Discover the latest tile trends in Australia for 2023, showcasing innovative takes on traditional classics, tactile textures, and bold statement shapes and materials.
These trends prove that tiles remain a timeless and adaptable design element that can transform any space in your home, from the bathroom to the kitchen and beyond.
As one of the most versatile and decorative surface finishes, tiles have been a go-to choice for interiors for centuries, so what are the 2023 Australian Tile Trends? With endless options in shapes, sizes, materials, colours, and patterns, tiles are beautiful, durable, and hardwearing, making them ideal for breathing new life into any space, from the kitchen to the bathroom.
In exploring the 2023 tile trends, we’ve consulted with our in-house experts and gathered some of the most inspiring and fresh looks. Whether you’re drawn to the earthy appeal of Stone floor tiles or the pop of Southern California’s Palm Springs region, these upcoming trends cover a range of styles and finishes that will inspire.
Here’s Our List Of 14 Tile Trends To Keep An Eye On In 2023
1. Palm Springs Inspired Styles
Palm Springs design style is a mid-century modern design aesthetic that emerged in the mid-20th century and is closely associated with the city of Palm Springs, California.
Palm Springs designs often feature flat roofs, walls of glass, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, which takes advantage of the region’s sunny climate. This style also often incorporates natural materials like wood and stone and decorative elements like geometric patterns and abstract art.
Palm Springs design has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Many people have become interested in the sleek, modern look and its association with the glamour and sophistication of mid-century Hollywood.
Palm Springs bathrooms emulate the soft brightness of desert light and the luxury of resort living. Some typical features of Palm Springs-style bathrooms include:
- Large, open showers with frameless glass enclosures, often with rainfall shower heads or other sleek fixtures.
- Freestanding soaking tubs that serve as a focal point in the room are often positioned near a large window or sliding door to allow for natural light and views of the outdoors.
- Simple, streamlined vanities and storage solutions with minimal hardware and clean, straight lines.
- Natural materials such as wood, stone, or terrazzo tiles are used for flooring, walls, or countertops, often in light, neutral shades.
- Bold pops of colour in the form of towels, bath mats, or accessories, such as bright pink, turquoise or even muted pastels.
Palm Springs’s design style in bathrooms aims to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere that brings the outdoors in while maintaining a clean and uncluttered modern 1950s aesthetic.
Spanish COCO Orchard Pink Matt 50mm x 150mm Subway Tiles, drawing inspiration from the soothing coastal hues, boasts a delicately rippled surface with a blend of matte and glossy finishes. This can be found at Tile Warehouse showroom.
2. Natural Stone Features
Natural stone tiles are popular for floorings, walls, and other surfaces, such as splashbacks, feature walls, and bathroom floors in residential and commercial settings. Here are some of the key features of natural stone tiles that make them an everlasting hit:
- Natural beauty: Natural stone tiles are prized for their unique and beautiful appearance, with variations in colour, texture, and veining that make each tile one-of-a-kind.
- Heat resistance: Natural stone tiles are an excellent choice for areas with radiant heating systems like heated towel rails, mirror demisters and underfloor heating, as they can withstand high temperatures without cracking or warping.
- Eco-friendliness: Natural stone tiles are a sustainable choice for flooring, as they are made from natural materials and can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.
- Variety: There are many different types of natural stone tiles available, including marble, granite, travertine, slate, and limestone, each with unique properties and characteristics.
Natural stone tiles offer a timeless and elegant look, making them a popular choice for a wide range of applications.
The popular stones are Verdi Cristallo (Pale mint green), Pink (Rosso Crema or Terra), Tumbled Ivory Travertine, and Gold Veined (Calacatta Gold).
Rosso Crema Tumbled Marble Penny Round mosaics exhibit a stunning tumbled finish, featuring a subtle rose undertone that infuses warmth and liveliness into any interior. It is suitable for a diverse range of spaces, including bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. To ensure optimal protection, we strongly advise sealing this natural stone.
3. Soft, Warm-Toned Terrazzos Is A Key Trend
Traditional Terrazzo is a composite material made up of chips of marble, granite, glass, or other materials set in concrete or resin.
Soft, warm-toned Terrazzo differs from traditional Terrazzo in that it features a more muted colour palette, with subtle earth tones and pastels replacing traditional Terrazzo’s bright and bold colours creating a more nuanced and understated look that is well-suited to a variety of design styles, from modern to traditional.
In addition to its warm and inviting aesthetic, soft, warm-toned Terrazzo has several other benefits. It is highly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains, making it an excellent choice for flooring in high-traffic areas. It also has good acoustic properties, which can help to reduce noise in busy environments. We don’t sell traditional concrete terrazzo; however, we specialise in Terrazzo Look glazed porcelain tiles or Italian Porcelain Terrazzo tiles.
