometric motif introduces subtle movement and contemporary structure, while the soft, neutral palette grounds the space in nature. The result is a harmonious blend of modern polish and organic ease.

Explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection for more organic patterns and contemporary neutral palettes.

5. Rich, Earth-Toned Neutrals

Say goodbye to millennial grey! The trend toward beige, warm white, earthy greens and muted blues will continue into the new year. Far from boring, these rich neutrals offer complexity and a connection to nature, creating deeply expressive spaces that move away from the starker, more industrial feel of the cool tones that defined much of the early 2000s.

This sumptuous space showcases Riad wall tile in Sand and White, installed in a chic checkerboard—another popular trend we expect to see more of in 2026. The warm browns and blacks in the Terrazzo Bianco Micro floor tile (which pops up again in trend #15 on this list) add even more visual texture.

6. Berry Hues

Warm mahogany, deep purple and dark cherry red have already been named colors of the year by some of the top paint brands—and we predict these rich berry hues will continue to grace spaces for years to come. This retro-inspired bathroom, designed by @johnmartinestudio, features Imperial Sienna gloss square mosaic tile. The deep red hue is balanced by the warm light wood vanity and off-white walls.

7. Raised Wood Patterns

Compatible with several contemporary and traditional styles—such as modern rustic, modern organic, Japandi and biophilic design—raised wood patterns have been growing in popularity for years, and we predict they will appear in even more spaces in the year to come. Featuring a range of designs—like the geometric cross shape in the Tavola Decor tile shown here—these tiles create a sensory experience with natural appeal. Explore our wide selection of wood-look tile for more unique motifs.

8. Color and Material Drenching

Color drenching—the process of bathing a room, including doors, ceilings and trim, in a single color—will continue to be popular in 2026. For the bold, this trend extends to materials as well as color. Saturating an entire room in a single hue—or even a single tile—adds depth and can make your space feel larger. Here, Costa Emerald Mix mosaic tile covers the walls and floors with rich green tones. We love how the band of gold metal trim breaks up the design—small details like this add visual interest to a monochromatic space.

9. Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is always in fashion, and in the years ahead, the focus on recycled, natural and environmentally friendly materials will continue to shape home design. Featuring a durable eucalyptus core and a real wood veneer, our Corlee engineered hardwood collection offers natural beauty along with exceptional durability, easy installation and a lower impact on our forests. Explore our wide selection of engineered hardwood in a variety of light and dark finishes to suit any style.

10. Terracotta Revival

Rustic and warm, terracotta and terracotta-look tile are a natural fit for many contemporary design styles gaining prominence in the coming year. Evoking a chic Southwest aesthetic, this rust-colored tile instantly brightens a space with rich, complex tones. This stylish room, designed by @northstardesign.co, features Kasbah Star and Cross Terracotta tiles. Their handmade look and Moroccan-inspired design add depth and interest to the modern rustic space.

11. Handmade Ceramics

Our preference for handcrafted designs and authentic materials will continue into the new year, with a particular appetite for handmade ceramics throughout the home. Fully embrace this trend with our Zellige collection tile—each piece crafted, painted and glazed by hand using centuries-old techniques. Here, the Zellige Shamrock and White Gloss petite subway tiles demonstrate that historic design and expert craftsmanship can be used to create stunning contemporary spaces.

12. Art Deco Designs

Curves, geometric patterns and mixed materials—the defining style of the 1920s—is making a roaring comeback in the 2020s. If you think this decadent, carefree style is the bee’s knees, explore our wide assortment of waterjet mosaics, many of which feature mixed materials in flapper-era patterns—like the Christie Volkas tile shown here.

13. Grout as a Design Element

Essential to any tile design, grout color can dramatically affect the look of a space. Choosing a contrasting or complementary color determines how much you highlight your tile layout. While high-contrast grout creates drama and depth, low-contrast grout offers a subtler, more organic effect. Here, white subway tile is installed using Whisper Grey grout for a softer look.

EXPLORE MORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design

14. Unique Shapes

Creating interest through lines that offer dynamic movement, uniquely shaped tile will create distinct spaces in the coming year. From charming leaf motifs to unconventional scallops—like the Alison Victoria Malibu Edit Pointe Dume tile shown here—these exceptional silhouettes infuse spaces with character and unparalleled allure. Explore our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile for more extraordinary designs.

