MUT design: scales ceramic tiles for peronda at CEVISAMA 2015

Cevica, a Spanish tile manufacturer, has launched a new tile collection named Tender, characterized by its vibrant colors and geometric patterns. The collection is designed to offer a fresh perspective on contemporary interior trends while maintaining a timeless appeal. Cesar Carnicer, Cevica's sales director, emphasized that the Tender collection was created with the modern consumer in mind, offering cheerful colors and intriguing geometric designs that are versatile enough for various interior styles and promise enduring value. The Tender collection features octagonal tiles available in four distinct colors: Impala, Paradise, Pastel Turquoise, and Sky Blue. In addition to these colorful options, two neutral shades are also provided. Each of the neutral finishes comes with a choice of two patterns, while the colorful tiles are available with one pattern option. This variety allows for creative customization and mixing-and-matching possibilities. The collection also incorporates inset tiles, which can be chosen in either patterned or plain designs. The overall design strategy encourages users to combine different colors and patterns, either randomly for an eclectic look or in blocks for a more structured aesthetic. This flexibility caters to diverse design preferences and allows for unique installations. Manufactured from matt porcelain, the Tender tiles are engineered for durability and versatility, making them suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including walls and floors. The main octagonal tiles measure 20 centimeters by 20 centimeters, and the complementary inset tiles are 4.6 centimeters by 4.6 centimeters. Cevica is a member of Tile of Spain, an organization representing over 100 Spanish tile manufacturers, ensuring the quality and design excellence of their products. This new collection by Cevica aims to provide designers and homeowners with an option that combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. The emphasis on both current trends and timelessness suggests a product designed for longevity in style and use. The ability to integrate these tiles into various settings, from modern to traditional, and their suitability for both indoor and outdoor spaces, highlights their adaptability in home design and decoration projects. #CevicaTiles #TileDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #GeometricPatterns #ColorfulTiles #PorcelainTiles #SpanishDesign #Surfaces

The 42nd edition of Cersaie, the premier exhibition for ceramic and porcelain tiles, showcased significant advancements in the industry. Over two decades, Interior Design has observed the substantial growth and impressive innovation within this sector, with the 2025 event being no exception. Digital printing has achieved such realism that wood, stone, terrazzo, cement, and metallic appearances are virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. Large-format slabs have become a prominent feature, now extending to dimensions of four by nine feet. This year's Cersaie highlighted a convergence of textures, patterns, and colors, all sharing top billing. Textures, including dowels, reliefs, incisions, and 3D surfaces, offered tactile experiences. Finishes introduced layers of complexity, such as combinations of glossy and matte surfaces that enhanced depth perception in ribbed designs. Ultra-shiny, iridescent faces played with light, exemplified by Cimento’s Boton, one of several introductions by Patricia Urquiola. Innovations also included glass embedded in the production process, particularly for thin listrelli strips, and sparkling sand-like finishes that imparted a unique glow. Mirrored surfaces further contributed to these luminous effects. A novel shagreen effect, known as _galuchat_, was seen on hand-painted Sardinian ceramics from Cerasarda, which also led this year's bold color trends. Similarly, 41 Zero 42, based in Modena, featured super-saturated Yves Klein blue and liquid jade effects. A diverse palette of blues, greens, terra cottas, and sage tones were popular, especially for bricks. Faded grayed tones, such as chambray, and dusty rose offered alternatives to traditional pastels. Volumetric designs, like Marca Corona’s Arialuce and Cerasarda’s Jalousie lattices, pushed dimensionality, creating forms that functioned almost as building materials rather than mere decorative elements. Graphics and painterly techniques were masterfully executed. Riccardo Capuzzo’s Atlantis City from Gruppo Bardelli's Aquatic Creatures collection brought a whimsical touch, evoking associations with Wes Anderson’s filmography. Antiche Fornaci d’Agostino’s Capri collection, with its azure and lemon strokes, transported visitors to the Italian _isola_. Ceramica Francesco de Maio’s expanded Van Gogh collection of hand-painted majolicas offered an experience akin to visiting the master's museum. Moooi made its debut in the tile sector with 'The Nesting Room' for ABK, a collection by Marcel Wanders that created an immersive installation dedicated to wellness, meditation, and warmth. Wanders’ designs drew inspiration from real and extinct animals, featuring elements like the Hypnotic Owl, Rheki Rhea (ostrich), and Cloistered Dove. Other notable designers present included Paola Navone/Otto Studio, who contributed additions to ABK’s Poetry Stone and Poetry Net Reloaded, and Piero Lissoni, who presented the furnishings group Tratto for Atlas Concorde. The event provided a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge tile designs and their applications in interior architecture. #Cersaie2025 #TileDesign #CeramicTiles #PorcelainTiles #InteriorDesignTrends #ArchitecturalSurfaces #DesignInnovation #TextureAndFinish #ColorPalette

