“We are extremely excited to launch the LX Hausys Design Council,” said Yael Goldshmid, director of surfaces product development at LX Hausys. “Unlike other design councils that may assist with trend spotting or serve as ambassador groups, ours will play a meaningful role in the creation of new Viatera quartz products. With this group, we’re taking another strategic step to ensure our products have market fit and long-term relevance. Trends come and go, but the best products are created when design, application and customer insight come together early in the process.” 

The eight council members, located across several strategic U.S. markets, attended a kickoff meeting this spring at LX Hausys’ state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Adairsville, Ga., to review the company’s initial 2027 product ideas. The Design Council will meet twice more this year, with members providing feedback on topics ranging from product concepts and prototypes to finish choices, decorative element pairings, pricing and materiality. The council will also advise on application and installation methods, as well as the viability of using Viatera beyond traditional kitchen and bath countertop applications. 

By bringing together voices from multiple sectors of the industry, LX Hausys is creating a more holistic approach to product development, balancing design inspiration with fabrication practicality, market demand and customer expectations. 

LX Hausys is planning a panel discussion in its booth at KBIS 2027, where Goldshmid and members of the Design Council will provide insight into how the new 2027 VIATERA colors were developed. The council will also meet at KBIS to begin planning 2028 product design ideas.  

The Design Council members are Elizabeth Joice of Elizabeth Joice Interiors in Cumming, Ga.; Jodi Cohan of JAC Studio in Newport Beach, Calif.; Lisa Sanchez of Nota Bene Design Studio in Alpharetta, Ga.; Stephanie Wiott of Stephanie Wiott Designs in Carmel, Ind.; Amber Newton of Innovative Surfaces in Hastings, Minn.; John Pulido of 3JS Workshop in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Audrey Orta of CRS Marble and Granite in San Antonio; and Krystal Wright of Sage Surfaces.  

The Viatera brand is defined by its classic and timeless aesthetic, inspired by the earth’s natural splendor. Consisting of seven collections offering a wide variety of hues and patterns for a kitchen and bath applications, Viatera is an ideal surface for a wide range of residential and commercial applications. Traditional Viatera surfaces are composed of up to 93% natural quartz. Select Viatera colors with NeoQ technology incorporate up to 90% post-consumer recycled content, offering a more sustainable design option. 

Providing exceptional durability, high stain resistance and ease of maintenance, all Viatera colors come with multiple independent certifications verifying their environmental and health benefits. These include Declare, Red List Free, Greenguard, EPD and HPD certifications. 

Select Viatera colors are compliant with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), supporting federally funded infrastructure and public building projects with surfaces that meet applicable domestic preference requirements.

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Photos courtesy of the respective companies, unless otherwise noted.

Lexi Small Sconce from Cedar & Moss

“Those looking to add a fun pop of color but don’t want to commit to an installed, harder-to-change material should look at light fixtures. There are so many fun options on the market these days but these playful sconces with their perforated shade instantly add interest to any design.” cedarandmoss.com

Emerald Quartzite from Artistic Tile

“Countertops are easily my favorite way to add a pop of color! I love that more colorful natural stones are making a comeback. Clients have been loving this emerald quartzite and while it is a definite color, in the PNW, this beautiful green is almost a neutral.” artistictile.com

Bobbin D-Bar Pull from Plank Hardware

“Hardware is like the final jewelry piece of any design. It completes the space and adds that finishing pop of character. Think outside of the box and look at something like this unexpected profile – in color, of course!” us.plankhardware.com

Bird & Pomegranate Wallcovering from Morris & Co.

“I love putting wallpaper in a pantry or a powder room – a tiny space that if done right can handle dramatic, bold, colorful patterns. Adding wallpaper to these areas is unexpected and can really make an impression.” wmorrisandco.com Design: The Northwest Home Photo credit: AJ Meeker

Ping Tile from Tempest Tileworks

“One of the best ways to make a visual impact in a space is a fun, unique wall tile. Either with an unexpected layout or color, it can really make your space unique and personal, especially if you have a more subtle countertop. These handmade tiles have such a fun design, come in an array of colors and can be arranged in a bunch of different patterns for a truly custom look,” said Erica Leader. tempesttileworks.com

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“We’re very excited to introduce another resource for the architecture and design community to engage and learn about Spanish ceramics,” said Rocamador Rubio, director of Tile of Spain in the United States. “As a global leader in the industry, this podcast expands Tile of Spain USA’s arsenal of educational resources and helps broaden the understanding of ceramics across multiple audiences.” 

Hosted by Tile of Spain USA’s ceramic tile technical spokesperson Ryan Fasan, The Grout Line brings together industry leaders for insightful conversations on the forces shaping the ceramic tile landscape. Each episode features expert perspectives on a range of topics, including design trends, installation techniques, economic factors, manufacturing standards and more. 

The Grout Line will also feature a bonus mini-series, Beneath the Surface, additional episodes recorded live each year during Coverings, North America’s largest international tile and stone exhibition. 

Episodes with Sarah Malek Barney, founder and principal of Bandd Design; Schannon and Chris Yodice, the creators behind the That Tile Chick social media channel; John Merola, CEO of Merola Tile Distributors of America; and even more guests are available to stream now. 

Upcoming episodes will feature interviews and conversations with Alena Capra, principal of Alena Capra Design and Coverings spokesperson; Jennifer Richinelli, Stone World editor and 2026 Coverings champion; and Rick Church, executive director of the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA). 

