Antibacterial tiles by Marazzi win Best Domestic Design: Wallpaper* Design Awards 2021

The Wallpaper* Design Awards have recognized a calming and elegant interior space as the 'Best Reflective Space.' This acclaimed design features a curated collection of pieces from leading studios, utilizing noble materials to create a serene environment. The article highlights key components of this award-winning interior, detailing the design philosophy and features of each. Jean-Marie Massaud’s ‘Creek’ coffee table for Poliform, for instance, showcases the architect's preference for lightness through its construction of two marble panels joined by a brushed metal frame. Nendo’s ‘Tape’ sofa, produced for Minotti, stands out for its meticulous detailing, including a gracefully curved outer shell and subtly integrated metal bands that secure its feet. The ‘Piega’ mirror, a creation by Victoria Wilmotte for ClassiCon, is crafted from bent, mirror-polished stainless steel, generating an engaging interplay of refraction and reflection within the space. Complementing these elements are the ‘Lane’ tiles by Barber & Osgerby for Mutina, which are glazed stoneware enriched with color palettes inspired by various London brick types, adding a subtle yet sophisticated textural dimension. The interior also incorporates Hagit Pincovici’s asymmetric ‘Selene’ sideboard for Baxter, an elegant composition of Italian marble, lacquered surfaces, and shiny metal legs, contributing to the space's luxurious feel. Lighting is provided by GamFratesi’s blown glass ‘Soffi’ pendants for Poltrona Frau, which are suspended delicately from slender leather belts featuring contrasting stitching, adding an ethereal quality. Benjamin Hubert’s versatile basket for Fritz Hansen, featuring a pressure-moulded ash veneer shell and a solid steam-bent ash handle, offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The overall design is further enhanced by the choice of paints, ‘De Nimes’ and ‘School House White’ from Farrow & Ball, which contribute to the calming ambiance, and the ‘Glamour 2400’ carpet from Object Carpet, providing a soft and luxurious foundation. This collection of carefully selected and harmoniously arranged furniture and decorative items demonstrates a thoughtful approach to modern interior design, emphasizing serenity, quality craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, culminating in an environment that truly earned its recognition as the 'Best Reflective Space' at the Wallpaper* Design Awards. #InteriorDesign #WallpaperDesignAwards #ModernInteriors #DesignExcellence #LuxuryFurniture #HomeDecor #ContemporaryDesign #AwardWinningDesign #ResidentialDesign

The influence of fashion on interior design, particularly in the realm of tiles, is becoming increasingly pronounced, with trends from the catwalk frequently transitioning into home aesthetics. This convergence reflects a broader cultural shift towards viewing living spaces as extensions of personal style, much like clothing. Designers and manufacturers are actively drawing inspiration from current fashion collections, incorporating popular colors, textures, and patterns into new tile designs. This dynamic relationship ensures that home interiors remain fresh, contemporary, and aligned with prevailing aesthetic sensibilities. One significant aspect of this trend is the adoption of specific color palettes. Just as fashion seasons dictate popular clothing colors, these hues are quickly mirrored in tile offerings. For instance, if a particular shade of blue or green dominates runway shows, it is likely to appear in new tile collections, offering homeowners the opportunity to infuse their spaces with fashionable colors. Beyond color, textural elements are also making a strong appearance. The demand for tactile surfaces in fashion, such as woven fabrics or distressed leathers, translates into tiles with varied finishes—from matte and honed to textured and relief patterns—that add depth and sensory appeal to walls and floors. Pattern is another key area where fashion's influence is evident. Geometric prints, abstract designs, and even floral motifs that are prevalent in textiles and apparel often find their way onto tiles. These patterns can range from subtle and sophisticated to bold and statement-making, allowing for diverse design expressions. The concept of mixing and matching different patterns and textures, a common practice in fashion, is also being embraced in tile design, enabling designers to create unique and personalized spaces. This approach encourages experimentation and creativity, moving beyond traditional uniform tile installations. The durability and longevity of tiles, combined with their aesthetic versatility, make them an ideal medium for translating transient fashion trends into more enduring home features. While fashion trends can be fleeting, tiles offer a way to incorporate these styles in a more permanent and