Every year, our design and buying team head out to the annual Cersaie show in Bologna, Italy, bringing together the biggest and best tile manufactures from all over the world to showcase the latest innovations and trending designs in the tile market for the year ahead.
This year’s show underscored a powerful return to natural, grounding materials paired with a renewed focus on warmth, texture, and timeless design. From the revival of terracotta to the charm of bold statement marble, the exhibition was a showcase of how the beauty of nature and timeless craftsmanship are influencing home design.
With an emphasis on earthy tones, rich pigments, and the perfect balance between function and form, these trends highlight the direction design is taking: toward creating spaces that not only look stunning and prioritise functionality, but feel inviting and personal. Cersaie 2024 captures the essence of modern living with a nod to both tradition and innovation.
Terracotta
As expected, terracotta was the standout trend of the show, a material that evokes a deep connection with heritage, culture and the natural environment.
From deep red paint colours to rust furniture and rich orange fabrics, we’ve seen the popularity of these earthy tones grow over the past few years. This growing desire for warmth in design has called for the resurgence of realistic terracotta surfaces as a way of using these cosy, inviting colours in a more authentic, tactile way.
The modern innovation of terracotta-style porcelain makes it easier than ever to bring this timeless material into your interiors. The show highlighted the versatility of terracotta-style tiles, perfect for both modern and traditional homes while offering warmth and vintage character.
Traditionally used on floors, the future of terracotta-effect porcelain tiles within interiors is highly versatile, being used on walls, backsplashes and even wet-rooms.
A nod to Moroccan-inspired aesthetics was also spotted at the show, featuring aspects of intricate patterns and white accents that soften the rustic edge while retaining a cosy, natural feel.
Shop the trend: Terracotta
Terracotta Light Porcelain Tiles
Warm Coffee Tones
Leading on from the popular terracottas and rich burnt reds, warm colours continue to have their moment within interiors in the form of warm coffee tones - think espresso browns, creamy beige, vanilla yellows and tanned caramel tones.
These shades bring comfort to any space, creating an atmosphere that feels wholesome, inviting and undeniably warming, ideal for kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces.
Tiling with warm undertones is perfect for creating an inviting, earthy base to contrast lighter countertops or to complement soft stone finishes for a well-balanced look. Whether you prefer the subtle brown palette of wood-effect porcelain or the creamy beige tones of limestone-effect slabs, these tiles will make any space feel timeless and cosy.
Shop the trend: Warm Coffee Tones
Versailles Chic Brown Decor Wood-effect Porcelain
Natural Pigments and Earthy Hues
An overarching theme of Cersaie 2024 was the prominent use of natural pigments and earthy tones, reflecting our growing desire for organic, authentic materials, as a way of connecting with nature within our homes.
Muted, earthy hues like clay, moss, ochre and sky blues are taking over from the more opulent, richer pigments of the last few years, for a more grounded interior scheme that feels incredibly balanced by reconnecting us with the natural world.
Shop the trend: Natural Pigments
Artisan Green Glossy Ceramic Tiles
Artisanal Tiles
Porcelain tiles with a handmade effect were a prominent feature at the show, showcasing artisanal character without sacrificing modern quality. These tiles embrace the beauty of small imperfections and hand-painted details, offering an authentic, raw aesthetic while providing the durability and ease of modern materials.
Homeowners are embracing this artisanal feel, looking for unique, bespoke pieces that deliver depth and authenticity over mass-manufactured, fast fashion items. Hand-painted or zellige-effect tiles bring this handcrafted feel to a kitchen or bathroom inviting a touch of depth and individuality to an interior scheme.
Shop the trend: Artisinal Tiles
Porto Vintage Blue Patterned Tiles
Chequerboard
This year’s show continued to highlight the popularity of chequerboard patterns, blending vintage appeal with new applications. From subtle tonal marbles to bold block colours, the versatility of the chequerboard trend continues to create a timeless aesthetic that looks stunning in both traditional and contemporary settings.
Use them to create a graphic statement in small areas such as alcoves or hallways or add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom floors.
Shop the trend: Chequerboard
Firenza Carrara Porcelain & Firenza Nero Porcelain
Statement Matt Stones: Marble & Travertine
Elegant stone surfaces remain a classic and stylish choice, but this year’s show was all about character, with luxurious matt-finished marbles and travertine slabs taking centre stage.
This year, we’ve seen soft-matt finishes taking over from high-polished surfaces, being beautifully inviting to the touch, while holding an air of authenticity and understated sophistication. These statement stones, such as Patagonia marble, bring drama and uniqueness to spaces, creating a luxurious, tactile experience that's both visually striking and inviting to the touch.
Shop the trend: Statement Matt Stones
Veincut Travertino Porcelain Tiles
Japandi
Japandi design, a blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth, continues to grow in popularity, continuing to be a trend that was well-represented at Cersai this year.
Tiles are a brilliant way to achieve this clean design style through sleek, simple designs that are rich in texture. Pair with contemporary forms, neutral tones and refined, natural textures, for calm, organised spaces that still feel warm and inviting. Focus on clean lines and functional designs for a modern, harmonious look.
Shop the trend: Japandi
Explore our wide range of tile collections to discover our full selection of coloured brick metros, stylish patterned tiles or natural stone slabs and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for new ranges to keep ahead of the trends. Looking for more ideas for your next rennovation project? Visit our full blog for home design advice and tile inspiration!
