These Kitchen Tile Trends Will Transform Your Backsplash and Countertops in 2025

2025 is the year of statement kitchen tiles. While classic subway tiles are still holding strong, interior designers are now leaning into bold textures, earthy hues, and artisanal details, turning every surface into a conversation piece.

These trends fit right in with the movement toward more inviting, personality-filled interiors. Kitchens are becoming more expressive, and the right tile choice can add dimension and interest— without feeling overpowering.

So, what’s in and what’s out? Here, we asked interior designers to share their top tile trends for 2025.

Textural Patterns

If your kitchen needs a little extra character, then textured tiles are the way to go. Designers are loving fluted ceramics, geometric relief patterns, and creative tile mixes that add movement and depth.

“Textural patterns are huge, whether built into the tile itself or created by combining different shapes and sizes,” says Petra McKenzie, co-founder of MK Workshop. A fluted backsplash makes for a striking but subtle focal point, while layering different tile shapes in the same finish gives a custom, high-end look.

And for those who love a vintage touch, Delft tiles—hand-painted blue-and-white ceramics, traditionally from the Netherlands—are still a favorite. “They add a timeless, European feel to a modern kitchen,” says interior designer Mary Patton.

Superfakes

Faux finishes aren’t just for handbags. Porcelain tiles now mimic high-end stone and wood with impressive accuracy.

“Tile companies have gotten so good at creating porcelain that looks like handmade or natural materials,” says McKenzie. While she prefers the real deal, she acknowledges that these high-quality “superfakes” are a practical choice for those who love the look of rare materials but want something more durable and low-maintenance.

Of course, classic porcelain still holds its value. “Made from earth-derived materials, it’s incredibly durable and can even be produced with recycled content, making it an eco-conscious choice,” says Patton.

Large Format

Big, bold tiles are now a favorite. McKenzie says that a large-format tile in an abstract shape can add more character and focal interest to the kitchen. These bigger tiles also mean fewer grout lines, creating a sleeker, more open feel. 

Interior designer Regan Billingsely loves the combination of large-format stone floor tiles with a zellige backsplash. “Stick to natural materials in neutral tones for your hard finishes, then let lighting, hardware, and décor bring in the fun,” she says. “The right tile choice should feel timeless—something you’ll still love ten years down the line.”

Warm Kitchens

All-white kitchens are out this year. Instead, designers are shifting toward wood tones, stone elements, and earthy hues to create inviting, lived-in kitchens. 

Billingsley has noticed a rise in tile colors like terracotta, forest green, and deep burgundy. “These rich tones reflect the natural world, aligning with the growing trend of biophilic, nature-inspired design.”

For Patton, adding warmth to a modern kitchen could be as simple as stone shelving and vintage lighting. The mix of textures helps break up the monotony of a single-color kitchen, making the space feel even more dynamic.

McKenzie suggests incorporating metal. “A metal backsplash by the range is a great way to get the look of a porous, earthy material without the upkeep," she says. "It’s super easy to clean, and the industrial vibe pairs beautifully with raw materials.”

Tiled Furniture

Tiles are moving beyond just backsplashes and making their way onto kitchen furniture. Billingsley has noticed a growing trend of stone mosaic kitchen hoods, cladded waterfall islands, and even floor-to-ceiling tile statement walls. These features add texture and depth, turning kitchens into real design statements.

McKenzie is a big fan of using tile on furniture as well. “It’s fun to take materials out of their usual context and play with textures,” she says. In a recent project, she created a steel dining table with a zellige tile inlay, mixing industrial and handcrafted elements for a unique look.

If you're looking to add tile to your kitchen, consider incorporating it into a table, island, or built-in seating. Whether you opt for traditional ceramic, bold mosaics, or geometric patterns, the key is to find balance. "Know when to push boundaries and when to pull back,” she says.