Podcast episodes are published monthly across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, Amazon music and more. Listeners can also stream via Tile of Spain USA’s feed here.

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Above: Falper continues to push boundaries by blending textures, materials, and shapes. The vessel sink paired with a gold towel bar and uniquely shaped mirror perfectly captures their design language: bold, architectural, and intentionally unexpected. Photo: Kurrent Kitchen + Bath

Access on the weekend is open to local residents, allowing them to experience the show and reinforcing the city’s pride in hosting it year after year.

Park Avenue’s display embraced personality, featuring a teacup vessel sink and matching bathtub. Beyond the whimsy, the brand offers elegant statement pieces suitable for both powder rooms and primary bathrooms. Photo: Kurrent Kitchen + Bath

Visiting the Source: Factory Tours

We arrived a few days early and focused on factory tours so we could see firsthand how some of our pieces are manufactured, including visits to CEA and Stenal.

CEA’s new collection showcases a striking combination of brushed finishes along the sides and polished finishes on the top surface. The contrast creates movement within the faucet itself, transforming under different lighting conditions and adding depth to an otherwise minimal form. Photo: Kurrent Kitchen + Bath

At CEA, what stood out most was how sustainable and impeccably clean their factory is. Nearly everything is handmade, down to the very last screw. Dedicated teams oversee each small component of the design and production process with incredible attention to detail. While there are robots integrated into the facility, their primary role is transporting heavy materials from one area to another; the craftsmanship itself remains largely hands-on.

Stenal has a wonderful team and an impressive facility. Stenal offers fully customizable saunas with a wide range of wood panels, thicknesses, textures, finishes and lighting options. They are extremely meticulous, each sauna is fully assembled, plugged in and tested to ensure it is functioning perfectly before being shipped overseas. They also provide detailed, step-by-step installation instructions to simplify setup in the U.S.

Their most memorable feature was the snow machine – yes, real manufactured snow. It’s an incredible addition for clients who prefer an alternative to a traditional cold plunge after a sauna session.

Sink Showcase

Antonio Lupi embodies quiet luxury. The green marble tub with a concealed filler highlights their philosophy: strong construction, minimal presence and seamless integration. Their ability to incorporate hidden wall storage reinforces the concept of clean, uninterrupted design. Photo: Kurrent Kitchen + Bath

Many of the attached photos are from the exhibition itself but we also visited several showrooms in the city, including CEA, Gessi, Raspel, Falper, Rexa, Idea Group, Laufen, THG Paris, Franke, Fantini, Dornbracht and even a pop-up showroom from Samuel Heath. It involved a lot of walking and refueling with espresso!

Dornbracht stands apart by not chasing trends. They don’t release new collections annually because their designs endure. Their floral pedestal and matching wall-mounted faucet exemplify why the brand maintains its reputation for innovation, quality and lasting relevance. Photo: Kurrent Kitchen + Bath

Our last day in Milan was spent entirely at the show, from 10:00 a.m. until closing at 6:00 p.m. To put the scale into perspective, we barely made it through a quarter of it. This year there were 22 pavilions, up from 17 last year. We were fortunate to visit booths from Olivari, Zen, Kreoo, Park Avenue, Antonio Lupi (which had the longest line), Graff, Serdaneli, AXOR, Bathco, Inbani, SICIS, Alice Ceramica, Baden Haus and Cielo Ceramica.

Sicis delivered one of the most impactful displays at the show. Their level of customization, from glass and leather finishes to a fully integrated makeup counter with bifolding illuminated glass panels, demonstrates what’s possible when craftsmanship meets creativity. Photo: Kurrent Kitchen + Bath

We wrapped up the trip with some much-needed pizza, pasta, and, of course, plenty of fresh bread.

—Jack Bernstein is founder of Kurrent Kitchen + Bath

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At the KBIS 2026 Luxury Lounge, design journalist Sophie Donelson’s conversation with Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors made one point clear: Human-centered design starts with honesty about how people actually live. They discussed what it really means to design for the way people live and create homes that are deeply personal and unapologetically human. It’s about shaping homes around habits, relationships, limitations, rituals and daily life.

Ask Better Questions

How do clients move through stress? What patterns define their mornings? Are they raising children, caring for a disabled family member, adjusting to retirement or trying to protect a marriage under one roof? Purple Cherry’s work is grounded in empathy, informed by her own experience with caregiving and advocacy. She uses those insights to design spaces that solve real problems rather than perform an ideal.

Design Scenarios

In primary baths, she favors shared zones that preserve connection – especially for couples raising families – while still allowing personal space at the vanity. In kitchens, she supports secondary prep spaces but warns against placing a cooktop in the back kitchen, where the cook is pushed out of the social life of the home. Support spaces should reduce clutter, not isolate the person doing the work.

Purple Cherry also pushes back on perfectionism as a design driver. Not every client needs a picture-perfect organizing system, and mess is not a moral failure. For many households, visible life is simply evidence of a full day. Good design should respond to that truth with smart storage and flexible planning.

Her broader message is one many designers will recognize: A home becomes meaningful when it reflects the people inside it. That includes aging-related decisions, neurodiverse needs, walkable layouts and the final layer of rugs, art, objects and collected pieces. In Purple Cherry’s view, those layers do more than decorate; they make a house feel human.

