Ceramic Tile Favorites From Cersaie 2016

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 annual Cersaie tile show in Bologna, Italy, has revealed that statement tile is set to replace the traditional subway tile as a dominant design trend for 2022. While rectangular shapes remain popular, the focus has shifted to innovative applications and designs. Designers like Roberto Cavalli showcased glossy animal print tiles for bathroom walls, and Petracer’s updated classic herringbone patterns with gold accents, indicating a move towards more expressive and luxurious tile aesthetics. One significant trend identified is 'The Gilded Age,' which aims to transform typically utilitarian spaces like bathrooms into glamorous areas. This trend incorporates accent subway tiles, intricate gold-leaf inlays, and kintsugi-style bronze grout lines, effectively turning ordinary tile slabs into decorative elements. This approach elevates the functional aspect of tiles to an ornamental one, similar to jewelry for the walls. Another emerging trend is 'You Better Patchwork,' which involves mixing and matching different tile patterns and colors. This trend suggests a departure from solid-color tiles in favor of monochrome medleys or complementary coordinated designs, offering a new dimension for aesthetic customization in interiors. This allows for creative combinations that reflect individual style and add visual interest. 'I Can’t Believe It’s Not Wallpaper' highlights ceramic tiles that mimic the appearance of wallpaper. Showrooms featured collections with ceramic murals depicting florals, foliage, and cityscapes. These tile designs provide a more durable and permanent solution for spaces prone to humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, without sacrificing intricate visual appeal. The durability of ceramic combined with the aesthetic of wallpaper offers a practical yet stylish option. The 'Neat as a Pinstripe' trend introduces pinstriped tiles, drawing inspiration from sophisticated suiting. These tiles are designed to capture attention and can also create the illusion of a larger room. Some manufacturers are even employing high-pressure water carving techniques to create three-dimensional patterns, adding texture and depth to the pinstriped designs. 'Turn to Trompe l’Oeil' focuses on tiles that create optical illusions, transforming flat surfaces into artistic displays. Examples include a tiled basketball court that resembles a fabric coverlet from a distance, and designs by Paola Navone and ABK that form ceramic rugs, complete with fringe. This trend emphasizes playful and visually deceptive elements in tile design, blurring the lines between art and utility. 'Welcome to the Jungle' signals the resurgence of botanical motifs, particularly Monstera leaves, which are incorporated into tile designs through small, random patterns and large-format slabs. This trend brings a natural, vibrant element to interiors, reflecting the ongoing popularity of biophilic design. Finally, 'Chill Pills' introduces Art Deco-inspired pill-shaped tiles. These versatile tiles can be arranged to create staggered arches or serve as a modern alternative to traditional subway tiles, offering a contemporary and stylish geometric option for various applications. #TileTrends #Cersaie #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #CeramicTile #DesignInspiration #BathroomDesign #ModernTiles #LuxuryTiles

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 annual Cersaie tile show in Bologna, Italy, revealed a significant shift in tile design, moving away from conventional subway tiles towards more statement-making applications. While rectangular tiles continue to be prevalent, the focus for 2022 is on innovative and artistic uses of the material. Noteworthy displays included glossy animal prints covering entire bathroom walls by Roberto Cavalli and Petracer’s elevated traditional herringbone patterns with gold accents, signaling a departure from mundane tile options. One prominent trend, dubbed “The Gilded Age,” emphasizes transforming typically unglamorous spaces, such as bathrooms, into luxurious environments. This is achieved through the incorporation of accent subway tiles, intricate gold-leaf inlays, and Kintsugi-style bronze grout lines, effectively turning standard tiles into decorative elements reminiscent of fine jewelry. This trend aims to infuse elegance and opulence into interior design. Another emerging style is “You Better Patchwork,” which celebrates the art of mixing and matching different tile patterns and colors. This trend allows for diverse combinations, ranging from monochromatic medleys to complementary color schemes, underscoring that solid,单一-colored tiles are no longer sufficient for contemporary design. It encourages a playful yet sophisticated approach to surface decoration. The “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Wallpaper” trend showcases ceramic tiles that mimic the appearance of wallpaper. Showrooms featured collections with ceramic murals depicting florals, foliage, and cityscapes. These tile applications offer a more durable and permanent alternative to traditional