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.

What inspired the overall look and design for Refined Rustic?

“Tile is always my starting point. It’s the first item I select for a home, and it sets the tone,” Julie said. “The Annie Selke tile used in the basement bath and the laundry room were just introduced by The Tile Shop, and I loved them. They are what set the tone.”

Eye-Catching Entrance

The entrance of your home should set the tone, and Timber Trails did exactly that. The black features, warm wood flooring and courageous wallpaper greet you with open arms.

Dining Room

Behold, the grand dining room. This stunning space is Julie’s favorite room in the entire house. “It is the first thing you see when you walk in. I love that the white paneled walls are offset by the black ceiling,” Julie said.

“When people see a design and say, ‘I never would have done that, but I love it.’ That’s when you know you’ve done your job as a designer.”—Julie Howard, designer for Timber Trails DC

The hallways in this home stretch as far as the eye can see, connecting you to countless uniquely designed rooms that stimulate and inspire.

Laundry Room

“We used Annie Selke Ikat Black in the laundry room because, to me, a laundry room should be fun. It doesn’t need to match the rest of the house because half of the time the door is closed,” Julie said. “Plus, who enjoys laundry? It’s nice to design a laundry room that makes you smile when you enter.”

“I’ve never been scared of black. I painted my first adult bedroom black 20 years ago, and it is still my favorite room I’ve ever designed,” Julie said. “It’s certainly caught on over the years as I’m seeing it on more walls and in more kitchens and baths. Black doesn’t date, and you don’t tire of it.”

Victoria Grey Bath

Victoria Grey marble defines luxury. Its versatility and stunning appeal makes it perfect for numerous styles. We especially love the eye-catching stone mosaic rug look framed by Victoria Grey stone.

Kitchen

While the tumbled marble softens the space for a traditional feel, the accents of white oak warm up the kitchen for rustic, farmhouse appeal. The sleek counter tops and appliances are incorporated for a flair of contemporary style. What do you get when you unite these amazing designs? The always trendy transitional style.

If the space wasn’t already perfect enough, the added elements of hygge, like greenery and wood features, add in the perfect sense of comfort. Read our blog post on what makes Scandinavian looks so chic!

Living Room

As a member of our Pro Network, Timber Trails DC has maintained a strong and meaningful partnership with the Lombard, IL location and store manager, Kevin. Together, Timber Trails DC and Kevin have completed over 40 homes!

“We have a great push and pull. He keeps me in check when I tend to go too far, and he’s on top of everything down to each tile I need,” Julie said. “Kevin makes me feel like I’m his only client, which is great when you call in a bind, which I often do!

Master Bath

Siberian Pearl marble accompanied by deep black and gold features—dramatic elegance at its finest!

“The marble in the master is so pretty because it is a white marble, but it has a lot of warm tones in it and is different than a white and grey Carrara marble,” Julie said.

Master Bedroom

Jack & Jill Vanity

How charming is this beach-inspired Jack and Jill bath? The repetition of the wood-look tiles on the wall and floor create such a pleasing, cohesive look.

Basement Bath

We end this home tour with one of our favorite spaces in the house: the basement bathroom. This space encompasses the three colors that are used throughout the house: black, white and brown.

We love the juxtaposition between the black and white features in this bathroom. While the patterned floor tile proudly catches your eye, the shower tiles contrast the bohemian pattern with a classic, solid-white subway. Notice the black grout lines in the shower—darker colored grouts create more character and add a more pronounced look to the grout joints.

Stay up-to-date with Timber Trails DC and all of their stunning builds by following them on Instagram.

Are you a home developer or interior designer? Let’s partner on your next project. Join our Pro Network program and receive specialized pricing and services.

All photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors

The post Timber Trails’ Refined Rustic appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Featured: Havana w/ White Mother-of-Pearl, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Barnes, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Skirting, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Essex, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Somerset, Dural Plus Gold 24k

A unique manufacturing process is required as it is not possible get these interesting, unique and curved shapes from traditional cutting methods. A computerized machine that has multiple heads uses a high pressured stream of water mixed with fine sand particles to cut through the stone. The cutting technique uses as much of each piece of stone as possible, which is another reason we absolutely love these exquisite mosaics. After the cuts are made, the individual pieces are collected, cleaned off and set aside to dry before being assembled by hand into the final mosaic pattern. To get a glimpse into this unique process, check out the video below!

These versatile mosaics can be used on the floor or wall and are typically made of stone. Unlike the majority of mosaics, however, the waterjet cutting process gives the option of curved or softer lines while promoting sustainability by using the most of each material. The photo below featuring Monroe Marquina displays the intricate details of these beautiful mosaics.