Click HERE to get notified when registration for KBIS 2027 opens.

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Miele. Photo: Laila Ferri Johnson

My biggest takeaway? There is a lot to see – it truly feels like Disneyland for designers. I was lucky to be part of a group with more experience who shared tips and helped navigate it all. That said, I think you need at least three full days (and a bit of homework beforehand) to really take it in. But we all have to start somewhere, right?

Bauknecht. Photo: Laila Ferri Johnson

At EuroCucina 2026, technology felt smarter and quieter than ever. There were AI-powered cooking suites that can scan ingredients and assist with recipes, self-cleaning ovens, and robo-vacs all supporting daily life without being visually dominant. The focus is on seamless integration and ease of use, rather than showcasing the tech itself.

Marazzi. Photo: Laila Ferri Johnson

On the design side, there was a beautiful balance between deeper, moodier tones and softer, more sun-washed hues. We saw a strong presence of deep greens and rich burgundy tones, layered with warmer shades like terracotta, soft blues, and apricot. These palettes were often grounded with wood, creating a more inviting and lived-in feel. Natural materials continue to lead, especially stone, travertine and more organic, unfinished edges. Light oak remains strong, with walnut making a noticeable comeback, reinforcing the shift toward warmer, more grounded kitchens.

—Laila Ferri Johnson, founder, Designed Smart

The post A First-Timer’s Take on EuroCucina appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

Fulgor Milano Evoque range. Photo: Fulgor Milano

Fulgor Milano launched the Evoque Collection, which upholds the company’s high-performance standards for their professional styled ranges but is wrapped in a beautiful exterior package making it a focal point in any kitchen at an attractive price point. Available in both gas and induction (with bridge elements), sizes 36”, 48” and 60” and comes in matte black, ivory and white as well as gloss white and gloss black with brushed brass and nickel/chrome finishes for the accent trim. Coordinating range hoods are also in the works.

Fulgor Milano Enova induction cooktop. Photo: Fulgor Milano

Also on display were the Enova induction cooktops, with a minimalistic raised stainless frame (available in matte black, satin aluminum and brushed brass), which many consider a fresh departure from the imbedded cooktop installation trend along with control knobs rather than electronic slide controls. The Enova cooktops are powerful, energy efficient, and possess multiple cooking functions including warm, max power and bridge zones for optimal cooking flexibility.

Gaggenau Expressive Series wall oven. Photo: Gaggenau

Gaggenau debuted the Expressive Series of cooking appliances, within the gardens of the famous Bauhaus styled Villa Necchi Campiglio in the heart of Milan. No site could have been more befitting to this exquisite, minimalistic yet sculpturally styled line that is as beautiful on the outside as it is functional on the inside. Available in a wall oven, combi steam oven, combi microwave oven, built-in coffee machine and culinary warming drawer.

Gaggenau Vario cooling Expressive Series refrigeration. Photo: Gaggenau

The Expressive Series extends to refrigeration and wine preservation. Beautifully designed, these units treat their contents like a fine hotel would treat its guests, with care. Especially notable are the infrared sensors in the wine columns that read the temperature inside the wine bottle, allowing the consumer to dial in their temperature preferences.

SMEG new logo. Photo: Molly McCabe

Smeg has revamped their logo for the American market and revealed the new Aesthetic Series professional range available in 30” and 36” widths with an induction cooking surface or gas, both with electric ovens. This range has enhanced features from prior offerings with lighted control knobs, Wi-fi connectivity, steam assist, scroll display, probe and beautiful knurled oven door handle. Available in stainless, matte black and matte white with a coordinating exhaust hood.

SMEG Pro Grill. Photo: SMEG

Smeg has made an elegant entry into the outdoor kitchen market with the Smeg Compact, Power and Pro Electric grills. Touted for ease of operation and safety, these grills are sized to be proportional to a variety of spaces from a small balcony to a larger patio. Made with AISI 316 stainless steel for weather resistance and low maintenance requirements.

SKS Wine Column. Photo: SKS

SKS is targeting the US market with a 24-inch, three-zone Integrated Wine Column, featuring Wine Cave Technology, mimicking the temperature, humidity, and light exposure of a classic wine cave. Tinted, triple-pane glass protects the content of the wine tower and knocking twice on the door glass activates the InstaView LED interior lighting, allowing one to view the contents without opening the door, retaining optimal storage conditions.

SKS Combi Wall Oven. Photo: SKS

SKS also presented a Combi Wall Oven that packs a lot of functionality into a single space. Cooking modes include convection baking, air frying, steaming, microwave, AI in the oven door glass to assist the home cook in avoiding overcooking foods and Speed-Clean allowing the user to clean the oven in under 15 minutes with no elbow grease required. SKS appliances are WiFi enabled allowing consumers to connect with LG’s ThinQ® technology for an enhanced meal prep experience.

—Molly McCabe, AKBD, CLIPP, CGP is owner and principal designer of McCabe By Design LLC

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As part of LIXIL’s international portfolio of brands, Grohe operates at the intersection of European design heritage, advanced water technology and global consumer insight. This vantage point, spanning markets across the globe, allows the brand to not only identify cultural shifts early, but to actively shape how they are expressed through water, design and performance.

