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56 | Gazette Life | May 2026GAZETTE | INTERIOROne thing is clear: the rules are out the window for 2026. We%u2019ve traded the all-white, minimalism for spaces that feel collected, textured, and deeply personal. If you%u2019re planning a refresh, here are the five tile trends that are set to dominate bathrooms this year.1. THE LIQUID STONE LOOKForget the high gloss, marble look of years past. The new neutral is what designers are calling %u2018liquid stone%u2019. Think honed travertine, soft limewash effects, and porcelain that mimics raw, unpolished plaster. The magic here is in the finish. We%u2019re seeing large format slabs on walls and floors to create a seamless, cocooning effect. 2. ZELLIGE GLAZE If you want soul, you need zellige. These handmade clay tiles have been popular for a while, but the 2026 update is all about embracing the imperfection. We%u2019re moving away from uniform grids. Instead, installers are leaning into the natural variation. The subtle shifts in light across the uneven glaze create a living finish that changes throughout the day. Whether you opt for a deep terracotta to warm up a shower or a soft jade green for a vanity splashback, the key is to let the handmade texture be the star.3. PATTERN PLAY The checkerboard floor isn%u2019t going anywhere, but it%u2019s getting a serious upgrade. We%u2019re ditching the stark black and white for moodier, tonal pairings. Imagine deep charcoal and dusty sage, or espresso brown paired with cream. We%u2019re also seeing this trend move beyond the floor. A vertical checkerboard pattern on a shower wall or a feature wall behind the mirror adds a playful, bespoke touch without overwhelming the space.4. HIGH DRAMA METALLICSFor those who believe a powder room should 5 Tile Trends We%u2019re Loving for 2026pack a punch, metallic tiles are having a moment. Look for brushed brass, aged bronze, or even pewter finishes in small scale formats like penny rounds or elongated brick joints. Used sparingly, perhaps in a niche or as a single accent wall, they catch the sunlight beautifully, adding a layer of warmth and opulence that feels more art deco than over the top.5. CURVES AND PILLOW SHAPESThe straight edge is taking a back seat to softness. Rectangular subway tiles are being replaced by %u2018pillow%u2019 tiles with rounded, pillowy edges, as well as scalloped %u2018fan%u2019 shapes and vertical fluting. These three-dimensional tiles add incredible tactile interest. They play beautifully with shadow and light, making them ideal for a feature wall behind a freestanding tub. It%u2019s an organic, sculptural look that feels both modern and timeless.Ultimately, the best bathroom is one that feels like an escape. Whether you lean into the raw stone or the bold pattern, let your tiles tell a story. After all, on an island defined by its unique landscape, your home should be just as distinctive.