wallpaper, especially beneficial for areas prone to humidity, combining aesthetic appeal with practical longevity. “Neat as a Pinstripe” introduces pinstriped tiles, drawing inspiration from sophisticated suiting. These tiles serve as an eye-catching design element and can also create an illusion of increased space within a room. Some manufacturers are employing high-pressure water to carve patterns, adding a three-dimensional effect to these striped designs. The “Turn to Trompe l’Oeil” trend highlights the use of tiles to create optical illusions, transforming flat surfaces into textured or layered designs. Examples include a tiled basketball court that resembles a fabric coverlet and a ceramic “rug” complete with fringed edges, demonstrating how tiles can be used to mimic other materials and add an unexpected visual dimension to interiors. “Welcome to the Jungle” brings back tropical motifs, particularly monstera leaves, which are integrated into tile designs. These botanical patterns appear in various forms, from small, scattered designs to large-scale slab applications, reflecting a continued popularity of natural and lush aesthetics in home decor. Finally, “Chill Pills” introduces pill-shaped tiles, characterized by their Art Deco inspiration and versatility. These unique shapes can be arranged to create staggered arches or serve as an unconventional substitute for classic subway tiles, offering a modern and distinctive design option for various spaces. #TileTrends #InteriorDesign #Cersaie #CeramicTile #HomeDecoration #LuxuryTiles #PatternedTiles #BotanicalDecor #GeometricTiles

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

Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, returned to Bologna for its 38th edition from September 27 to October 1, 2021, attracting over 62,000 visitors after a year's postponement due to the pandemic. A prominent trend observed across the 623 booths was a shift by tile manufacturers towards designs inspired by the natural world, reflecting a sense of optimism following a period of global uncertainty. The exhibition highlighted decorative wall solutions that positioned tile as a viable and often superior alternative to traditional wallpaper. The featured collections demonstrated the advancements in digital printing technologies, combined with diverse glaze applications and textures, allowing ceramic tiles to exhibit the decorative and expressive qualities typically associated with wallpaper. This innovation provided the added benefits of tile's inherent durability and versatility. Several notable collections showcased this trend. GIOIA by Gardenia Orchidea presented a new collection available in 10 plain colors and 7 patterns, including optimistic florals and bold geometric motifs. These 24-by-47-inch tiles were designed for easy installation on both walls and floors. CHROMAGIC from CIR Manifatture Ceramiche offered porcelain stoneware "ceramic wallpaper" tiles in 10 colors, distinguished by a unique resin texture. The collection also included a variety of third firing wall decorations, facilitating mixing and matching with other neutral tiles. FAP Ceramiche's MILANO MOOD introduced a new Murals slab collection featuring vibrant tropical and floral patterns. These 31-by-63-inch tiles incorporated glossy iridescent lacquer accents on matte backgrounds, designed to create a striking visual impact. Gigacer's TELE slab collection exuded vintage charm through its natural palettes and six unique patterns, ideal for creating accent walls. This collection emphasized an expressive aesthetic. The FRESCO collection by Gruppo Cerdisa Ricchetti drew inspiration from 18th-century European architecture, mimicking the appearance of plasters and wall frescos but with 21st-century performance standards. Unlike traditional frescos, these tiles maintain their color over time and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, available in four sizes and seven colors. Imola expanded its popular Azuma collection with five new colors. These full-body porcelain stoneware tiles were offered in five sizes, including large formats up to 47 by 102 inches. Serenissima's SHOWALL collection provided numerous options for modular or continuous pattern solutions, suitable for various spaces from dining rooms to hotel lobbies. This collection comprised 22 patterns, created using advanced digital printing techniques on porcelain stoneware slabs. NAXOS presented the TIMELESS collection, aimed at fostering relaxing environments through natural patterns and a serene color palette of green and blue hues. These matte white-body wall and floor tiles hinted at traditional wallpaper designs, enhanced with metallic details. Finally, Florim's MATCHUP collection allowed for seamless combinations of surfaces, styles, and colors, showcasing a variety of material effects from marble to concrete. A prominent example was the Earl Grey Tropico pattern, one of several jungle-themed prints launched at Cersaie, highlighting the trend of bringing the outdoors in through tile design. #Cersaie2021 #CeramicTile #WallpaperAlternative #DigitalPrinting #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Wallcoverings #ArchitecturalTrends #DesignInnovation

