Winter 2026 sees the home increasingly serving as a sanctuary of texture and personal design. This forecast goes beyond aesthetics, utilising the MC&Co Trend Intelligence System to evaluate how materials, specifically the interplay of tile and timber, create beautiful living spaces during the year’s most introspective months. Each direction is a study in "material honesty," where the technical and creative application of the product becomes the hero of the design.
Inspiration: Off-Grid Modernism
TONAL TERRAIN
The rugged simplicity of off-grid homes and remote retreats inspire this study in material contrast that moves away from sterile perfection. Earthy contrasting grout highlights tile formations, and irregular layouts and organic textures replace uniform patterning for a grounded, biophilic aesthetic.
1. Micro Typic Klinker Gloss Tile 100 x 100mm
Woollahra
Urban Atelier Cacau
Front Cover: The Waterside Hotel Photographed by @caitlinmillsphotography
Inspiration: Sophisticated Urban Residences
This direction, inspired by high-end, architecturally led residences, explores the seamless blend of timber and tile to define distinct zones. The narrative centres on ‘the art of the transition’ - the specific moment where cool stone surfaces meet the warmth of timber flooring to create a sense of confident sophistication.
1. Calacatta Gold 2.0 Matt Tile 600 x 600mm 2. Chalet Brushbox 12mm Laminate Flooring
3. Project Oak Weston Engineered Timber Flooring 4. Camouflage Matt Tile 600 x 600mm
Taj Mahal Imperial Polished Tile 600 x 600mm 6. Bali Stone Wall Moss Gloss Tile 50 x 400mm
Inspiration: A Quiet Retreat
ANTIPODEAN ZEN
A harmonious fusion of Australian botanical softness and Japanese minimalist precision, this look replaces the typical "Japandi" with the warmth of local timber and the depth of native greens. It is a quiet retreat from the world, blending the structured elegance of Japan with the relaxed, earthy tones of Australian flora.
1. Orvieto Black Safe Tile 600 x 600mm 2. Ezystone Linea Sandstone Cladding 30mm 3. Concept Oak Herringbone Queenscliff Engineered Timber Flooring 4. Milan Gold Matt Tile 600 x 600mm
Stage Forest Matt Tile 100 x 100mm 6. Antique Stone Taj Green 200 x 50mm
Inspiration: European Bistros and Breakfast Clubs
Drawing energy from the sophisticated atmosphere of warm bistros and Melbourne social hubs, this look is defined by tonal depth and material confidence. Cocooning and communal, this direction is built on layered blush-toned mosaics and charcoal-flecked tiles paired with burgundy, blush, tobacco and chocolate.
1. Penny Round Blush Honed Mosaic Tile 288 x 305mm
Carrara
Matt Tile
x 600mm
3. Picket Blush Honed Mosaic Tile
x 310mm
Norr
Farge Natural Tile 600 x 600mm 5. Taj Mahal Imperial Polished Tile 600 x 600mm 6. Riviera Blossom Terrazzo Mosaic 262 x 292mm
THE ARTISANAL EARTH
Inspired by the traditional tiled corridors and sunbleached streets of Southern Europe, this look celebrates the raw, tactile beauty of terracotta in its many hues, patterns and combinations – a modern homage to traditional craftsmanship. Multiple tones and varied patterns create a soulful atmosphere.
1. Marrakech Tan Matt Tile
x 150mm 2. Artisan Poco Brick Matt Tile 200 x 200mm
Micro Typic Klinker Gloss Tile 100 x 100mm
Cotto Dust Matt Tile 450 x 450mm
Marrakech Tan White Matt Tile 150 x 150mm 6. Micro Typic Sand Gloss Tile 100 x 100mm
Inspiration: Southern Europe
Inspiration: Stately Homes
The enduring elegance of historic manor houses inspires a refined approach to heritage design, reimagined with modern applications. Carrara marble, travertine, and raw stone effects are laid in traditional tile patterns with timber skirtings and warm lighting, to create a domestic retreat that feels both curated and comfortable.