15. Terrazzo-Look Porcelains

Mimicking the look of authentic terrazzo tile—a composite material containing flecks of stone, glass and marble—these tiles offer beautiful visual texture and superior durability. This warm, contemporary space, designed by @craftandtheory, features the Terrazzo Bianco Micro tile. Its earthy tones and organic texture work well with a variety of styles trending in 2026. Shop Terrazzo porcelain tile in this and three other colorways: Bianco Macro, Nero Macro, and Nero Micro.

Whether you embrace these tile trends or create one of your own, there’s one 2026 prediction that’s guaranteed to come true: a new year will bring even more projects to admire and ideas that inspire.

Speaking of inspiration, our biggest source of inspiration, year after year, is our customers. Be sure to share your project photos by tagging @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading them to our Customer Room Gallery—we can’t wait to see what you create next.

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love

Ready for a room refresh? Schedule a free design consultation or stop by your local Tile Shop for the materials, tools and expert advice you need to bring your dream space to life.

The post Our Top Tile Trend Predictions for 2026 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Basically any tile will be appropriate for areas that don’t experience freeze/thaw, but for those of us in more northern climates, a non-porous tile is necessary to ensure your outdoor area stays looking its best through the seasons. Man-made porcelain tile is suitable for most outdoor applications and comes in a variety of patterns, colors and styles to create a beautiful outdoor space. Many porcelain tiles are suitable for pools, as is glass tile, though we wouldn’t recommended glass for patios. If you like the authentic look of stone, these materials will hold up to the elements, no matter the climate: earthy and textured slate tile, sparkling granite tile, and naturally rustic quartzite tile. Explore our full selection of outdoor tile and pool tile for the tile that fits your style.

If you’re looking for luxury backyard ideas or even if you want to build a backyard oasis on a budget, keep scrolling for our top pool and patio tile ideas that will have you catching rays for days!

1. Go Bold with Black & White

Wondering how to decorate your patio? While neutrals will blend in with the surroundings, why not consider a color palette that will stand out in a sea of green, brown and beige. A black-and-white tile patio creates a fanciful and dramatic setting for a casual conversation or outdoor drinks. This all-season porch, designed by R.C. Zieske Construction, sets the stage with a black-and-white checkerboard tile floor and is made complete with black and white furniture and bold red accents.

2. Create a Tranquil Aquatic Space

Looking for backyard oasis ideas that will work with your pool? A beautiful, aqua-blue tile like the Navarra Blue shown here will transform your pool into a peaceful and relaxing space for you to unwind at the end of the day. Search our wide selection of blue porcelain tiles to create your own stunning aquatic moment.

3. Embrace the Weathered Look

For small patios, you want design ideas that make a big impact. A weathered cement-look tile like the Antique Grey tile shown here is a timeless trend that can add character to a small yard. This is a great tiny patio idea that will create a chic and charming space to relax outdoors.

4. Create a Sleek Slate Patio

Beautifully textured and highly versatile, slate tile ranges in color from rustic reds and orange to blue and black to complement a variety of styles. We love the charming bohemian look of this deck designed by The Inside Story Design, but slate tile is also an excellent choice for a contemporary or farmhouse patio design.

5. Extend Your Great Room Floor Outside

The beauty of porcelain tile is that it works both indoors and out. If you have a small backyard, this idea can help make your outdoor area feel bigger by creating cohesion between your family or dining room and the patio. Wood-look porcelain tile will give your space a cozy feel that’s easy to maintain but for a sleek, contemporary vibe, try a metal-look tile like the Ionic Steel shown here.

6. Build a Bar That Blends In

Think beyond floors and walls. Use tile to create a stylish space for entertaining — just the thing to bring the party to your backyard. An outdoor bar that fits with your landscaping with stone architectural tile, like the Baoding Creme Random Rectified tile shown here, will make a chic and comfortable space.

7. Go Dark For the Pool

Create a pool that looks cool and stays warm with a dark-colored pool tile. Black porcelain tile will conduct heat, perfect for pools in areas that don’t get as much sun during the day. The dark Aqua Nero tile in this pool makes for a sleek, contemporary outdoor space that’s great for swimming or lounging.

We hope this list has sparked some backyard oasis ideas for your next pool or patio project! Visit our Instagram and Customer Room Gallery to see our tile in action in real customer spaces. For even more inspiration and information, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post 7 Pool & Patio Ideas for a Backyard Oasis appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.