New Zealand’s Top 5 Tile Trends in 2025

Tiles do more than finish a space — they define it. In 2025, New Zealand’s design landscape continues to evolve, with tiles playing a leading role in shaping interiors that are expressive, tactile, and full of personality. 

Whether you’re building from scratch or refreshing a tired space, the latest tile trends are all about bringing individuality and intention to every surface.

From earthy handmade finishes to sculptural textures and bold palettes, our newly launched Tiles Collection offers a versatile foundation for any design vision. Here are five tile trends bringing fresh energy and character to New Zealand interiors this year:

Neutrals will always have their place, but 2025 is all about colour confidence. Across bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, we’re seeing a rise in vibrant, mood-lifting tile trends that offer a fresh take on classic forms. 

Deep navy, terracotta, olive green, and cobalt are leading the charge, while muted tones like sage, clay, ochre, and mocha mousse — Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025 — offer a more grounded, natural approach to colour.

Layout is another opportunity for creative expression: checkerboard, stacked verticals, herringbone, and playful geometric repeats add a bespoke touch to everyday areas. Grout, too, has come out of the background. Designers now intentionally use contrasting or tonal grout to highlight shapes, define lines, or add a subtle but striking visual layer.

Whether through colour, layout, or grout, now’s the time to make a statement with your surfaces!

In an age of mass production, there’s a growing appreciation for the imperfect beauty of handmade tiles. Their irregular shapes, tonal variation, and textured finishes create a sense of authenticity and warmth that simply can’t be replicated.

Moroccan-style Zellige tiles are one of this year’s standout tile trends; their glossy finish reflects light beautifully and offers a distinctive handmade charm. Each piece is glazed individually, resulting in subtle differences in hue, shape, and shine that bring a living, breathing quality to any room.

Our handmade terracotta tiles also tap into this craving for soulfulness — rich in colour and rustic texture, they’re ideal for adding depth and warmth to both contemporary and traditional interiors.

New Zealanders have always had a deep connection to the natural world; now, that connection is being expressed more boldly indoors. Among the leading tile trends of 2025 are designs inspired by raw materials like marble tiles, limestone tiles, travertine tiles, and clay tiles, celebrated for their ability to bring softness and serenity to contemporary spaces.

Porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles that mimic stone, timber, or even concrete are more refined than ever, offering durability without compromising on texture or tone. Not sure which option is right for your space? Explore our guide where we break down the key differences between ceramic vs porcelain tiles to help you make an informed choice.

But it’s not just subtlety we’re seeing — statement stone tiles are taking centre stage this year. Think bold veining, unexpected hues, and dramatic patterns across island benchtops, splashbacks, and bathroom vanities. These designs elevate everyday areas into artful moments, transforming the kitchen island or bathroom vanity into a visual centrepiece.

Three-dimensional tile designs are gaining momentum in 2025, emerging as one of the most striking tile trends of the year. Adding movement, depth, and tactile interest to walls and splashbacks, these sculptural styles are redefining how tiles function in a space. Rounded mosaic tiles, inverted designs, scalloped profiles, and fluted finishes are transforming everyday surfaces into architectural statements.

These 3D tiles interact beautifully with light, creating dynamic shadow play throughout the day. They’re ideal for minimalist interiors that want to achieve depth and a moment of impact, offering a tactile layer to splashbacks and feature walls.

Environmental responsibility is no longer a trend — it's an expectation. Among the most influential tile trends in New Zealand right now is the move toward sustainable options that blend conscious manufacturing with refined style.

Recycled glass mosaic tiles, terrazzo tiles infused with reclaimed stone, and clay and ceramic tiles made using energy-efficient processes are just a few examples of how sustainability is being woven into everyday design.

These eco-friendly choices work beautifully with organic palettes and natural materials like timber and stone, allowing you to create calming, grounded spaces that align with both your values and aesthetic.

Discover our new Tiles Collection in person at the ABI Interiors Showroom at Residium Design + Build Centre in Parnell, Auckland.

For more inspiration on the latest interior and tile trends, read these blogs:

Our Top Predicted New Zealand Interior Design Trends 2025

Ceramic vs Porcelain Tile: Which Is Right for You?

Marble: Everything You Need To Know