Top Tile Colours for Best Design and Style: Your Guide to Hottest Trends

Banner displaying Top Tile Colours for Best Design and Style

If you are renovating your kitchen backsplash or your bathroom floors to give them a fresh look, choosing the right tile colours is the key. In doing so, it can completely transform your space with more definition and texture. Let’s explore what is trending and how these colours can elevate your home’s design.

Shona McElroy from Smac Studio, an Australian interior designer, as highlighted in Vogue Australia, has observed a rising trend of experimentation in her clients’ interior designs. She mentions, “I think interesting tiling is coming in, using different colours and shapes of tiles to create zones or borders,”.

Peter Yusuf - June 04, 2025

The Big Colour Story: Warm Earth Tones Take Centre Stage

Gone are the days when cool greys and stark whites dominated every surface. Sydney-based interior designer Jillian Dinkel agrees, as highlighted in Vogue Australia, observing that her “clients are also seeking drama—spaces with distinct, intentional palettes that feel bold yet curated. While ‘colour drenching’ is fading, a thoughtful use of colour and materials is shaping bathrooms into calm retreats or striking statements,” she explains. This year, we are seeing a significant move towards warmer tones to create that sense of comfort and connection to nature.

The organic beauty has taken the centre of attention this year and in the coming years. Colours like warm neutrals, chocolate brown, deep greens and muted ochres are highlighted. Likewise, designers stress organic finishes and earthy tones, like terracotta, which highlight the beauty of imperfections with tiles that feel organic and unique.

Bold and Beautiful: The Return of Statement Colours

Vibrant Tones Take Center Stage in Modern Interiors

While earth tones are having their moment, there is also a counter-trend emerging that is all about making a statement. Deep blues, emerald greens and vibrant reds are replacing neutral tones as homeowners become more adventurous with their colour choices.

We are seeing blues and greens that have more earthy depth without too much visual weight, with monochromatic colour schemes being the way forward. No more ‘accent’ walls, but rather full treatment of spaces.

Preppy Pastels Make Their Mark

Franky Rousell, founder of JOLIE Interiors, has observed that mint greens, buttery yellows, and pastel blues are becoming the new shabby chic. “The soft, powdery matte finishes feel akin to Millie Bobby Brown’s latest makeup launch and speak to the Sabrina Carpenter in us all,” he says. This insight was featured in Better Homes and Gardens. It is pop culture, but with a tile twist. These colours go well in smaller bathrooms or in makeup rooms where you would like the colours to make the room brighter and airier without overwhelming the space.

Metallic Magic: High-Gloss and Shimmer Finishes

If you are someone who is into glamour and metallic finishes, then this is the right spot for you. Metallic tiles and high gloss have those glistening factors while still showing artisanal, handmade features. This high-gloss tiling gives your space a chic and future-driven edge. The best part about metallic tiles is how they reflect light, making small spaces look bigger and more luxurious. They are great as accent pieces or in areas where you want to draw attention and create a focal point.

Classic Colours with a Twist

The Terracotta Renaissance

It is easy to see why terracotta tiles are experiencing a major comeback. Their earthy, warm tone offers instant character to any space. Their timeless beauty works with various design styles. For example, it works well with sage green, cream and deep navy for a sophisticated colour palette.

Chocolate Browns and Deep Greens

Chocolate brown and deep green are in the highlight. These colours give you a grounding effect in spaces and work exceptionally well in larger format tiles.

How to Use These Trending Colours in Your Space

Kitchen Applications

In kitchens, these trending colours can be applied through backsplashes, island treatments, or even floor tiles. Warm earth tones work particularly well behind cooler-toned cabinetry, creating a beautiful contrast that feels both modern and timeless.

Bathroom Brilliance
Tiles are becoming both functional and artistic, with a focus on materials, finishes, and creative applications. In bathrooms, consider using deeper, richer colours in shower niches or as feature walls while keeping larger surfaces in complementary neutral tones.

Living Areas
For living spaces, these colours can be introduced through fireplace surrounds, feature walls, or in wet areas like laundries, where you want to inject personality without overwhelming the space.

In the living room, earthy browns and greens create a welcoming, cosy atmosphere. You can even add metallic tiles as accents for a bit of glamour. And if you love a pop of colour, go for deep blues or vibrant reds to create a striking focal point.

At the end of the day, tiles are more than just functional; they are a way to express your personality. Whether you prefer warm tones, bold colours, or a bit of shine, the right tiles can totally transform your space and make it feel more like you.

The Importance of Natural Stone Looks

For homeowners, natural stone tiles have been a main ingredient in interior design for homes for centuries. Replace cooler greys with warm whites, clay tones and natural finishes. These colours suit Australia’s sunny climate and pair well with textured finishes. For example, stone-look textures remain timeless, especially when paired with contemporary shapes like stacked fingers and concave curves.

The materials like marble, granite, travertine, or sandstone bring warmth and organic charm to modern and classic interiors. Travertine, for example, is taking a spot, especially in traditional parchment tones, being both durable and versatile. Each stone option offers distinctive benefits.

These natural stone looks provide a beautiful backdrop of trending colours through fixtures, accessories and soft furnishings while maintaining a timeless beauty.

Texture and Pattern Considerations

While colour is crucial, don’t forget about the importance of texture and pattern. 3D tiles or those with tactile finishes create an interesting visual and sensory experience, with tiles featuring grooves, hand-moulded edges, and matte finishes feeling artisanal and timeless.

