Tile Trends to Watch in 2026
January 27, 2026
As 2026 unfolds, tiles are taking centre stage in interior design, no longer simply serving a functional purpose but setting the tone of a space. The year’s leading trends celebrate a refined balance of classic pattern, tactile depth and natural authenticity. From iconic geometric forms to beautifully organic textures, these are the influences defining tile design for the year ahead.
1. Octagons: A Heritage Classic Redefined
In 2026, octagonal tiles are less about bold geometry and more about a return to heritage design. Rooted in traditional European architecture, octagon-and-dot patterns have long been a hallmark of elegant period homes, grand entrances, and historic bathrooms. Their enduring appeal lies in their balance - decorative, refined and practical.
This year’s interpretation celebrates that heritage, with a focus on authentic proportions, traditional layouts, and classic materials such as marble, limestone, and stone-effect porcelain. Soft, neutral palettes allow the pattern itself to take centre stage without feeling overstated.
Octagonal tiles are particularly suited to hallways, cloakrooms, and bathrooms, where they add a sense of quiet grandeur and architectural integrity. Paired with simple borders or traditional detailing, they create floors that feel timeless rather than trend-led - a design choice that honours craftsmanship and longevity.
Explore our Octagon collection here.
2. Chequerboard Reimagined: Soft Contrasts & Subtle Nostalgia
The chequerboard pattern, long a hallmark of classic interiors, returns for 2026 with a modern twist. Alongside the classic black-and-white contrast, we’re seeing warmer, nuanced pairings such as camel and cream, or terracotta and chalk; these softer combinations create a timeless, inviting feel without overwhelming the space.
Chequerboard works beautifully in kitchen and hallway floors, mudrooms, and entryways, providing personality and architectural interest while remaining grounded in today’s trend towards quiet luxury and tactile warmth.
Explore our Chequerboard collection here.
3. Herringbone: Dynamic Movement Meets Classic Heritage
Herringbone remains a go-to layout in 2026, valued for the sense of movement and rhythmic pattern it brings to both floors and walls. Rooted in classical European design, this enduring format continues to resonate thanks to its ability to feel at once traditional and effortlessly contemporary.
Whether executed in porcelain, terracotta, or natural stone, herringbone’s versatility allows it to adapt seamlessly across design styles - from relaxed, rustic interiors to more polished, architectural spaces. Subtle tonal variations within natural materials enhance the pattern’s depth, while refined finishes lend a sense of understated luxury.
In open-plan interiors, herringbone creates a cohesive visual flow while gently defining different zones without the need for physical boundaries. Laid in kitchens, living spaces, or hallways, it introduces structure and interest underfoot, proving that classic layouts remain as relevant as ever when reinterpreted for modern living.
Explore our Herringbone collection here.
4. Marble Slabs: Timeless Luxury on a Grand Scale
In 2026, marble slabs continue to define luxury interiors, celebrated for their ability to transform surfaces into architectural statements. Large-format marble and marble-effect slabs create a sense of continuity and calm, allowing the natural veining and tonal variation of the stone to take centre stage without visual interruption.
Designers are increasingly using marble slabs beyond traditional flooring, incorporating them into statement walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and bespoke joinery. This expansive application enhances the inherent elegance of marble, while reinforcing a feeling of permanence and craftsmanship. Soft, classic tones such as Carrara whites, warm greys, and rich, earthy marbles remain popular, alongside more expressive veining for spaces seeking a bold yet refined character.
Whether used in book-matched layouts for dramatic impact or as seamless surfaces for a quieter, more understated look, marble slabs embody a growing desire for materials that feel both luxurious and enduring - a hallmark of considered, timeless design in 2026.
Explore our Marble Slabs collection here.
5. Bold Colour: Confident, Considered Expression
While natural tones and heritage patterns remain central in 2026, there is a growing appetite for tiles that make a confident visual statement.
Rich, saturated hues such as deep greens, inky blues, terracotta reds and warm ochres bring depth and personality to interiors, particularly when paired with classic shapes or traditional layouts.
Rather than overwhelming a space, these tiles are often used as feature moments: a splashback, a striking floor, or a statement wall. Balanced with quieter materials like stone, marble or textured neutrals, bold and graphic tiles become focal points that elevate a scheme while maintaining a sense of timeless sophistication.
Explore our Sodai collection here.