Give Your Kitchen A New Look With One Of 2026's Tile Trends

New Year's resolutions seldom pan out beyond the first few days (or weeks if you're particularly enthusiastic) of January. But if you're hoping your "new year, new me" mantra translates to your interiors at least, you need to determine the rooms you'd like to upgrade before your enthusiasm fizzles out. However, simply picking a space isn't enough. You also need to identify the latest design trend for it to truly shine. If you pick your kitchen as the lucky winner, give it a new look in 2026 by embracing tile trends that will be dominating. Wondering what those look like? We interviewed Bilal Rehman, CEO and principal designer of Bilal Rehman Studio and founder of Bilal Rehman Gallery, to find out.

In his exclusive interview with House Digest, Rehman shares his top picks. "I'm seeing three key kitchen tile trends gaining real momentum as we move toward 2026," he says. When prompted to share what they are and how they'll impact cooking rooms in a residential setting, he elaborates, "First, oversized porcelain slabs continue to dominate high-end kitchens. These large-format tiles create expansive, uninterrupted surfaces with minimal grout lines, giving kitchens a refined, architectural quality."

Moving on to the next one, he says, "Second, textured and sculptural tiles are becoming increasingly important. Tiles with fluting, soft reliefs, or handcrafted imperfections add depth and a tactile element, turning backsplashes into design statements rather than background finishes." Finally, "... nature-inspired patterns and earthy palettes are becoming central to kitchen design. Organic veining, stone-like finishes, and colors drawn from nature — such as warm browns, muted greens, clay tones, and soft neutrals — are replacing cooler, sterile looks."

Rehman reasons why these specific kitchen tile styles will be trending in 2026 in his House Digest exclusive, explaining, "These trends reflect a broader shift toward kitchens that feel intentional, calming, and emotionally resonant." In short, chaotic and claustrophobic spaces are officially out. This change could help boost your home's value, too, if you're hoping to list it soon. It's because people are willing to spend more on kitchens that look modern and are well-maintained. Detailing the logic behind his three picks, Rehman elaborates, "Oversized porcelain slabs appeal because they create visual continuity and a sense of luxury without feeling excessive. They simplify the space, which aligns with the growing desire for clean, timeless interiors that won't feel dated in a few years." Basically, this is a good choice if you're planning to sell your home in a couple of years and don't want to invest in what could soon be outdated tile trends.

On the other hand, textured tiles will suit individuals who are hoping to turn their kitchen into a showstopper. Our expert adds, "Textured tiles are gaining popularity because people want their homes to feel more sensory and personal. Texture introduces depth and shadow, giving kitchens character while still maintaining sophistication." And if your kitchen serves as more than just a place for preparing meals, Rehman recommends you install nature-inspired tiles. "Nature-inspired tiles speak to our collective desire for warmth and connection. As kitchens continue to function as gathering spaces, homeowners are gravitating toward materials that feel grounded, organic, and welcoming rather than overly sleek or industrial," he explains.

While swapping your old tiles or backsplash with any of the three tile choices will make your kitchen stand out, we asked Rehman how you can take them to the next level. Sharing a few tips in an exclusive interview with House Digest, he suggests thinking of oversized porcelain tiles as "... architectural elements rather than simple surfaces. Pairing them with flush cabinetry and integrated hardware allows the slabs to read as continuous planes. Bookmatched installations, particularly behind ranges or on feature walls, add a quiet sense of drama. Introducing refined metallic details such as slim brass edging or warm bronze accents can further enhance their luxury appeal."

Lighting is the key to textured and sculptural tiles. He notes, "Undercabinet lighting or wall washers highlight the tile's relief and bring the surface to life. Keeping surrounding materials restrained [with] matte cabinetry and soft stone countertops allows the texture to stand out without overwhelming the space." You can also install tiles with a slight differentiation in color to up their aesthetic appeal. As for nature-inspired pieces, "Pairing them with natural woods, stone countertops, and warm metals creates cohesion and richness. To avoid heaviness, it's important to balance bold veining or patterns with simpler finishes elsewhere in the kitchen," he explains.

Although these three tile choices will be the hottest picks for a kitchen this year, custom or artisan designs will fare well, too, especially ones that are personalized, handcrafted, or in limited supply, according to our expert. Rehman believes sustainability will be an important theme as well. Additionally, he predicts that "designers will combine slabs, linear tiles, and smaller accent formats to create layered, sophisticated spaces."