Murano tile collection by Giovanni Barbieri

Italian company Marazzi has showcased a diverse collection of tiles on Dezeen Showroom, highlighting their commitment to traditional Italian ceramic artistry and modern design. The featured tiles aim to offer versatile solutions for various interior applications, ranging from residential to commercial and hospitality settings. Among the offerings are the Lume tiles, which draw inspiration from vernacular Mediterranean ceramics. These tiles boast a richly glazed, naturally uneven finish, celebrating the handmade qualities often found in traditional Italian ceramics. Their distinctive elongated shape and straight edges facilitate flexible installation, allowing them to be arranged either vertically or horizontally with minimal gapping. The color palette for Lume tiles includes a spectrum from neutral tones to vibrant jewel shades, all characterized by deeply saturated hues and a mottled, handcrafted aesthetic. Another prominent product line is the Cementum tiles, designed to replicate the visual characteristics of cast concrete while maintaining the practicality of a tile format. These tiles are engineered with a soft-touch, anti-slip, and anti-reflective surface, making them suitable for both wall and floor applications in various environments. Marazzi also presents The Top Marble Look tiles, which emulate the elegant veined patterns of natural marble. These tiles combine the aesthetic appeal of traditional stone with advanced hygienic properties, broadening their applicability across different spaces that require both beauty and sanitation. For those seeking decorative wall solutions, the White Deco wall tiles offer an alternative to conventional wallpaper. These tiles feature intricate patterning, with details accentuated by subtle 3D protrusions, creating a tactile and visually engaging surface. Available in three distinct patterns inspired by botanical and foliage motifs, they provide a refined decorative option. Similarly, Momenti wall tiles provide patterned, wallpaper-like finishes that are suitable for all types of interiors, including moisture-prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. This collection offers a variety of designs, incorporating botanical prints alongside geometric patterns influenced by Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Marazzi, established in 1935, is an Italian company dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-quality wall coverings and flooring. The company consistently strives to produce ceramic tiles that exemplify the excellence of Italian design and manufacturing processes, catering to the evolving needs of contemporary interior design. #Marazzi #Tiles #ItalianDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #CeramicTiles #ArchitecturalFinishes #WallCoverings #FloorCoverings

The Mutina Mews 2.0 collection, designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, represents an evolution of their original Mews series, which was first launched in 2012. This new iteration maintains the collection's core philosophy of drawing inspiration from London's urban landscape, specifically the charming and varied brickwork and cobbled streets of the city's Mews areas. The designers aimed to capture the subtle imperfections and rich textural qualities found in these historic materials, translating them into modern porcelain tiles. A significant feature of Mews 2.0 is its extensive color palette, which comprises nine distinct matte colors. These colors are not monolithic; instead, each hue is composed of over 15 different tones. This multi-tonal approach creates a nuanced and dynamic surface that avoids the flatness often associated with ceramic tiles, providing a greater sense of depth and natural variation. The color range is carefully curated to evoke the natural and man-made elements of urban environments, allowing for versatile application in various design schemes. In addition to the refined color offerings, the collection is available in four different formats. These formats are designed to be adaptable, catering to a wide array of architectural and interior design needs. The availability of multiple sizes allows for creative patterns and configurations, enabling designers to achieve both classic and contemporary looks. The diverse formats also contribute to the collection's ability to mimic the irregular and organic appearance of traditional Mews surfaces, fostering a sense of authenticity and character. A key functional aspect of the Mutina Mews 2.0 collection is its suitability for both floor and wall applications. The porcelain material ensures durability, resistance to wear, and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas as well as residential spaces. Its versatility means it can be used throughout a project, creating a cohesive design language from the ground up to vertical surfaces. This broad applicability extends its potential use from kitchens and bathrooms to living areas and commercial spaces. The designers' intention was to create a collection that reflects the subtle and quiet sophistication of materials often overlooked in urban settings. By focusing on texture, depth of color, and versatile formats, Barber and Osgerby have produced a line of porcelain tiles that offers a refined aesthetic while maintaining high performance. The Mews 2.0 collection aims to provide architects and designers with a sophisticated yet understated material solution that can enhance the sensory experience of an interior, bringing a touch of London's architectural heritage into contemporary design. #MutinaMews2.0 #PorcelainTiles #EdwardBarber #JayOsgerby #ItalianDesign #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalMaterials #TileCollection