1. Bali Stone Wall Pine Gloss Tile, 50 x 400mm, from National Tiles 2. Linear Ceramic Vase Large, $24.95 from Bed, Bath & Table 3. Kaith Dining Table, $799 from Freedom 4. Mens Souffle Yarn Crew Neck Sweater, $49.99 from Uniqlo 5. Calacatta Gold 2.0 Matt Tile, 600 x 600mm, from National Tiles 6. Winter Gardens by Cedric Pollet, $96.99 from World of Books 7. Adelaide dining chair with swivel function, $2829 from Bo Concept 8. Woodstar Nut Matt Tile, 230 x 1200mm, from National Tiles 9. Silver Gum Silver Green Hanging, $16.99 from Adairs 10. Porters Stone Paint Fine – Clay Pit 11. Forest Gum Trees on a Foggy Day, Shroud by Andrew Paranavitana, $229.99 from Gioia
12. Japanese Paper Lantern Floor Lamp, $159.90 from Lattea Global 13. Ezystone Natura Dune Cladding, 525 x 770mm, from National Tiles 14. Corpus Amalgam 7 Hand Wash 300ml, $48 from Mecca 15. Foster Ke 540 x 440mm Single Bowl Sink in Foster Vintage Copper, $2060 from Linsol 16. Whoosh Olive Matt Tile, 75 x 300mm, from National Tiles 17. Cotton Knit Throw, $99 from West Elm 18. Possum Blend Gloves, $49.95 from Fella Hamilton 19. Aurumn Avlon Natura Polished Tile, 600 x 1200mm, from National Tiles 20. Aurumn Regale Crema Matt Tile, 600 x 1200mm, from National Tiles 21. Bali Stone Wall Green Gloss Tile, 50 x 400mm, from National Tiles 22. Flora of Australia, A4 or A3 print, Australian wildflower print, from $20 from Cheryl Hodges 23. Nora 1500mm Freestanding Bath in Sage Green, $1799 from Linsol 24. 140mm Silver Princess Eucalyptus Caesia, from Bunnings, $13.94 25. Tarvos Suspended Fireplace, Black, $9395 from Schots 26. Women's Original Tall Boot Dark Olive, $240 from Hunter Boots 27. Concept Oak Esperance Engineered Timber Flooring, 190 x 1900mm, from National Tiles 28. Eucalyptus with Lemon, Lime and Petitgrain, $16.80 from Australian Botanical Soap 29. Kyah Freestanding Bath Filler with Hand Shower in Matte Black, $1099 from Linsol
DESIGN INSPIRATION
MATERIAL INTERPLAY
Perfectly blending tile and timber to define distinct zones and introduce a sense of heritage and custom design, the combination of textures and tones creates a solid interplay.
LOOKS WE LOVE
Transitions are elevated with multi-level materiality to establish a unique and somewhat nostalgic atmosphere that is contained, composed and connected.
At once structured and playful, sophisticated patterns make a design statement.
1. Concept Oak Herringbone Blackheath Engineered Timber Flooring, 120 x 600mm 2. Concept Oak Herringbone Port Douglas Engineered Timber Flooring, 120 x 600mm 3. Concept Oak Herringbone Tomah Engineered Timber Flooring, 120 x 600mm 4. Nemora Blackbutt Brushed Engineered Timber Flooring, 130 x 1820mm 5. Carrara 2.0 Matt Tile, 600 x 600mm 6. Calacatta Gold 2.0 Matt Tile, 600 x 600mm 7. Norr 2.0 Svart Structured Tile, 600 x 600mm 8. Karnis Ivory Matt, 600 x 600mm
READY TO SHIP
WHY WAIT?
Achieve the look you want right now, with In-Out tiles and pavers ready for pick up or delivery.
1. Taj Mahal Imperial In-Out Tile, 600 x 600mm 2. Taj Mahal Oyster In-Out Tile, 600 x 600mm 3. Antique Stone Rosa Alicante, 100 x 100mm 4. Antique Stone Taj Green, 200 x 50mm 5. Stone Union Bianco In-out Tile, 300 x 300mm 6. Ascoli Travertine Veincut Silver In-Out 600x600mm
7. Ascoli Travertine Crosscut Classic In-Out 600x600mm 8. Ceppo Grigio In-Out Tile, 600 x 600mm 9. Shore Line Platino In-out Tile, 600 x 600mm
Experimental tile layouts transform a wall or floor into a striking design feature.