Mosaic tiles are a classic trend coming back into popularity as a result of their expressive pattern, which can work anywhere, even if you choose to go with a single colour or more. Mosaic tiles allow for creative expression, particularly 3D mosaic tiles, creating a mark for their ability to add organic texture and movement without overwhelming a space. Whether you are looking for marble 3D tiles, sticked finger or contemporary geometric forms, they give you a rich and layered look.

You will have a wide range of 3D Mosaic Tiles options to suit your needs, with expert consultation from the Royal Tiles team available 7 days a week if needed.

Making It Work: Practical Tips

When incorporating these trending colours into your space, consider:

Start Small: If you are hesitant about bold colours, begin with smaller areas like a powder room or kitchen backsplash.

Balance is Key: Mix trending colours with neutral tones to create a balanced, liveable space.

Consider Lighting: Remember that tile colours can look different under various lighting conditions, so test samples in your actual space.

Think long-term: While trends are fun, choose colours you’ll love for years to come.

The Sustainability Factor

Environmentally responsible design should always be a top priority, meaning selecting sustainable materials that you know you will love for the long term. Many of the trending earth tones and natural colours align perfectly with sustainable design principles. The reason is that they are inspired by natural materials and tend to have lasting appeal.

When choosing tiles, it is worth looking for suppliers who share your environmental values. For example, at Royal Tiles, we believe in preserving the environment; hence, we only source from factories that share our sustainable philosophy.

Why Choose Us at Royal Tiles

We are here to help you. Our expert team works 7 days a week to give you the best advice. Here is why we believe we are the right choice for you:

Experience you can trust: We’ve been helping Sydney homeowners since 1989; that is over 30 years of know-how.
Award-winning service: We just won “Business of the Year” at the Cumberland City Local Business Awards.
Top quality tiles: We only work with the best manufacturers worldwide, so you can be sure that you are getting quality materials from us.
Great prices: We keep our prices competitive and offer clearance tiles with up to 50% off.
Eco-friendly approach: We care about the environment and only buy from sustainable factories.
Fast delivery: Need tiles quickly? We’ll get them to you within 1-2 business days.
Sydney’s largest showroom: Heaps of options to choose from at our Auburn location.
Expert team: Our friendly staff know their tiles and can help you make the right choice.

If you are near the central areas like The Rocks, Circular Quay, then drop by our nearby showroom and explore our range in person! Visit our store or shop tiles online, or if you are not sure, simply book a free consultation to discover how the perfect coastal tiles can transform your beachside build into the home of your dreams.

Peter Yusuf

Peter Yusuf is a seasoned Sales and Business Development Manager at Royal Tiles in Sydney, Australia, with a proven track record of success in the global architectural and interior design sectors. With over a decade of experience, he possesses a rich understanding of tile selection and design that has helped countless clients transform their spaces. Peter's expertise spans a wide array of materials and styles, positioning him as a trusted authority in the tile industry.

Best Tiles for Sydney’s Coastal Homes

June 03, 2025

There is something about living by the coast in Sydney’s most iconic beachside suburbs like Bondi, Coogee and Manly. The soft sand, salty beach and laid-back Australian lifestyle are a dream come true for many Aussies. So it is no surprise that coastal-inspired interiors are a favourite across the country. The right coastal tiling and beach house tiles can capture the essence of seaside vibes at home. For example, having coastal tile flooring and coastal wall tiles whilst standing up to the unique challenges of beachside environments.

Coastal shower tiles and beach-themed bathroom tiles can transform your space into a chill, beach-inspired spot. And don’t forget coastal floor tiles and coastal wall tiles to complete the look. With coastal mosaic tiles and beach style bathroom tiles, you can create a timeless coastal feel that’s perfect for any room.

If you are not sure where to begin your coastal home project, then you are in the right place. Our team of experts at Royal Tiles has put together a relaxed and practical guide to help you bring those calming coastal vibes indoors. From choosing the right tiles to picking the perfect palette and layering textures, Royal Tiles will show you how to create a timeless coastal look that feels both fresh and effortless.

Shower Tiles: Designing the Perfect Shower Space with the Best Tiles

May 27, 2025

Choosing the right shower tiles makes a big difference that can turn a basic space into your own personal spa. The best shower tiles Australia has to offer can totally level up your daily routine. If you are planning bathroom and shower tile ideas, choosing top-notch tiles is key to nailing both style and practicality.

Hexagon Tiles: Styling and Maintenance Tips for Australian Homeowners

May 26, 2025

Chances are, you have probably noticed that hexagon tiles are taking up a notch in Australian interior designs. These six-sided designs have taken Aussie homes by storm, adding unique character and visual appeal that traditional rectangular tiles simply cannot compete with.

According to The Met Museum, this beautiful hexagonal tile comes from 15th-century Egypt. Besides its visual appeal, in practice, the hexagon tiles shape allows it to fit together perfectly in complex, repeating patterns. It is often also seen in the architecture throughout the Islamic world and in Egypt. For example, to decorate walls or floors in mosques, palaces or other important buildings in Egypt. It showcases a small but fascinating window into the art and design of mediaeval Egypt.

Top Tile Colours for Best Design and Style:
Your Guide to Hottest Trends