2. Terracotta Tones – A Nod to Tuscany

Terracotta is back, but with a modern twist. While traditional full-bodied terracotta tiles remain popular, many designers are incorporating subtler terracotta-infused hues into stone and concrete tiles. These earthy shades exude rustic charm and warmth, creating timeless spaces that feel both elegant and homely.

This trend aligns well with Australia’s climate and architectural styles, particularly in coastal and rural regions where rustic and earthy aesthetics are popular. According to The Block Shop’s 2025 Interior Trends Report, natural, earthy tones like terracotta are favoured for their ability to blend indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.

Why Australians Love It:

Terracotta tiles are durable, low-maintenance, and capable of withstanding Australia’s varied climates. Their earthy, rustic appeal fits perfectly with coastal, bushland, and even urban environments. The versatility of terracotta hues also allows homeowners to embrace a Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic, which has been gaining traction in Australia for several years.

How to Achieve This Style:

Add a Little:

• Use terracotta accent tiles in flooring or a small feature wall.
• Choose earthy-toned grout to complement neutral tiles.
• Incorporate tiles like Omega White Terrazzo, which uses subtle flecks of earthy terracotta tones without overpowering the space.

Add a Lot:

• Opt for full terracotta flooring for a Mediterranean-inspired space.
• Use terracotta subway tiles for entire kitchen walls or bathrooms, adding a timeless blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication.
• Create warmth and character by using terracotta tiles in living spaces, blending them with timber and natural stone for a cohesive look.

3. No More Flat Whites – Textured Whites Take Over

Plain, flat white tiles are taking a back seat in favour of soft, textured white surfaces that add depth and coziness to interiors. Instead of stark, featureless walls, textured whites create an inviting atmosphere with subtle detailing that enhances light and shadow play.

This trend reflects a broader movement towards creating comfortable, welcoming spaces that feel lived-in. As Australians increasingly prefer natural aesthetics, textured white tiles provide an elegant, understated way to add interest to a minimalist palette.

According to insights gathered from Houzz Australia’s Research AU section, textured tiles are particularly popular in kitchens and bathrooms, where their tactile nature helps soften harsh, sterile surfaces. While there isn’t a specific 2025 report yet, Houzz regularly publishes studies and articles on emerging home design trends. You can explore their latest reports and research findings here: Houzz Research AU.

How to Achieve This Style:

Add a Little:

• Use softly textured white tiles for splashbacks or shower walls.
• Pair subtle patterns in white tiles to add depth and interest.
• Opt for tiles with gentle texture, like Microcement Glacier Matt Wall Tile, which offers a soft, sophisticated alternative to plain flat white tiles.

Add a Lot:

• Cover entire walls with 3D-textured white tiles for a bold, modern look.
• Use patterned white tiles to create a striking feature wall that maintains a minimalist, clean aesthetic.
• Choose tiles like Microcement Geometrica Glacier Matt Wall Tile, which features a 3D geometric pattern on a textured micro cement base, to elevate modern, Palm Springs, or Mid-Century-inspired designs.

✅ Examples: Arctic Tundra Tile (top image) and Hamilton Clay Tile (bottom image). Both tiles can be found at our Tile Showroom in Newcastle!

Why Light Soft Stone Is Trending:

Grey tiles dominated throughout the 2010s, but 2025 sees a decisive shift away from these cooler tones. Soft stone tiles provide a refreshing alternative that feels more natural and inviting. Australians are increasingly drawn to tones that mimic the natural environment, reflecting a desire for calm, earthy spaces that feel relaxing and welcoming.

This trend is also popular for its versatility – light stone tiles work well in various design styles, from minimalist to rustic and coastal. Their warm undertones add softness to interiors, making them a popular choice for renovations and new builds alike.

5. The Return of Colour, Personality, and Individualism

After years of minimalism and neutral palettes dominating interior design, 2025 is embracing a bold resurgence of colour, personality, and individualism. Homeowners are moving away from bland, monochrome schemes and incorporating vibrant hues, unique patterns, and expressive features that reflect their personal style.

This trend particularly appeals to Australians who are looking to inject warmth, energy, and creativity into their homes. Whether it’s through a statement wall, a playful geometric layout, or a mosaic masterpiece, personalisation is at the forefront of tile design this year.

Why Australians Love It:

Australia’s diverse landscape and multicultural influences encourage eclectic and colourful designs. As homeowners look to infuse their spaces with character, they are increasingly drawn to tiles that offer uniqueness and individuality. Bold colours and daring patterns help create focal points that transform otherwise understated rooms into visually dynamic spaces.

How to Achieve This Style:

Add a Little:

• Use accent tiles in small areas, such as kitchen splashbacks or bathroom niches.
• Opt for a bold grout colour to subtly enhance a simple tile design.
• Incorporate colourful mosaic tiles to introduce personality without overwhelming the space.

