Why 2026 Is All About Sands, Taupes Terracotta Tiles. Well, we’ve noticed a remarkable shift in the interior design world. Warmth, earthiness and the organic are in.We’ve noticed a remarkable shift going into the new year in the interior design world. Perhaps you’ve noticed it too? Grey minimalism is out. Warmth, earthiness and the organic are in. Think: warm sands, rich taupes and sun-drenched terracottas.
Below, we’ll explore some of our favourite tiles when it comes to tapping into this trend – collections we are always recommending, and we know our customers adore. So let’s dive into these comforting tones!
Enhanced Warmth:
This is all about creating a home rather than a house. Warm neutral tones tend to absorb, diffuse and soften light, making large rooms feel cosier and more lived-in. They give that snug feeling. There are so many shades to choose from – lighter sands, rich taupes, comforting greens and deep terracottas, so you really can get creative.
Relaxation:
Terracotta and clay tones in particular echo the splendour of the natural world, and pair beautifully with all things verdant. Choosing natural materials for planters, rugs and some well-chosen greenery not only look gorgeous, but can even maybe help reduce stress and improve well-being.
Forgiving Surfaces:
And now, the practical side – earthy, mottled tones and textures are incredibly practical for hiding everyday smudges, stains and marks. That means less time cleaning, and more time enjoying your new design!
The Spark range is the epitome of the taupe trend. Available in large 900 x 900mm formats, these tiles feature a charming speckled design which is easy on the eye. Spark Stone is our go-to for creating a lived-in open-plan area. Its neutral yet sophisticated palette compliments a variety of furnishings and wider colour schemes and the design adds some depth and texture to spaces.
How can a tile be so cool, and yet at the same time so warm. Our Chic Porcelain collection has proven an absolute winner with our customers since its launch last year. Mimicking limestone, Chic features 4 colours with Taupe and Sand the two stand out tones in the collection. We’re recommending Chic because it defines the term “quiet luxury,” offering a rich, multi-layered tone and texture that feels light and airy – without ever being overbearing.
This brand new collection is stone inspired and goes beyond the traditional tile with a co-ordinating outdoor tile too. This allows you to run the same earthy look and feel across both indoor and outdoor spaces. Indoor tiles are 1m x 1m in 9mm thickness whilst the co-ordinating outdoor tile is the same 1m x 1m format in 2cm thickness. Subtle design, warm tones, large formats and rectified tile edges make these tiles perfect for today’s contemporary interiors.
Blend is a long-standing tile collection that has been with us since the start and has stood the test of time – like so many of our tile collections. This is Italian styling at its best – subtle and minimal. What really makes Blend stand out is the exquisite colour palette full of taupe tones and earthy shades – Mouse, Matchstick, Putty, Peat and Twine – those names just say it all.
This is a charming example of a tile inspired by Art Nouveau. Rich in colour and beautifully designed with an artisanal look and feel, Mode is ideal for walls and floors and pairs brilliantly with creams, off-whites and similar tones.
The secret to using sands, taupes and terracottas to create a rich, tactile environment is contrast. Instead of picking one tile for the whole room, you can use tone-on-tone layering to mix textures within the same colour family. This is especially great for bathrooms where wall and floor can feature different shades. This keeps your space elegant with a subtle change of tone adding visual interest without breaking your serene, cohesive colour scheme.
Q: Are grey tiles out of style in 2026?
A: While grey remains a classic, 2026 sees a shift toward ‘Greige’ and warm taupes. Homeowners are increasingly choosing tiles with brown or yellow undertones to create more inviting, comfortable environments.
Q: What is the best tile finish for a ‘Spa-like’ bathroom?
A: For a spa-like feel, choose matt or soft porcelain tile in sand or light taupe. These finishes absorb light to create a soft, calming atmosphere.
Q: Does size of tile matter?
A: The tile size you choose really can make a huge difference to how your space turns out. Especially if you are aiming for a space with a contemporary look and feel. Larger tiles mean there are less grout lines and grout lines can make spaces feel busy so larger tiles will help create a calm, serene space.
The move towards the tones of sands, taupes, and terracotta in 2026 reflects our collective desire for our homes to feel like get-away sanctuaries. By stepping away from the coolness of minimalist design, you can embrace the rich, earthiness of these new colours – and use tone-on-tone layering to completely personalise your new project.
How to get started?
Click on any of the products above or in the gallery below and order samples!
Visit our inspiration hub and find even more ideas for your home!
Come and visit us at our Kettering, Northamptonshire Showroom.
Book a free consultation and let us help you!
Cherish Stone Look Tiles – Warm Taupe
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The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service. In addition, you can view our entire tile collection at our Northamptonshire Showroom. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch.
Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