The 2010 Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings held in Bologna, showcased a wide array of innovative tile designs and technologies. With 1,036 exhibitors from around the world, the event highlighted the Italian mastery in tile design, featuring stylish bath and room vignettes and a focus on sustainable alternatives. A significant trend observed was the industry's commitment to producing green and sustainable tile options. Manufacturers increasingly utilized recycled content, such as pre- and post-consumer waste, glass, and even cathode-ray tubes from televisions, to create new tiles. Additionally, many companies reduced tile thickness, which made products easier to install over existing surfaces and more economical to transport due to reduced weight. Key design trends from the exhibition included the evolution of digital printing, where the focus shifted from replicating images to celebrating the pixel itself. This was achieved through various porcelain techniques, including water jet and hand-cutting, incorporating jagged edges and abstract forms alongside traditional motifs. Another prominent trend was the emergence of large floral patterns, echoing their popularity in spring fashion and decor collections. These big blooms, characterized by their fresh scale and vibrant color palettes, were presented as a way to inject whimsy into bathroom spaces. Honeycomb patterns also gained traction, creating subtle yet tactile surfaces for both wall and floor tiles. This trend was particularly evident in offerings from architectural and design-driven brands like Mutina and Brix, featuring collaborations with renowned international designers such as Patricia Urquiola and Vincent Van Duysen. Furthermore, the concept of 'faux' tiles expanded beyond traditional perceptions, with manufacturers introducing a variety of unconventional textures and styles. This included tiles mimicking materials like leather, wood, wallpaper, and even chesterfield upholstery. Innovative applications such as tile chalkboards, wainscoting panels, and mosaic lights were also showcased, demonstrating the versatility and creative potential of modern tile design. Beyond these specific trends, the exhibition also featured many tiles that stood out for their sheer beauty, glamour, and ability to evoke joy, indicating a continued appreciation for aesthetic appeal alongside functional and sustainable advancements. Overall, the 2010 Cersaie exhibition underscored a dynamic period in tile design, marked by a blend of technological innovation, artistic expression, and a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility. The showcased trends reflected a move towards more personalized, sustainable, and aesthetically diverse tile options, suggesting a future where functionality and design creativity coalesce to offer unique and inspiring solutions for interior spaces. #TileTrends #CeramicTile #BathroomFurnishings #SustainableDesign #DigitalPrinting #FloralPatterns #HoneycombDesign #FauxMaterials #InteriorDesign #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

Every fall, Bologna, Italy, hosts Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, where tile manufacturers reveal the latest trends for architects, designers, and consumers. The 39th edition, held from September 26th to 30th, showcased manufacturers' efforts to overcome challenges like the persistent pandemic, inflation, and rising energy prices by presenting an array of new and updated products. The show featured standard product updates such as large-format tiles, innovative textures, and specialty glazes, indicating an evolution rather than a disappearance of these established trends. A prominent theme this year was nature-inspired tiles, which were ubiquitous. These included wallpaper-like floral prints, as well as motifs of leaves, grass, and other biophilic patterns, designed to bring elements of the natural world indoors. Manufacturers like Cotto d’Este, ABK, and Gigacer utilized color to evoke nature, offering a palette of earth tones ranging from warm reds, burgundies, and violets to terracottas, ochres, and greens. The enduring influence of Scandinavian design was also evident in the numerous taupe-y hues, which appeared subtly tinged with daylight or sun-bleached. Porcelain tiles continued to demonstrate their strength in mimicking other materials, largely due to advancements in digital printing technology. This year saw the introduction of new tiles that closely resembled cement and stone, alongside a wide variety of wood-look options. Almost every manufacturer showcased improved wood-look tiles that were so convincing, only touch could distinguish them from real wood. These faux planks varied from stained or raw wood to sun-bleached barn siding and exotic species typically used in boat building. However, the dominant trend was the hyper-realistic imitation of natural stone, with exact replicas of slate, sandstone, onyx, marble, soapstone, and travertine. Manufacturers have refined the depth, patterns, and movement of real stones, and even developed new stone options. Cristina Faedi, manager of