The kitchen has long been at the heart of design trends, but tiles haven’t always received the spotlight they deserve. That’s changing in 2025. They’re becoming a bold focal point in the prep space, extending beyond backsplashes to furniture, kitchen islands and even full walls. Here are the biggest kitchen tile trends you’ll see in 2025.
1. Textured Tiles
Flat is out. This year is all about touch-me textures that make your kitchen feel more layered and alive. You’ll see everything from fluted ceramic cladding with gentle wave-like ridges to tiles with carved geometric reliefs that create dimension.
If you want something even bolder, consider 3D tiles that protrude from the wall and make a plain backsplash look like a work of art. They invite interaction and draw eyes as you prep meals or clean up. You can even create a whole accent wall to add visual interest as light and shadows change in your kitchen throughout the day.
2. Artisanal Tiles
Zellige tiles are stealing the show in 2025. They’re handmade from Moroccan clay, so no two pieces are exactly the same. Their glossy, uneven finish reflects light beautifully and makes your kitchen feel intimate.
Interior designers love Zellige for its character and organic charm. It’s the antithesis of mass-produced perfection. Use it as a backsplash or behind a range hood for a warm, artisanal vibe. Just know that they’re not a beginner DIY job you can tackle due to the uneven surface and size. Professional installation is highly recommended.
If you love a vintage touch, Delft tiles — those classic hand-painted blue-and-white ceramics from the Netherlands — are making a comeback. Their handmade quality gives them a sense of nostalgia and imperfection that’s just right.
3. Natural Stones and Earthy Tones
The move away from high-shine, glossy tiles wages on, with growing interest in the warmth of natural materials. Award-winning interior designer Ryan Saghian observes that more people are straying from perfection. Homeowners are going for authentic yet elevated spaces, embracing matte finishes and soft, honed surfaces to create a calming, earth-inspired look across floors, backsplashes and countertops.
Tiles made from or mimicking marble, slate, travertine, and terracotta are rising, especially in rich, earthy tones like warm brown, soft beige, forest green, rust and deep burgundy. These colors add a cosy, lived-in feel and pair beautifully with wood cabinetry, brass accents, and vintage lighting.
Natural stone tiles also offer built-in variation, giving each space a unique character without appearing overly polished or uniform. Even marble is going more understated with low-contrast veining and muted finishes. For renters or those on a budget who still want to hop on the trend, peel-and-stick tiles in stone-inspired designs offer an easy, affordable way to capture the aesthetic.
We have off-white quartz worktop, backsplash and shelves either side of the cooker hood in our kitchen, from Caesarstone, which has a subtle grey veining running through it; I love how classic it is, yet it brings just the right amount of personality.
4. Faux Finishes
If you don’t want to splurge on real marble or hardwood, porcelain tiles now come with coatings that look incredibly close to the real thing. You’ll find styles that mimic everything from hand-cut stone to reclaimed wood, often with a bonus — they’re more affordable, low maintenance and eco-friendly. Use them for your floors, countertops and areas where you want durability without compromising style.
5. Large-Format Tiles
Bigger really is better — at least when it comes to tile size. 24×24 large-format slabs help create a cleaner, more open look with fewer grout lines and more visual flow. Since kitchen backsplashes require high maintenance due to spills and stains, the fewer grout lines make them easier to clean.
You can even opt for dark grout to help conceal everyday messes. Designers are also getting creative by mixing tile sizes for added contrast, like pairing a handcrafted zellige backsplash with large stone floor insets to create a layered, custom appearance.
If you’re worried about the space feeling too bold, stick to neutral tones such as soft gray, beige or warm white. These colours balance the visual weight of oversized tiles while keeping the overall aesthetic clean and timeless.
6. Creative Twists on Subway Tile
Subway tiles aren’t going away, but they are getting a serious glow-up. Instead of sticking to the standard white 3×6-inch brick layout, designers use colour, size, design and texture variations to modernize the classic look. Some trendy arrangements include:
- Vertical stacks for height.
- Herringbone or basketweave layouts.
- Hand-pressed or uneven edges for a handmade feel.
- Muted tones like sage, clay or charcoal.
7. Tiled Furniture and Unexpected Surfaces
One of the freshest trends this year is taking tiles beyond walls and floors. Cladded kitchen furniture is officially in. Designers are cladding islands, range hoods, open shelving and even dining tables with tiles.
If you want to try it, you can use mosaic tiles on the sides of an island, wrap a countertop with natural stone pieces or tile the top of a built-in bench seat. It’s a great way to add texture and make a bold design statement. Stick to neutral or earthy colours so your tiled furniture feels integrated rather than over the top.
The Final Groutdown
While statement cabinets, sleek stovetops or smart refrigerators often overshadow tiles, this year’s trends might just steal the spotlight. Just remember — the best designs are about creating timeless spaces with a twist that uniquely feels you.
