Trends in Large-Format Tile and Natural Stone in the Interior

What fashion dictates in interior finishing

The world of interior design is constantly evolving, and large-format tile together with natural stone have stayed at the top of the trends for several years running. But the colours, textures, laying methods and material combinations change. What is relevant today? Which trends will dominate in the coming years? How do you create an interior that will look modern not only today but decades from now?

M-STONE follows global trends and visits the industry’s leading exhibitions: Cersaie in Bologna, Cevisama in Valencia, Salone del Mobile in Milan. We know what the best manufacturers offer, and we help our clients create interiors that meet world standards.

The main trends in large-format tile

Trend 1: maximum formats: slabs as an alternative to stone

What is happening: tile formats keep growing. If a few years ago 120×120 cm was considered a large format, today slabs of 120×260, 120×278, 160×320 cm and even larger are becoming the standard of the premium segment.

Why it is popular

• A minimum of joints, a maximum of monolithic look
• A realistic reproduction of natural stone
• The ability to cover a large wall with a single slab
• The luxury effect of natural stone
• Book-match and vein-match possibilities

Application

• Accent walls in living rooms
• Full cladding of bathrooms
• Seamless kitchen backsplashes
• Countertops and islands
• Furniture fronts

M-STONE forecast: the trend for maximum formats will only strengthen. Production technologies keep improving, and soon we will see even larger slabs.

Trend 2: Calacatta, the constant king of marble imitations

What is happening: the Calacatta marble imitation has been the most popular design for more than 5 years and is not giving up its position. A white background with expressive golden-grey veining is a classic that never goes out of fashion.

Calacatta variations

• Calacatta Gold: warm golden veining
• Calacatta Viola: a violet tint to the veining
• Calacatta Borghini: large contrasting veining
• Calacatta Paonazzo: pinkish shades
• Calacatta Lincoln: geometric veining

Why it does not go out of fashion

• Versatility (it suits any style)
• Elegance and luxury
• Visually widens the space (a white background)
• Combines with any colours
• A timeless classic

Use in 2024-2025

• Book-match laying for symmetrical compositions
• Combined with black accents
• Paired with natural wood
• Backlit panels

Trend 3: dark shades and black marble

What is happening: after the dominance of light interiors, dark, rich shades are returning. Black marble, dark grey concrete and graphite surfaces are gaining popularity.

Popular options

• Nero Marquina: black with white veining
• Sahara Noir: black with golden veining
• Pietra Grey: dark grey stone
• Dark Emperador: a rich brown

Why it is relevant

• Drama and depth
• A luxurious look
• Contrast with light elements
• Hides dirt
• Creates a cozy atmosphere

How to use it

• An accent wall in a light interior
• Flooring in large rooms
• Combined with light walls
• Furniture and islands
• Fireplace surrounds

An M-STONE caution: dark surfaces visually reduce the space and need good lighting. We recommend them for spacious rooms or as an accent.

Trend 4: warm natural shades: beige, terracotta, earth tones

What is happening: a return to natural warm shades as a reaction to the “cold” grey interiors of previous years. Terracotta, beige, sand and clay tones create a feeling of coziness and a link with nature.

Popular options

• Crema Marfil: a warm beige marble
• Travertine: a classic warm stone
• Terracotta: earthy orange-brown tones
• Sandstone: natural sandy shades
• Cotto: an imitation of fired clay

Why it is relevant

• Psychological comfort
• A cozy atmosphere
• Versatility
• A link with nature
• Goes well with wood

Application

• Floors in living spaces
• Bathrooms in the Mediterranean style
• Terraces and patios
• Kitchens in a country or rustic style

Trend 5: terrazzo (Venetian terrazzo): the return of a legend

What is happening: terrazzo, a composite material of stone chips in a cement or epoxy base, is enjoying a renaissance. Modern porcelain stoneware imitates this classic material perfectly.