impactful manner. Manufacturers are continually innovating with materials and production techniques to replicate the intricate details and sophisticated finishes seen in high fashion, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in tile design. This includes advancements in digital printing technology, which allows for highly detailed and realistic reproduction of complex patterns and textures. The integration of fashion into tile design not only keeps interiors current but also empowers individuals to express their individuality through their living environments. It encourages a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to material selection, where tiles are not merely functional elements but integral components of a cohesive design narrative. As this trend continues, the line between fashion and interior design is likely to blur even further, leading to more innovative and stylish tile options that reflect the cutting edge of aesthetic trends. This ongoing synergy ensures that the home remains a canvas for personal expression, constantly evolving with the broader world of design. #TileDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #FashionInfluence #HomeDecor #AestheticTrends #SurfaceMaterials #DesignInnovation

The growing trend of visually compelling patterns in wallcoverings and tiles is explored, highlighting a shift towards personalization and artisanal craftsmanship in home decor. Digital printing has fueled this surge, allowing for intricate and unique designs that cater to individual tastes. The article notes a move away from the dated concept of 'eclectic' towards creating environments that are distinctive to the homeowner, emphasizing the 'mark of the maker.' Wallcoverings, despite fluctuating in popularity, are currently experiencing a significant resurgence, largely due to the influx of artisanal producers. High-end companies like Fromental and de Gournay offer sophisticated patterns, landscapes, chinoiserie, and period murals, often featuring luxurious details like gilt. Designers such as Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke of Madcap Cottage advocate for extensive use of pattern on walls, floors, ceilings, and furnishings, illustrating their approach in their book "Prints Charming." They view this as a contemporary 'Arts and Crafts movement,' a reaction to digital overload, seeking authentic, handcrafted touches in homes. Even designers known for modern aesthetics, like Michael Berman, acknowledge the appeal of surface decoration. Berman suggests that the enduring popularity of mid-century modern style, characterized by simple furniture and clean lines, creates an ideal backdrop for more adventurous patterns on walls and floors. The article also delves into innovations in tile, particularly porcelain, showcased at events like Cersaie in Bologna, Italy. Digital printing has significantly advanced graphic capabilities in tile design, with themes focusing on nature, realistic wood looks, geometrics (some with 3D effects), retro styles, artistic murals, and metallic integrations. Examples include wide planks, narrow boards, varied grains, and fashion-forward taupey grays in wood-look tiles, often laid in chevron patterns. Unexpected twists, such as Unica's Woodline collection, combine wood grain with crisp black outlines and dimensional effects. Furthermore, concrete-look porcelain tiles, like those from the Cir brand by Gruppo Romani, draw inspiration from historical designs, such as glazed tiles from Havana, often arranged in patchwork patterns. Global inspirations are evident in new wallcovering designs. Flavor Paper offers a large-scale linked circle pattern resembling stitching, inspired by 19th-century South African textiles. Black Edition's Herbaria collection features rich, oversized florals reminiscent of Dutch Masters paintings. Voutsa's Tahitia chinoiserie, by artist George Venson, uses grass cloth for texture and depicts exotic foliage. Madcap Cottage's vibrant, jungly fronds for York wallpaper feature electric shades on a black background. Aimee Wilder’s cheetah print stands out due to unorthodox color pairings and the pattern's scale, creating a sense of swirling motion. The distinction of contemporary designs from older styles lies in both scale and palette choices. A subtle metallic sheen, particularly gold, is another prevalent design element in both tiles and wallcoverings, contributing warmth to home decor. This can range from a delicate whisper on grass cloth to integrated designs like gold stripes or geometric hexagons in real metal inlays on marble or porcelain. Beyond traditional applications in bathrooms and backsplashes, ceilings are increasingly becoming a canvas for tile and wallcovering. Borders are also evolving beyond conventional linear forms, becoming whimsical and artistic, as seen in Ceramica Bardelli's Fornasetti collection of staggered air balloons and sailing ships. These diverse offerings ensure that artisanal looks for walls, floors, and ceilings are available across a wide range of budgets, allowing for extensive personalization. #Wallcoverings #TileDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PatternDesign #DigitalPrinting #ArtisanalCraftsmanship #Personalization #DesignTrends

