Posted in Minoli
9th January 2026
The first in a series of articles exploring the prevailing trends in porcelain tile design for 2026, today we look at the latest directions in bathroom design and how to create sublime spaces in which to relax and refresh.
The smaller rooms in our homes deserve the same level of design detailing to make the right impression and create elegant environments.
Tiles have long been the material of choice for the wet rooms of residences, but the latest designs and finishes make porcelain tiles even more desirable for use in family bathrooms, luxurious ensuites and separate WCs.
Take for instance the expanding availability of extra-large format porcelain slabs which are enabling the trend for seamless surfaces to be realised. With dimensions of 120/240, 120/278 and even up to 160/320, continuous floor to ceiling coverage can be achieved, so removing grout lines from larger areas of walls, and in some cases floors.
Shower enclosures, bath side panels or complete walls in WCs can be clad in one-piece porcelain, providing a more hygienic, easy to clean finish, with less joints in which limescale can form or dust gather. These can also be aligned with more standard-sized tiles of 120/120 or 60/120 dimensions, so delivering cleverly coordinated floor and wall surface solutions.
Offering opportunities for highly technical installations, extra-large format slabs and tiles are available in stone, concrete, marble, gemstone-effects and even some wood-look varieties, depending on whether a classic or contemporary design theme is desired.
Stone-effect designs range from those with mineral and micro-clast inclusions through to more playful, pebble-patterns and the streaks and striations of Travertine. The latest series that emulate concrete and clay span minimalist ultra-fine finishes to others with multi-tone layers that bring depth and dynamism to interior designs.
Those that recreate the magnificence of marble and precious gemstones harness the height of manufacturing innovation to deliver detailed definition. The leading creatives in the ceramics industry have drawn inspiration from sought-after traditional marble, as well as interpreting new directions with modern compositions and striking colour combinations.
These include selected ranges with stunning Book Match arrangements, the patterns and veining of which are created to align and mirror each other, so giving the impression of an open book of opposing pages. Whilst classic in origin, the most recent iterations of Book Match are being used to deliver forward-thinking features within contemporary schemes.
Another prevalent design direction in bathrooms is the use of warmer, earthy colour palettes, creating sensory spa-like environments with a focus on well-being. Here, natural stone and concrete-effects can bring greige, taupe and tan tones, with a serene and subtle smoothness, but wood-look designs also have an important part to play.
Realistically representing the gorgeous graining and natural knots of wood, porcelain planks offer a highly practical, effortlessly authentic alternative to timber. As a man-made material, they will not split, splinter, warp or show wear, and are also excellent conductors of underfloor heating. With colours including welcoming warm tones, through to Scandi-cool silvers and greys, the appeal of wood-look and the theme of wellness, are sure to flourish.
Lastly, the most recent ranges of smaller format, brick and square shaped designs, with increasingly vibrant colourways, are being applied to create fascinating features. Alongside intricate décor pieces, using delicate and diminutive designs to bring tactile textures, will remain at the fore for the future.
Given that we are often barefoot in bathrooms, comfort and slip-resistance are also key qualities. For floors, porcelain tiles with matt finishes have a level of grip suitable for the main areas, but for wet zones, textured tiles and mosaics provide improved anti-slip surfaces. Many Minoli ranges come with a choice of coordinated finishes so near seamless designs can be achieved throughout.
If you’d like to talk to our team about these on trend tile designs, please do get in touch. We’d gladly discuss your needs on the phone, arrange a time for a design consultation at one of our showrooms or, for our corporate clients, arrange a meeting with your account manager.
Minoli Oxford – 01865 778225 / showroom@minoli.co.uk
Minoli London – 020 7474 2934 / thesurfacewithin@minoli.co.uk
Existing Corporate Clients – Please contact your account manager / developers@minoli.co.uk