35 Years of Tiles: A Journey Through Design with Tile Warehouse

Thirty-five years ago, Tile Warehouse began with a vision, a passion for tiles, and a very small building on Rockfield Road. From those humble beginnings, our owner built what is today a truly nationwide operation, with more than 34 stores across New Zealand. What hasn’t changed over the decades is our commitment to quality, innovation, and helping Kiwis create beautiful spaces in their homes.

As we celebrate more than three decades in the industry, it feels fitting to reflect on how tile trends have evolved alongside Tile Warehouse, and how we’ve grown, adapted, and led the way.

The 1980s–1990s: Terracotta and the Rise of “Mr Vecchio”

In the late 80s and early 90s, terracotta ruled New Zealand homes. Warm, earthy tones dominated interiors, and tiles were all about character and charm rather than minimalism. During this era, our owner became affectionately known as “Mr Vecchio”, a nickname earned thanks to one of the most iconic tiles of the decade ‘Vecchio Gold’. In a classic 300x300mm format, Vecchio Gold became a staple in NZ homes throughout the 90s, defining the look of kitchens, entryways and living spaces. Its warm hues perfectly captured the mood of the time and cemented Tile Warehouse as a trusted name in tiles.

The 1980's

Back in 1989, after personally clearing the site at 86 Rockfield Road by hand, our founder made the first major investments in stock. Complete slate ranges were purchased from Firth Industries and Winstones, alongside marble, tiles, and other natural stones. Additional containers of slate and marble soon followed, as well as fully vitrified porcelain tiles from the Ariostrea Group in Italy - a factory we still supply exclusively to the New Zealand market today. From the very beginning, full-body technical porcelain and natural stone became part of our DNA, and they remain so to this day.

From there, Tile Warehouse was officially born. With a total team of just two people, everything was done in-house, taking local and overseas calls, devanning containers, and managing stock - all with the help of a Motorola “brick” phone. It was hands-on, hard work, but it laid the foundations for everything that followed.

The Late 1990s: Borders, Listellos and Bold Detail

As the 90s progressed, design took a decorative turn. Listellos and border trim tiles became essential elements in bathrooms and kitchens, often paired with wavy body tiles in plain biscuit or cream tones. These busy, layered looks are a stark contrast to today’s clean whites and seamless finishes, but at the time, more detail meant more style. Also popular during this era were 100x100mm handmade-look tiles from Brazil, bursting with colour. Bright yellows, cobalt blues and deep burgundies brought vibrancy and personality into homes. While bold, these looks have come full circle - now reimagined in more refined palettes, featuring bolder neutrals and calming, earthy tones that are easier on the eye.

The Early 2000s: Spa-Inspired Spaces and Bigger Tiles

As we entered the 2000s, the focus shifted towards creating calm, spa-like environments. Neutral colour palettes became the foundation, often paired with a single bold feature ... think a red splashback or a vibrant shower feature wall, balanced by soft, understated tones elsewhere. This era also marked a major shift in tile sizing. The much-loved 300x300mm square tiles gave way to larger formats like 300x600 and 600x600mm, a trend that continues to hold strong today. Bigger tiles meant fewer grout lines, a cleaner look, and a more modern feel - something Kiwi homeowners embraced quickly.

Mid-2000s: Kit Kat Mosaics and the Return of Colour

By the mid-2000s, texture and colour made a strong comeback. Finger-style kit kat mosaics surged in popularity, and blues and greens took over the colour landscape. Green, in particular, has proven its staying power, remaining a favourite right through to 2025 and beyond. This period also saw the rise of a true classic: Studio White Gloss 300x600mm. For many years, it became the go-to wall tile in bathrooms across New Zealand. Simple, clean and reliable, this basic white option certainly got a workout and still holds a place in tile history.

Jumping forward to 2025: A European Influence and Softer Design Language

Fast forward to today, and the tile landscape looks very different. In 2025, we’re seeing a strong European influence, with warmer tones and soft stone patterns dominating interiors. Harsh colour blocking has given way to more cohesive, layered spaces.

Soft, handmade-edged tiles in squares and brick formats, gentle tonal variation, and calming neutrals are now key. Textured finishes like fluted and scraped surfaces, stone-look cladding, and even French pattern travertine-inspired designs signal that trends truly do come full circle, just with a modern, refined twist.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

As we look to 2026, the future of tiles has never been more exciting. Advancements in factory technology are delivering cutting-edge designs and textures never before possible in porcelain and large format tiles are the norm. Tiles are now closer than ever to replicating the look and feel of natural stone, without the maintenance or cost. One standout innovation arriving soon is a stunning onyx-look slab that appears backlit - with no lighting required. It’s a perfect example of how technology is reshaping what tiles can do, opening up creative possibilities we couldn’t have imagined 35 years ago.

From that small building on Rockfield Road to a nationwide network of stores, Tile Warehouse has grown alongside New Zealand homes, adapting to every trend while staying true to quality and innovation.

As tile design continues to evolve, we’re proud to bring Kiwis the very best - now, in 2026, and for many years to come.