The online tile retailer clé has unveiled its new Artist Cement Collection, a series of handmade encaustic cement tiles. This collection is a collaborative effort, featuring designs from eleven artist studios spanning Europe, South America, and the United States. The curated group of artists, architects, designers, and sculptors includes ALT for Living, Boris Aldridge, Coletivo Muda, Deborah Osburn, Erica Tanov, Gachot Studios, John Whitmarsh, Michelle Weinberg, Ruan Hoffmann, Sarah & Ruby, and Smink Things. The Artist Cement Collection showcases a diverse range of aesthetic styles, moving from bold, graphic geometric patterns to motifs inspired by nature, and even incorporating typography. Each tile is available in 8-inch by 8-inch square and hexagonal formats, offering flexibility in design application. A key feature of these tiles is their pre-polished and pre-sealed finish, which enhances their durability and versatility. This treatment makes them suitable for a wide array of applications, both indoors and outdoors, and for installation on either walls or floors, expanding their potential use in various architectural and interior design projects. Among the featured designs, Coletivo Muda contributes the 'Lagoa' tile, which appears multiple times in the illustrations, highlighting its distinct appeal. Michelle Weinberg's contributions include 'Pattern 1' and 'Pattern 2,' demonstrating a varied artistic approach. Smink Things presents several designs that bear its studio name, indicating a unique and recognizable style. Ruan Hoffmann offers a selection of patterns, including 'Amsterdam Express,' 'Arrow Dynamic,' and 'Bio Circuit,' each bringing a different visual narrative to the collection. Deborah Osburn's 'Manuscript Letters' introduces a textual element, adding another dimension to the tile offerings. Boris Aldridge provides 'Pattern 4' and 'Pattern 5,' showcasing his design philosophy. Gachot Studios also features 'Pattern 4,' suggesting a potentially different interpretation or variation from Aldridge's similarly named pattern. Erica Tanov presents 'Baccio' and 'Jacobson,' contributing unique artistic expressions. Finally, Sarah and Ruby's 'Pattern 5' completes the selection of artists and their designs, ensuring a rich and diverse collection for consumers and designers. The collection emphasizes both artistic expression and practical application. The use of cement as a medium for these artistic designs provides a tactile and durable surface, while the handcrafted nature of the tiles ensures uniqueness in each piece. The curated selection of artists from various global locations brings a wide spectrum of cultural and artistic influences to the collection, allowing for a broad appeal across different design preferences and styles. The collection aims to provide distinctive and high-quality options for residential and commercial spaces, allowing for personalization and artistic flair in surface design. #CementTiles #ArtistDesigned #EncausticTiles #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TileCollection #ArchitecturalSurfaces #HandmadeTiles #GlobalArtists

Ceramiche Refin, an Italian tile manufacturer established in 1962, has introduced its latest porcelain tile collection named Craft. This new range draws inspiration from the aesthetic of hand-applied cement surfaces, aiming to replicate the unique marks, strokes, and shadows typically found on architectural finishes created manually. The design philosophy behind Craft is to imbue industrial products with an artisanal feel, moving away from a uniformly manufactured appearance to one that suggests handmade origin. The in-house design team at Ceramiche Refin conducted extensive research into traditional craft techniques and the inherent characteristics of cement materials from various sources. This investigative process informed the development of surface patterns that faithfully reproduce the visual effects of hand-troweled cement. The resulting ceramic tiles exhibit a non-uniform aesthetic, characterized by a range of tonal differences, from light to dark shades, and visible brush strokes and tool marks, all of which are hallmarks of materials applied by hand. Craft tiles are engineered from grés porcelain, a material known for its durability and resilience. The manufacturing process involves vitrification, where clay is compacted under hydraulic pressure and then fired in a kiln. This process significantly reduces the material's porosity, rendering the tiles highly resistant to common issues such as stains, scratches, frost, and chemical damage. These robust properties make the Craft collection suitable for a wide array of applications, including both indoor and outdoor installations. To cater to diverse design requirements and spatial dimensions, the Craft collection is available in several sizes. Larger formats, including 120 by 240 centimeters and 120 by 120 centimeters, are specifically designed for more expansive areas such as public spaces and building facades. For smaller areas and residential projects, the collection offers more compact sizes, including 60 by 120 centimeters, 60 by 60 centimeters, and 30 by 60 centimeters. This variety in sizing provides flexibility for architects and designers to integrate the tiles into different scales of projects. Color options for the Craft range are thoughtfully selected to enhance the cement-inspired aesthetic. The collection offers four distinct colors: Rice, Tan, Cloud, and Fog, which span a spectrum from lighter to darker tones. These color choices, combined with the textured patterns, allow for the creation of various moods and atmospheres, from bright and airy to more subdued and earthy environments. Ceramiche Refin leverages state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that integrate advanced surface texture techniques with digital printing. This technological sophistication enables the company to produce contemporary tile collections that are versatile enough for a broad range of design applications. The Craft collection stands as an example of how modern industrial production can be utilized to mimic and celebrate traditional artisanal craftsmanship. Prior to the Craft collection, Ceramiche Refin has launched other innovative tile series, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to design and material exploration. These include a collection inspired by fabric textures, known as Arte Pura, developed in collaboration with Daniela Dallavalle, and a range called Wide, which features patterns of lines and grids that simulate hand-drawn chalk designs. These previous collections, much like Craft, aim to bring unique visual and tactile experiences to ceramic tile surfaces. The Craft collection is positioned as a sophisticated option for those seeking the raw, authentic look of hand-applied cement with the superior performance and versatility of porcelain tiles. #CeramicheRefin #CraftTiles #PorcelainTiles #CementSurfaces #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalFinishes #TileDesign #MaterialInnovation #HomeDecoration