“In North America, a consistent transformation is emerging: homeowners are reimagining the bathroom not as a utilitarian space, but as the place where the day begins and ends,” according to Nik Bafana, president, LIXIL Americas. “It is where we prepare ourselves for the world and where we recover from it. With data regularly delivered through personal fitness devices on cortisol, stress, blood pressure and more, time in deeply personal spaces that promote health is more in demand than ever.”  

At the heart of this revolution is water. No longer simply a resource, water is being experienced as a sensory medium — a source of calm, clarity and restoration. At the same time, it remains one of the world’s most precious resources, demanding stewardship, innovation and responsibility.

“For Grohe, this is a movement we have been designing toward,” Bafana continued. “Our brand promise, ‘Pure Freude an Wasser’ or the ‘Pure Joy of Water,’ reflects our belief that water must be felt as deeply as it functions. Every product we design translates that philosophy into experiences that elevate everyday rituals.”

The 2026 Bathroom Trend Report identifies three global movements defining the future of the category and highlights why Grohe’s commitment to quality, design, innovation and sustainability position the brand to lead this next chapter.

Trend No. 1: Bespoke, Spa-like Design

Luxury today is defined less by opulence and more by personal preference and well-being. From accessing digital meditation to monitoring stress and sleep levels to tracking weight and water intake, an increasing number of people are taking control of their wellness through data collection and personalized health plans. The modern consumer is not seeking a standardized expression of comfort but an environment that supports these wellness goals and reflects how they live, move and restore themselves. 

In the bathroom, this shift is especially pronounced. A growing number of homeowners are moving away from neutral, resale-drive aesthetics and toward spaces that reflect individual identity. Once designed to blend in, the bathroom is becoming a canvas for expression. Proportion, silhouette and material choice communicate mood as much as function.

Multiple industry indicators reinforce this movement to personalization. In its 2025 Home Design Trends Report, the American Institute of Architects reported a rise in the popularity of “spa-like design” in the bathroom. Similarly, the American Society of Interior Designers 2026 Trends Outlook highlights growing demand for “comfort-oriented features” in the home.

Grohe views this evolution as a redefinition of luxury itself. Bespoke design must move beyond simply offering more options. Products must empower individuals to shape their water experience with precision and intention.

Personalization at this level begins with innovation — integrating technology, intuitive controls and sustainable performance into the architecture of water itself.

For a brand rooted in architectural clarity and purposeful design, this shift affirms a long-held belief: when form is intentional and material is authentic, it creates spaces that feel both confident and enduring. In this evolving landscape, the bathroom is no longer designed to disappear. It is designed to express.

Trend No. 2: Strong Silhouettes

As personalization reshapes how bathrooms feel, it also elevates the importance of form. When a space is designed with intention, its structure must bring clarity and cohesion.

Grohe reports seeing a renewed focus on proportion and geometry, elements that give a space presence rather than purely decorative. Form has the power to calm the eye, to bring disparate materials into alignment and to create a sense of completeness.

In today’s bathrooms, fixtures and fittings do more than function. They frame the space. The curve of a faucet, the contour of a basin, the line of a handle, these details guide the eye and establish rhythm. When thoughtfully composed, they unify individual components into a single architectural statement.

“In this context, fixtures and fittings are no longer purely functional elements, they are foundational design statements,” said Patrick Speck, leader, LIXIL Global Design, Europe and Americas. “Confident silhouettes and refined proportions establish visual cohesion. A faucet’s profile or a toilet’s contour can define the entire room.”

Architectural integrity has long guided Grohe’s approach. Proportion is essential. When form is shaped with intention and materials are chosen with discipline, innovation becomes invisible and longevity becomes intrinsic to the design.

What defines this trend is confidence. When proportion is precise and pieces are thoughtfully selected, a bathroom feels complete and composed. Form becomes the element that ties the space together, wrapping individual details into the unified whole.

Trend No. 3: Gold Finishes 

In a world that often feels fast, complex and heavy, the spaces we inhabit are becoming quieter sources of optimism. The bathroom, increasingly personal and intentionally curated, is no exception.

Gold is reemerging not simply as a precious material but as a reflection of light. Tones touched by gold or warmed by the sun introduce brightness into a space, subtle glimmers that soften structure and elevate mood. Where architectural clarity provides grounding, warm metallic accents offer lift.

Unlike high-shine finishes of the past, today’s interpretation of gold is nuanced and restrained. It feels diffused rather than reflective. It does not dominate a room; it warms it. In a carefully composed bathroom, materials tinged with gold create visual sunlight. Against stone, wood or ceramic, they introduce contrast that feels gentle and subtle.

Behind that softness is precision. Advances in finishing technology allow warm metallic tones to achieve durability, color consistency and long-term performance ensuring that beauty is not fleeting but engineered to endure. As sustainability becomes central to modern design, longevity itself becomes a design choice. 

Grohe’s newest finish, brushed warm sunset, embodies this contemporary expression of warmth. With its softly brushed surface and refined tone, it captures light in a way that feels enduring and sophisticated. 

What defines this moment is emotional resonance. In bathrooms shaped by personal ritual and architectural clarity, touches of gold introduce balance, brightness that feels both grounding and uplifting. When thoughtfully integrated, warm metals actively change how this space fields.

Personalization, form and light are reshaping the modern bathroom as interconnected expressions of how we want to live. 

Personalization has redefined luxury. The ability to shape water, materials and atmosphere around individual ritual is a modern expectation made possible through thoughtful innovation and precision technology.