Add a Lot:

• Create a full feature wall using vibrant or patterned tiles.
• Choose multi-coloured mosaic tiles for flooring, backsplashes, or shower walls to achieve a dramatic, expressive look.
• Combine various geometric shapes and colours to create a playful, artistic layout.

✅ Examples: Caribbean Botanical Tile (check it out at our Showroom) – A perfect choice for bold feature walls.

Why It’s Trending:

The return of colour and individualism in tile design reflects a broader cultural shift towards self-expression and creativity. Homeowners are increasingly seeking unique, handcrafted tiles that tell a story and stand out from the mass-produced options.

This trend also aligns with the rise of biophilic design, which encourages bringing natural elements and vibrant colours indoors to create a more stimulating and harmonious environment. Bright, colourful tiles are a simple yet effective way to achieve this.

Additionally, personalisation is becoming more accessible thanks to the availability of custom tile designs and the rise of artisanal tile makers. More Australians are commissioning bespoke pieces to create truly one-of-a-kind spaces.

6. Size Contrasting – Playing with Scale

In 2025, tile design is embracing the beauty of contrast by playing with scale and proportion. While large-format tiles have been popular for their clean, streamlined look, designers are now pairing them with smaller, intricate tiles to create visually dynamic spaces.

This approach involves combining tiles of varying sizes within the same space, resulting in a striking juxtaposition that adds depth and interest. Australians are increasingly using this technique to highlight specific areas of a room or to create statement features that stand out against more subtle backdrops.

Why Australians Love It:

Australia’s architectural styles often blend minimalist design principles with bold, expressive details. By contrasting large and small tiles, homeowners can achieve a sophisticated, layered look that feels both modern and personalised. This trend is especially popular in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, where designers are experimenting with mixing scales to enhance visual flow.

How to Achieve This Style:

Add a Little:

• Use small tiles as accents alongside larger tiles, such as creating a mosaic backsplash within a kitchen fitted with large, neutral tiles.
• Pair large-format floor tiles with smaller, detailed wall tiles to add interest without overwhelming the space.
• Introduce scale contrast by adding feature strips or borders of smaller tiles within expansive tiled areas.

Add a Lot:

• Mix large and small tile formats on floors and feature walls to achieve a bold, modern aesthetic.
• Create tiled murals or intricate geometric patterns using smaller tiles against larger tile backdrops.
• Play with proportion by using oversized tiles paired with intricate mosaics for a dramatic effect.

✅ Image Examples: Wadi Terra Tile—This rich, earthy tile is ideal for creating retro-inspired feature walls. Wadi Beige Tile—This tile complements bold colours while offering a neutral base for vintage-modern designs.

If Wadi Terra or Wadi Beige aren’t your style, take a look at our Instagram post below showcasing a stunning tile combination: Carnival Fairy Floss Wall Tiles – Soft pink tiles that bring a playful, nostalgic charm with a touch of modern elegance. Paired beautifully with Revoir Paris Bel Histoire Agathe Floor Tiles (available at our Newcastle Tile Showroom) – intricately patterned tiles that seamlessly blend vintage appeal with contemporary sophistication.

 

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A post shared by @kiki.and.co.renovate

Why Vintage Modern Is Trending:

Australians are increasingly seeking ways to add warmth and personality to their homes. The shift towards Vintage Modern reflects a desire for interiors that feel welcoming, nostalgic, and reflective of personal style.

Additionally, the use of curved tiles and organic shapes is becoming more accessible, thanks to advancements in tile manufacturing. More suppliers are offering custom tiles that cater to this playful, retro-inspired look.

This trend also aligns with the broader movement towards sustainability and timeless design. Instead of continually chasing the latest fads, Australians are looking to past eras for inspiration, embracing styles that have enduring appeal.

8. Practical Bathroom Design – Human-Centered Spaces

In 2025, bathroom design is increasingly focused on practicality, accessibility, and user experience. Homeowners are prioritising functionality without compromising on style, making human-centered design a key trend in Australian bathrooms.

This approach considers the needs of all users, including families, elderly individuals, and those with mobility concerns. Features such as full-length step shelves, built-in shower seats, walk-in showers, and slip-resistant tiles are becoming standard rather than luxury additions.

Why Australians Love It:

Australia’s aging population, coupled with a general desire for increased comfort and usability, has driven the demand for more practical and accessible bathrooms. According to research from Housing Industry Association (HIA), homeowners are investing in renovations that enhance usability and longevity, especially in high-traffic areas like bathrooms.

