Materials After exploring the trends shaping interior spaces, the Spanish ceramic industry is now turning its attention to outdoor design. On the occasion of Time of Tile of Spain, manufacturers united under the Tile of Spain banner analyzed the major evolutions expected to define outdoor tiling in 2026. Whether for terraces, pool decks, or garden paths, outdoor ceramics are now integrating more and more naturally into their surroundings. Tiles extend the architecture of buildings, dialogue with interior finishes, and draw inspiration from natural materials to create coherent and immersive spaces. United under the umbrella brand Tile of Spain and represented by the Spanish Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers (Ascer), Spain's leading ceramic manufacturers gathered to identify the key 2026 trends for outdoor tiling. This initiative is part of the Time of Spain activities, which bring together several promotional actions for the Spanish tile industry, such as communication campaigns, press conferences, and award ceremonies during February and March 2026. Three Strong Directions Confirm the Gradual Disappearance of Boundaries Between Indoors and Outdoors The "In & Out" Continuity Transitions between interior and exterior spaces are becoming increasingly seamless, creating vast, open, and adaptable living areas depending on the weather. This fluidity is made possible by the development of ever-larger slabs, which have the advantage of eliminating grout lines and enhancing the sense of space. While 90 x 90 centimeter slabs were already popular, innovation is going even further with XXL formats that can reach 100 x 275 centimeters. With floors and walls dressed in this way, spaces communicate better with each other, and interior design extends outdoors without any break. Between Architecture and Landscape In this aim to erase the limits between indoors and outdoors, material effects are multiplying to offer a solution for all architectural styles, with effects mimicking natural stone, concrete, wood, or travertine. And for perfect harmony, manufacturers are expanding their ranges of complementary systems: pool coping, steps and step nosings, special pieces for corners and finishes, ventilated facade elements. This modularity allows architects and landscapers to create complete projects, perfectly matched to their environment. The Essence of Nature, Plus Performance While texture effects are diversifying to best copy nature—with high-definition digital printing, slate, and volcanic stones entering the market—technology is also being used to overcome the flaws of natural materials. The finishes thus exhibit near-zero porosity, with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. They are therefore insensitive to freeze-thaw cycles, grease stains, or wear over time. Furthermore, more chromatic creations, such as recycled glass mosaics, no longer lose their sheen when exposed to UV rays and cleaning products. Through these three directions, outdoor tiling continues its transformation. Far beyond a simple covering, it is becoming a central element in the design of living spaces, capable of connecting architecture, landscape, and usage. These trends, in fact, echo those already observed for interiors. The manufacturers united within Tile of Spain thus identify four major common inspirations for 2026: geology, inner calm, shared memory, and sensory sophistication. These numerous paths reflect a growing desire to create harmonious environments where interior and exterior spaces become one.

Source: Read the original article | Published: March 17, 2026

It’s been a bold few years for interiors. Rooms have swung back to a layered, textural sensibility, offering a clear departure from the Scandi minimalism that dominated the better part of the last decade. This shift isn’t just showing up in swaths of forest-green paint or pattern-drenched bedrooms, though—it’s also playing out in the architectural details and structural elements within the home, pointing to a renewed appetite for permanence within character-rich spaces. So it makes sense that wood-paneled walls are next on the list to make a resurgence. Once synonymous with ’70s interiors—think warm wood-clad basements or rec centers—it was frequently stripped out in favor of brighter, more modern wall treatments. Now, designers say it's making a return, with many of them seeing a surge of requests to incorporate wood paneling back into homes, or preserving spaces that prominently feature it. “We’re seeing a broader cultural gravitation toward interiors that feel grounded and enduring,” shares Leann Conquer of San Francisco-based design firm Chroma. “Paneling brings architecture and narrative back at a time when people are craving substance,” she adds. It’s about a return to nostalgia and the years past, but it’s also a reaction to micro-trends and the quick-moving, algorithm-driven cycle of interior design. “I think there is a conscious move away from disposable trends,” Tiffany Howell of Los Angeles-based Night Palm shares. Madelynn Hudson from M.H. Interiors agrees, “I think we’re seeing a return to architectural detail in general. After a decade of minimal, white-box spaces, people are craving warmth, craftsmanship, and character. Wood paneling provides all of it. It adds an instant sense of permanence and history, even in newer builds.” Whether through flat panels, raised or traditional profiles, beadboard, or tongue-and-groove, there are countless ways to introduce the dimension and warmth paneled walls provide. But it all comes down to materiality. “Wood introduces an immediate depth—a richness of tone, texture, and shadow that feels elevated,” says Howell. “What makes it timeless is its inherent integrity. The way wood ages gracefully and never feels tied to a particular moment.” Conquer adds that proportion is also key. “When the detailing is quiet, and the geometry is right, paneling becomes architectural rather than decorative. When the detailing becomes more intricate, it does so with intention and is ornamental, but deliberate,” she adds. And beyond anchoring the space, Hudson notes they are also “extremely cozy.” So how do you take a storied architectural detail and bring it into 2026 without it reading as a direct flashback to the past? “When the profiles are clean, and the wood is treated with respect to its natural tone, paneling feels classic,” says Hudson. “It becomes a backdrop, not a stage set. The rooms that feel dated are usually the ones where the paneling is overworked or overly stylized.” “The wood itself also matters—honest materials, visible grain, and finishes that age well tend to transcend any one decade,” Conquer adds. “Paneling will naturally reference history, and that’s the point. It’s interpreted, it evolves, and it becomes a marker of its moment, ready to be re-referenced in the future.” Howell agrees, adding that nuance is everything. “Color, finish and scale are what determine the emotional temperature of a paneled wall. Darker stains create a more moody and enveloping environment; they make the room feel richer and contemplative. When the tones are more pale-oak, bleached, or soft cream, the panels behave more like sculptural surfaces rather than mood setters.” Another element is reinterpreting it for today through new approaches. “We’re seeing paneling loosen up. Rather than rigid historical references, clients are open to abstraction—playing with unexpected proportions, asymmetry, or extending panels beyond traditional heights,” adds Conquer. And for those not ready to fully commit, another way to get the wood-paneled effect? “I often turn to materials that create depth through texture rather than structure,” Howell shares. “One of my favorite alternatives is a textured fabric wallpaper in deep earthy tones such as chocolate brown or deep olive. These colors mimic the warmth of wood while adding dimension.” Hudson suggests using paint and finish treatments as a lower-commitment alternative. “Limewashed or clay-finished walls can mimic the depth and movement of paneling without the physical build-out. I also love using fabric-wrapped panels or upholstered walls in bedrooms and sitting rooms. They offer warmth and dimension while still giving the effect of a paneled envelope,” she adds. In a moment when homes are seemingly asked to do the most, the return of wood-paneled walls isn’t just a throwback design trend, but a return to materials and details that carry memory and meaning. “It’s less about one ‘right’ look and more about tuning the paneling to how you want the room to feel emotionally,” says Conquer.