Featured: Monroe Marquina , Hampton Engraved, Noir Honed Travertine

Choose from various options with Waterjet Mosaics that mix materials such as glass, metal and natural stone as well as rare, highly sought after materials such as mother-of-pearl, moonstone and more. From dainty flowers to geometric shapes, colorful patterns to monochromatic designs, the possibilities are endless with our growing selection of Waterjet Mosaics. Read on for our favorite distinct ways to design with these game-changing tiles.

Exquisite Accent

Cover your walls from floor to ceiling with these one-of-a-kind mosaics to replicate the look of wallpaper. Unlike wallpaper, tile provides a durable option for wet areas while allowing you to be bold in your design.

Featured: Ava w/ Marquina

Display seamless, feminine florals using Waterjet Mosaics as an accent wall in a powder room, as seen below featuring Havana w/ White Mother-of-Pearl. The curved lines and dainty details are a staple style for waterjet mosaics.

Featured: Havana w/ White Mother-Of-Pearl

Take notes from this transitional kitchen by Morrissey Home Solutions to create a breathtaking backsplash that perfectly compliments the rest of this stunning space.

Featured:Marseille White w/ Moonstone. Design by: Morrissey Home Solutions. Photo by: Jen M Burner

Waterjet Mosaics can take on all types of shapes and forms. Discover a more masculine take on a kitchen accent wall with Victoria Grey Meander displaying straight lines and a strict structure similar to a hypnotic maze.

Featured: Victoria Grey Meander

Detailed Floors

Opt to give your bathroom a stunning pop with a detailed Waterjet Mosaic fit to your individual flair. Clean and simple, you’ll be sure to love the detailed design patterns of these captivating tiles displayed on your floor.

Featured: Bogart w/ Vintage Patina

Waterjet Mosaics are a dazzling option for the entire floor of a bathroom. Fill the whole space with unique patterns or choose to frame the mosaic with coordinating stones to create a rug look, drawing all eyes to your desired mosaic.

Featured: Fontaine Grey

Give any room a distinct personality with an exceptional Waterjet Mosaic pattern guaranteed to bring that wow factor to an artfully detailed floor.

Featured: Vivien Grey Stone

Wainscot Wallpaper Effect

Wainscoting is typically referred to as the covering of the lower half of a wall using wooden paneling. Integrate a modern take on wainscoting by using an accent tile on the top half of your wall and a coordinating tile on the bottom half for style and warmth.

The photo below features a softly curved chevron waterjet mosaic achieving a wallpaper effect on the upper half of the wall, and subway tile wainscot on the bottom half. These universal tiles are highly mixable, so don’t be afraid to mix and match with materials other than stone, such as glass or porcelain. Layer in the details and watch your living space come to life.

Featured: Bardot Vintage Rose, Retro Perla Ceramic Subway, Hampton Carrara Polished Barnes, Q-Seal Greige High Pencil Liner, Vivien Grey

This Monroe Marquina vanity splash is a style we love: beautiful and bold! Transition from one tile to the next with our custom trim pieces, using profiles with black and white to give an accentuated pop of color. Explore more Waterjet Mosaic ideas by using these distinct tiles either above or below a wainscot.

Featured: Monroe Marquina, Black Marquina Polished, Bianco Puro Honed Somerset, Black Marquina Polished Somerset, Black Marquina Polished Marble Barnes

Featured Frame

Use Waterjet Mosaics inside of a picture frame design to add detail and create a focal point in your custom space. Not sure which one to choose? Work with one of our design associates for a free consultation.

Featured: Marseille White w/ Moonstone, Barbados Glass, Africa Tempesta, Tempesta Neve Polished Hex

Experiment with Waterjet Mosaics in the form of a recessed shelf for a smaller custom feature that still packs a glamorous punch. The Moderne Deco mosaic featured below is a nod to the art deco look with touches of brushed gold and cool-grey marble.

Featured: Moderne Deco, Verona Blanco

“Complement the details of your tile mosaic design by using a coordinating finish in your cabinet hardware and faucetry.” – Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

Featured: Havana w/ White Mother-of-Pearl, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Barnes, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Skirting, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Essex, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Somerset, Dural Plus Gold 24k, Etna Cimento Porcelain Wood Look

Whatever design style speaks to you the most, it is essential to thoughtfully consider how to best feature these unique, intricate statement tiles. From subtle to a standout pattern, these elaborately custom tiles can bring beauty into any space of your home. Amazed with the options and various design styles of Waterjet Mosaics? Find more unique Waterjet Mosaic shapes and patterns at your local Tile Shop or explore the custom selection online.

The post Distinct Designs with Waterjet Mosaics appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.