Traditional tile installations typically feature predictable grids, but Mutina challenges this norm with its new Osso & Bottone collections, conceived by French designer Ronan Bouroullec. These collections reinterpret the role of grout lines, integrating them as fundamental elements of the design rather than mere afterthoughts. The unglazed porcelain stoneware tiles are meticulously cut, allowing the grout lines to create visually engaging seams and contribute to the overall aesthetic. This approach introduces subtle variations in line, shadow, and shape, imparting depth and dimension to the tiled surfaces. Both Osso and Bottone also mark Mutina’s inaugural venture into manufacturing tiles specifically for outdoor applications. The Osso collection adopts a linear design, characterized by slender cuts that extend along the tile's length, evoking the form of bones. When grouted, these lines generate delicate shifts in shadow and geometric patterns, infusing the installation with a dynamic, yet understated, sense of movement. This design diverges from the rigidity of conventional grids, guiding the eye through interwoven pathways that soften the surface and establish a rhythmic flow. The subtle modifications in the tile structure achieve an elegant, graphic effect. Conversely, the Bottone collection, named after its button-like appearance, features circular indentations along the perimeter of each tile. With a 4mm grout spacing, the installed surface exhibits a dotted, tactile rhythm. These circular elements playfully disrupt the uniformity of the grid, creating a surface that appears almost intricately stitched. The choice of grout color significantly influences the final look, ranging from a subtle textural enhancement to a bold graphic pattern. This demonstrates how minor adjustments to tile shape can lead to substantial visual impact. Bouroullec’s innovative use of grout lines transforms them from functional necessities into integral design features, opening new avenues for enhancing spaces with creative flair without overwhelming them. Whether through the distinctive punctuation of Bottone or the nuanced pathways of Osso, both collections offer a fresh perspective on conventional tile arrangements. The Osso collection is available in large (7.5 × 23.1 cm) and small (3 × 27.5 cm) sizes. The Bottone collection is offered in large (7.5 × 32.1 cm) and small (3 × 27.5 cm) sizes. Both collections are available in five color options: Sabbia (sand), Grigio (gray), Rosso (red), Blu (blue), and Verde (green). #MutinaTiles #RonanBouroullec #TileDesign #InteriorDesign #OutdoorTiles #ArchitecturalSurfaces #HomeDecor #CeramicArt

Marazzi, an Italian ceramics company, has launched its new Crogiolo Rice collection, a line of porcelain tiles designed with an authentic, handmade aesthetic. These tiles feature hand-painted designs and subtle irregularities, such as pitting, smears, and variations in texture, which contribute to their unique character and vibrant appearance when installed. The collection is inspired by thick-glazed majolica tiles, giving them a lustrous, glossy finish. The color palette primarily consists of whites and blues, aiming to impart a lively and welcoming atmosphere to interiors. The Crogiolo Rice tiles are part of Marazzi's broader Crogiolo collection, which represents the company's commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with industrial technology. This approach allows for the creation of ceramic products that celebrate authentic, colorful, and decorated designs while benefiting from modern manufacturing processes. The brand emphasizes that the minor imperfections in each tile, including grainy surfaces or slight chipping around the edges, are intentional features that enhance the handmade feel and ensure no two pieces are identical. Rectified edges allow for minimal joint lines, further highlighting the tiles' surface qualities. The collection is available in three distinct sizes: 15 by 15 centimeters, five by 15 centimeters, and 7.5 by 20 centimeters. These varying dimensions offer flexibility for different design applications. The subtle shifts in color tone, shadowing, and minute variations in the concave-convex forms are carefully controlled to create a visually rich and dynamic effect. Marazzi's design philosophy for the Crogiolo collection draws from its rich heritage, particularly from a series of booklets developed in the 1980s called 'Il Crogiolo.' These booklets documented 112 projects, illustrating various decorative techniques and capturing insights from potters and designers. This historical resource continues to serve as a source of inspiration for Marazzi's current product development, ensuring a continuity of craft and innovation. The Crogiolo Rice collection is positioned as a testament to Marazzi's ongoing research into materials, colors, glazes, and technological advancements, all while preserving the essence of handmade artistry. The tiles are suitable for various applications, bringing a touch of traditional charm and modern sophistication to residential and commercial spaces. #Marazzi #PorcelainTiles #Ceramics #HandmadeDesign #TileCollection #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #BuildingMaterials #SurfaceDesign

