The Colorful Tile Trend That'll Add Some Playfulness To Your Kitchen Design

The kitchen is the heart and soul of a home. But for the last decade or so, minimalist style put a damper on expressive design and instead featured white and gray color schemes and neutral accents. But we've recently seen a departure from simple, muted decor. The current interior design trends are daring you to ditch plain, neutral interior details and trade them in for an unexpected, colorful touch. Instead of subdued, unimposing kitchen backsplashes, designers are playing with interesting, colorful tile combinations. From soft pink and cherry cola red to matcha green and butter yellow, there are so many fun color combos to explore.

"If there's one word that defines the mood for 2026, it's playfulness — and nowhere is that more evident than in our relationship with color," Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca' Pietra, shared with Woman&Home. "This year, we're seeing a fascinating rise in curious color combinations, palettes that mix nostalgia with surprise, and balance comfort with a daring edge ... 2026's trend proves that color is no longer about a single 'shade of the year,' but about curating combinations that feel personal and full of life."

This trend encourages you to tap into your particular style and lean into a sense of fun and whimsy. But embracing one color can feel intimidating enough — much less two or three. Picking out the perfect tile and grout color combos and deciding on the right tile pattern can be overwhelming, but if it makes you happy when you look at it — it's probably the right choice.

There are no rules when it comes to selecting tile colors. For a more simple look, create a checkered effect with two unique colors. According to Houzz's 2026 Home Design Predictions, we're set to see a resurgence in checkerboard pattern this year. You could also opt for a more eclectic color scheme with four or more colors. Expect to see plenty of craftsman mosaic tile layouts throughout interior design in 2026. This trend can fit with more styles than you might assume.

"Tumbled stone mosaics pair well with organic interior design. The matte finish complements traditional and modern interiors, contrasting beautifully with glass, mirrors, silk, velvet, and honed or polished stone," Artistic Tile president Lauren Cherkas shared with Better Homes & Gardens.

Whatever color combination style you choose, take this opportunity to cultivate a complete, artful design. Use color to tell a story about you and the people living in your home. Incorporate painted tile art for an even more bespoke look. Colorful kitchen tile combinations are just one way to cultivate a home full of pattern and color. Pair your colorful tiles with unique statement pieces that speak to your individuality. Think out-of-the-box cabinet hardware and novel wall art — any details that feel like you. You'll find that once you venture outside of the safe neutral zone, it gets easier and easier to embrace color.