The Spanish design studio MUT has collaborated with tile specialists Entic designs to create a new collection of hexagonal cement floor tiles named Keidos. These tiles are inspired by the psychedelic patterns observed through a kaleidoscope and feature shapes resembling overlapping pieces of colored paper. The Keidos collection was unveiled at Clerkenwell Design Week 2013, presenting an innovative approach to floor tile design. The collection comprises four distinct designs, ranging from sparsely scattered shapes to a fully radial pattern. These designs are intended to be mixed and matched, allowing for a vast array of unique combinations and personalized floor aesthetics. The versatility of the Keidos tiles enables designers and homeowners to create custom layouts that can transform any space, offering solutions for both prominent areas and more secluded corners requiring a touch of elegance or inspiration. Manufactured in Spain by Entic designs, the tiles are available in two primary color palettes: a blue-based scheme and a red-based scheme. This color flexibility further enhances the customization options, catering to diverse interior design preferences and existing decor. The cement composition of the tiles ensures durability, making them suitable for flooring applications while also contributing to their distinctive aesthetic. Keidos builds upon the success of MUT's previous hydraulic ceramic floor tile collection, "Drops," which was showcased in Milan. Similar to its predecessor, Keidos challenges traditional, rigid modular systems that characterized hydraulic floors of the late 19th century. Instead, it utilizes simple geometry to capture the intricate and often breathtaking beauty seen in kaleidoscopes, translating these ephemeral visual effects into tangible, permanent floor coverings. The design ethos behind Keidos focuses on creating an emotive and playful collection, drawing on childhood nostalgia associated with kaleidoscopes. The small, delicately colored, and irregularly shaped segments are a common thread throughout the new project, contributing to the overall kaleidoscopic effect. This conceptualization allows for limitless personalization, making each installation potentially unique. The article highlights that the Keidos tiles offer customisation without limits, providing as many unique solutions as there are spaces. This flexibility is a key selling point, enabling architects and interior designers to integrate a sense of artistic expression and individuality into their projects. The blend of simple geometry, versatile color options, and the playful inspiration from kaleidoscopes positions Keidos as a distinctive and innovative product in the realm of interior surface design, moving beyond purely functional tiling to become a significant decorative element. #TileDesign #MUTDesign #EnticDesigns #ClerkenwellDesignWeek #InteriorDesign #FloorTiles #KaleidoscopeInspired #CementTiles #SpanishDesign

Cersaie 2022, the world’s largest exposition for ceramic tile manufacturers, marked a significant event for the architecture and design community, showcasing the vitality and innovation within the industry. Held in Bologna, the exhibition saw a substantial 50% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, totaling 91,296 attendees. The event highlighted numerous trends and new introductions in ceramic tiles, promising future applications in various interior and exterior settings. One prominent theme at Cersaie 2022 was the vibrant use of color, particularly in glazed brick formats, with blues and greens being dominant. Paola Navone of Studio Otto introduced new shades, including a popular blush, to ABK's Poetry House collection. Ferruccio Laviani's Pigmenti system featured a 12-color palette in diverse slab shapes for both indoor and outdoor wall applications for Lea. Drip Lines by Sant’Agostino showcased linen-like and bronze textures infused with color. Cerasarda's Yacht Club collection, originating from Sardinia, stood out for its hand-painted tiles with rich glazing and depth, introducing a new 'Sughero' (cork) texture. The exhibition also emphasized biophilic patterns, drawing inspiration from the natural world. While floral motifs continued their presence, palm fronds emerged as a fresh trend. Greenery was depicted through various techniques, from monochromatic designs like Ceramica Fondovalle’s Dream to hand-painted watercolor effects at Caesar’s Deco Solutions, and bold strokes seen in Ceramica del Conca’s Studio and Jungle groups. Versace presented a maximalist approach with its tile collections, interpreting natural stone on a grand scale. The Maximus collection featured inspirations from classic statuario white marble, lapis lazuli, tiger's eye, pink and green accents, and prominent black and gold elements. Versace's Manifesto group transferred inimitable textile prints onto large ceramic slabs, while the Icons collection offered discreet logo images, including the classic Medusa medallion and a subtle 3D trompe l'oeil of the Versace name, for wall coverings. Collaborations between notable design firms and tile manufacturers also yielded innovative results. Storage Associati, a Milan-based design firm, created the Volume collection for Bardelli, offering cool neutrals, bold black and white, or vibrant fashion colors for impactful statements. HBA, a hospitality giant, partnered with Atlas Concorde for the Marvel Travertine Collection, which integrated shapes like Origami and Tesselation, and even diamond panels. Kohn Pedersen Fox and Casalgrande Padana developed the City Collection, capturing the unique energy of global cities like New York, London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. A surprising retro influence at Cersaie 2022 was a step back to the 1970s. This era was referenced through googly patterns such as Piemme’s Honey Flower and Trend in navy and sage, Naxos Ceramica’s Chromatica Mosaico Glee, and the resurgence of ochre shades, as exemplified by La Fabbrica’s installation of its Small collection. The desire for travel and exotic destinations also inspired new tile designs. Cerdomus drew inspiration from places like Crete, Croatia, and the Bulgarian province of Iskra, featuring black-and-white marble and teal amazonite looks. Cir Manifatture Ceramiche, part of Gruppo Romani, transported visitors to Marrakech with its Tadelakt collection, named after the Moroccan plaster. This collection showcased colors like dusty rose, mint green, and cumin beige, alongside decorative panels and vibrant vignettes. Finally, the exhibition displayed a wide range of graphic artistry. Papier presented calming cloud patterns (Nuages), while faded frescoes evoked ancient palazzos. Francesco di Maio drew inspiration from the Amalfi coast and the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, creating hand-painted majolica tiles in its Duomo Collection. The company's Cevi division introduced Melody, a jazzy, rhythmic group based on piano keys, staves, and metronomes, resulting in harmonious patterns for floors and walls. Davide Tonelli’s ultra-contemporary black and white graphic collection, Riggiole for Ceramica Fioranese, concluded the highlights with an overall sense of optimism for the industry, encapsulating the spirit of Cersaie 2022. #Cersaie #CeramicTile #InteriorDesignTrends #ArchitecturalSurfaces #TileInnovation #HomeDecoration #DesignExposition #MaterialDesign