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

Fiandre Architectural Surfaces, an Italian brand specializing in premium surfaces, has introduced nine new colors to its Marmi Maximum porcelain tile series. This expansion draws inspiration from some of the world's most exquisite marbles, offering a diverse palette for architectural and design applications. The new additions include sophisticated and distinct shades, catering to a range of aesthetic preferences and design requirements. Among the notable new colors is Nero Damascato, a deep, dark marble featuring prominent gold veining, which adds a touch of luxury and drama. Divine Blue is another compelling addition, described by Fiandre as a 'deep and nuanced' cobalt shade, offering a rich and vibrant option for designers. Lepanto Rubino presents a striking burgundy tile characterized by delicate milky veining, providing a unique visual texture. Further enriching the collection are colors such as Bardiglio Sublime, Breccia Mirabile, Calacatta Dorato, Cremo Superiore, Grand Carnico, and Majestic Onyx. These new shades are designed to replicate the natural beauty and intricate patterns of various marbles, providing designers with high-quality, durable, and visually appealing alternatives to natural stone. The Marmi Maximum tiles are engineered from porcelain, which offers superior performance characteristics such as resistance to wear, stains, and scratches, making them suitable for both residential and commercial projects. The Marmi Maximum tiles are available in a variety of large and standard formats, ranging from generous 300 x 150 centimeters down to more compact 75 x 37.5 centimeters. This flexibility in sizing allows for extensive design possibilities, from grand, seamless surfaces to more intricate detailing. The large-format tiles are particularly noted for their thin profile, which not only facilitates easier handling and installation but also makes them versatile for applications beyond traditional floor and wall cladding. Their lightweight yet robust construction makes these large tiles ideal for crafting bespoke elements within interior spaces. They can be effectively used for creating stunning bathroom furnishings, such as integrated sinks and shower walls, as well as elegant kitchen countertops. Furthermore, their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal enable their use in architectural features like sliding doors, movable partitions, and custom seating, offering a cohesive and sophisticated look across different elements of a design scheme. The expansion of the Marmi Maximum collection reinforces Fiandre's commitment to providing innovative and high-quality surface solutions that combine the timeless elegance of marble with the practical benefits of advanced porcelain technology. #ArchitecturalSurfaces #PorcelainTiles #MarbleInspired #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Fiandre #LuxuryMaterials #LargeFormatTiles #SurfaceDesign

This article explores the enduring appeal of Murano glass homeware and presents a curated selection of nine items to enhance home interiors. Murano glass, originating from the small island of Murano near Venice, Italy, is celebrated for its timeless elegance and distinctive craftsmanship. Artisans on Murano have been honing their glass-making skills for centuries, with a community of craftspeople established as early as the 1200s. The unique mouth-blown technique, combined with the integration of special fibers, results in glass pieces that feature ornamental, one-of-a-kind patterns, distinguishing them from other glass products. The article highlights that while interior trends may fluctuate, glass homeware maintains a classic and often heirloom-quality aesthetic. Murano glass, in particular, is noted for its ability to introduce vibrant color and sophisticated design into any living space. The selected items demonstrate the versatility of Murano glass, ranging from functional everyday objects to decorative accents. Featured products include a Murano glass cake stand from Sous Chef, priced at £49.99, which offers a stylish platform for desserts, utilizing ancient Venetian glass-making techniques. A cordless Abigail Ahern portable table lamp, designed in a mushroom shape and costing £26.50, provides soft, movable lighting for various rooms. The Oliver Bonas glitter glass vase, available for £39.50, is presented as an item that can brighten a space with its turquoise hue and white and gold flecks, making supermarket flowers appear more opulent. For a more sculptural addition, the Anthropologie glass side table, priced at £198, is described as a sophisticated piece with a white mottled design that elevates any room. A Dunelm pendant shade, costing £38, offers an elegant enclosure for overhead lighting. The Light & Living tall side table from Shropshire Design, at £200, is highlighted for its thick, rich glass construction that interacts with light to create mood-enhancing rays within a room. The selection also includes a Next confetti glass candle holder for £18, characterized by its moody color and dramatic design, making it a luxurious statement piece for any table. A Macchia su Macchia hand-blown glass bowl from Abask, priced at £385, is presented as an artisanal item crafted in Milan using traditional techniques, providing a unique terrazzo-style pattern ideal for displaying fruits and vegetables. Finally, the Green Wolf Lighting Murano glass table light from Abask, costing £380, is recommended for its ability to cast a warm glow, perfect for creating a cozy ambiance. Each product is presented with its brand, price, and a brief description of its features and aesthetic appeal, emphasizing how these Murano or Murano-inspired glass items can refresh and transform home environments with their inherent beauty and craftsmanship. The article positions these pieces as accessible ways to incorporate a touch of timeless Italian artistry into contemporary home decor. #MuranoGlass #Homeware #InteriorDesign #Glassware #HomeDecor #ItalianCraftsmanship #ArtisanProducts #StylistLoves #ColorAndCraftsmanship