Terrazzo variations

• Classic (fine chips on a neutral background)
• Coarse-grained (large fragments of stone)
• Coloured (bright colours: pink, blue, green)
• Monochrome (tone on tone)

Why it is popular

• A unique character
• Hides dirt
• Retro charm with a modern sound
• The possibility of colour accents
• Suitable for commercial and residential spaces

Application

• Floors in halls and hallways
• Bathrooms
• Coffee shops and restaurants
• Shops
• Combined with monochrome surfaces

Trend 6: metal imitation: corten, copper, bronze

What is happening: porcelain stoneware imitating metal surfaces, especially rusty metal (corten), is becoming ever more popular for creating industrial interiors.

Options

• Corten: rusty metal with warm orange-brown shades
• Copper: greenish patinated surfaces
• Bronze: a noble warm metal
• Steel: a cold industrial look

Application

• Accent walls in loft interiors
• Fireplace surrounds
• Commercial spaces (bars, restaurants)
• Furniture fronts
• Combined with concrete and wood

Trend 7: 3D surfaces and relief

What is happening: tile with a three-dimensional texture, 3D relief and sculptural surfaces adds depth and dynamism to interiors.

Options

• Geometric 3D patterns
• Wavy surfaces
• Imitation of weaving
• Architectural reliefs
• Organic natural forms

Application

• Accent walls
• The area behind the headboard
• Receptions and halls
• The TV area

Features

• A play of light and shadow
• Needs correct lighting
• Harder to clean
• Better for walls than for floors

Trend 8: microcement and concrete

What is happening: imitation of concrete and microcement surfaces remains relevant for minimalist and industrial interiors.

Options

• Light concrete (almost white)
• Medium-grey concrete (the classic)
• Dark concrete (anthracite)
• Concrete with streaks and patches
• Smooth vs textured

Why it is popular

• Neutrality
• Combines with any materials
• A modern minimalist look
• Practicality (dirt does not show)
• An industrial character

Application

• Floors in all types of rooms
• Walls combined with wood
• Kitchen backsplashes
• Bathrooms
• Commercial premises

Trends in natural stone

Trend 1: open veining: vein-cut finish

What is happening: cutting stone along the veins (vein-cut) instead of across them (cross-cut) creates an expressive linear pattern that looks more modern.

Application

• Accent walls
• Book-match compositions
• Countertops
• Fireplace surrounds

Trend 2: an antiqued stone finish

What is happening: an artificially aged stone surface (antiquing, patination) gives the material character and history.

Advantages

• Hides scratches
• Slip resistance
• Warm tactile contact
• Antique charm

Application

• Floors
• Stairs
• External surfaces
• Rustic interiors

Trend 3: backlit onyx: functional art

What is happening: onyx with LED backlighting is turning from an exotic into a popular trend for those who want a unique interior.

New technologies

• RGB backlighting with colour change
• Integration into a “smart home”
• Dynamic lighting scenarios
• Energy-efficient LED panels

Application

• Bar counters
• Walls in bathrooms
• Receptions of hotels and offices
• Decorative panels
• Furniture

Trend 4: exotic stone species

What is happening: demand is growing for rare and unusual stones with unique patterns.

Popular exotic stones

• Patagonia: a turquoise-blue quartzite
• Blue Bahia: a blue granite from Brazil
• Amazonite: a green stone
• Tiger Eye: golden-brown with a “cat’s eye”
• Azul Macaubas: a blue quartzite

Application

• Accent elements
• Decorative inserts
• Countertops
• Exclusive projects

Trends in laying and design

Trend 1: book-match: mirror symmetry

What is happening: laying plates or slabs as mirror images to create a symmetrical pattern is becoming the standard for premium projects.

Variations

• Classic book-match (two slabs)
• Four-way book-match
• Butterfly: several slabs
• Continuous vein: uninterrupted veining

Where to use it

• Accent walls
• Behind the bath
• Fireplace surrounds
• Large halls

Trend 2: seamlessness: minimising joints

What is happening: the drive for a visually monolithic look leads to joints minimised to 1-1.5 mm and the use of tone-on-tone grout.

How to achieve it

• Rectified tile
• Minimum joint width
• Grout in the colour of the tile
• Large formats

Trend 3: combining materials

What is happening: combining different materials in one space (tile, wood, metal, glass) creates a layered, interesting interior.