The multidisciplinary studio Zaven, based in Venice, Italy, embarked on a project named "Practice Practice Practice," which explores ceramic as a medium to create three-dimensional tiles. This endeavor was inspired by the work of Italian artist Nino Caruso, whose artistic approach resonated with Zaven's creative direction. The studio's objective was to develop tiles that transcend traditional flat surfaces, aiming to inject vitality and dynamic interaction into interior spaces through their graphic and sculptural qualities. Zaven's design process utilized clay, allowing for the creation of tiles with a bold, graphic aesthetic. A key innovation in these ceramic tiles is the interplay of positive and negative space, achieved through the incorporation of both concave and convex surfaces. This design choice results in a visually engaging product that manipulates light and shadow, adding depth and texture to any installed area. The collection features three distinct modules, each designed to be versatile, enabling various installation patterns and arrangements. This modularity empowers designers and homeowners to create customized, curated looks that cater to specific aesthetic preferences and spatial requirements. The ability to mix and match these modules offers a high degree of flexibility, transforming walls and surfaces into unique artistic expressions. The "Practice Practice Practice" tile collection made its public debut at the London Design Fair, where it was presented as part of the Brompton Design District. This exhibition provided Zaven with a platform to showcase their innovative approach to ceramic design, highlighting the potential of three-dimensional tiles to enhance contemporary interiors. The tiles represent a departure from conventional flat tiling, offering a modern alternative that blends artistic expression with functional design. The project demonstrates Zaven's commitment to pushing the boundaries of material use and design principles, translating a deep appreciation for craft into a product with broad appeal. The collaboration with Stylnove for the ceramic production underscores the technical expertise involved in realizing Zaven's vision. Stylnove's craftsmanship ensured that the intricate designs and specific textural requirements of the tiles were met with precision and quality. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between designers and manufacturers in bringing innovative concepts to fruition, ensuring that the artistic intent is translated into a durable and aesthetically pleasing product. The focus on ceramic as a medium also points to its enduring appeal and adaptability in modern design, capable of offering both traditional charm and contemporary flair depending on its application. Ultimately, Zaven's "Practice Practice Practice" collection is a testament to how traditional materials can be reinterpreted to create modern, engaging, and dynamic interior elements. By focusing on graphic qualities, three-dimensionality, and modularity, the studio has crafted a product that encourages creative exploration in interior design, providing a new way to "animate interiors" with depth, texture, and artistic character. #CeramicTiles #3DTiles #InteriorDesign #ZavenStudio #NinoCaruso #LondonDesignFair #ArchitecturalSurfaces #ModernDesign #HomeDecor

The Cersaie 2019 exhibition highlighted a significant resurgence in the use of decorative ceramic tiles as a versatile and expressive cladding material. This trend showcases ceramics' ability to emulate natural materials such as wood, stone, marble, and concrete, while also establishing its unique aesthetic identity through innovative decorative applications. Manufacturers presented a wide array of formats, colors, and designs, transforming surfaces into opportunities for artistic and formal experimentation, with a particular focus on covering large areas using maxi slabs and extra-large tiles to ensure graphic continuity. Del Conca, celebrating its 40th anniversary, introduced the 'Timeline Seventy-Nine' collection, characterized by soft tones and sweeping surfaces. The decorative motifs in this collection draw inspiration from imperfection, featuring textile textures with interrupted designs that evoke the elegance of aged tapestries or rugs, adding a sense of dilapidated sophistication to walls. Ragno's new 'Maiora_Concrete Effect Botanical' line combines large, thin slabs with intricate natural and floral graphics. This collection, including three extra-large models (120x278 cm), can be used individually or in bold wall compositions. The designs uniquely contrast concrete-effect backgrounds with vintage botanical decorations, pushing the boundaries of ceramic surface application. 41zero42 unveiled 'Louis,' a new family of decorated tiles with floral inspirations, as part of their 'Paper41 Lux' collection. This line utilizes photographic hyper-realism and advanced digital printing, incorporating a resin into the ceramic mix to achieve particularly brilliant, resistant surfaces with vivid reflections and chromatic intensity. Florim, in collaboration with Rubelli, presented 'i Filati di Rex,' a collection that meticulously translates motifs from prized textiles onto ceramic surfaces. This innovative stylistic approach enhances the material's expressive potential, creating visually detailed surfaces that resemble fabric wallpapers, with nine decorative motifs inspired by nature and art spread across large tiles. Devon&Devon;'s 'Décor Slabs' collection uses pure gold as its foundation, offering large-format ceramic slabs that interpret Art Deco motifs through advanced digital inkjet printing. The extra-large sizes minimize seams, ensuring a clean and perfect aesthetic. The collection features two themes: 'Acanthus,' inspired by acanthus leaves and available in six colors, and 'Peacock,' a stylized reinterpretation of peacock plumage on white or sage backgrounds. Fap Ceramiche introduced 'Bloom,' a collection of large 80x160 cm tiles designed to create a wallpaper effect with remarkable materialistic and graphic qualities. These lightweight tiles are easy to install, with maxi decorations ranging from floral themes to warm, faded colors and sparkling metallic inserts. Mutina's ceramic decorations emphasize the versatility of clay, a moldable mineral compound used for tactile and chromatic experimentation. Their display at Cersaie 2019, an 'Alphabet' stand, showcased over ten years of production, highlighting their consistent exploration of whites, blacks, and neutral tones. Ceramiche Refin's 'Vetri' collection focuses on brightness and transparency, utilizing advanced production technologies to give porcelain stoneware the expressive qualities of crystal. Delicate shades at tile borders create depth, while a glossy finish reflects light. The collection features an evanescent color range and natural glass tones, with geometric decors like 'Piet' inspired by Mondrian. Marca Corona's 'Victoria' collection, exhibited at Cersaie 2019, features geometries and reliefs inspired by classic English aesthetics. These ceramic surfaces create exclusive environments with soft tones like aqua green, silver grey, and beige vanilla. Ornamental tiles include three-dimensional textures and molded panels with a boiserie effect, reimagining Victorian-era bathrooms. Another collection from Marca Corona, 'Overclay,' presents decorative porcelain stoneware with sandy shades inspired by desert tones, evoking Moroccan souks through faded and dilapidated effects, creating relaxing atmospheres with Rose and Cotto accents. Finally, Ceramica Sant’Agostino’s 'Spring' collection utilizes glazed double-firing to enhance vibrant colors and decorative textures, expressed through 3D reliefs or fantastical graphics that mimic wallpaper effects. Ceramica Francesco De Maio reissued Gio Ponti's 'Blu Ponti' collection, featuring 33 decorated majolica tiles in white and blue, showcasing hand-printed designs that pay tribute to Italian ceramic heritage and design mastery. #DecorativeTiles #CeramicCladding #Cersaie2019 #InteriorDesignTrends #ArchitecturalSurfaces #MaterialInnovation #HomeDecoration #SurfaceDesign #TileTrends