Italian brand Marazzi has unveiled five distinct collections of advanced ceramic and porcelain tiles on Dezeen Showroom, catering to various aesthetic and functional preferences. These collections include antibacterial tiles that mimic wood floorboards and high-gloss stone-effect tiles, demonstrating a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. One of the featured collections is Oltre, a porcelain tile meticulously designed to replicate the appearance of oak floorboards. This collection incorporates an interlocking pattern system that convincingly emulates the natural grain of timber. Available in four colors—white, natural, sand, and caramel—Oltre tiles are versatile for both indoor and outdoor applications. They come with an ultra-matt finish, a slip-resistant coating, and an antibacterial treatment, emphasizing cleanliness and safety. The antibacterial properties make them suitable for spaces where hygiene is a priority, while their durability and aesthetic appeal broaden their applicability in diverse design schemes. Another collection suitable for indoor and outdoor use is Carácter. These porcelain tiles are noteworthy for their composition, which includes 40 percent recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The Carácter tiles present an understated stone effect, achieved through a blend of neutral-colored pebbles of varying shapes and sizes. Despite their luminous finish, these tiles are equipped with Marazzi's StepWise coating, providing an anti-slip surface. The collection is offered in six colors, all within the grey and beige spectrum, allowing for subtle yet sophisticated floor and wall treatments. The Crogiolo Rice collection is a series of handmade modular tiles characterized by a high-gloss finish and natural variations. These tiles draw inspiration from traditional majolica tiles, often adorned with plant patterns and featuring a dense glaze. Despite their intentionally irregular surfaces, the tiles possess straight edges, facilitating precise tessellated installations. Available in three sizes, Crogiolo Rice tiles can be arranged in complementary compositions or mixed to create unique designs. The color palette includes white and off-white hues, alongside three distinct designs that feature nature-inspired motifs in blue, offering a decorative element. Completing the showcase is the Crogiolo Lume range, also part of the broader Crogiolo tile collection. This range is similarly modeled after handmade majolica tiles from the Mediterranean region. These glazed tiles are primarily recommended for wall applications but can be used on floors in areas with low-level foot traffic, such as private residences. The Crogiolo Lume tiles are frostproof and resistant to abrasion, ensuring their longevity and versatility. They are available in a vibrant array of mottled colors, including green, blue, white, black, musk, and greige, providing extensive design possibilities for interior spaces. Additionally, Marazzi has updated its Grande Marble Look collection of porcelain slab tiles, engineered to mimic the luxurious appearance of Venetian terrazzo and marble. These tiles, like the other new collections, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and are skid-resistant. They exhibit striking vein and shade variations, offered in a wide range of colors such as deep green and jet black with dark brown veining, providing sophisticated options for large-format applications. Established in 1935, Marazzi is a prominent Italian ceramic tile manufacturer with a global presence in over 140 countries, offering a comprehensive selection of flooring and wall coverings for various settings, designed to emulate natural materials like wood, concrete, marble, and stone. #Marazzi #CeramicTiles #PorcelainTiles #DezeenShowroom #InteriorDesign #FloorCoverings #WallCoverings #HomeDecor #SustainableMaterials

