There are so many tile options out there, how do you make sense of it all and stay current? We’re here to help. Here’s the top tile trends that were recently seen at Cersaie, the annual ceramic tile exhibition in Bologna, Italy.
3D Walls
With continuously evolving technologies, ceramic tiles are able to be made with three dimensional folds, wavy ridges, raised geometry and asymmetrical profiles. Fitting these tiles together creates a three dimensional wall with a seamless sculpted surface that naturally draws the eye.
Pictured (L-R): Meteors by Sicis, Frame by Fap, 3D Wall Design by Atlas Concorde, More by Piemme
Chevron Chic
Drawing inspiration from an age-old pattern, designers will love dressing up floors and walls with these eye-catching porcelains. From rustic and painted wood looks to resin, brick and stone, tile manufacturers are producing chevron and herringbone tiles across all scales to create visually striking patterns that are easy to install.
Pictured (L-R): Shadewood by Sant’Agostino, Firestone by Novabell, Rigo by 41zero42, Etic Pro by Atlas Concorde
Along The Right Lines
Endless variations on the most basic and powerful element of design: the line. Thick and thin, vertical and horizontal, straight and intersecting, flat and three dimensional, linear designs are definitely in style with the ability to add depth, movement or focus to a room.
Pictured (L-R): Rombini by Mutina, Fiber by Naxos, Slimtech by Lea Ceramiche, Otto by 41zero42
Objet D’art
One trend that’s been embraced is the transformation of tile into objet d’art, from small art pieces to entire wall murals, art tiles are being seen more often.
Pictured (L-R): Game of 15 by Ascot, Do-Up by ABK, Steve Kaufman by Settecento, Kuni by Imola
Soft Spot
There was an overwhelming warmth to the tile introductions this year, lending an undeniable softness to the hard surface. From designs with distressed and tactile effects (sandblasted marble, stripped wood and fabric) to warm shades, watercolor and velvety textures, it was a welcome reprieve from the minimal aesthetic of recent years.
Pictured (L-R): Painted_Wood by Fioranese, Infinito 2.0 by Fondovalle, Context by Astor, Do-Up by ABK
Grayscale
Despite the color’s recent meteoric rise in popular culture, gray has always been a modern designer’s best friend. And this year an entire spectrum can be found in the latest tile introductions, from cooler slate tones to that perfect portmanteau of gray and beige. With the addition of texture, chromatic variation and overlaid patterns, these tiles prove that you don’t need color to make a statement.
Pictured (L-R): Planet by Sintesi, Brush by Brix, Limestone by Cotto d’Este, Signs by 41zero42
Fragments
Playing with the idea of modularity, tile manufacturers are increasingly producing fragmented patterns on square and rectangular tiles to produce large dynamic compositions. By randomly mixing and matching geometric shapes, the tiles pop with a vivid, kaleidoscopic effect.
Pictured (L-R): Tangram by Bardelli, Labyrinth by Refin, SICIStone by Sicis, Frames by Ornamenta
Supersized
Tiles continue to get bigger, bringing a torrent of new design possibilities. Thin, large porcelain slabs – which can be used to cover all manner of surfaces including countertops and furnishings.
Pictured (L-R): Komi by Fondovalle, Aextra30 by Caesar, I Marmi by Ava, Neutra 6.0 by Casamood
Life Aquatic
Conjuring images of Mediterranean life, this marine palette of greens and blues is perfect for a pop of color! From large-format and modern surface effects to more traditional shapes and motifs, these cool colors are bringing a coastal vibe to the interior.