promotional activities at Ceramics of Italy, noted that "Ceramic stone is back," and companies are enhancing patterns and colors to create stone designs that do not exist in nature. Unlike previous years, the show was notable for the absence of deeply textured tiles with three-dimensional surfaces, as few manufacturers, such as Ceramica Bardelli, showcased them. Instead, subtler looks and restrained textures prevailed. The article highlights several new collections: Ceramiche Refin’s Feel reinterprets concrete with a mottled appearance and stone aggregate depth; Cotto D’este’s Pura collection is inspired by natural limestone; Atlas Concorde’s Marvel Travertine offers a travertine marble effect in porcelain; Lea Ceramiche’s Anthology features large Slimtech slabs inspired by marble and stone; Ceramica Sant’ Agostino’s INSIDEART COLOR provides ceramic tiles with subtle hues and a colored-resin effect; Sunwood Jardin from Ceramica Sant’ Agostino presents six decorative options with lush, flourishing nature motifs; ABKStone’s FULLVEIN3D collection offers enhanced realism for marble-effect ceramic surfaces through digitally controlled mixing of raw materials; Naxos’s CHROMATICA includes porcelain stoneware with a cement effect and muted solid colors; and Ceramiche Coem’s SASSIEPIETRE provides an updated interpretation of natural stone with dynamic light effects. #Cersaie #CeramicTile #BathroomFurnishings #TileTrends #NatureInspiredDesign #PorcelainTile #DigitalPrinting #NaturalStoneLook #InteriorDesign

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 article explores the evolving landscape of decorative ceramic tiles, drawing inspiration from historical designs, contemporary graphics, and multi-color patterns, as showcased at Cersaie 2022. It highlights how these tiles are transitioning from invisible coverings to central elements of home décor, capable of defining spaces and enriching surfaces. The ease of installation, particularly with classic 20x20 cm tiles, facilitates their versatile application. Several brands are leading this design revolution. Ceramica Vietrese, for instance, introduced its 'Melody' collection of hand-decorated double-fired tiles. This line features a wide array of geometric patterns inspired by musical rhythms and the vibrant colors of the Amalfi coast, reinterpreted through precise graphics. Ceramica Francesco De Maio presented the 'Il Duomo' collection, meticulously hand-painted with geometric motifs reminiscent of the Amalfi Cathedral. This collection fuses traditions, cultures, and architectural styles, translating historical elements from Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque influences into stylized forms. Additionally, the brand collaborated with Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva to create the 'Carpet' collection, which emulates the visual effect of rugs on floors, incorporating Mediterranean color palettes and a distinctive fringed pattern. Marca Corona's 'Terracreta' collection transforms raw material into a creative medium, offering diverse formats and vibrant surface treatments. Primarily designed for domestic environments, it combines the tactile qualities of clay with artisanal decorative techniques on porcelain stoneware. This approach results in realistic handmade effects and ornamental motifs that alternate between glossy, matte, and three-dimensional finishes, enlivening walls and floors with dynamic patterns. The Terracreta series offers four neutral backgrounds complemented by three decoration types—'Incisione,' 'Inclusione,' and 'Dipinto'—allowing for flexible pairing and expressive material potential. Ceramica Sant’Agostino expanded its 'Insideart' collection with 'Insideart Color,' introducing five new vibrant shades: Mint, Sunset, Aloe, Aqua, and Forest. This line also features 'Paint,' a mini-collection of 20x20 cm tiles with geometric designs that create dynamic textures through serial repetition, blending a resin effect with graphic artistry. CIR-Manifatture Ceramiche’s 'Tadelakt' collection draws inspiration from the ancient Moroccan lime technique, featuring rich colors and shades. This collection offers a synthesis of craftsmanship and design, interpreting contemporary wall coverings with a historical touch. It builds an organic design concept around bold color palettes, integrating floors, walls, mosaics, and wallpaper decorations. Paola Navone’s 'Poetry Decor' collection for ABK reinterprets decorated tiles by drawing on global inspirations. This collection boldly mixes materialistic effects with ornamental patterns, creating unique combinations that evoke worn plaster, oxidized sheet metal, and original graphic textures with a handmade feel. Finally, the 'Riggiole' collection by Fioranese, a collaboration with Davide Tonelli, modernizes traditional Neapolitan decorative ceramic tiles. It employs a striking black and white contrast and incorporates intentionally imperfect handmade marks and worn surface effects. The collection also features an unusual 90x90 cm format that reproduces ornamental motifs in a macro version, alongside classic 20x20 cm tiles that can be freely mixed and matched from 30 available graphics, thus blending historical references with contemporary appeal. #CeramicTiles #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Cersaie2022 #ArchitecturalSurfaces #HandmadeTiles #PorcelainStoneware #DecorativePatterns