The article introduces 'Miniature,' the latest small-size tile collection from Marca Corona's 1741 line, which draws inspiration from historic Italian artisanal craftsmanship. Sassuolo, a renowned ceramic production district in Italy, is highlighted as the birthplace of Marca Corona, a brand that has consistently honored its heritage through the 1741 project. This project reinterprets classic styles and images into contemporary designs, with a particular focus on small-format tiles. The 'Miniature' collection features versatile porcelain tiles in a new 6x24 cm size, exploring diverse material and chromatic effects. It evokes the savoir-faire of traditional craftsmanship by incorporating elements reminiscent of majolica, glass, metal, wax, and brick. The small format is not merely a nod to historical artisanal tiles but also offers extensive possibilities for innovative combinations and installation methods across various spaces, surfaces, and curved volumes. The aesthetic variations provide limitless design potential, fostering creative freedom in interior design projects. The collection is a blend of high craftsmanship that complements modern interior design elements like concrete, solid colors, wood finishes, and wallpapers. It encompasses five distinct inspirations: 1. **Miniature Fregio:** This series reinterprets classic Italian majolica with contemporary aesthetics, offering a luxurious and visually impactful surface. Available in Bianco Naturale, Verde Maiolica, Blu Maiolica, and Nero Maiolica, it features glossy surfaces with fragmented designs that mimic handmade embossing, chipping, and cracks, reflecting the beauty of preserved decorative craft. Opaque areas simulate the aging process, giving the appearance of salvaged majolica tiles. 2. **Miniature Soda:** This range draws from the transparencies and reflections of Italian glass, translating them into high-performance ceramics. Each tile is unique, providing a distinct style. The luminous surfaces emphasize color through a palette that includes Bianco Sale, Grigio Luna, Rosa Corallo, Verde Perla, Verde Malva, Azzurro Artico, Blu Galassia, and Nero Magma. 3. **Miniature Fuoco:** This series transforms the colors and shades of oxidized and aged metal into unique ceramic effects, creating dynamic surfaces with metallic reflections. Available in Rame, Brunito, Blu Iron, Corten Bruciato, and Bianco Argenteo, these tiles evoke the charm of metal forged and embellished by time. 4. **Miniature Cera:** Offering a broad palette of pigments, this collection includes Bianco Latte, Cashmere Melato, Grigio Cenere, Nero Inchiostro, Blu Notte, Verde Candito, Verde Foresta, and Amaranto Jam. It features fluid, tactile surfaces with subtle chiaroscuro effects. The new Velvet finish gives a satin appearance and a waxy touch, providing density and depth suitable for combinations with resins, marbles, and woods. 5. **Miniature Fornace:** Inspired by terracotta bricks and ancient building traditions, this series aims to enhance contemporary and reclaimed environments with an industrial aesthetic. It comes in Bianco Minerale, Argilla Naturale, Rosso Mattone, Bruno Bistro, Nero Fumo, and Verde Muschio. A notable variant includes the Formella decoration, influenced by 18th-century London bricks, featuring a recess that originally held trademarks, making the brick lighter and more manageable—a detail intelligently reinterpreted for modern design. #CeramicTiles #ItalianCraftsmanship #MarcaCorona #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #TileCollection #Sassuolo #ArchitecturalSurfaces #MaterialInnovation

The Diarama collection of glazed porcelain stoneware tiles, designed by Dutch industrial designer Hella Jongerius for the Italian manufacturer Mutina, offers a versatile solution for incorporating color and vibrancy into interior spaces. These tiles are particularly well-suited for individuals looking to enhance their homes with visual interest and a sense of dynamism, requiring minimal effort in terms of design application. The collection, though unified by a single rectangular size of 9.4cm x 18.7cm, achieves remarkable diversity through its innovative use of color. A key feature of Diarama is its layered approach to color application. A variety of glazed colors are applied over seven distinct matte-colored bases, resulting in a broad spectrum of palettes. This technique allows the collection to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences, offering options that range from contemporary, ultra-modern appearances to designs that evoke a retro-inspired charm. The interplay between the matte bases and the glazed finishes creates a nuanced visual texture and depth, adding sophistication to any surface. The standardized rectangular dimension of the tiles, 9.4cm x 18.7cm, promotes ease of installation while also enabling various pattern formations, such as herringbone or stack bond, further contributing to the design flexibility. This consistent sizing ensures that the tiles can be seamlessly integrated into different areas of a home, from kitchens and bathrooms to living spaces and hallways, providing a cohesive design element throughout. Hella Jongerius’s design philosophy, often characterized by her experimental approach to materials and colors, is evident in the Diarama collection. Her ability to blend traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern industrial design principles allows for a product that is both aesthetically appealing and functionally robust. The use of glazed porcelain stoneware ensures durability and ease of maintenance, making these tiles a practical choice for both residential and commercial applications. The collection's ability to transition between modern and retro aesthetics is particularly noteworthy. For a contemporary setting, homeowners can select combinations that feature bold, contrasting colors or subtle, monochromatic schemes. Conversely, to achieve a vintage or retro look, certain color pairings and matte base selections can evoke styles reminiscent of earlier design eras. This adaptability makes Diarama a suitable option for a wide array of interior design themes. In Singapore, the Mutina Diarama collection is exclusively distributed by Rice Fields. Pricing for these tiles is available upon request, reflecting the premium nature of their design and manufacturing quality. The availability through a dedicated distributor ensures that customers have access to expert advice and support when selecting and installing these specialized ceramic products. The article includes a gallery of eight images to provide further inspiration on how these tiles can be utilized in different interior settings, showcasing their versatility and visual impact. #Renovation #Tiles #CeramicTiles #HellaJongerius #Mutina #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #PorcelainStoneware #DesignInspiration