Form has regained its authority. Proportion, geometry and structural clarity unify the space, creating an intentional sense of harmony.

Lightness expressed through golden metallic finishes introduces lift. In a world that can feel heavy, the bathroom becomes a place of reset, where brightness, texture and water work together to restore balance.

At Grohe, this convergence feels both intuitive and inevitable. The brand draws on cross-cultural insight and deep water expertise to anticipate how people want to live and translate that into meaningful experiences. Grohe does this with a clear responsibility — to design water experiences that enhance daily life while protecting resources at their core.

In this way, the bathroom is not a collection of fittings and fixtures. It is a sensory environment shaped by water, elevated by design, enabled by technology and sustained through responsibility.

As the category evolves, the future of bathroom design will not be defined by utility alone. It will be defined by how the space makes the user feel. Water sets the tone. Design gives it form. Technology redefines the experience. Sustainability ensures it endures.

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Above: The ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026. In attendance are Sen. Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate of the Republic; On. Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan; Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region; Maria Porro, President Salone del Mobile.Milano and Claudio Feltrin, President FederlegnoArredo. Photo: Salone del Mobile.Milano

Visitors at the Fondazione Albini during La Notte Bianca del Progetto. Photo: Salone del Mobile.Milano

The focus on the role of design as a steadying influence was continued in special events and the content of the fair itself. For the “Common Archive – La Notte Bianca del Progetto (The White Night of the Project)” event, nearly 20 of the city’s historical design and architectural archives were opened to the public. Of the opportunity, Porro said, “Milan will present itself for one evening, not as a stage, but as a living memory, an essential legacy for research, education and the transmission of knowledge.”

Photo: Courtesy Salone del Mobile

A new section of the show, called Salone Raritas, also reinforced the idea of design as a singular force. Curator Annalisa Rosso assembled 28 unique galleries from 12 countries, featuring limited editions and outsider creations that used rarity as a language. Every object told a story bridging craftsmanship, culture and contemporary vision.

Mitterrand Gallery at Salone Raritas. Photo: Courtesy Salone del Mobile

Show Floor Observations

Noticeably absent at this year’s Salone was any mention of “luxury.” Instead, inconspicuous consumption ruled product design and presentation.

The Brera Slim cooktop and downdraft vent from Falmec blend into the counter surface. Photo: Falmec

In the kitchen, this meant appliances that were unfussy in design and a clad in a quiet matte finish. Examples include Falmec’s Brera Slim cooktop, ASKO’s Celsius oven and the exquisite Aura range from Glem Gas. Warming drawers have been upgraded in function, now acting as steaming compartments.

In its Ghost product, Casalgrande Padana integrates cooking technology into the porcelain slab cladding the kitchen island. Photo: Casalgrande Padana

Cabinets

An understated design from Nobilia integrates into the living space. Photo: Saverio Lombardi Vallauri

Cabinets continued the pared-back ethos in a number of ways. Solid door fronts and drawers were often supersized, the better to show off the finishes of the large continuous planes of laminate or wood. Integrated finger pulls or push-to-open hardware precluded the use of distracting decorative hardware.

At the Stosa Cucine booth, the island massing exhibited a reassuring solidity while the glass cabinets tempered the installation with lightness. Photo: Saverio Lombardi Vallauri

Perhaps reflecting our collective desire for transparency, glass doors were surging. Glass doors put the onus on homeowners (or stylists) to curate the contents of their cupboards, establishing a needed sense of order in a chaotic world. In an evolution of the open plan, full-height freestanding cabinets – double-faced in glass – were used as subtle spatial dividers.

The use of glass extended to these drawers by Häcker Kitchens, fabricated of polymer glass in a metallic carbon color. Photo: Häcker Kitchens

In the Bath

The Orbe hand basin takes its rotundness to the max, with even the drain cover a sphere. Photo: Trone

In the bath, cabinet treatments were much the same as in the kitchen – no frills and meticulously detailed. Floating vanities were the rule, and were frequently paired (or tripled) with complementary wall-storage units.

As far as surfaces were concerned, few if any 10-foot slabs with gaudy patterns or glittery veining were on display. Instead, surfaces sported smaller and denser aggregate, with special attention given to realistic textures. Neolith debuted an adobe-like product.

Valdama’s aptly named Bold sink made a statement in shade and shape. Photo: Valdama

Color, form and shape all worked to reassure. Rich earth, forest and ocean hues were solid and grounding. Curves and circles, whether radius corners for counters and cabinets or puffy, donut-like rims on bathroom sinks and tubs, extended a comforting embrace. While obvious in appearance, there are deeper implications of the geometry – not just a softer look, but a reference to circularity in both the sustainability and historical sense.

A Matter of Salone

Photo: Salone del Mobile.Milano

Visible throughout Milano, the visual campaign “A Matter of Salone” posed food for thought for visitors to the city’s celebration of design. Signage with huge photos of wood, a flower petal, a sea sponge and a stone sparked a realization that the phrase had a dual meaning – one definition of matter focuses on materiality; another definition of the word revolves around significance. The message was that design is no longer just a question of form or function: it is a process by which what is tangible is transformed into meaning and value.

Federico Grassi, creative director of Motel409, the agency that devised the campaign, said, “We didn’t want to illustrate design, but to evoke it. To experience it visually and sensorially, letting the material itself tell the story – and the Salone was, as always, the space in which this transformation could take place.”