The 2016 edition of Cersaie, a prominent tile exhibition in Bologna, Italy, showcased a diverse array of innovative ceramic tiles from various manufacturers. Interior Design's deputy editor, Edie Cohen, alongside designer Joan Michaels of 2Michaels, attended the event and highlighted several notable collections. These selections offer a glimpse into the trends and advancements in ceramic tile design, catering to a range of aesthetic preferences and functional requirements for modern interior spaces. The featured manufacturers demonstrated a commitment to both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, presenting tiles suitable for various applications, from flooring and wall coverings to decorative accents. Antiche Fornaci D’Agostino presented tiles that likely emphasized classic Italian ceramic traditions, possibly featuring intricate patterns or historical motifs, reflecting a deep heritage in tile manufacturing. Bardelli, another distinguished manufacturer, showcased designs that often combine artistic flair with high-quality ceramics, known for their unique decorative patterns and collaborations with renowned designers. Cedit Ceramiche d’Italia introduced two distinct collections: Euridice and Archeologie. Euridice might have focused on modern, elegant aesthetics with refined textures and subtle color palettes, while Archeologie could have drawn inspiration from ancient surfaces and aged materials, offering a sense of history and depth to contemporary interiors. Florim, a major player in the ceramic industry, likely presented a broad spectrum of products, including large-format slabs, technical porcelain, or innovative surface finishes that mimic natural materials like stone, wood, or concrete. Francesco Di Maio's display included a Gio Ponti edition, indicating a collection that pays homage to the iconic Italian architect and designer, possibly featuring geometric patterns, vibrant colors, or a revival of classic designs from Ponti's oeuvre. Leonardo Ceramica showcased its District collection, which could have focused on urban-inspired designs, industrial aesthetics, or versatile modular systems suitable for modern architectural projects. Savoia presented multiple tile collections, suggesting a diverse range of styles from classic to contemporary, perhaps including varied textures, colors, and sizes that cater to different design sensibilities and functional needs. Lastly, Imola Ceramica featured its Marmononmaro collection. This particular line likely highlighted sophisticated marble-effect tiles, a perennial favorite in interior design for its luxurious appearance and durability. The "non-marmo" part of the name might suggest a twist on traditional marble, possibly incorporating unique veining, color variations, or a more contemporary interpretation of natural stone. These selections collectively illustrate the breadth of creativity and technological advancements within the ceramic tile industry, offering designers and homeowners alike a wealth of options for enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of interior and exterior spaces. The Cersaie exhibition served as a critical platform for these manufacturers to unveil their latest innovations and set trends for the upcoming year in surface design. #Cersaie2016 #CeramicTile #InteriorDesign #TileTrends #ItalianCeramics #DesignExhibition #SurfaceMaterials #ArchitecturalSurfaces

This article details the experience of attending Cersaie 2022, a major international trade show for the tile industry held in Bologna, Italy. The event, hosted at BolognaFiere, showcased the extensive capabilities and versatility of ceramic tiles, transforming what might be considered a mundane material into a product of spectacle and innovation. The author, a self-proclaimed recreational tile enthusiast, describes the overwhelming yet thrilling atmosphere of the exhibition, which featured over 90,000 manufacturers, salespeople, and enthusiasts across a venue large enough to dwarf multiple convention centers. A central theme emerging from the exhibition was the idea of tile as an optical illusion, where advanced manufacturing and design techniques allow ceramic to convincingly mimic other materials like rough-hewn wood, patinated copper, or various types of marble. While many tiles share a similar cool, flat feel, their visual representations are incredibly diverse and realistic. This versatility positions tile as a sustainable and practical alternative to natural materials, offering benefits in cost, transport, and maintenance, especially for large-scale applications like kitchen islands or backsplashes where natural stone would be prohibitively expensive or resource-intensive. The article highlights several key trends and innovative applications of tile observed at Cersaie. One prominent trend was "wallpaper tile," where ceramic tiles are designed to resemble wallpaper patterns. While not for everyone, these tiles offer a durable, easier-to-clean, and less fussy alternative to traditional wallpaper, suitable for areas like bathrooms or even for whimsical, maximalist floral designs in showers. Another significant trend was the hyper-realistic "marble tile," with manufacturers like Versace Tile pushing the boundaries of color and pattern to create opulent, fantastical marble aesthetics that would not be found in nature. The author notes the unique tactile experience of touching a faux marble tile that feels cool and ceramic rather than like natural stone. Furthermore, the exhibition featured tiles designed to imitate wood and copper. While wood-look tiles sometimes lack the natural warmth and texture of real wood, advancements in design allow some products to replicate both the look and feel of wood grain, catering to material purists. Copper-patina tiles were also showcased, offering an appealing and cost-effective alternative for feature walls or backsplashes. Beyond surface applications, the article delves into the emerging concept of "tile furniture." While ceramic-tiled coffee tables have existed, Cersaie presented more sophisticated pieces reminiscent of minimalist, stone-like aesthetics, suggesting tile as a lighter and more versatile option compared to heavy concrete for furniture. Finally, the article emphasizes a broader trend towards embracing color and playfulness in home design, advocating for the use of vibrantly colored tiles in unexpected ways to create cheerful and chic spaces, reflecting a post-pandemic desire for more exuberant home environments. #Cersaie2022 #TileTrends #CeramicDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials #DecorativeTiles #MaterialInnovation #ItalianCeramics

