Whether you’re looking to refresh your bathroom or fit a new kitchen splashback, catch up on the latest trends.

The use of ceramic or porcelain glazed tiles dates back thousands of years. Traditionally, the main purpose of glazed tiling is to create an extra layer of protection on walls in humid areas. But that’s not the only reason they’re still popular today. In addition to their functionality, there’s the aesthetic appeal of glossy colours and beautiful patterns. With each passing year, new trends emerge bringing fresh ideas and innovation. From Kit Kat shaped tiles to timber effect tiles, here are some top trends to inspire.

Nature-inspired tiles

Tuscany Botanical mural Image supplied by The Baked Tile Company

Biophilic design continues to gain popularity and in 2023 it translates into tiles inspired by nature. Ceramic tiles with botanical patterns, textured stone-like finishes and leaf motifs bring a calming and organic feel to bathroom and kitchen spaces. The Tuscany Botanical Mural by the Baked Tile Company features a fresh floral design with an abundance of greenery. Ideal for both Boho style interiors and traditional schemes.  If that’s too bold a statement, check out Original Style’s Tile of the Year 2023; Paradis Mere from the Winchester Tile Collection for a more rustic feel. This hand-crafted tile features palm leaves and has four tiles faces – each showing more of the pattern.

Oversized statement tiles

Oversized wall and floor tiles are another trend that will continue to be big in 2023, say suppliers. Larger format tiles offer a sleek look while minimising grout lines, creating an expansive feel. Oversized tiles can make a small space, like a bathroom, feel bigger and create a luxurious look. Equally, large format tiles can work well in open plan spaces for entertaining to enhance the sense of fluidity and light. Homeowners can choose from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, natural stone and concrete, each offering different textures and finishes.

Wood-look tiles

Wood effect tiles is a hot new trend for 2023, according to Abbas Youssefi, director at Porcelain Superstore. She said: “Thanks to improvements in tile making tech, the natural beauty of a wood panelled wall can now be created in modern porcelain.” This means you can add a waterproof, wood-effect backdrop to your shower or freestanding bath.

Tile Club agrees the 1970s-inspired design is making a comeback in a big way. And with today’s technology, the retro wood-look tiles can be made from a variety of materials. Check out Naturalia Brown tiles from the Original Style Company which can be laid in herringbone patterns on floors and walls.

Kit Kat tiles 

Dolce Navy Kit Kat Wall tiles Image supplied by Porcelain Superstore

Another big tiling trend for 2023 is Kit Kat shaped or slim finger-width tiles.  The linear style has something of a Japanese aesthetic and can help your home look contemporary and stylish. These mesh-mounted mosaic tiles are relatively easy to fit and come in a range of rich colours, including deep cobalt blues and jade greens as well as pale pinks and plain white. Sumptuously glazed blue/green Kit Kat tiles are a delicious addition to bathrooms paired with white tiles or in kitchens as a splashback option.

Green theme 

Little Italy Green Image supplied by The Baked Tile Company

Green kitchen and bathroom tiles are among the trends that are continuing from 2022 to 2023. Green represents calmness, optimism and all-round positivity. It’s no wonder it is the must-have tile colour of 2023,” according to Tiles 360 website. Pair green tiles with natural wood cabinets or worktop to tap into the biophilic or natural house design. Mint green is a good choice as it has a fresh, clean feel, especially for bathrooms. To make more of a statement, look at the darker green glossy options, such as Little Italy Green from the Baked Tile Company.

Subway tiles with a twist 

White Matt, picture taken by Chloe Lozenge, Image supplied by The Baked Tile Company

Like Cocoa Cola and blue jeans, subway tiles never go out of fashion. Slightly curved and with a glossy finish, they suit most interiors and are perfect for those on a budget. However,  interior designers are seeing less running bond tile, this common brickwork pattern has the tile start at the centre of the tile below it.  Instead of this traditional approach, designers are increasingly stacking subway tiles either vertically or horizontally with some unexpected shapes and shades, including lozenge shaped, hexagonal, pinks and earthy blues. 

Moorish style … still moreish 

Rosetta Blue patterned tiles, Image supplied by Porcelain Superstore

Moorish designs are a favourite in the world of interior design and there’s no sign of this waning in 2023. With bright colours and  intricate geometric designs, these eye-catching tiles are the opposite of paired-back minimalism. Durable porcelain tiles can be used to decorate floors, walls and even staircases and are suitable for both modern and older properties. The Rosetta tiles, pictured, are made from Spanish porcelain and a possible option whether you’re looking to lay tiles in a busy hallway or a striking feature panel around your shower.

For outside walls, choose frost proof porcelain tiles that won’t crack in cold weather, such as Casablanca Mix from Porcelain Superstore.

Marble 

Passion Onyx Blush Wall Tiles, Image supplied by Walls and Floors 

Beautiful and timeless, marble isn’t going out of fashion any time soon. Patterned ceramic or porcelain tiles that resemble marble are a great choice for creating a luxurious feel that isn’t just reserved for hotel-spa style bathrooms. These finishes can be more widely incorporated into kitchens and living spaces. White, black, pink and green marble designs made of tiles are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Opting for tiles that replicate natural onyx can also add glitz and glamour to your home.  Check out these Passion Onxy Blush Wall Tiles, said to be inspired by onyx gemstones. The small format, ceramic tiles are suitable for sparkling splashbacks or fabulous fireplaces, though probably not floors.

Natural stone and sustainable tiles

Natural stone with all its unique patterns and textures, remain a popular choice. Materials such as limestone, travertine and slate also offer natural strength and durability. Sustainability is a key focus in tile design for 2023. Help cut your carbon footprint by choosing porcelain, ceramic or glass tiles made with recycled materials. Try Parkside which is working with World Land Trust to balance its carbon emissions against a range of biodiverse conservation projects.  Every time a customer purchases 40% minimum recycled content tiles, it donates 40p per square metre to the work of the trust. 

Other suppliers include Confiserie Blue Triangle Mosaics, made from recycled glass and Trousdale Terrazzo porcelain tiles.

Shimmering glass tiles and mosaics 

Original Style White Lady Iridescent, Image supplied by Hyperion Tiles 

Coloured glass tiles and mosaics add a new dynamic to a space. In 2023, neutral shades are stealing the spotlight and adding a touch of design elegance. They’re more subtle than the metallic-accent gold, brass and copper tiles that have dominated in recent years, though no less shimmery. Hyperion Tiles offers a white, iridescent round glass mosaic tile that changes colours under different lighting conditions. As well as being beautiful, mosaics are very practical. Depending on the material, they can be applied to flat and curved surfaces.

Pop the cork

Cork is a surprising material that is used to make everything from handbags to subway seats in Portugal, the main exporter of this sustainable material. Cork oak trees are harvested 15 times across their 200-year lifestyle without any damage to the tree. Because of its eco-credentials, cork is reckoned to be one of the key flooring trends for 2023, available in a variety of colours. Thanks to its honeycomb structure and millions of air-filled cells, cork has natural thermal insulation, is soft underfoot and sound is easily absorbed.

From flooring to backsplashes and accent walls, tiles are a versatile material. With the new tile trends there’s something for everyone from  nature-inspired greens, and neutral mosaic glass designs to kit-kat shaped tiles that will have your home at the forefront of fashion.