Popular combinations

• Marble + wood (warmth + cold)
• Concrete + brass (industrial luxury)
• Terrazzo + monochrome (accent + neutrality)
• Stone + glass (heaviness + lightness)

Trend 4: the interior-exterior transition

What is happening: the same tile inside and outside creates visual unity of the space, erasing the border between the house and the terrace.

Implementation

• One design in different thicknesses (10 mm for the house, 20 mm for outdoors)
• The same colour in different textures (polished inside, structured outside)
• Large glass doors for a visual connection

Trend 5: geometric accents

What is happening: using geometric shapes (hexagons, rhombuses, triangles) as accent elements.

Application

• The kitchen backsplash area
• An accent floor in the hallway
• Decorative inserts
• Shower cubicles

Technology trends

Trend 1: thin porcelain stoneware (3-6 mm)

What is happening: thin slabs are becoming ever more popular thanks to their lightness, the possibility of installing over existing surfaces and use for furniture.

Application

• Cladding of furniture
• Doors
• Walls (over old tile)
• Countertops

Trend 2: antibacterial surfaces

What is happening: after the pandemic, attention to hygiene has grown. Manufacturers offer tile with an antibacterial coating.

Technologies

• Silver ions in the surface
• A photocatalytic coating
• Copper additives

Trend 3: glowing tile

What is happening: phosphorescent tile that stores light in the day and glows at night.

Application

• Pools
• Garden paths
• Emergency marking
• Decorative elements

Trend 4: eco-friendliness and recycling

What is happening: demand for eco-friendly materials is growing. Manufacturers use recycled raw materials and reduce their carbon footprint.

Examples

• Tile made of recycled glass
• Use of secondary raw materials
• Eco-certificates
• Local production

Colours of the year 2024-2025

Warm neutrals

• Warm Taupe: a warm grey-beige
• Caramel: caramel
• Terracotta: terracotta
• Cream: creamy

Natural greens

• Sage: sage
• Olive: olive
• Forest: forest green
• Eucalyptus: eucalyptus

Deep rich shades

• Burgundy: burgundy
• Navy: dark blue
• Emerald: emerald
• Ochre: ochre

The constant classics

• White: white (always relevant)
• Black: black (for accents)
• Grey: grey (a neutral base)

How to create a timeless interior

Rules from M-STONE

1. Invest in quality, not in fashion Trends come and go, while quality materials last for decades.

2. Choose classic base colours White marble, beige travertine and grey concrete are always relevant.

3. Add trends through accessories Fashionable accents are easier to replace than a floor.

4. Think about functionality Practicality matters more than fashion.

5. Create harmony All the elements must work together.

6. Do not be afraid to mix Combining materials adds depth.

7. Take lighting into account The same material looks different in different light.

Design consultations

• Selecting materials in line with the style
• Recommendations on combinations
• Visualisation of the result

Working with trendy materials

• Large-format slabs up to 160×320 cm
• Book-match laying
• Backlit onyx
• Exotic stone species

Advanced technologies

• Professional equipment
• Modern adhesives and grouts
• Levelling systems

Contact information

M-STONE: your guide to the world of trends

📞 Phones: +38 068 100 27 96, +38 050 914 18 99 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: https://mstone.ua/

Social media

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstone_kiev/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mstone.kyiv/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@M-Stone_Kyiv/

Geography of work

Kyiv: all districts Kyiv region: Brovary, Irpin, Bucha, Vyshhorod, Vyshneve, Boyarka, Kozyn, Koncha-Zaspa and others All of Ukraine: visits for large projects

M-STONE’s advantages

✅ Knowledge of trends: we visit the leading exhibitions ✅ Work with new products: large formats, slabs, exotic stone ✅ Book-match laying: creating unique compositions ✅ Backlit onyx: the magic of light in your home ✅ Design consultations: help with choosing ✅ Timeless quality: interiors for decades

The current cost of work for your project can be calculated in the online calculators or confirmed by the manager: it depends on the material, the slab format and the condition of the substrate. The consultation is free.