The Cersaie 2022 trade fair showcases significant advancements in ceramic flooring, highlighting technological innovation, sustainability, and aesthetic research. The event features a diverse array of materials inspired by natural elements such as stone, marble, and wood, reflecting a growing trend towards versatile and high-performance ceramic solutions for contemporary interior design. Architects and designers are presented with a comprehensive toolkit of options, demonstrating how ceramics can replicate the visual and tactile qualities of natural materials with remarkable accuracy and creative flexibility. Key exhibitors at Cersaie 2022 introduce collections that redefine ceramic applications. Oversized porcelain stoneware slabs are central to many installations, offering impactful visual and sensory details. These large formats, often nearly jointless, enhance spatial continuity and allow for a greater expression of the intricate colors, textures, and patterns found in natural stone and wood. This approach signifies a new era in conceiving spatial boundaries within modern living environments. Marble-effect ceramic floors are prominently featured, with collections like Keope’s Element Lux, which meticulously reproduces the veining and shading of prized marbles such as Calacatta Statuarietto and Calacatta Verde in maxi-formats. Atlas Concorde commemorates the tenth anniversary of its Marvel World project with the Marvel Gala capsule collection, presenting five new ceramic marble varieties inspired by exotic natural settings. These include Crystal White, Desert Soul, Exotic Green, Amazzonite, and Calcutta Black, translating intense natural colors onto large slabs. Atlas Concorde also introduces the Marvel X collection, blending classic and modern aesthetics with five iconic marbles reinterpreted in elegant whites and refined greys, featuring a unique hammered finish that mimics split stone. Iris Ceramica Group highlights its 4D Ceramics, an avant-garde material developed through a revolutionary re-engineering process. This ceramic slab boasts the durability of stone, with textures, veining, and colors consistent throughout its interior thickness, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior. This production method is deeply rooted in sustainability, aligning with the company's H2 Factory, the world's first ceramic factory powered by green hydrogen. Cotto d’Este presents StarLight, a collection of Kerlite 3plus laminated porcelain stoneware that achieves high graphic definition and chromatic intensity. Utilizing sophisticated digital technology, StarLight reproduces eight rare marbles, including Apuano, White Carrara, and Calacatta, in ultra-thin slabs with a glossy finish. Nexion’s Marble Gallery offers an original aesthetic approach, reinterpreting nature rather than merely imitating it. Its marble-effect surfaces fuse natural preciousness with the high-tech properties of sintered stone, providing exceptional brilliance and figurative fidelity in variants like Black Onyx and Aqua Green Quartz. Ceramica Sant’Agostino introduces the Paradiso collection, inspired by Azzurrite, featuring five varieties in brilliant and soft green and celeste hues. This porcelain stoneware collection conveys an airy and calm ambiance, complete with decorative elements that combine marble and wood effects. The stone-effect ceramic category also sees a strong focus on travertine. Ceramiche Keope's Omnia collection introduces Tivoli Ivory and Romano Sand, inspired by Lazio's travertine quarries, available in various sizes for both walls and floors. Atlas Concorde’s Marvel Travertine collection, a collaboration with Hirsch Bedner Associates HBA, offers a ceramic version of travertine for luxury interior design projects. This partnership combines Italian style and manufacturing expertise with HBA's creative vision, resulting in porcelain stoneware surfaces with geometric patterns and precious material inclusions. Coem's Touch Stone series reinterprets travertine through innovative Matter on Top technology, enhancing tactile effects and natural chromatic intensity in White, Gold, and Grey, available in both Vein and Touch graphic variants. Ceramiche Keope’s Percorsi Frame collection offers a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, reproducing rare stone varieties like Onsernone, Plima del Val Martello, and Cosmic Black Brazilian granite in porcelain stoneware. Cotto d’Este’s Advance Skin, a stone-effect collection, features a balanced graphic mix of slate and limestone shades, presented in ultra-thin Kerlite 3plus slabs suitable for various architectural applications in four color variants. Nexion's Stone Gallery extends beyond natural imitation, offering sintered stones with elevated performance in shades like Roccia Portoghese, Vicenza Beige, Basalto Grigio, and Gabbro Sfumato. Atlas Concorde’s Boost Mix revisits Milanese architecture’s Ceppo di Gré, modernizing its pebbled look through three color tones (Ivory, Pearl, and Smoke) that complement concrete-effect surfaces. Panaria’s Frame collection of stone-effect ceramic tiles provides versatile solutions for dynamic spaces, translating sedimentary rock aesthetics into porcelain stoneware with tonal gradations and decorative elements for both indoor and outdoor use. Florim’s Plimatech collection, inspired by South Tyrolean Plima granite, reproduces its natural appearance with brilliant crystals and speckles across three colorations (Plimagrey, Plimawhite, and Plimabeige) and three graphic variants. Mutina’s Kosei, designed by Vincent Van Duysen, is a new ceramic flooring collection inspired by volcanic rock and obsidian, offering a timeless and tactile material for both indoor and outdoor applications in five exclusive colors. Wood-effect ceramics continue to gain popularity due to technological advancements that allow porcelain stoneware to mimic the aesthetic performance of natural wood while offering enhanced resistance and durability. Panaria’s Kairos collection captures the aged look of old oak plank flooring, featuring realistic textures with knots and scratches in various formats and six colors. Atlas Concorde’s Entice collection pays homage to Italian oak, meticulously reproducing its surface details in two graphic versions: Natural (untreated raw wood) and Elegant (oiled and polished wood), available in a palette of honey, amber, and grey-sand tones. Flaviker’s Four Seasons project expands on wood-effect tiles with three chromatic variants (Chocolate, Honey, and Biscuit) that evoke oak surfaces, suitable for diverse contexts from domestic to hospitality. Florim’s Woodslate Life is a multi-material collection that blends oak and slate effects, creating a versatile and decorative interior design backdrop through herringbone patterns and a palette of grey and hazelnut. These collections collectively highlight ceramics as a material that perfectly balances aesthetic appeal with technical performance, reflecting a strong connection to nature in contemporary design. #Cersaie2022 #CeramicFlooring #MarbleEffect #StoneEffect #WoodEffect #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials #ArchitecturalDesign #SurfaceFinishes