Fiandre Architectural Surfaces has expanded its Maximum Marmi tile range, introducing new styles that replicate the sophisticated appearance of marble. This latest collection leverages advanced research and technology to achieve a refined aesthetic, currently showcased in the brand's New York City showroom. The new additions to the Maximum Marmi porcelain collection primarily focus on white and green stone designs, offering versatility for various architectural and interior design applications. One of the notable new styles is the Invisible tile, characterized by a pure white background elegantly intersected by a network of grey veins, enhanced with subtle golden accents. This design aims to provide a luxurious and timeless look suitable for high-end interiors. Another addition, Apuano Purissimo, presents lighter veins that gradually transition into shaded areas, creating a surface that the manufacturer describes as exceptionally elegant and refined. For those seeking a bolder, more distinctive aesthetic, the Verde Fantastico tile draws inspiration from Iranian design traditions. It features a deep dark green background, richly adorned with intricate white, brown, and ochre details. This combination results in a striking visual impact, making it a focal point in any space. Complementing this, the Alpi Chiaro Venato is another green-hued tile, distinguished by its intensely colored background contrasted with prominent white veins, offering a different interpretation of natural green marble. All tiles within the Maximum Marmi range are available in large-format slab sizes, specifically 300 by 150 centimeters, allowing for seamless application across expansive surfaces such as walls, floors, and facades. The availability of these large formats minimizes grout lines, contributing to a more continuous and luxurious appearance. Furthermore, smaller format options are also provided, granting designers increased flexibility to integrate these marble-effect tiles into more intricate or constrained spaces, catering to diverse design requirements. Regarding finishes, the Maximum Marmi tiles are offered in both polished and semi-polished options. The polished finish provides a high-gloss, reflective surface that enhances the depth and clarity of the marble patterns, ideal for creating bright and opulent environments. The semi-polished finish offers a softer sheen, providing a more subdued yet still sophisticated look that can be beneficial in settings where a less reflective surface is desired. These new styles are designed to meet the demands of contemporary architectural and interior design, offering durable and aesthetically appealing solutions for various projects. #FiandreArchitecturalSurfaces #MaximumMarmi #PorcelainTiles #MarbleLook #InteriorDesign #SurfaceMaterials #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryFinishes #LargeFormatTiles

The Italian brand Fiandre Architectural Surfaces has introduced the Luce collection of antibacterial finishing tiles, exclusively presented at Cersaie 2021. Designed by Guillermo Mariotto for Iris Ceramica Group, these tiles are characterized by a captivating interplay of light and shadow, achieved through sinuous lines and a chiaroscuro effect. The collection's core inspiration is the transformative power of light to reveal, mold, draw, and sculpt matter. This design philosophy translates into tiles featuring swirling lines and abstract reflections, which collectively create a sense of depth and dynamism within architectural spaces. According to Fiandre, this unique aesthetic elevates architectural environments to a new dimension. The Luce tiles are versatile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications in various settings, including commercial, residential, and even external facades. Beyond traditional uses for flooring and wall coverings, the material is also adaptable for creating furnishings and accessories, demonstrating its broad applicability in interior and exterior design. A notable feature of the Luce range is its integration with Fiandre's patented Active Surfaces innovation. This advanced technology transforms ceramic slabs into eco-active materials through a process called photocatalysis. This photocatalytic process harnesses the properties of titanium dioxide combined with silver, initiating an oxidation reaction that imparts several high-performance characteristics to the tiles. As a result, the Luce tiles are antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-odour, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic environment. Additionally, they possess self-cleaning properties, simplifying maintenance and ensuring long-lasting aesthetic appeal. The collection offers a neutral color palette, comprising six iridescent shades: pearl, black, blue, gold, silver, and grey. This selection allows for diverse design possibilities, enabling designers and homeowners to choose colors that complement their specific aesthetic visions while benefiting from the tiles' advanced functional attributes. In summary, the Luce collection by Fiandre Architectural Surfaces, designed by Guillermo Mariotto, combines sophisticated aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The tiles' ability to create dynamic light and shadow effects adds an artistic dimension to spaces, while their antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-odour, and self-cleaning properties provide practical benefits for modern living. The wide range of applications and neutral color options make Luce a versatile and innovative choice for contemporary architectural and interior design projects, offering both visual appeal and enhanced functionality. #LuceTiles #FiandreArchitecturalSurfaces #GuillermoMariotto #IrisCeramicaGroup #CeramicTiles #ActiveSurfaces #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign #AntibacterialTiles

