2026 Kitchen Tile Trends: Why Large Format Tiles Are Leading the Way

There are a number of 2026 kitchen Tile Trends in the UK but it’s the overriding theme of a natural, earthy look and feel that takes precedent. Natural woods, tonal tiles, organic materials and warmer metallic tones such as brushed brass are all there – and we are adding a splash and dash of colour and pattern too.

1. Marble-Effect Tiles

Marble effect tiles in larger formats are a timeless choice. Porcelain marble effect tiles deliver luxury without the cost and ongoing maintenance of the real thing. Where real marble is soft, can stain and show signs of wear, porcelain marble tiles are super hardwearing highly scratch and stain resistant making them ideal for kitchens. In 2026 we are seeking out marble effect tiles in soft creams and sands with subtle veining – just like our gorgeous Dune collection in larger 1200 x 600mm sizes. This is soft, subtle, understated elegance.

2. Neutral, Earthy Colours

Large format kitchen tiles in warm taupe tones, soft greys, sands and putties are set to dominate UK kitchens this year. All these shades pair to perfection with both traditional kitchen styles aswell as the more contemporary and marry up beautifully with warmer brushed brasses, sages, toned down blues and other neutral tones.

Good examples are our refined Italian tile collections including Tone, Blend and Toast. All these collections feature calming neutrals and toasty tones coupled with refined, matt surface finishes that are elegant. In addition, these collections are all available in large formats making sure they are spot on for today’s contemporary interiors.

3. Matt Finishes

With designers leaning more towards matt tiles over gloss textures in 2026, tiles in soft, natural and matt finishes are the preferred choice. The great thing about these finishes is they minimise glare, are better at hiding fingerprints and bring an understated, contemporary look and feel to spaces. And because matt textures tend to absorb light, rather than reflect, they make spaces feel cosier.

Cool concretes, micro cements and cement effect tiles in these natural earthy tones are in larger formats fit right in with a modern design aesthetic and make a brilliant canvas for ground floors and kitchens – check out our Blend collection for those seeking a larger than life 1200 x 1200mm format for both inside and outside or our Nest collection (shown above) of 1m x 1m indoor tiles with a co-ordinating 1m x 1m outside tile in 2cm thickness with antislip finish.

4. Warmer woods

Wood effect porcelain tiles are a superb alternative to real wood especially for kitchens. Unlike real timber, wood effect porcelain tiles won’t warp or bend with water so mopping your kitchen floor is easy. In addition, unlike real timber, porcelain is highly scratch and stain resistant – a bonus in any kitchen.

Porcelain tiles are also highly fade resistant so your tiles won’t change colour in brighter spots of the home. And finally, porcelain tiles don’t require any sealing or ongoing maintenance – once installed it really is just a mop and warm water to keep them clean. Wood effect tiles are leaning towards warmer notes with honey and treacle tones the shades to opt for. Check out our Serenity and Oakwood collections packed with warm tones to choose from.  

6. Bold Statement Tiles

If you are seeking something a little more daring, then opting for bolder colours as a focal point is gaining in popularity. Think dramatic feature walls, a daring splashback or an artistic focal point. Bold metallic tiles like our Forge Mint or Patina Corten add drama – not only in larger formats, but their colours are simply stunning and blend beautifully with many of the concretes and cements we have already discussed.

We are also seeing tiles with an artisan look and feel, with hand kneaded finishes that catch the light and add interest to walls as well as the kind of bold patterns that appear in our Posy collection.

Terrazzo is having a moment too – our Misto Notte is a dark, rich terrazzo tile in a charcoal tone with large chips in taupes, greys, off whites – this beautifully designed Italian porcelain tile brings a unique look to spaces and is so well specified from a colour perspective it works with so many neutral tiles.

1. Tile Texture

Tile textures have improved to incredible standards over the past few years as tile technology from the leading manufacturers has seen investment not just in design, but in textures that improve design. Wood tiles that feel like wood mimic the knots and gnarls of real timber, marble tiles with tactile veining you can feel bring this incredible material to life and micro cement tiles with refined textures – they are all part of the mix. This is all clever stuff – and these tile finishes are not just about elevating design, they are also about practicality.

Our Nest collection, shown above, features an Antislip Soft texture that meets and R11 A+B+C slip rating and is specifically designed for easy cleaning so you have the best of both worlds, a tile that mimics concrete in both design and finish and is highly practical for use across the home and even into wetrooms.