Stage White Matt Tile, 60 x 300mm, Stage Brown Matt Tile, 60 x 300mm
Weave
Stacked Horizontal
Playing with direction, repetition, rhythm and colour can form a unique design expression. Thoughtful lay patterns elevate even the simplest tile into a considered design statement. A tonal palette creates a calm, architectural backdrop, while contrasting colours introduce energy, depth and visual interest. With the right layout, a single tile offers an exploration of creative potential.
In November 2025, the much-anticipated renovation of The Waterside Hotel was revealed. Anchored on the corner of King and Flinders Streets, the seven-level destination reimagines the classic pub through a lens of global influence and layered experience. From the Public Bar and Beer Garden to rooftop cocktails and a series of private event spaces, The Waterside unfolds as a sequence of distinct yet connected environments, defined by lush terraces and expansive city views.
At its heart is Past / Port, a dining experience shaped by memory, atmosphere and fire. Executive Chef Sarah Chan’s menu celebrates Australian produce through the flavours of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia –bringing depth, heat and nuance to every dish.
The Waterside Hotel’s design is the result of a close collaboration between Matt Mullins and the Sand Hill Road team, Techne Architects and interior designer Eleisha Gray. “Whether we’re renovating one room or a two-thousand-person pub, we bring Eleisha to the table on day one,” says Matt, Director of Sand Hill Road. “Her ability to understand, and help shape the vision for a site is essential. She is both creative and original, yet utterly practical in the way she brings ideas to life. The end result is always a space that transcends mere design - one that tells a story and draws people in.”
Tiles played a defining role in shaping that experience. Working closely with Victoria Dowling from National Tiles Corporate team, Eleisha selected from the Urban Atelier range to build a layered and expressive material palette.
“Eleisha came into our Port Melbourne showroom with a clear vision for colour and tone,” explains Victoria. “What made the Urban Atelier range so effective was its flexibility , with such a breadth of colours in a 100 x 100mm format which gave Eleisha the freedom to build nuanced combinations. The custom edges and corners ensured the soft, curved and resolved finish that was so important for the end result.”
ELEISHA GRAY SPOKE WITH NATIONAL TILES ABOUT THE PROCESS OF BRINGING THE WATERSIDE TO LIFE.
National Tiles: How did your journey into design begin?
Eleisha Gray: My path into interiors was nonconventional. I began in graphic design, working in advertising studios and magazine art direction.
National Tiles: Creativity has clearly always been part of your path.
Eleisha Gray: Absolutely. I think that less linear trajectory has shaped the way I approach interiors. After publishing, I moved into television and set design for short films and commercials, which really expanded how I think about space. This form of storytelling opened my eyes to new ways of seeing.
National Tiles: When did you decide to launch your own studio?
Eleisha Gray: It happened quite organically. Matt Mullins and the team at Sand Hill Road, who are behind the projects I have worked on like Tippy-Tay and The Espy, were familiar with my work in production design. Matt wanted to bring a more human, experiential layer into their hospitality venues. That alignment led naturally into working together as he felt I was the person to fulfil his vision.
I use paint and fabric swatches as my starting point. From there, tiles are fundamental – critical in building out texture, tone and pattern.
National Tiles: That must have been both exciting and challenging.
Eleisha Gray: Working in film was incredible training. Long days on set, working towards a very specific outcome - it teaches you how to problem-solve and refine quickly. I also worked closely with Techne, which gave me a strong understanding of the architectural process. It allowed me to focus not just on fixtures and finishes, but on creating a personality and a point of view within a space.
National Tiles: That collaboration led into The Waterside. How did you approach it?
Eleisha Gray: Matt was very much the visionary, like a film director, and I approached the project as a series of scenes that knit together into a cohesive whole. Matt cares as deeply about the finer details as I do, and I think that's exactly what it takes to keep producing hospitality venues that genuinely have a point of difference. For The Waterside, we approached the design through an experiential lens where we considered how people would move through the space and what they would feel at every turn. This was the philosophy behind the restaurant. Past / Port is a journey through a cinematic narrative of the 1960s and 70s in South East Asia. We wanted to capture a sense of romance and adventure from that era, and build a palette and narrative that supported it.
National Tiles: You really feel transported within the space.
Eleisha Gray: Yes! You can’t take it all in at once, and that’s intentional. I want people to return and notice something new each time. I’ve sat in every position throughout the venue, carefully considering sightlines and layering visual moments so the space gradually unveils itself.