Overall, soft, warm-toned Terrazzo is a versatile and stylish choice for various interior and architectural applications. Its popularity is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The Antique Terrazzo tile is designed with a warm white foundation and generously sized aggregate chips, emitting a cozy and inviting ambience to any room it is in. It can be used as a suitable option for both wall and floor installations in various spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. This can be found at Tile Warehouse showroom.
4. Fluted Everything – Including Tiles!
Fluted tiles, or ribbed or grooved tiles, are ceramic or porcelain tiles with a series of vertical or horizontal ridges or grooves on their surface. The ridges create a unique texture and visual interest that can add depth and dimension to a space. These tiles are often used for decorative purposes.
Fluted tiles can come in various sizes, shapes, and colours, from small subway tiles to large-format panels. They can be used to create a variety of patterns and effects, such as herringbone or chevron, and can be installed vertically or horizontally, depending on the desired look.
In addition to their decorative qualities, fluted tiles also have practical benefits. The ridges can help to create a non-slip surface, making them a good choice for areas like bathrooms or entryways. They are also easy to clean and maintain, as dirt and grime are less likely to show on the textured surface.
Fluted tiles are a versatile and stylish option for a wide range of interior design applications, from accent walls and backsplashes to flooring and shower surrounds.
The Venetian Fluted Matt White Feature Tile is an elegant feature tile with 3D linear concave flutes. An elevated choice for bathroom feature walls and kitchen splashbacks.
5. Bottle Green Tiles
The trend of using bottle green tiles with an antiqued or high variation finish laid in a vertical stack is the opposite of the Palm Springs style. It falls more into the “Moody Maximalism” category, which tends to pair them with dark, almost black, natural stone or CeppoStone style tiles.
Words don’t really do Bottle Green Tiles justice so we will just put up a couple of images. Wow, just wow!
La Riviera Botanical Green Tile. This Spanish ceramic wall tile features a natural handmade edge that adds to its charm. With a stunning gloss finish, it can be used to enhance the visual appeal of any wall application. Additionally, the tile’s subtle, varied tones contribute to its overall character.
Look Olivia Gloss Green Tile. The Look collection comprises a set of glossy wall tiles that boast variations in color and patterning, resembling the classic handmade tile style. Available in a 60 x 240mm format, this range offers seven unique colorways and is well-suited for wall installations in both residential and commercial settings, including wet areas.
6. Gold Trims, Taps, And Drains
Gold trims, taps, and drains have been increasing in popularity in recent years and continue to be a popular choice in 2023 for those who want to add a touch of luxury and elegance to their bathrooms and kitchens. Gold finishes can provide a warm and glamorous look and are often used in combination with other materials, such as marble or darker woods.
We stock Gold tile Insert Strip Drains, Gold Floor Wastes and 3 different types of Gold Tile Trim.
In this image, we combine warm Kuartz stone tiles, gold trims & drains, and textured white walls for an inviting and modern bathroom.
7. CeppoStone Tiles
CeppoStone style tiles are a type of porcelain or ceramic tile that mimics the look of Ceppo di Gré, a limestone quarried in Italy. Ceppo di Gré is known for its distinctive appearance, which features a range of neutral tones, small fossils, and occasional small holes (think chunky Terrazzo).
CeppoStone tiles are popular because they provide the appearance of natural stone without some of the maintenance issues associated with natural stone, such as susceptibility to staining and etching. CeppoStone tiles typically feature a textured surface and a variety of neutral tones, including shades of grey, beige, and brown. They are used in residential and commercial applications, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas.
CeppoStone tiles are a popular choice for those who want to achieve a sophisticated and natural look in their home or commercial space without natural stone’s high cost or maintenance requirements.
The CeppoStone Terrazzo Tile is a highly authentic rendition of the rich, graphic depth characteristic of natural terrazzo. Its distinctive style is well-suited for both commercial and residential spaces, making it an ideal solution for those seeking to elevate the aesthetic appeal of their space.
8. Light, Warm, Natural Stone Looks
Light, Warm, Natural Stone tiles are going strong and increasing in popularity, replacing cool greys and concrete as the dominant trend.
Light, warm, natural stone tiles can refer to various types of stone, but typically these are natural stones with a warm, light colour and a natural, earthy feel. Some examples of natural stone that can fit this description include travertine, limestone, and sandstone.
Travertine is a popular light, warm, natural stone tile due to its soft, earthy colours and natural texture. It typically ranges in colour from ivory to beige. It has a porous, textured surface giving it a rustic, natural look.
Limestone is another natural stone with a light, warm colour and a smooth, uniform surface that gives it a more polished, refined look compared to other types of natural stone.