Source: Read the original article | Published: February 27, 2026

Kitchen Backsplash: 8 Trends That Will Dominate in 2026 (and Could Make Yours Look Dated)

Published on 13/01/2026 at 04:11 The backsplash is no longer just a practical strip: in 2026, it becomes the visual signature of the kitchen, the element that can date it or elevate it at a glance. Between open kitchens and a desire for warm materials, this wall section now concentrates a large part of the decor choices. Designers speak of a real turning point: gone are the mini backsplash with a few rows, the ultra-shiny mosaic, or the white subway tile with black grout that betray kitchens from the 2010s. Making way for calmer, textured, matte trends that align with the current spicy palettes. The question remains: which ones will truly transform your kitchen? Kitchen Backsplash 2026: Materials The first major family: mineral slab backsplashes extend the countertop in a single slab of stone, quartz, or sintered stone. The effect is very graphic: few joints, easy cleaning, continuity between horizontal and vertical that gives a chic and contemporary look to open kitchens. In the same spirit, microcement and large ceramic slabs with a marble or concrete look create a calm yet very present backdrop. To see clearly, experts already group eight kitchen backsplash trends for 2026 to watch closely: Zellige and artisanal faience Textured tiles and spectacular shapes Stainless steel, brass, or copper backsplashes Tempered glass, smoked mirror, printed panels Spicy palette, deep neutrals, tone-on-tone grout Full-height backsplashes, returns, and niches Kitchen Backsplash Trends 2026: Artisanal Textures, Bold Shapes, and Spicy Colors Small, shiny, heavily grouted mosaics are clearly losing steam. Decorator Danielle Chiprut summarizes this shift: "Small mosaic tiles are starting to give a dated impression. Clients are turning towards decors with more depth, variation, and personality. We are moving towards materials that tell a story, not just fill a space," she explains, cited by Le Journal de la Maison. Moroccan Zellige , artisanal faience, and handmade tiles exactly meet this desire for relief and nuance. Simultaneously, textured tiles with original layouts – chevron, herringbone, almost "wallpaper" effects – are gaining ground, especially in spicy hues. Kitchens are abandoning all-white in favor of deep greens, midnight blues, brownish reds, or warm taupes. Decorator Lindsay Fluckiger reminds that "The classic white 3 x 6 subway tile with dark grout, even if still usable in the right context, is strongly associated with the chic farmhouse style of the 2010s and does not reflect the warmer, more worked palettes we see today," explains this Tile Club expert. Adopting These 8 Backsplash Trends Without Major Renovation Pros also emphasize the overall design of the kitchen backsplash. The small strip of tiles behind the sink ages the room: for Helen Parker, Creative Director of deVOL Kitchens, "Small tiled areas are dated. Large expanses of tiling are a much better way to create a unique and interesting room," she says. It's better to aim for 50 to 70 cm high, or even go up to the high cabinets. For a quick makeover, printed panels on aluminum or acrylic, adhesive backsplashes imitating zellige or stone, colored tempered glass, and smoked mirror can be installed directly over the existing surface. A discreet LED strip under the high cabinets is then enough to make textures and colors vibrate.