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Above photo: Naxos Ceramica

At the same time, highly expressive, art-driven surface design evolves, while Italian tile continues to take shape beyond the surface, playing more functional roles across interior and exterior designs, driven by new performance capabilities and technical advances. From these intersecting influences emerge five key trends – Warm Edible Colors, Gilded Earth, Organic Minimalism, Tile as Art, and Form & Function – that spotlight the creativity, ingenuity and design leadership from Italian tile manufacturers who are driving the industry forward this season.

Warm Edible Colors

Photo: CIR Ceramiche

The 2026 tile palette draws direct inspiration from nature’s pantry, embracing a rich spectrum of warm, edible hues – from espresso, chocolate, and cinnamon to turmeric, pomegranate, and creamy ochre – that evoke comfort and nourishment in interior and exterior spaces. Marca Corona’s Miniature Aroma brings a honeyed caramel warmth, Provenza’s Fornace Provenza collection reinforces the comfort story with cotto-inspired cinnamon and toffee tones, and Ceramica Vogue’s new Flautini format offers glazed, small-scale tile strips in chocolate, tobacco and deep red wine tones. Flaviker’s Midi conveys a warm, spiced depth that feels grounding and earthy, along with Serenissima Ceramica’s namesake collection, La Serenissima.

Photo: Ceramica Sant’Agostino

Further, Ceramica del Conca’s Ghiaccioli expands the palette into the garden, translating green into delicious iterations of artichoke and sage, while Pastorelli’s Color Up leans into saffron’s energizing warmth through tone-on-tone abstract forms that truly stimulate the senses. Imola Ceramica’s Retina brings a sun-warmed vibrancy through its orange tones. Rounding out the palette on the deeper end of the spectrum, Cerasarda’s Porto Rotundo explores the lush richness of plum and pomegranate, while CIR Ceramiche’s Marmette collection takes its cues from the world of gelato, offering nine indulgent shades that make the edible color story irresistibly tangible.

Gilded Earth

Photo: Faetano

Metallic details have resurfaced as a quintessential design element, with gold emerging as a “new neutral” – evolving from a statement color into a versatile foundation that pairs seamlessly with a wide range of palettes. This trend is characterized by the subtle interplay of gold accents and light. Versace Ceramics’ Harmony pairs opulent stone and marble looks with gold mirrored décors that accentuate colors and veining, while Tagina’s Luci D’Oro and Energieker’s Luminescence utilize deposited sparkles in the stone and marble veins to create a shimmering effect. Keradom’s Incanto introduces a delicate rain of multicolored gold and warm-toned granules to small formats, adding depth and subtle richness to its surfaces.

Photo: Versace Ceramics

Emilceramica’s Tele di Marmo Crystal and Level’s Stormy Onyx uses the striking contrast of light, dark, and gold tones to equally stunning effect, while Ceramica Del Conca’s Stone Edition takes a more grounded approach, pairing gold with warm eucalyptus and chocolate brown for a calming, organic feel. Faetano’s Dimore, Gardenia & Ariana’s Orosei, and Monocibec’s Thymos take a more artistic direction, weaving metallic and gold tones into intriguing plays of pattern. Ceramiche Refin’s Metamorphosis, developed in collaboration with artist Oliver Laric, brings a sculptural dimension to the metallic trend, combining a lustrous metallic glaze with a lenticular-inspired 3D surface that shifts in visual perception. Ceramica Fondovalle’s My Top Starlit rounds out the trend by playing with luminosity and surface through backlit technology, accentuating architectural features and enhancing spatial depth.

Organic Minimalism

Photo: Verde 1999

Organic Minimalism continues to evolve into a cooler, more restrained aesthetic, creating spaces that feel calm, quiet, and structured, defined by desaturated tones and the integrity of durable materials.

Photo: Edimax Astor

In line with the influence of Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, color remains muted while surfaces carry the visual interest. Monochromatic, neutral palettes, as seen in Leonardo Ceramica’s Code, take centerstage, while other collections like Ergon’s GemmaStone, Edimax Astor’s Whisper, Panaria Ceramica’s Perpetual and Lea Ceramiche’s Pulse, reimagine classic stones like travertine, shellstone and limestone through soft, matte finishes. Similarly, Caesar Ceramiche’s Histoire collection tells the story of a noble, ancient stone, striking a perfect balance between natural beauty and contemporary comfort, while Milano by Verde 1999 reinterprets terrazzo floors with fragments of Carrara marble, as typically seen in early twentieth-century buildings in Milan.

Photo: Mirage

New collections also feature ultra-realistic wood-look surfaces, like La Faenza Ceramica’s Suite Wood and Ceramica Sant’Agostino’s IKI Wood, which showcases an interpretation of reclaimed wood with a resin-style effect. Other new offerings draw on elements like clay, sand, and straw to create a tactile warmth, with subtle textures – raked, ribbed, bush-hammered, and wood-grain – adding depth without relying on contrast. For example, Mirage’s new Shiki collection, designed by Studio Hasuike, draws on the tactile qualities of traditional Japanese tatami mats to create a rhythmic, dimensional surface. The focus is on textural monochromatics; layered, sensory surfaces that feel calm, grounded, and welcoming. The result is a more human, wellness-driven approach to design, where function and emotional warmth are seamlessly integrated.