National Tiles: Let’s talk about materials – how did tiles factor into your process?
Eleisha Gray: Very early on in the process I use paint and fabric swatches as my starting point. From there, tiles are fundamental – critical in building out texture, tone and pattern. When I visited the Port Melbourne showroom to meet with Victoria, I brought my little kit of samples and trinkets that travel with me everywhere, so I can always reference the original design premise.
The Urban Atelier range immediately stood out. It had the depth of colour options I needed. I selected key tones, then worked with variations around them to create subtle shifts and
combinations. Being able to take samples of those tiles with me was so important for when I was sourcing props and decorative items from auctions and vintage stores. I could quickly mix it up the colour story.
National Tiles: The curved tile edges are a standout – was that intentional?
Eleisha Gray: Absolutely. It was such a win when we found out we could get those. The curves really softened the space. It was incredible the difference it made. There are so many columns throughout the venue and they were originally raw concrete. By rethinking the way we laid the 100 x 100mm tiles and creating considered colour combinations, each level of the hotel has its own identity, but still feels connected.
The manufacturer is in Portugal and the timeline was very tight, so National Tiles airfreighted in the custom pieces. With any project of this scale budgets are tight, so I was so impressed when we could order the Urban Atelier range and achieve the perfect look at the right price and still meet the deadline.
FEATURED
National Tiles: Were tiles used throughout the entire space?
Eleisha Gray: Yes – from ground level through to level five, across columns and bar backs, including within the restaurant, Past / Port. They really unify the entire venue.
National Tiles: Now that the project is complete, what has been most rewarding?
Eleisha Gray: I think just the joy of being able to reimagine an old site and bring it into the future whilst honouring the past. It's such a unique concept. Matt had this vision of creating a space that could look in on itself, like a big modern doll's house. It definitely transports you back to another time. What I enjoy most is watching people move through the space and engage with it – seeing those moments of connection and discovery.
National Tiles: What’s next for you?
Eleisha Gray: It’s all interesting and exciting. I’m working on the Windsor Castle in Windsor which is a small, two storey
pub - it’s an icon in area and we’re staying true to its history. And The Snakepit – also iconic to the area.
National Tiles: Do you feel each project carries your signature?
Eleisha Gray: I think so. That human touch, like a human experience and tapping into all the senses, I feel like that’s sort of my go-to on every project, no matter what it is.
The Waterside. Open to everyone, inspired by everywhere. 508 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Open seven days a week, 11.30am – late. www.watersidehotel.com.au
Our intuitive 3D design tool is your shortcut to planning the perfect look for your bathrooms, laundry, powder room, living spaces, kitchen and alfresco areas. Whether you're designing a new home, renovating one room at a time, or undertaking a commercial space makeover, Design Pro allows you to explore our extensive range of tiles in real-time.
To begin your journey, book your 30-minute appointment with our expert in-store team. They are focused on guiding you through every step of the design process, offering personalised advice and insights to help you make informed choices. Schedule your Design Pro appointment today and let us help you bring your vision to life.
Book your in-store consultation here.
Get inspired by our interior designers who used Design Pro to create some beautiful designs that reflect our key winter trends. ARE YOU DELIBERATING OVER DESIGN DECISIONS? ARE YOU UNSURE OF WHICH TILES WILL WORK BEST? Design Pro gives you the confidence you need to create your dream space.
Karen Lucas Store Manager – Capalaba
Stage Forest Matt Tile 100 x 100mm
Woodstar Natural Matt, 230x1200mm
Stage Forest Matt Tile, 60x300mm
Oyster Grey French Pattern Pavers Set
Bali Stone Wall Pine Gloss Tile, 50x400mm
THE ARTISANAL EARTH HERITAGE ARCHIVE
Leah Fill Showroom Sales Consultant – Capalaba
Anna Cheng Showroom Sales Consultant, Artarmon
Marrakech Tan White Matt Tile, 150 x 150mm
Artisan Fiore Brick Matt, 200 x 200mm
Artisan Veloce Brick Matt, 200 x 200mm
Bali Stone Green Matt Tile, 200 x 200mm Bali Stone White Matt Tile, 200 x 200mm