Natural stone company Ca' Pietra has unveiled a new tile collection that draws inspiration from hand-crafted Italian pottery. This collection is designed to instantly transform any room, featuring authentic and eclectic designs with strong shading and tone variations, reminiscent of artisan work. The range offers five distinct styles, each capable of creating a striking aesthetic in a home. The available colors include the vibrant Ocean Blue, the earthy Kale Green, the subtle Khaki Smoke, and the calming Oatmeal and Natural Cotton. These versatile tiles are suitable for both interior walls and floors, as well as exterior wall applications. They come in rectangular and brick formats, providing flexibility in arrangement to suit various design preferences. For those looking to make a bold statement, the 'Ocean Blue' option is recommended, while 'Natural Cotton' is ideal for a softer, more subdued look. Hamish Smith, Creative Director at Ca' Pietra, highlights the unique characteristic of this collection: its inherent irregularities when laid. He encourages embracing these imperfections, as they contribute to a distinctive character and impart a rustic, lived-in feel to spaces. Smith notes that the inspiration for this porcelain tile collection came from a beautiful pottery range discovered in Italy, making it suitable for a wide array of indoor and outdoor wall applications. The five tile designs are currently available for purchase online. To assist customers in making their selection and visualizing how the tiles will appear in their homes, Ca' Pietra offers sample swatches starting from £1. This new collection offers homeowners an opportunity to infuse their living spaces with a touch of hand-crafted elegance and unique charm. #TileCollection #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CaPietra #PotteryInspired #WallTiles #FloorTiles #RusticVibe #ItalianInfluence

Photographer Sebastian Erras, known for his captivating series of mosaic floors, continues to expand his project by documenting diverse and imaginative tiled patterns across Europe and Cuba. Erras initially focused on the intricate floors found throughout Paris, meticulously capturing their unique designs. Over time, his project broadened to include other European cities such as Barcelona and London, where he discovered equally stunning examples of floor artistry. His work is primarily showcased on his Instagram account, @parisianfloors, where he shares his downward-facing photographic finds. The article highlights several of Erras's recent captures, including two distinct perspectives of a sea-themed floor located at the restaurant Le Bon Pecheur in Paris. One image features a friendly-looking crab rendered in mosaic, while another depicts a fantastically detailed conical shell. These examples demonstrate the variety and charm of the mosaic and tile work that Erras seeks out. The photographer's dedication to this niche subject reveals the often-overlooked beauty beneath our feet, transforming everyday surfaces into works of art. His collection serves as a visual archive of these intricate designs, many of which embody historical and cultural narratives through their patterns and motifs. By presenting these floors from a unique, direct-overhead perspective, Erras invites viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal of these architectural elements, encouraging a closer look at the details that contribute to a space's character. His ongoing project underscores the importance of preserving and recognizing these traditional forms of interior design, which are often integral to the identity of the buildings they adorn. Erras's work not only documents these beautiful floors but also brings them to a wider audience, fostering an appreciation for the artistic heritage embedded in urban environments. The expansion of his project beyond Paris to other European and even Cuban locations signifies the universal appeal and presence of such decorative floorings, indicating a rich tapestry of design history waiting to be explored. #FloorArt #MosaicPhotography #TileDesign #SebastianErras #EuropeanFloors #ParisianFloors #ArchitecturalDetails #InteriorDesign #VisualCulture