Tile as Art

Photo: Appiani

Building on last season’s momentum, tile is continuing to evolve as Italian manufacturers push material into full expression. No longer just a background surface, tile is being treated like high-end wallpaper or a piece of fine art, transforming walls and floors into immersive visual experiences.

Photo: Emilceramica

This season, the focus shifts toward storytelling. Rather than simple repeating patterns, designers are creating scenes that unfold across a space, drawing the eye in through mural-like compositions, large-scale graphics, and 3D optical effects, as seen in dimensional surfaces like Emilceramica’s Pietra Essenza collection. Ceramics are becoming canvases for both realistic and abstract forms, with collections showcasing hand-painted qualities and more large-scale graphics, as seen in Appiani’s Pastelli collection.

Photo: ABK

Nature also plays a strong role in this narrative with organic motifs, stone interpretations, and fluid patterns that echo natural landscapes. Cercom Ceramiche’s Silent Stone collection, as seen in its Silent Leaf decorative offering, is inspired by the quiet strength of nature, while other floral-decor looks, such as Ceramica Naxo’s Mind collection and Ceramica Fioranese’s Scaglie di Storie series, bring a soft yet expressive layer to surfaces. Additional highlights include mural-scale panels and graphic patterns from brands such as Rondine and ABK x Moooi’s Nesting Room, while Aquatic Creatures by Ceramica Bardelli takes a poetic journey into the underwater world, further blurring the line between art and material.

Form & Function

Photo: Ceramica Del Conca

Form and function considers how physical shape and purpose come together. It’s not just about how a space looks, it’s about how it works. Thanks to its inherent qualities, Italian tile is redefining this role, moving far beyond backsplash and into a high-performance architectural skin.

In the bathroom, tile has always been a natural choice for its water resistance, antibacterial and low maintenance properties. Now, designers are taking it further with tile drenching; wrapping floors, walls, and even ceilings in a single tile or tonal pattern. The result is a spa-like environment that is both practical and immersive, featuring prefabricated washbasins and vanities from premier Italian brands such as La Fabbrica’s Moon Cream and Atlas Concorde’s Nyra Habitat.

Photo: Ceramiche Coem

In the kitchen, porcelain’s non-porous, heat- and scratch-resistant qualities are driving a surge in demand for large-format slabs as countertops. As opposed to other surface materials, it resists liquids, chemicals, and acids, preventing stains from setting. Pushing innovation forward, these slabs are now being paired with invisible induction cooktops, as seen in new offerings from ABKSTONE, Atlas Plan and in Ceramiche Coem’s Immensa collection, with induction coils embedded beneath the surface, allowing for cooking directly on the countertop.

Photo: Casalgrande Padana

In living spaces, heat-resistant options – such as Casalgrande Padana’s Elements collection – are being applied across fireplace surrounds, while large-format options are also being fabricated into dining, coffee, and conference tables, including MATERIA’s Daino Reale and Shape by Ceramica Fondovalle. Unlike natural marble, porcelain resists etching and staining from spilled drinks, making it virtually indestructible.

Photo: Supergres

Tile also moves seamlessly outdoors, resisting moisture, temperature changes, and UV exposure without fading. While wood or vinyl may typically sun-bleach, this makes it ideal for pavers and high-traffic areas like pool decks and patios, as seen in new collections such as Tufo by Cerdomus, Solaris by Cotto d’Este, Trevi by Ceramiche Keope, and Menhir by Ceramiche Supergres. Additionally, architects are also specifying porcelain for exterior façades, where it acts as a protective layer against UV rays and moisture while extending the interior aesthetic outward.

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All photos by the brands unless otherwise noted.

SieMatic: SG6 URBAN Style

This SIEMATIC kitchen is defined by harmonious curves and rounded corners that soften the linear geometries typical of handle-free kitchens, creating a welcoming and sophisticated aesthetic. The integrated grip profile is discreet and elegant, contributing to a clean and coherent overall appearance. A central feature of the project is the raised worktop with a perimeter edge, which echoes the curvature of the side panels and creates a refined three-dimensional effect. siematic.com

Quartzforms: Madreterra

Born from an advanced production process that uses 100% recycled aggregates from quarry waste, Madreterra by QUARTZFORMS contains no added quartz and features a reduced content of crystalline silica. An evolved material that meets the technical requirements of the contemporary kitchen – resistance and durability over time – transforming them into a story of sustainable beauty. quartzforms.com

Lodes: DoubleZero7

Alongside decorative suspensions, DoubleZero7 from LODES offers a complete range of architectural lighting modules: a three-dimensional spotlight, a ceiling light, a line of light, and a wallwasher. All elements that can be attached to the track and repositioned easily and intuitively. At its core is a 48V electrified track – a minimalist graphic line and discreet architectural element that supports ever-evolving lighting scenarios. lodes.com

Abimis

Available across all ABIMIS kitchen lines, this new copper-infused finish introduces a fresh aesthetic language, enhancing surfaces and details without compromising the hard-wearing durability and practicality inherent in professional-grade materials. Featured here in a bespoke wall-mounted configuration from the Atelier line, the new galvanic copper-infused finish elevates the kitchen’s refined, contemporary aesthetic. abimis.com

Grohe Spa: Allure Gravity

From GROHE SPA, the Allure Gravity faucet features a “levitating” silhouette with modular, interchangeable cover plates, emphasizing bespoke personalization, sustainability and high-end material finishes like Phantom Black and Caesarstone Vanilla Noir. Through its interchangeable inserts, the collection becomes a bespoke signature – allowing for the curation of a deeply personalized sanctuary that reflects the quiet intimacy of self-care rituals. grohe.com