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

The 2018 Cersaie exhibition showcased a significant resurgence of vintage aesthetics in bathroom ceramics and surfaces, with numerous brands embracing a "retro-contemporary" style for 2019 trends. The exhibition highlighted a diverse range of vintage tile designs, drawing inspiration from the early 20th century to the present day. Cement tiles emerged as a particularly popular choice, reimagined with innovative compositions and layouts, moving from serial geometric patterns to random groupings, and offering a wide array of materials, colors, and formats. This widespread production revisited various historical design elements, including Venetian terrazzo, bourgeois Milanese pavements featuring Ceppo di Grè from the 1950s, and the vibrant polychrome of traditional glazed majolica from regions like Vietri and Caltagirone. For those favoring classic bathroom styles, new collections introduced elegant surfaces with graniglia or marble effects. Art Deco influences were also visible through mosaic bathroom tiles and brick surfaces, presented with fresh and appealing color palettes. Porcelain stoneware proved to be a versatile material, adaptable to different styles and environments throughout the home, extending beyond just the bathroom to living spaces. The article delves into specific examples of these trends, starting with cement tiles. Ragno's 'Cocciopesto' collection, inspired by a mix of brick and mortar flakes, was reinterpreted with decorative geometric designs in their 'Caleido' series, complemented by solid colors in extra-large formats. Marazzi's 'D_Segni' collection offered two cement tile variations: 'D_Segni Scaglie' with bold 'Tappeto' and 'Decoro Mix' decorations, and 'D_Segni Colore' featuring retro graphics in matte shades like Indigo, Tangerine, and Mustard. Tonalite's 'Aquarel' collection, measuring 15x15 cm, drew from late 19th-century decorations in white, blue, grey, and green, allowing for abstract motif patchworks or traditional floor compositions with fifteen decorative themes in a watercolor palette. Devon&Devon presented vintage bathroom furnishings through their new 'Atelier 18' and 'Sicily Tiles' collections of porcelain stoneware, with 'Atelier 18' showcasing classical geometric and arabesque motifs, and 'Sicily Tiles' drawing inspiration from Sicily and the Aeolian Islands with meanders, friezes, and traditional decorations on 20x20 cm tiles. The resurgence of marble, graniglia, seminato, and battuto effects was also prominent, with porcelain stoneware expertly mimicking the appearance of stone, marble, and agglomerates. Marazzi's 'Allmarble' collection, displayed in a 'Game Room' setting, featured an optical black and white motif combining Statuario Lux white with Elegant Black, catering to those who appreciate precious materials and evocative effects. Studio Blanco’s design for Marazzi's Art collection showcased the expressive potential of enlarged traditional seminato pavement, available in five nuanced versions of cement gray. Ceramica Fioranese introduced the 'Framenta' collection, inspired by Milanese architecture and Ceppo di Gré stone, alongside 'Dot,' a series reflecting reinforced concrete. Their 'Cementine Cocci' series transformed cement tiles through reassembly, creating a vibrant, colorful conglomerate. Cotto d’Este’s 'Pietra d’Iseo' line revisited traditional Lombard stone in gray tones, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Ceramica Sant’Agostino’s 'Newdecò' offered an interpretation of Venetian seminato in marble graniglia on porcelain stoneware slabs, replicating 17th-century pavements. The article further explored decorations and glazes rooted in the Mediterranean tradition, emphasizing vibrant colors and exquisite craftsmanship. Ceramica Sant’Agostino’s 'Vita' series utilized an exclusive digital technique to create a majolica effect on porcelain stoneware, featuring lemon yellow pops and imitating traditional glazed surfaces. Tunisian brand Somocer Group presented designs inspired by Arabian courtyards, showcasing rich decorations and bold colors from local traditions. Spanish brand Mainzu highlighted Moorish influences in their multicolor vintage models, suitable for retro bathrooms or Boho Chic living areas, with their 'Zellige' series available in warm terracotta tones for kitchens and cool blue for bathrooms. Finally, the article discussed the revival of mosaics and bricks, with a focus on urban atmospheres reminiscent of New York, London, and Paris subways. Fap presented small mosaic tiles in both round and standard, easy-to-install formats. Villeroy & Boch’s 'Metro Flair' collection combined urban vintage with three sizes and eight colors, aiming to create a classic yet informal bathroom aesthetic. Tonalite's 'Paintboard' collection featured rectangular tiles with a vibrant, glossy color palette and horizontally streaked surfaces, allowing for traditional or contemporary layouts. Iris Ceramica’s 'Bowl' collection reinterpreted diamond bathroom tiles with original reliefs, available in a 10x20 format across ten soft tones, including olive green, anthracite grey, and moka, concluding the showcase of retro-chic bathroom ceramics at Cersaie. #VintageCeramics #BathroomDesign #Cersaie2018 #TileTrends #CementTiles #PorcelainStoneware #MediterraneanDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign

