How Pinterest’s predictions are shaping daring tile choices this year
The computer boffins at Pinterest have mastered the art of crystal ball glazing! After analysing billions of data points from keyword and visual searches, they have come up with a list of trend predictions for 2026. Stiles took a little peep at their latest report to see if the Stiles’ tile prognosis aligns with Pinterest’s consumer insights.
What the South African tile giant discovered might actually reshape how we choose to tile in 2026! Let’s dive into ten of the trends forecasted to shape spaces this year and the tiles that tap into their ambitious energy.
1. Neo Deco
Think 1920’s Art Deco with a sophisticated, modern twist. After years of dreary minimalism, this retro aesthetic is back with crisp chevrons, checkerboards and geometric hits, all edged in chrome or brass. Bold, glam and just a touch eccentric.
The Funky Tiles Puro Statuario collection was made for this moment. Combine the Silk Matt in White and Puro Nero in black for a checkerboard floor. The 3D Silk Matt is a ribbed tile with a 3D marble look to add texture to a bespoke cocktail bar or bathroom vanity.
2. Vamp Romantic
Pinterest says this trend is both ‘haunting and heartbreaking’. It’s all about deep burgundy shades and gothic, glossy glamour. For an interior translation, select the Funky Tiles Home Brick in Grape Gloss or Liquorice Gloss. Add candles, lace, darkness and fangs!
3. Afrohemian Décor
It’s no surprise to Stiles that African design aesthetics have hit the headlines again. The tile giant has always known that this continent is a red-hot design hub. Pinterest claims that searches for ‘afrobohemian home décor’ are up 220%, making this colourful, bold, textural look a sure bet.
Think African prints, rattan accents, handwoven baskets and, of course, Funky Tiles like the tribal inspired Lapa BW Matt or Travola Decor BE Natural.
4. Fun Haus
This vintage, circus-themed home trend is set to steal the show in 2026. Imagine spaces that are bright, imaginative and brazenly bold. Pair bold stripes, punchy patterns and charming collections of vintage finds. Lean into decorative stripes in red and white, or black and white from the Funky Tiles Range.
Pair maximalist furniture with an oak-look porcelain floor tile from they Playwood range.
5. Khaki Coded
A fashion-forward trend inspired by world wandering, luxury safari tours, game drives and bush walks. This earth-toned aesthetic speaks of desert sands, linen textiles and mahogany antiques paired with tobacco, sand and vanilla shades. Opt for large-format Continental Sand floor tiles or the stone-look Cortina Stone tile.
6. Cool Blue
Pinterest claims this fashion and beauty trend is ‘the temp drop we’ve all been waiting for’. Subzero sophistication finds its way into architectural spaces in the form of icy blue tiles like the ribbed Cuore My C Deluxe Sky Gloss, the Matiz Sea Blue Lux angular subway tile, or the Home Kit Kat in Sky Gloss.
7. Opera Aesthetic
Cue the curtain, this visual story describes spaces that feel theatrical in the best sense: layered, considered, opulent and dramatic. Take inspiration from the grandeur of Palais Garnier in France with chandeliers, velvet drapery and bronze details. To realise this look, incorporate marble-look slabs with a gloss finish, such as the Florim Onyx and More Golden Onyx, Heritage Aqua Gloss or Florim Rêves Bleu Gloss.
8. Laced Up
Bringing unexpected elegance to absolutely everything, lace is back! In interiors, this trend means structure with softness: linear rhythms, contrasting grout, kit kat tiles, ribbed and textural surfaces.
Choose three-dimensional tiles such as the Escama Brie Satin, Escama Malena Satin or linear Escacilhado Palha.
9. Throwback Kid
This trend is an invitation to go back in (play) time to a simpler life. The interior application invites a combination of vintage prints, retro shapes and upcycled furniture. Rescue that chair from granny’s attic, create bright pops of colour and install rounded Materika subways in ocean, green or grey.
10. Cabbage Crush
Deep, vegetal green is the colour that just won’t quit! While the leafy brassica is taking over recipe pages, crockery design, table centrepieces and even cocktail menus, cabbage colours are now crushing our living spaces too. Connect to this trend with the Nairobi Moss Glass subway tile and the Nairobi Arrow Moss Gloss Kit Kat.
Find quality tiles at any of the Stiles showrooms or visit their website to find out more.
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Picture: Supplied