The 42nd edition of Cersaie, a prominent design fair focused on ceramic tile, kitchen, and bath design held in Bologna, Italy, showcased a significant emerging trend: textile-inspired tiles. This trend involves patterns, textures, and designs that transform hard tile surfaces into elements reminiscent of soft fabrics and woven materials. Manufacturers, both large and small, converged at the fair to introduce products that infuse ceramic and porcelain with qualities typically associated with textiles, such as stripes, trellis designs, herringbones, and various motifs from the loom. This shift redefines the application and aesthetic potential of tile in interior design, moving beyond traditional expectations of sleek, uniform surfaces. Key aspects of this textile-inspired tile trend include the soft side of tile, where designs draw directly from fashion and textiles. Examples include herringbone patterns akin to menswear suiting, zig-zags reminiscent of Missoni knits, and patchwork styles that evoke a quilted feel. Brands like Versace Ceramics, inspired by the stone of Palazzo Versace, have introduced porcelain collections that mimic historic stone textures and patterned rugs. This approach allows ceramic and porcelain to adopt the rhythmic and tactile qualities of fabric, resulting in surfaces that appear tailored and soft despite their inherent hardness. Another significant development is the rise of 3D extruded tiles, which introduce sculptural elements to surfaces. These tiles feature ridges, flutes, waves, and geometric reliefs that interact with light and shadow, adding depth and tactility. Brands such as Marca Corona debuted collections like Arialuce, which consists of thick, three-dimensional tiles designed to create tapestries when installed as room dividers or feature walls. These innovations demonstrate that tile is evolving from a mere surface covering into a form of low-relief sculpture or an architectural component. The interplay of glossy and matte finishes is also a prominent feature of this trend, creating contrasting textures that reveal patterns through reflection. By combining matte terracotta with high-shine elements, a simple grid can be transformed into a dynamic interplay of shadow and sheen, adding dimension and a couture-like finish. Gruppo Romani, for instance, introduced the Forever Color by Cir Manifatture Ceramiche collection, which features glossy circles within matte squares in porcelain stoneware, available in various colorways and slight three-dimensionality. Pattern play is another central theme, with designers exploring bold and adventurous compositions. Beyond traditional checkerboards, the trend showcases oversized chevrons, jagged geometrics, and trompe l’oeil illusions that create optical art effects, making walls ripple or floors appear woven. Clara von Zweigbergk’s Quadrille collection for Decoratori Bassanesi, for example, reinterprets historical tile archives with bold, geometric patterns and modular versatility. Furthermore, large-scale, story-rich surfaces, often featuring trellis designs, are gaining traction, imbuing interiors with heritage and grandeur, similar to textiles in Venetian palazzos but with the permanence of ceramic. Hand-painted undulating lines mixed with classic trellis designs from brands like Antiche Fornaci D’Agostino exemplify this. Finally, the trend emphasizes tiles as collectible objects, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in their creation. Whether through kiln-fired glazes mimicking brushstrokes, digital prints of centuries-old motifs, or geometric shapes arranged at unique angles to create stripes, each tile is considered a piece of art. Hexagonal tiles from Cottovietri, arranged at angles to create undulating stripes, illustrate how designers and artisans are treating tiles as curated compositions rather than mere backdrops. This elevates tiles from functional elements to centerpieces that layer history and experimentation, transforming floors and walls into unique artistic statements. #TileTrends #CeramicTile #TextileInspiredDesign #InteriorDesign #Cersaie #3DTiles #SurfaceDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalComponents

Bisazza, a company renowned for its glass tile mosaics, is expanding its product line by introducing new cement tile collections, following its initial debut at Cersaie last September. This week, during Salone del Mobile, Bisazza launched a new collection designed by French architect and designer India Mahdavi. Mahdavi's collaboration with Bisazza marks a significant new direction for the firm, building upon previous successful cement tile collections by designers such as Jaime Hayon, Carlo Dal Bianco, and Paola Navone, which were introduced just seven months prior. Rossella Bisazza, the brand's director of communications and daughter of its late founder Renato Bisazza, initiated the collaboration with India Mahdavi. She expressed long-standing admiration for Mahdavi's work and a desire to collaborate. Mahdavi, known for her professionalism and clear vision, quickly developed the collection within three months after expressing her interest in designing cement tiles. Rossella, who co-manages the company with her brother Piero, believes that this product diversification has strengthened the brand and attracted a new segment of customers. She describes the cement tiles as possessing a rustic yet contemporary appeal, largely due to the contributions of internationally acclaimed designers. A unique aspect of the design selection process at Bisazza is that Rossella typically selects women designers, while her brother Piero selects men, a dynamic she finds effective despite its unconventional nature. This approach has led to collaborations with distinguished female designers like Andrée Putman, Patricia Urquiola, Paola Navone, and now India Mahdavi. Mahdavi's collection features bold geometric designs that evoke '70s pop patterns, contributing to the collection's modern aesthetic. The cement tiles are handcrafted in Tunisia, a region with a rich tradition of cement tile production spanning generations. Bisazza operates its own production facility, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Rossella highlights that Bisazza's tiles are distinguished by more refined colors and a softer texture compared to traditional versions. The handmade nature of the tiles ensures that each piece is unique, offering a distinct character unlike mass-produced ceramic tiles. This results in a product with a living quality and a silky, non-shiny texture that is appealing to the touch. Bisazza anticipates a busy year ahead, with several upcoming initiatives. These include the opening of a new showroom in New York during ICFF, the launch of a mosaic collection by British designer Tricia Guild of Designers Guild at London’s Chelsea Flower Show, and a new cement tile collection by an as-yet-unannounced British designer slated for September. These plans underscore Bisazza’s continued commitment to innovation and expansion within the design industry. #BisazzaTiles #IndiaMahdavi #CementTiles #SaloneDelMobile #InteriorDesign #ProductDiversification #DesignCollaboration #HandmadeTiles #GeometricDesigns