MUT design, a Spanish studio, has introduced a new line of ceramic tiles called 'scales' in collaboration with Harmony, a brand of Peronda. These tiles were first unveiled at the 2015 CEVISAMA trade fair in Valencia. The 'scales' ceramic tiles are designed to create unique reflections, inspired by the shimmering movement of fish skin under water. The design incorporates neon tones along the two rear sides of the otherwise smooth, white ceramic surface. These neon accents naturally project colorful sparkles onto adjacent tiles, producing a vibrant and dynamic visual effect. The tiles measure 12x12 centimeters, allowing for diverse arrangement patterns and compositions. The main body of each tile features a glazed white finish, while the two hidden sides are available in eight distinct color schemes. This variety in color options provides designers and consumers with flexibility to customize spaces and achieve different aesthetic outcomes. The manufacturing process of these tiles takes place in Spain, leveraging Peronda's extensive experience in ceramic production, which spans over half a century. MUT design, founded by Alberto Sánchez, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Sánchez initiated the studio shortly after his participation in the designboom mart Valencia in 2010. The studio's work with 'scales' tiles demonstrates their commitment to innovative design that draws inspiration from natural phenomena, translating it into functional and aesthetically pleasing interior design elements. The product is intended for indoor use only, ensuring its application in appropriate environments. Promotional videos and detailed photography capture the essence of the 'scales' tiles, showcasing their reflective qualities and the various ways they can be installed. Images from the CEVISAMA 2015 exhibition highlight the product in a trade show context, while studio images provide insight into the creative environment of MUT design in Valencia, Spain. The development of 'scales' emphasizes a blend of artistic vision and practical application, aiming to transform ordinary surfaces into captivating visual experiences through the interplay of light and color. #MUTDesign #CeramicTiles #PerondaHarmony #CEVISAMA2015 #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #TileDesign #ArchitecturalFinishes #ProductLaunch

Textured tiles are emerging as a dominant trend in home renovation for 2022, offering a unique blend of visual interest and sculptural quality. This style is exemplified by artist Ben Medansky's collaboration with designer Kelly Wearstler for the Downtown Proper hotel, where Medansky created a one-of-a-kind wall installation featuring tiles that resemble museum-worthy sculptures. Unlike traditional smooth tiles, these textured ceramics catch light in distinctive ways, adding depth and character to any space. Medansky's approach to the hotel project was highly artistic and individualized; he treated each tile as its own canvas, avoiding repetitive patterns. His inspiration for the designs came from his road trips between Los Angeles and Arizona during the pandemic, incorporating abstract motifs derived from tire treads, traffic signs, and cacti. This method resulted in a monochrome yet dynamic piece where the narrative is conveyed through form and texture. While a custom art installation may be beyond the scope of a typical home renovation budget, the article highlights that the tactile tile trend is accessible through various brands. Companies such as Granada, Ann Sacks, and the Portuguese firm Viúva Lamego are producing a range of relief tiles that allow homeowners to integrate this sculptural aesthetic into their interiors. These tiles are versatile and can be used in diverse applications, from shower enclosures to kitchen backsplashes, enabling homeowners to personalize their spaces significantly. The placement of these tiles can be highly customized, making it an ultra-personal project that reflects individual style. The article also showcases several examples of these textured tiles from different manufacturers, including various collections from Ann Sacks like Apex Field Tile and Robert Kuo Chinois Field Tile. Viúva Lamego's handcrafted tiles, such as the Bela Silva Salsa Verde and Ondas Amarelo, are presented as options for those seeking unique designs. Heath Ceramics offers the Stan Bitters Collection, known for its distinctive textures, while Granada Tile provides relief options like Walvis and Railay. Tilebar contributes with polished ceramic options like Vector Reverb Azul and Nabi Argyle Glacier Ceramic Tile. Additionally, Fornace Brioni + Cristina Celestino for Clé are featured for their terracotta tiles, such as Mantegna Cotto Bianco Triangle and Labirinto Acanti Cotto Rosato Square. Ultimately, the prediction emphasizes a shift towards more expressive and visually engaging surfaces in home design. Textured tiles provide an opportunity to create spaces that feel more artistic and personalized, moving away from purely functional tiling towards elements that contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and tactile experience of a room. This trend encourages creativity in material selection and application, promising to make a substantial impact on renovation projects in the coming year. #TileTrends #HomeRenovation #TexturedSurfaces #InteriorDesign #CeramicTiles #SculpturalDesign #KellyWearstler #BenMedansky #DesignInspiration