Sandstone is also popular for light, warm, natural stone tiles. It has a light, sandy colour and a slightly rough texture that can give it a natural, rustic feel. Sandstone can be used in various applications, from outdoor patios and walkways to indoor flooring and accent walls.
Natural stone tiles can be an excellent choice for those who want to achieve a natural, earthy look in their home or commercial space. The specific type of natural stone used will depend on the desired aesthetic, durability requirements, and budget.
The Tibet series (the image is Tibet Sand) offers the exquisite elegance of natural limestone in a highly durable porcelain tile. Available in various sizes and finishes, including matt and lappatto, the collection is the epitome of versatility in porcelain tiles. Moreover, this series comes with a complimentary subway tile that is ideal for creating accent walls in bathrooms or kitchens. View our 600mm x 600mm Kuartz Matt Beige Floor & Wall Tile.
9. Small Format Soft White Textured Wall Tiles
Soft white textured wall tiles in small formats are popular in 2023 for those looking to create a subtle yet sophisticated look in their kitchen or bathroom. These tiles typically have a textured surface that adds visual interest and depth to the design. At the same time, the soft white colour provides a neutral backdrop that can complement a variety of other design elements.
The tiles’ subtle colour variation can add depth and dimension to the space without being too bold or overwhelming. This can be particularly effective in creating a backsplash that adds visual interest to the kitchen or bathroom.
Small format tiles are an excellent choice for backsplashes, as they are easy to install and can be cut to fit any size or shape. They also provide a more intricate and detailed look than larger format tiles, which can be ideal for creating a feature wall or adding visual interest to a smaller space.
Overall, soft white textured wall tiles in small formats are a popular choice for those who want to create a sophisticated and subtle look in their home.
The MANACOR Series draws inspiration from serene coastal hues and boasts a handmade appearance. It has been imported from Spain and tailored to suit the Australian design aesthetic. This series is available in two different formats and a wide range of natural colours. View Block Matt White tiles.
10. Crazy Pave
“Crazy Pave” is a type of paving or flooring that uses irregularly shaped pieces of stone, concrete, or other materials to create a unique and visually interesting pattern. The pieces are typically different sizes and shapes, with rough, jagged edges that make a natural, organic look.
Crazy Pave tiles have been a popular trend in recent years, allowing homeowners to create a custom look unique to their space. It is often used in outdoor spaces, such as patios and walkways. Still, it can also be used indoors in areas like entryways, mudrooms, and bathrooms.
While some homeowners choose to smash their own tiles to create the perfect colour palette for their Crazy Pave design, this can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, requiring some skill and knowledge. Alternatively, pre-made Crazy Pave tiles or pavers are available in various colours and textures, saving time and effort while still achieving a custom look.
Crazy Pave is a popular trend in 2023 for its visually interesting pattern. Whether created from smashed tiles or pre-made pavers, the irregular shapes and sizes of the pieces can add a sense of natural beauty and interest to any space.
The Enzo Crazy Pave style, now available at Tile Warehouse, can be used indoors and outdoors and combined with the Enzo Bullnose Pencil Edge for a perfect finish. The magnificence of stone is undeniable. This collection of stone designs, featuring cool and refreshing colours, has been exclusively crafted to elevate the ambience of any setting. It is available in four natural shades of Cinder, Sand, Coal, and Moon.
11. Coastal Style Tiles
Coastal-inspired tiles are a popular trend in 2023 for those looking to create a relaxed, beachy feel in their home. These tiles typically feature soft, light greys or gentle ivory tones that replicate natural elements found at the beach, such as sand and rocks. The texture and pattern of the tiles can also mimic the look of natural elements, such as ripples in the sand or the swirling patterns of ocean waves.
For floors, Coastal style tiles are typically used in designs that replicate natural elements found at the beach. Popular tile options include Novastone Ivory and Stari Light Grey, which capture the soft, natural look of the beach.
The trend is to use clean, flat, and simple matt-white tiles for walls. The Inca Matt White tile is a popular option. It provides a neutral backdrop that can complement the natural look of the Coastal style tiles used on the floors.
Vanities in Coastal style bathrooms typically feature light-toned timber that adds warmth and texture to the space, mimicking driftwood tones. Sink and bath fixtures are generally white to complement the neutral colour palette and create a sense of cleanliness and simplicity.
Coastal-style tiles are a popular trend for those who want to create a relaxed, beachy feel in their home.
The JUNO CREAM MATT TILE is a wall and floor tile that exudes a serene and minimalist vibe with its neutral tone. It is an excellent base colour for a coastal theme design that enhances any space and creates the perfect ambience.
