The "Small" Design Detail You'll See Everywhere in 2026 (It's Such a Statement!)

"From classic tartans to Buffalo check, plaid is truly one of the most versatile patterns - making it a great choice for a statement tile design. This textile-inspired motif is popping up everywhere in home design, from shower niches to kitchen backsplashes, and I'm not the only one who's noticed. I spoke with designers and tile experts to get their thoughts on the bubbling trend, why it's so hot right now, and how they've seen it used lately. Check out their answers below - and consider pulling out that familiar old flannel for inspiration the next time you're planning a home project where tile can truly shine."

"Design pros have been obsessing over statement tile for quite a while - and the fervor is only growing. Just a few months ago, Pinterest used its data to predict that statement tile will be everywhere in 2026, with searches for "unique tiles" up 450% in the latter half of this year. Surely, the rapid rise of bold tile is tied to a yearslong surge of maximalism in decor, but it also indicates an interesting departure from an obsession with resale value."

""I think people are just sick of the homogenous, white-on-white-on-white [look]," she told me while hosting an event in December 2025 at a press event. "And people are staying in their homes longer; everything's more expensive. ... They're really wanting to personalize the space and make it what they want rather than think about resale value.""

Plaid and textile-inspired tiles are becoming prominent in home design, appearing in shower niches, kitchen backsplashes, and other focal areas. Search data shows a sharp rise in interest for distinctive tiles, with Pinterest reporting a large increase in searches for "unique tiles" and predicting statement tile ubiquity in 2026. The trend ties to a broader maximalist revival and a shift away from prioritizing resale value. Homeowners staying longer in their homes and rising costs are driving a desire for personalized, expressive interiors rather than uniform white-on-white schemes.

Read at Apartment Therapy