How to Achieve This Style:

Add a Little:

• Install slip-resistant, textured tiles to enhance safety without compromising aesthetics.
• Opt for overhead and handheld showers for greater flexibility and user comfort.
• Use practical tile designs that incorporate subtle grip patterns for a balance between style and functionality.

Add a Lot:

• Include built-in shower seats and full-length step shelves behind vanities for added convenience.
• Design walk-in showers with accessibility in mind, ensuring ease of use for all ages and abilities.
• Use durable, easy-to-clean tiles that cater to heavy use without sacrificing design appeal.

✅ Examples:

Why Comfort Design Is Trending:

Australians are increasingly looking for ways to enhance the practicality and comfort of their homes, especially in spaces that see frequent use like bathrooms. The focus on accessibility and user-friendly design reflects a broader shift towards inclusive and ergonomic design principles.

Additionally, as multi-generational living becomes more common, homeowners are prioritising bathroom features that cater to a wide range of needs. This trend also aligns with the aging-in-place movement, where older Australians seek to make their homes safer and more comfortable for longer-term living.

9. Vein Cut Travertine – A Timeless Revival

Travertine has cycled in and out of popularity over the years, but in 2025, it’s making a strong return with a sophisticated twist: vein-cut styles. Unlike the more common cross-cut travertine, which displays a cloudy, inconsistent pattern, vein-cut travertine showcases distinct, linear veins that add a refined, architectural look to interiors.

This technique involves cutting the stone along its natural veins, resulting in striking parallel lines that highlight the stone’s organic movement. The effect is elegant and natural, perfect for creating luxurious, earthy spaces that feel timeless.

Why Australians Love It:

Australia’s coastal and contemporary homes benefit from the subtle, flowing aesthetics of vein-cut travertine. Its linear design offers a sophisticated yet organic look that feels right at home in minimalist or classic settings. Additionally, vein-cut travertine’s natural durability makes it a practical choice for high-traffic areas like hallways, bathrooms, and living spaces.

How to Achieve This Style:

Add a Little:

• Use vein-cut travertine feature tiles in small areas like vanity backsplashes or shower walls.
• Pair vein-cut tiles with minimalist fixtures and warm-toned cabinetry for a sophisticated, understated look.
• Introduce vein-cut tiles as borders or accents within a larger tile installation for subtle elegance.

Add a Lot:

• Opt for full travertine flooring or wall cladding for a luxurious, cohesive appearance.
• Use vein-cut travertine for entire feature walls in living rooms or bathrooms to make a dramatic, natural statement.
• Combine vein-cut travertine tiles with complementary materials like timber or brass fixtures for a harmonious blend of warmth and refinement.

✅ Examples: Avoca Sabbia Tile – A stunning example of vein-cut travertine with soft, flowing lines that add elegance to any room (stocked at Tile Warehouse).

Why Vein-Cut Travertine Is Trending:

Vein-cut travertine appeals to homeowners looking for natural materials that offer both beauty and functionality. Its elegant, linear design complements a wide variety of interior styles, from contemporary to traditional.

Furthermore, the increased focus on natural aesthetics and organic patterns in 2025 has made vein-cut travertine a go-to choice for those who want to incorporate nature-inspired elements into their homes. Its use in high-end renovations and luxury builds only reinforces its enduring appeal.

Recommended Reading: Guide To Travertine Tiles

10. Green Stone – Statement Pieces in Large Format

Green stone is having a major moment in 2025, becoming the go-to choice for large-format statement tiles in both flooring and feature walls. From deep emeralds and rich jades to soft sage hues, green stone offers a bold, luxurious aesthetic that aligns well with the growing popularity of biophilic design.

Homeowners are increasingly drawn to this trend as it provides a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, making it especially suitable for living rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. Additionally, green stone’s versatility allows it to complement a range of design styles, from modern minimalist to vintage-inspired interiors.

Why Australians Love It:

With Australia’s strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, green stone offers a natural yet striking way to blend nature-inspired elements into interiors. It’s a perfect match for timber accents, brass fixtures, and other earthy materials commonly used in Australian homes.

Design experts suggest that the popularity of green stone is also linked to the desire for luxurious, high-impact designs that feel both elegant and organic. The availability of large-format tiles makes it easier than ever to create impressive feature walls and expansive flooring that leave a lasting impression.

How to Achieve This Style:

Add a Little:

• Incorporate green stone tiles in small feature areas, such as a fireplace surround or powder room splashback.
• Use green stone mosaics or tiles for kitchen splashbacks to add a touch of sophistication.
• Pair green stone with white or neutral tiles to create a balanced, elegant look.

Add a Lot:

• Use large-format green stone slabs for entire walls or floors to create a striking, luxurious statement.
• Opt for bold feature walls in bathrooms or living rooms using deep emerald or jade-hued tiles.
• Combine green stone with gold accents for a dramatic, upscale aesthetic.