The “Outdated” ’90s Tile Trend Designers Swore Off Is Suddenly Everywhere

Apartment Therapy’s 2026 The State of Home Design survey had several surprising revelations, but I’m not sure anything shocked me more than a tile style that’s making a comeback. You’re going to want to sit down for this one.

If you lived through a 1990s bathroom renovation, then this design detail maybe lives rent-free in your head: the accent tile. It’s that distinct row of tile — often in muted shades of brown, green, or blue — that wraps around a bathroom like a misplaced, lonely belt. It’s rarely cohesive with the rest of the bathroom, and it just sits there drawing attention to itself, creating a bold moment where there doesn’t need to be one. It’s the single stripe that no one wanted — and it even popped up in kitchen backsplashes in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

But according to designer Emily Roose, this could be the year the accent tile splashes back onto the bathroom — and perhaps even kitchen — scene. “Accent tiles will bring in character, color, texture, and pattern,” says Roose. “But it’s not the same layout as the 1990s, which were small and linear and went around the whole shower or bathroom.” 

Instead, Roose anticipates 2026 could be the year that accent tiles become a larger focal point in tile installations. They’ll be used to create patterns and designs rather than utilized in a completely monotone, one-note way like they once were. These accent tiles will make an intentional statement, and they’re going to have a high-style, artful look.

Having trouble conjuring up an image of an attractive accent tile application? Here’s how they can be used in both the bathroom and the kitchen in 2026 and still look fresh and modern.

In the bathroom, don’t be shocked if you see accent tiles used intermittently throughout shower surrounds, creating a randomized mosaic pattern that feels energetic and vibrant. They could be used to set off a shower niche, creating an artful design element that feels more styled than simply continuing the same tile from the shower walls.

I’ve already started seeing accent tiles used behind sinks to create splashbacks that draw attention to the vanity, giving you a sense of whimsy each time you brush your teeth or wash your face. These will all be moments that are meant to enhance the experience of the bathroom’s overall design aesthetic rather than just added for the sake of a “pop of color.”

Accent tiles are also going to make an appearance in the kitchen — particularly when it comes to introducing vintage and salvage tile details. This could mean Delft tiles (a huge trend for 2026!) adorning the range hood (or covering a fireplace surround, as seen here in this dining room by designer Kate McElhiney). Or it could be patterned tiles above the range, as is the case in the kitchen by Rebecca Ward Design at the top of this page. All of these scenarios would give an entire kitchen an age-old European look with minimal effort. or the backsplash behind a range

You might also see charming painted tiles scattered throughout a backsplash, giving you an opportunity to introduce vintage gems that might cost an arm and a leg. But you can just use a few for the effect.

This feels like the year you’ll start seeing accent tiles as art — used to create stylish moments that draw attention for all the right reasons. Just you wait and see!