Interior Design Trends for 2026

Warmth, Texture, and Timeless Craftsmanship

As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: interior design is leaning into what lasts. After years of fast trends and viral moments, homeowners and designers alike are prioritizing authenticity, warmth, and materials that feel grounded and human. At Clay Imports, this shift feels especially familiar. The most favorite color of 2025 was terracotta, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon 

Below, we’re breaking down the interior design trends carrying strong momentum into 2026, with a special focus on how handcrafted tile plays a starring role in each one.

• Organic Materials Take Center Stage
• A Return to Defined Spaces (and Why Tile Loves It)
• Textural Layering: More Than Just a Look
• Warm, Sophisticated Color Palettes (Terracotta Leads the Way)
• Pattern Drenching: Immersive and Intentional
• Pattern Splicing: A Fresh Take on Tile Design
• Pantone Color of the Year 2026: Cloud Dancer
• Designing for 2026 (and Beyond)

Organic Materials Take Center Stage

Natural materials continue to dominate interiors, and for good reason. Stone, wood, clay, lime plaster, and handcrafted tile bring depth and honesty to a space. These materials age beautifully, developing patina and character over time rather than wearing out or feeling dated.

In tile design, this translates to:

• Handmade finishes
• Visible texture and variation
• Earth-derived glazes and raw clay bodies

Tiles that show the hand of the maker add warmth and integrity, making spaces feel lived-in and timeless rather than overly polished.

Hallway featuring Star & Cross Smooth Satin tile | Enhaus Design + Build | Los Angeles

A Return to Defined Spaces (and Why Tile Loves It)

Open-concept layouts are giving way to more intentional, defined spaces. Rather than one large multi-use area, homes are embracing rooms with distinct purposes, kitchens that feel cozy, bathrooms that feel spa-like, and entryways that make a statement.

Tile becomes a powerful tool here:

• Floor tile to visually separate spaces
• Feature walls to anchor a room
• Dividing breeze block walls for subtle privacy
• Different tile patterns to define transitions

Defined spaces allow tile to shine without competing for attention, creating moments of focus throughout the home.

Satin-smooth terracotta tile floor defines this kitchen space | Design Natasha Feldman

Escala breeze blocks create a subtle sense of division in this lobby | Jordan Michael Design | Photo by Cassie.Work

Textural Layering: More Than Just a Look

Texture is becoming just as important as color. Layering materials: wood, linen, stone, metal, and tile, creates interiors that feel rich and immersive.

In 2026, expect to see:

• Matte and satin tile finishes
• Raised or dimensional surfaces
• Handmade tiles paired with smooth architectural elements

Textured tile adds a tactile quality that elevates walls, backsplashes, fireplaces, and even ceilings, turning surfaces into experiences.

Yucca Crackle Gloss tiles bring textural interest to this fireplace | Design and Photo Michelle Nash

Yucca Crackle Gloss and Otero Candela tiles add different textures to this shower | Bandd Design | House Beautiful Whole Home 2025 | Photo Cate Black | Styling Leigh Gill 

Warm, Sophisticated Color Palettes (Terracotta Leads the Way)

Deep, earthy hues are here to stay. Colors like ochre, oxblood, muted greens, soft teals, and, unsurprisingly, terracotta continue to define modern interiors.

Terracotta’s popularity at Clay Imports in 2025 reflects a broader shift toward:

• Warm neutrals over cool grays
• Grounded, sun-baked tones
• Colors inspired by nature and place

Terracotta tile works beautifully across styles, from modern Mediterranean and desert modern to contemporary and rustic, making it one of the most versatile choices for 2026.

A fun color palette featuring 6x6 tiles in warm colors | Design Haus of Meeshie | Photo Stephen Paul

Pattern Drenching: Immersive and Intentional

Pattern is no longer just an accent. Pattern drenching, using a single motif across walls, floors, or multiple surfaces, creates immersive spaces with a strong personality.

Tile is ideal for this approach:

• Repeating handmade patterns
• Continuous tile from floor to wall
• Single-pattern bathrooms, kitchens, or powder rooms

The result feels cohesive, bold, and atmospheric, perfect for spaces where mood matters most.

Pattern Splicing: A Fresh Take on Tile Design

Alongside pattern drenching, pattern splicing is emerging as a key tile trend for 2026. This approach mixes complementary tile patterns, colors, or orientations within the same space.

Examples include:

• Two tile patterns divided by a trim or grout line
• Rotating the same tile to create variation
• Mixing solids and patterns within one installation

Pattern splicing adds visual interest without overwhelming a space, and it highlights one of tile’s greatest strengths: flexibility.

Pantone Color of the Year 2026: Cloud Dancer

Pantone stirred the design conversation this year by naming Cloud Dancer, a not-quite-white, not-quite-ivory, as its Color of the Year. The reaction was instant. Some called it safe. Others found it quietly sublime. And plenty asked the obvious question: Is this really a color?

In the world of interior design trends for 2026, Cloud Dancer makes a compelling case, especially when translated into tile. This ethereal white, defined by soft warmth and diffused clarity, acts as a grounding counterpoint to today’s richer palettes. Paired with sun-baked terracotta, ochre, or oxblood, it delivers contrast without feeling cold or stark.

In handcrafted tile glazes, Cloud Dancer becomes even more nuanced. Think creamy whites with subtle variation, satin finishes that soften natural light, and chalky textures reminiscent of limewash walls and handmade ceramics. It doesn’t compete for attention, but it knows exactly how to hold a space together.

Designing for 2026 (and Beyond)

What ties all these trends together is intention. Interiors in 2026 aren’t about chasing what’s new; they’re about choosing materials and designs that feel meaningful, durable, and personal.

Handcrafted tile checks all those boxes:

• Timeless yet expressive
• Functional yet artistic
• Rooted in tradition but endlessly adaptable

Whether you’re drawn to terracotta warmth, textured surfaces, or bold pattern play, these trends are built to last and to evolve beautifully over time.

Ready to design with staying power? Explore Clay Imports’ handcrafted tile collections and start creating spaces that feel just as good in 2036 as they do today.