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced home design trends, prompting a collective reevaluation of cleanliness, functionality, and health within living spaces. Interior designers and building material experts anticipate a shift towards antimicrobial materials, touchless technology, and more dedicated functional areas in homes. The focus is no longer solely on aesthetics but also on creating healthier and more adaptable environments capable of withstanding future public health crises. Flooring is an area undergoing substantial transformation. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is gaining traction as a superior alternative to laminate flooring. LVT offers the aesthetic appeal of wood at a more accessible price point while being inherently antimicrobial and waterproof. This allows for rigorous cleaning with various disinfectants, such as bleach and steam, without damaging the material, thus effectively inhibiting bacterial growth. Lisa Gilmore, an interior designer, has been advocating for LVT for its cleanliness and durability for a decade, highlighting its role in preventing illness spread. Cork flooring is another eco-friendly and sustainable option becoming more common. Naturally antimicrobial, water-resistant, and anti-static, cork helps prevent mold, mildew, and accumulation of dust and allergens. Its cushioned surface also offers ergonomic benefits for individuals with joint problems. However, cork's susceptibility to scratches, dents from heavy objects, and discoloration from sunlight, along with its non-waterproof nature, necessitates careful maintenance. Ceramic tile, though not always marketed for its antimicrobial properties, is inherently effective at preventing germ spread due to its solid, non-porous surface that withstands harsh cleaning solutions. The integration of Microban technology into ceramic tiles and grout further enhances their antimicrobial capabilities, minimizing microbial growth between cleanings. While Microban technology is effective against bacteria on surfaces, it's clarified that its efficacy against viruses in products is not the same as in its pure state, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations regarding product protection. Copper is emerging as a preferred material for fixtures like sinks and bathtubs due to its aesthetic appeal and proven sanitary benefits. Research indicates that the novel coronavirus survives significantly shorter on copper surfaces compared to stainless steel. Naomi Neilson, CEO of Native Trails, notes that copper sinks can significantly contribute to maintaining a sanitary environment in frequently used areas like kitchens and bathrooms, offering a beautiful, sustainable, and practical solution. Touchless and voice-controlled technologies, previously considered luxuries, are now becoming essential. Smart home features, such as voice-activated appliances and app-controlled settings, enhance convenience and hygiene. For instance, the LG InstaView refrigerator with Craft Ice, which responds to voice commands for ice production and allows viewing contents without opening the door, exemplifies this trend. Motion-activated soap dispensers, like those from Simplehuman, address the heightened need for hand hygiene by reducing contact with commonly touched surfaces. The pandemic has also redefined spatial needs within homes. Mudrooms, traditionally considered amenities, are becoming essential for preventing the ingress of outdoor germs. John McDonald of Semihandmade emphasizes their role in mitigating germ spread from outside the home, especially given research highlighting bacteria on footwear. The CDC's recommendation to remove outdoor clothing and shoes indoors further underscores the growing importance of mudrooms. Additionally, the widespread shift to remote work and homeschooling has elevated the home office to a major selling point for new homes. Many are converting existing spaces, like garages or spare bedrooms, into dedicated workspaces, recognizing the need for functional and distraction-free environments. Dolley Frearson of High Fashion Home foresees a rise in communal co-working spaces within homes, suggesting flexible layouts like library-style rooms with large communal tables that serve multiple functions for both work and family activities. This evolution reflects a broader trend of homes becoming adaptable, multi-functional spaces, akin to intergenerational co-working environments. #HomeDesign #AntimicrobialMaterials #TouchlessTechnology #HomeOffice #Mudrooms #LuxuryVinylTile #CorkFlooring #CeramicTile #CopperFixtures #SmartHome