The Ceramics of Italy, an organization representing Italian tile brands, has released its 2019 trend report, highlighting key developments and aesthetic styles expected to influence architectural surfaces over the next year. This report acknowledges the rapid evolution within the tile industry, driven by advancements in cutting and digital printing technologies, and aims to provide guidance on emerging trends. The organization has identified seven prominent trends, offering examples of tile collections that embody these qualities. One significant trend is the emergence of "Neu surfaces," which focuses on innovative surface designs that go beyond traditional patterns and sizes. These surfaces are characterized by a wide array of new finishes and textures, engineered for both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. Examples include Ceramica Sant'Agostino Lakewood, which mimics oiled wood planks with a hand-planed texture, and Vallelunga Cava, featuring a marble design and satin finish reminiscent of ancient European church floors. Another trend, "Systems," indicates a broader approach by Italian tile manufacturers to offer comprehensive surfacing solutions. Initially, this involved diverse colors, finishes, sizes, and complementary decors. Now, with ongoing investments in production equipment, companies are expanding their range of thicknesses, with tiles varying from 3 to 30 millimeters. A notable addition is a new 12-millimeter-thick porcelain tile specifically designed for applications like kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, tables, and outdoor kitchens. "Tile play" emphasizes the growing demand for playful and unique tile designs. This trend includes three-dimensional tiles resembling giant Lego bricks, as seen in Marca Corona Bold, and tiles adorned with popular cartoon characters, like Del Conca Felix the Cat. Manufacturers are actively experimenting with color, size, and patterns to provide distinctive surfacing options for architects and designers. Custom solutions are also available, such as Ornamenta's capability to print large porcelain slabs in any Pantone color. "Lunar marble" represents a shift from common marble varieties to more obscure and characterful stones. Italian tile producers are exploring quarries globally for unique marbles or digitally manipulating natural stone aesthetics to create novel, otherworldly looks. Sicis' Vetrite collection, for instance, incorporates 13 gemstones amplified between glass sheets for its Gem Glass line, producing lunar-like landscapes. Similarly, Refin Stardust combines the nebulous veining of alabaster with metallic surface effects, drawing inspiration from the night sky. "The blues" highlights blue as a leading color in tile design for the year. This trend encompasses a spectrum of blues, from soft to electric, intended to introduce a revitalizing burst of color into various interiors. Cedit's Rilievi sculptural ceramic wallcoverings showcase intense blues reminiscent of contemporary artists, while Refin Creos and Provenza Vulcanika evoke the serene, shallow teal waters of the Mediterranean Sea. "Big patterns" leverage Italy's rich artistic heritage by rendering elaborate designs on large porcelain slabs with minimal grout lines. This creates an effect similar to wallpaper but with the technical advantages of ceramic. Some companies are marketing these products as "ceramic wallpaper," offering extensive catalogs of digitally printed patterns on tiles up to 5.25 by 10 feet. ABK's Dark Edition, inspired by the Gothic side of nature, and Fuoriformato's vibrant patterns on large ceramic surfaces that double as furnishing elements are examples of this trend. Finally, "Tradition" demonstrates how Italian tile manufacturers are reinterpreting historical forms, 18th-century patterns, and designs inspired by timeless places to create contemporary appeal. Collections like 14oraitaliana's Folk and Ceramica Sant'Agostino's Vita feature mixed and matched patterns that evoke Italian territories. Fioranese's Liquida slabs draw inspiration from 1950s-style wallpaper, and Provenza's Terraquea collection, with its earthy tones and textured surfaces, recalls traditional terracotta. These collections seamlessly blend historical aesthetics and cultural depth with modern technological innovations. #TileTrends #CeramicsOfItaly #ArchitecturalSurfaces #InteriorDesign #MaterialInnovation #ColorTrends #SurfaceDesign #ItalianTiles