Source: Read the original article | Published: January 13, 2026

Checkerboard black and white, grey laminate, glossy tiles: some once-trendy floors are now making your room look dated. Designers explain why they are falling out of favor in 2025-2026 and what to replace them with without making a misstep. You've been looking at your floor for years without really seeing it: that black and white checkerboard in the entryway, that grey laminate hastily installed throughout the apartment, those shiny tiles that become slippery when slightly wet. They were in fashion, reassuring because seen everywhere, but they are now starting to betray the age of your decor. Interior architects are observing this: as the home aspires to be warmer, textured, and more natural, certain flooring trends to avoid are clearly taking their final bow. The watchword for 2025-2026? Less cold and shiny surfaces, more warm wood, stone effects, and matte finishes. The question remains: is your floor one of the five styles on the way out? These Flooring Trends That Are Now Dating Your Interior Decor has moved away from icy minimalism to embrace warm minimalism: earthy colors, raw materials, a mix of old and contemporary. Like subway tile on walls, the aesthetic of "clean, white, risk-free" has lost its charm. A floor that is too uniform, too grey, or too shiny clashes with this desire for a cozy nest, especially when paired with still-light walls and few textiles. In this context, surfaces deemed too artificial or visually aggressive are receding. Designers particularly point to highly contrasting floor patterns, cold grey tones installed en masse, large smooth porcelain slabs, busy tile-imitation vinyl, and ultra-glossy hotel-style finishes. These are precisely the five families disappearing from recent projects. Highly contrasting black and white checkerboard tile Cold grey "builder-grade" floors Large plain porcelain tiles Heavily patterned tile-imitation vinyl Ultra-glossy tiles and parquet Five Flooring Choices to Avoid and the Preferred Alternatives Black and white checkerboard tile is the perfect example: graphic and photogenic, it often ends up overwhelming the space, especially in an already busy kitchen or hallway. Designer Damla Turgut summarizes the ongoing shift: "We are seeing a major shift towards softer, more nuanced checkerboards: camel with cream white, off-white with sage grey, even burgundy paired with a warm neutral. These combinations still give that graphic rhythm but in a way that feels more timeless, forgiving, and contemporary," explains Damla Turgut, cited by TheSpruce. The pattern remains, but the colors soften and are often reserved for smaller surfaces. Industrial grey floors are following the same path. "The cold-toned grey floors that dominated the last decade are finally losing momentum. They flatten natural light, make rooms feel cold, and clash with the warmer palettes people are turning towards. We see designers returning to honey, natural oak, toffee, and walnut tones—anything with warmth and variation," continues Damla Turgut. Regarding tile, plain and smooth porcelain is also in decline: "A generic porcelain or ceramic can seem cold, utilitarian, and out of step with the warmth and sophistication demanded by today's kitchens. That said, porcelain designed to imitate natural stone can be elegant when executed thoughtfully, and natural stone on floors and countertops remains the true symbol of quality and timeless taste," observes Laura O'Brien. How to Successfully Transition to Warmer Floors Heavily patterned tile-imitation vinyl is also under scrutiny. Used everywhere on floors, it tires the eye quickly and "shouts" more than it decorates. Designers now favor subtly textured, stone-effect, or wood-effect coverings, which leave room for rugs and textiles to bring character. A calm yet lively floor allows you to dare a patterned wall, bold wallpaper, or vintage furniture without saturating the whole space. The last signal from the pros: the end of mirror-like floors. Polished tiles, lacquered laminates, and hyper-polished marbles give an impression of a show home, show every trace, and prove slippery. Matte or slightly satin finishes, inspired by tadelakt, zellige, or softened stones, create, on the contrary, an enveloping and warm effect. Whether you replace the entire floor covering or, for now, settle for large rugs and some warm lighting, the idea is always the same: bring the floor closer to natural materials and the lived-in feel we already love seeing on our walls and furniture.

Source: Read the original article | Published: December 21, 2025

Interview with Carole Le Bloas on Ceramic Slabs on Pedestals Technique CTB – Protection using ceramic slabs on pedestals for waterproof flat roofs is becoming a common technique. Which document is at the origin of this new system? The French Waterproofing Trade Association (CSFE) has published professional rules concerning protection by ceramic slabs on pedestals for waterproof flat roofs accessible to pedestrians, which were validated by the C2P in July 2019. They allow this technique to become common by becoming the reference standard applicable to works using it. What is its scope of application? These rules apply to buildings constructed in mainland France, in plain and mountain climates, in new construction on load-bearing masonry elements falling under DTU 20.12 as well as on structural wood panels benefiting from a Technical Assessment aiming for use in flat roofs accessible to pedestrians with slab-on-pedestal protection. Renovation works are admitted under the condition of complete refurbishment of the waterproofing complex according to DTU 43.5 . They limit the use regarding uplift loads to a[…]

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 28, 2020