Cersaie 2026: Tiles Trends
CERSAIE is one of those industry trips that leave you with sore feet, thousands of photographs and a head so full of ideas that you need a little time to make sense of them all. And then, of course, there is Bologna itself, an Italian city that deserves to be explored beyond the exhibition halls. Its stunning historic centre, with elegant porticoes, medieval towers and beautiful piazzas, is a delight for anyone who loves architecture and history. Add some of Italy’s most delicious food, from handmade pasta to traditional local specialities, and elegant shopping arcades filled with beautiful boutiques, and you have the perfect destination for a little inspiration and indulgence. Tiring, yes, but worthwhile.
Every year, I look forward to returning to this extraordinary event, because for someone like me who works with homes, interiors and building products, it is also an invaluable opportunity to see what is happening internationally and, more importantly, what might soon find its way into Australian homes.
What exactly is Cersaie?
Cersaie is one of the world's leading international exhibitions dedicated to ceramic tiles, bathroom furnishings and associated technologies. The 2026 edition brought together around 600 exhibitors across 16 pavilions, attracting almost 100,000 visitors throughout the week.
Imagine hall after hall filled with new materials, colours, textures, tapware, basins and clever solutions for bathrooms and interiors in general. It is an enormous showcase of creativity and technology, where you can see how traditional materials are evolving and how manufacturers are finding new ways to combine beauty with practicality.
I have been attending for many years, and each visit helps me understand the direction of international design. For my work with Australian homeowners, builders and design students, the challenge is not simply to spot something beautiful. It is to identify ideas that make sense for our lifestyle, climate, building practices and market. Not every European trend will suit an Australian home, but there is always something worth bringing back.
The trends that caught my eye
Colour is there - Rich burgundy, claret and red wine inspired shades, have moved from furniture and fabrics into tiles. Terracotta tones remain popular, while greens range from soft sage to deep mangrove shades and unexpected, vibrant lime greens. Blues continue to appeal, particularly in steely tones. Alongside these expressive colours, there is a reassuring return to calm neutrals. Think chalky whites, creamy buttermilk, beige and soft greys but enriched by surface textures. Embossed surfaces, undulating finishes and tiles that convincingly imitate natural stone or fabric and add character without overwhelming a room.
Texture is stealing the show - Three dimensional tiles, curved forms and rounded edges are appearing everywhere. Some incorporate lighting, while others create sculptural surfaces that always invite you to reach out and touch them. Even timber look tiles have become remarkably convincing, with textures so realistic that I had to touch them to check what I was looking at!
Long, slender rectangular tiles - were another standout, installed in everything from traditional brick patterns to herringbone and double herringbone layouts. Meanwhile, clever integrated shelves and hooks offer practical bathroom storage without interrupting the visual flow.
And finally, the bathroom continues its transformation into a personal retreat. Coloured tapware, glass basins, coordinated accessories and illuminated baths all contribute to a more spa-like experience at home.
After a week of exploring, photographing and absorbing ideas, I returned to Australia with plenty to think about. The real value of these fairs is not simply following trends, but understanding how to adapt the best ideas to create homes that are beautiful, practical and welcoming.
Watch the video below for a more comprehensive recap of my week at CERSAIE 2026.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. More of James' knowledge is now accessible via Practical Design Online Course.
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