12. Same Tile For Wall And Floor
Using the same tile for the walls and floors can create a cohesive and coordinated look in a bathroom. This design choice can make the space feel more spacious and open and create a luxurious and cozy ambience.
One of the main benefits of using the same tile for both the walls and floors is that it can make the space appear larger. By eliminating the visual break between different materials, the eye can travel smoothly across the surfaces, creating a seamless transition. This can be especially effective in small bathrooms where visual clutter can make the space feel cramped.
Another benefit of using the same tile for both the walls and floors is that it can create a sense of luxury and sophistication. The uniformity of the design can give the space a sleek, modern look, while the use of high-quality materials can add a touch of elegance.
When choosing a tile for a bathroom, it’s important to consider the durability and slip resistance of the material. Floor tiles need to be able to withstand foot traffic, while wall tiles should be able to withstand moisture and humidity. Choosing a tile that complements the bathroom’s style and colour scheme is also essential.
Using the same tile for the walls and floors can effectively create a cohesive and stylish bathroom design.
NORROCK draws inspiration from Ceppo di Gre and showcases the exquisite blend of colours found in fragmented pebbles of this natural stone. It comes in five different colours, including warm white, ivory, almond beige (featured in image), grey, and charcoal, and is available in various sizes, including a large 600mm x 1200mm format and 20mm pavers.
13. Matt Finish Bathroom Walls Tiles
Using matt finish tiles on bathroom walls can create a soft, gentle, and inviting atmosphere. This is in contrast to harsh gloss finishes, which can create a cold and clinical feeling in a bathroom.
There are several advantages to using matt finish tiles on bathroom walls. One of the main benefits is that they can help to create a relaxing and soothing environment. Matt finish tiles have a subtle texture that can make the walls feel more tactile and less sterile, which is super important in the bathroom, where people go to unwind and relax.
Another advantage of using matt finish tiles on bathroom walls is that they can be easier to clean and maintain. Glossy tiles tend to show water spots, fingerprints, and other marks more easily, while matt finish tiles can be more forgiving. They also tend to hide minor imperfections in the wall more effectively, which can be helpful in older homes or bathrooms with uneven walls.
When choosing matt finish tiles for bathroom walls, it’s important to consider the colour and texture of the tiles. Lighter colours create a brighter and more spacious feeling, while darker colours create a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. Textured tiles can also add visual interest and depth to the walls, creating a more dynamic and engaging space.
Using matt finish tiles for bathroom walls can create a warm and welcoming ambience while being practical and easy to maintain.
The CAPRI NUTMEG tile is undeniably magnificent. This collection of stone designs has been carefully crafted to add grace and splendour to your home. It is available in four delectable colours: Salt, Nutmeg, Earl Grey, and Pepper. The tile is versatile enough to be used throughout your entire project, both indoors and outdoors, including pool coping. It also comes in a large format of 900mm x 900mm with a matte finish.
14. Archways!
Arch bathroom niches are an elegant and functional addition to any bathroom. These curved niches are typically built into the wall, providing a space to store bathroom essentials such as shampoo, soap, and other toiletries.
One of the main benefits of arch bathroom niches is that they can add a touch of sophistication and style to the bathroom.
The curved shape of the niche can create a focal point in the room, drawing the eye and adding visual interest. This can be especially effective in bathrooms with more traditional or ornate decor styles.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, arch bathroom niches can be highly practical.
They provide convenient and accessible storage space for bathroom essentials, freeing up valuable counter space and helping to keep the bathroom organised and tidy. They can also be designed to be waterproof and easy to clean, ensuring that they remain hygienic and functional over time.
When designing an arch bathroom niche, it’s essential to consider the size and placement of the niche. The niche should be large enough to hold the necessary items without appearing overcrowded and positioned in a location easily accessible from the shower or bathtub. It’s also important to choose durable and water-resistant materials, such as ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Overall, arch bathroom niches are a stylish and practical addition to any bathroom. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to a traditional bathroom or create a modern and functional storage space in a contemporary bathroom, an arch niche can be an excellent choice.
The Radiant ThermaNiche prefabricated wall niches are ideal for showcasing and storing items, particularly in wet-rooms, bathrooms, and showers. They are constructed from a single-piece high-density polystyrene core and feature a liquid-applied waterproof sealant in black, providing a pre-made waterproof base. These niches are guaranteed to never rot, degrade, or leak, making them an excellent choice for keeping bathroom essentials within easy reach.
There you have it, the low down on designing a great, functional space using tiles. All the tiles featured in this article are available through Tile Warehouse.
If you’re considering renovating your kitchen or bathroom or have a tiling project in mind, please check out a sample of our tiles online or drop into our Showroom for our full range of tiles and advice on your project!
