The 42nd edition of Cersaie wrapped up in Bologna last month, reaffirming its position as the world's premier showcase for ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings. With over 600 manufacturers from 29 countries and approximately 90,000 visitors, the September event revealed the design directions that will shape residential and commercial projects throughout 2026.
From tactile innovations to sustainable breakthroughs, Italian manufacturers led the charge in demonstrating how technology and craftsmanship can unite to create surfaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Here are the key trends that emerged from the show floor.
Texture Takes Centre Stage
The Rise of Tactile Surfaces
This year celebrated physicality, with manufacturers prioritising textured finishes and prominent three-dimensional effects across their collections. The trend responds to a growing desire for authenticity in interior spaces—surfaces that invite touch and create sensory experiences beyond visual appeal.
Porcelain stoneware featuring relief patterns, synchronised graphics, and tactile finishes dominated the exhibition halls. These aren't merely decorative choices; they represent a fundamental shift toward materials that engage multiple senses. Collections showcased three-dimensional textures where stone chips and micro-facets create movement, while digitally applied grit creates textured surfaces with naturalistic depth.
The emphasis on texture extends beyond aesthetics. Advanced technologies now allow for slip-resistant surfaces that maintain their visual elegance, combining safety with sophisticated design. Microparticle applications in concave surface areas increase grip and ease of cleaning without compromising the refined appearance that designers demand.
Mediterranean Warmth Returns
Celebrating Coastal Heritage
Mediterranean aesthetics emerged as a defining trend, with manufacturers embracing the region's rich ceramic traditions. Collections featured glossy textures and handcrafted effects reminiscent of traditional majolica, alongside warm colour palettes that evoke the sun-drenched character of coastal Italy and Spain.
This isn't nostalgia—it's a thoughtful reinterpretation of heritage craft through contemporary manufacturing capabilities. Designers drew inspiration from centuries-old techniques, translating artisanal qualities into high-performance industrial surfaces. Earthy tones, deliberate irregularities, and surfaces that celebrate imperfection reflect a broader movement toward authenticity in design.
The Mediterranean influence extends to formats as well, with elongated brick tiles featuring undulating surfaces that capture the handcrafted character of traditional ceramics. These collections prove that advanced technology and timeless craftsmanship aren't opposing forces—they're complementary approaches to creating surfaces with soul.
Pattern Play
Checkerboard's Contemporary Revival
Classic checkerboard patterns made a significant comeback at Cersaie 2025, but not in the way you might expect. The exhibition floor showcased checkerboard motifs in various interpretations—from understated stone-inspired variations to striking monochrome schemes.
What makes this trend compelling is its versatility. Subtle stone-effect checkerboards offer sophisticated neutrality for commercial spaces, while high-contrast black-and-white arrangements create bold focal points in residential bathrooms and kitchens. The pattern's geometric clarity provides visual structure without overwhelming a space, making it adaptable across design styles from traditional to ultra-contemporary.
Mosaic's Modern Moment
Small Formats, Big Impact
Mosaic formats experienced a resurgence, with manufacturers presenting diverse collections from intricate small-scale patterns to innovative recycled glass options. The format's versatility allows designers to create everything from delicate decorative accents to bold, dynamic compositions.
Contemporary mosaics go beyond traditional applications. Exhibitors showcased 100% recycled glass mosaics that emphasise sustainability while delivering unique plays of light and colour. These collections demonstrate how environmental responsibility and design excellence can coexist, creating surfaces that perform ethically without sacrificing visual impact.
The mosaic trend reflects broader shifts in how designers approach spatial composition. Rather than treating surfaces as uniform fields, there's growing interest in creating rhythm, variation, and focal points through modular elements. Hexagons, irregular shapes, and custom patterns enable sophisticated installations that bring personality to any project.
What This Means for 2026 Projects
The trends emerging from Cersaie 2025 offer exciting possibilities for architects, designers, builders, and homeowners planning projects in the year ahead. The convergence of tactile innovation, cultural authenticity, and environmental responsibility creates a design landscape where surfaces do more than cover walls and floors—they shape experiences.
Textured tiles bring warmth and character to minimalist spaces. Mediterranean-inspired collections add soul to contemporary interiors. Sustainable innovations allow clients to make choices that align with their values without compromising on aesthetics or performance.
For renovation projects, these trends suggest opportunities to create distinctive spaces through thoughtful material selection. Whether specifying for residential bathrooms, commercial hospitality projects, or institutional settings, the 2026 palette offers unprecedented flexibility.
Bringing Global Trends Home
Cersaie serves as an international observatory for the ceramic industry, but trends only matter when they translate to real projects. The key is understanding which directions align with your design vision, functional requirements, and project parameters.
The textured surfaces, warm palettes, and innovative formats showcased in Bologna represent more than fleeting fashion—they reflect deeper shifts in how we think about materials, sustainability, and the spaces we inhabit. As these collections arrive in Australian showrooms over the coming months, they'll open new conversations about what's possible in surface design.
Ready to explore how these trends can elevate your next project? Visit our showroom to see the latest collections, or get in touch to discuss how we can help bring your 2026 vision to life: BOOK HERE