Duravit: Balcoon Collection

DURAVIT USA, Inc. introduces Balcoon, a new mid-range bathroom collection designed by Patricia Urquiola. Inspired by architectural forms, Balcoon balances a refined, purist aesthetic with a bold design perspective across sinks, furniture and bathtubs. Breaking away from conventional ceramic forms, Urquiola envisioned a dynamic interplay between soft curves and square geometries. These sculptural shapes are complemented by clean lines and a natural, timeless color palette to create layered, inviting compositions. Balcoon also offers two distinct furniture styles for modular storage to suit a variety of spaces. duravit.com

Smeg: Linen Beige

Starting with its small appliances, SMEG is introducing a new neutral color, Linen Beige, to its palette. The hue does not impose color, does not dazzle and avoids strong contrasts. Instead, it gently accompanies surfaces, enhancing their texture and revealing the depth of materials. Going forward, the brand will roll out the color to its iconic FAB28 refrigerator and the Portofino induction range cooker (above). smeg.com

Mamoli: Joe Colombo Collection

Tapping into the archives of seminal designer Joe Colombo, MAMOLI releases a wall-mounted reinterpretation of the 1969 Vision 1 faucet. The backplate has a fully customized casing, offered in several colors. Updated in terms of ergonomics and functionality, it maintains a high degree of fidelity to the original prototype with the two levers that slide within integrated slots in the plate itself. mamoli.gr

Wall/Pepper: Olimpo

From WALL/PEPPER, the Olimpo wallcovering depicts marble with colorful, vivid and intricate veins deconstructed across the wall, giving life to a refined and tactile decorative solution. Crafted with high-quality, eco-friendly and certified materials, the new graphic is available on all substrates in the range, from sound-absorbing to water-repellent. wallpeppergroup.com

Ideagroup: Cubik

The Cubik collection from IDEAGROUP now evolves with new versatile modularity options and finishes tailored to address more specific design requirements. Key new features include a 48.5 cm high module with a central groove between the drawers, and a 60.5 cm high wall-mounted module. These additions reflect contemporary living trends that call for more generous storage solutions. ideagroupbathrooms.com

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At the forefront of this year’s introductions is a return to roots, with Spanish companies placing a strong emphasis on relief, surface articulation and refined aesthetics. These collections move beyond fleeting trends, offering architects and designers materials that tell a story through texture, depth and authenticity. 

The following exemplify the key trends from Spain on display during this year’s exhibition.

Evolved Earth Palettes 

Spanish manufacturers are redefining neutrals through a more nuanced, mineral-driven lens, moving beyond monotone palettes toward a chromatically enriched spectrum. Emerging collections look toward off-white foundations, infused with ochre, blush, olive and sand, alongside charcoals softened with red and brown undertones, creating a spectrum that feels both grounded and refined. The result is a cohesive, livable palette that reflects the Mediterranean landscape and supports a more authentic, enduring approach to design.

Peronda, FS Ignis Lava

Artisanal Surface Expression 

Across the Spanish ceramic sector, tile design is embracing the discerning beauty of craftsmanship, where tradition and technology converge. Hand-formed aesthetics, glaze pooling and heritage patina effects celebrate the intricacies of kiln-fired production while maintaining the precision and performance of modern manufacturing. Micro-relief textures and softly worn edges introduce a tactile dimension that extends beyond the visual, encouraging interaction and sensory engagement.

Gayafores, Deco River Green

Refined Pattern Geometry

Pattern play is evolving toward a more restrained and sophisticated expression. Tone-on-tone geometries, subtle surface patterning and softened mineral veining introduce structure without overwhelming a space, allowing design to unfold through restrained contrast. Familiar layouts are being thoughtfully reinterpreted through stacked bond variations and mixed formats, adding quiet dynamism to traditional installations.

Apavisa, Perlino

Reinterpreted Materiality

Spanish manufacturers continue to lead in reimagining traditional materials through a contemporary lens, blending familiarity with innovation. Terracotta is refined through expanded tonal ranges and improved technical performance, while brick is elongated and texturized to suit modern applications. Stone hybridization introduces layered compositions that merge multiple natural references, resulting in surfaces that feel more interpretive than literal.

Cevica, Adobe

Performance-Driven Design 

Functionality remains intrinsic to the design language of Spanish ceramics, where performance and aesthetics are seamlessly integrated. High-traction surfaces are engineered to meet the demands of wet and high-traffic areas without compromising visual appeal. Inherent material properties, including resistance to moisture, UV exposure, fire and wear, support applications across residential, commercial and exterior settings. Combined with extended life cycles, these properties position ceramic tile as a reliable, long-term solution that aligns with a broader shift toward durability and thoughtful material selection.

Colorker, Bella Stone

A Sea of Calm

A sense of restraint and intentionality underpins many of the latest Spanish tile collections, reflecting a broader movement toward calm, restorative environments. Low-sheen finishes, softened contrasts and subtle detailing work together to create spaces that feel balanced and composed. Rather than relying on bold statements, luxury is expressed through material integrity, tactile richness and refined simplicity. This approach fosters interiors that prioritize well-being, offering a sense of refuge through cohesion, comfort and sensory depth.

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