Italian brand Ceramiche Refin has introduced its new Wide collection of porcelain tiles, designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural slate. This collection includes innovative versions adorned with patterns of lines and grids that give the impression of having been hand-drawn in chalk. The Wide collection is characterized by subtle surface smudges, marks, and imprints, contributing to its authentic slate-like character. It is available in five distinct color options: a chalky white, black carbon, olive green, and two shades of grey, steel and lead, offering a versatile palette for various design schemes. A notable addition to the Wide range is the Sketch series, which features chalky lines and grid patterns superimposed on the slate-like surfaces. These Sketch tiles are specifically designed to serve as accent pieces and create visual interventions within expansive spaces, adding a unique artistic touch. The collection offers a variety of sizes to accommodate different project scales and applications. Smaller tile formats are available for residential projects, while larger formats, such as 240 by 120 centimeters, 120 by 120 centimeters, and 120 by 60 centimeters, are intended for significant commercial areas and retail spaces where a reduction in grout lines is often desired to achieve a more harmonious and seamless aesthetic. Beyond the standard smooth finish, Ceramiche Refin also provides textured options for the Wide collection. Both smooth and textured tiles maintain a thickness between nine and 9.5 millimeters, ensuring durability and consistent quality. For outdoor applications, a specialized 20-millimeter-thick version is available in the carbon and steel shades. These thicker outdoor tiles are suitable for various installation methods, including traditional adhesive application and raised installations. Raised installation is particularly beneficial for temporary spaces, uneven ground, or areas where easy access to the sub-surface for inspection or maintenance is required. The durability and practical benefits of Ceramiche Refin porcelain tiles are significant. They are renowned for their strength, resistance to abrasion, frost, and various chemicals, making them a robust choice for both indoor and outdoor environments. Porcelain tiles are also low-maintenance, requiring only simple cleaning without the need for harsh chemicals, sealing, or special surface treatments. Their vitrified nature makes them an ideal choice for use in conjunction with underfloor heating systems, efficiently distributing warmth. Ceramiche Refin, with over 50 years of manufacturing experience, operates a state-of-the-art factory and a showroom in Milan, employing a dedicated research team and in-house technical laboratory to continuously innovate and advance tile technology. The Wide collection, including its Sketch variations, exemplifies Ceramiche Refin's commitment to combining aesthetic appeal with high performance. The thoughtful design, which mimics natural slate while incorporating contemporary graphic elements, positions these tiles as a versatile solution for a wide array of architectural and interior design projects. The ability to choose from multiple sizes, finishes, and specific designs like Sketch allows designers and homeowners to create customized and impactful spaces, whether for intimate residential settings or large-scale commercial developments. This collection highlights the ongoing evolution of porcelain tile technology, offering sophisticated and practical surfacing solutions. #CeramicheRefin #TileCollection #PorcelainTiles #SlateEffect #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalSurfaces #HomeDecoration #CommercialDesign #SketchTiles

This article from Dezeen Showroom highlights five distinct tile collections from the Italian manufacturer Marazzi, all listed on the platform in 2025. Marazzi, established in 1935, is known for producing a wide range of tiles for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, aiming to preserve Italian tile-making traditions through time-honored design and manufacturing methods. The featured collections demonstrate Marazzi's versatility in aesthetics, materials, and applications. The first collection presented is Marazzi's Terramater tiles, which are designed to evoke the look of vintage ceramics. These tiles are offered in seven glazed colorways, each harmonizing with the material's inherent hue to create surfaces with rich textures. In addition to the diverse color options, the Terramater tiles provide two distinct surface patterns: the linear Ritmo and the lozenge-shaped Losanga, allowing for varied aesthetic outcomes. Next, the article introduces "The Top" by Marazzi, a product characterized by its exceptional versatility. Made from porcelain stoneware, these slabs are not limited to traditional wall and floor applications but can also be used to clad various furnishings such as cabinets and countertops. "The Top" collection features a range of marble- and stone-look patterns, catering to a wide array of interior design preferences and styles. The existing Lume tile range from Marazzi has seen an expansion with the introduction of four new colorways: Bone, Caramel, Emerald, and Ocean. This collection is distinguished by its zellige-style aesthetic, intentionally crafted to impart a handmade appearance to the tile surfaces. The expansion also includes new 3D structures, such as Rake, further enhancing the tactile and visual appeal of the Lume series. Another significant collection is the Mystone Pietra Ligure tiles, which draw inspiration from slate. These tiles are named after the slate mined in Italy's Liguria region and accurately replicate the dark grey, moody surface of natural slate. Marazzi utilizes its advanced 3D Ink technology to achieve a realistic surface texture for these tiles, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications due to their authentic appearance and durable composition. Finally, the Slow Cold tile collection is highlighted, featuring an aesthetic that combines the texture of rammed earth with cool-toned hues. Rammed earth is an ancient building technique, and these tiles aim to capture its distinctive look. When installed, the Slow Cold tiles create a mottled and textural finish across various surfaces, suitable for both interior and exterior environments. This range includes six different hues, offering diverse options for designers seeking a natural yet contemporary feel. #MarazziTiles #CeramicDesign #InteriorDesign #PorcelainStoneware #TileCollections #SurfaceMaterials #HomeDecoration #ArchitecturalSurfaces