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

Across centuries and diverse cultures, the creation of tiles has consistently involved the baking, coloring, and heat-bonding of clay with various coatings. This ancient craft has endured, with artisan studios today diligently preserving the traditional techniques that produce these durable and decorative claddings. The versatility and inherent qualities of tiles are often underestimated. They exhibit remarkable resilience to high temperatures, offer hygienic, wipe-clean surfaces for walls, and possess a robust ability to form protective layers that can withstand centuries of use. Unlike wood, tiles do not rot; unlike metal, they do not corrode; and they will not ignite when exposed to fire. Beyond their practical attributes, tiles serve as significant decorative elements, reflecting rich cultural heritage. Examples include the intricate geometric patterns found in Islamic architecture, the distinctive Art Nouveau murals of the Parisian metro, and the historically significant hand-painted Azulejos on Portuguese houses. While flat tiles are commonly envisioned, embossed patterns, imprints, and convex tiles designed for curved structures are also prevalent, as seen in the roofs of Chinese pagodas or the tiles adorning 18th-century Swedish stoves and Victorian pillars in British institutions. The methods for tile production have evolved since ancient times. Early techniques involved baking earth directly in the sun and in rudimentary firepits, progressing to more sophisticated kiln structures. Historical records indicate that tiles were molded from clay in Ancient Mesopotamia as early as 4000 BC. The Egyptians developed vitreous glass glazes around 2500 BC, and the Romans created intricate mosaics from thousands of small pieces. Islamic artisans, around the 9th century, enhanced glazes with metals like silver or copper to achieve additional luster. Their handmade process for creating Zellige tiles continues to be practiced today in modern Morocco, where artisanal studios use slim metal frames to shape clay tiles. These tiles are sun-dried, hand-dipped in glaze, fired in ground-dug kiln cavities, and then meticulously hand-chiselled into stars, lozenges, and other geometric forms. The subtle irregularities inherent in this artisanal process contribute significantly to the enduring charm of Zellige tiles, with UK suppliers such as Emery & Cie and Mosaic Factory offering authentic handmade ranges. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, tile production in Europe, outside of Moorish Spain, was not widespread until the Middle Ages. In Britain, medieval tile-making was primarily a rural, seasonal occupation, providing supplemental income for peasants. The process involved digging clay in winter, allowing it to weather until spring, cleaning it of debris, and then hand-pressing the reddish-brown material into wooden frame moulds to create tiles up to 3cm thick. As skills advanced and European influences grew, a white clay layer was sometimes applied over the red base and then scratched away using the sgraffito technique to create decorative effects. Patterns were also impressed into wet clay using hand-carved wooden blocks to produce raised motifs. Tube-lined tiles, popular during the Edwardian era, represent a heritage technique that Balineum preserves at its workshop in Stoke-on-Trent, featuring over 70 designs, five core shapes, and 32 glazes. By the 14th century, specialized workers and centers for tile production emerged across Britain, leading to the development of inlaid tiles. This technique involved filling imprinted patterns with a paler-colored clay slip. During firing, glazes altered the clay colors—red turning to brown and white to yellow—to create a two-toned design, a method still employed by Priory Tiles in Kent for medieval-style tiles. The thoughtful use of tile layout, as demonstrated by projects from studios like Studio Duggan, can effectively blend classic and contemporary aesthetics. #TileMaking #ArtisanCraftsmanship #AncientTechniques #ArchitecturalDecor #CeramicArt #InteriorDesign #CulturalHeritage #HomeDecoration

Marni's architectural team has recently inaugurated a new store in Venice, situated in Piazza San Marco. This new boutique is strategically located between the colonnades of Piazza San Marco, featuring large windows beneath grating lunettes. The design of the store is a deliberate fusion of Marni's artistic vision and Venice's rich cultural heritage, ensuring a respectful integration of both elements. The interior design elements are meticulously chosen to reflect Venetian architectural codes, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors. The boutique's interior boasts Venetian stucco walls, a Calacatta marble mosaic floor, and delicate ivory finishes, all contributing to an atmosphere of refined elegance. A central feature of the store is a large spiral staircase, which commands attention by wrapping itself in golden stripes, creating a voluminous silhouette that illuminates the otherwise neutral-colored room. The ceiling incorporates bronze details and tones reminiscent of the exterior, further brightening the space and connecting the interior with its surroundings. The display of Marni's collections, including both men's and women's designs by Francesco Risso, follows a minimalist approach, emphasizing precision and care. Items are presented on a glass case set on silver tiles and a shelf crafted from Venetian stucco. A dedicated footwear area is positioned in front of a window that offers a direct view of the Basilica of San Marco. This placement allows the natural light of the Venetian sunset to illuminate the area each evening, enhancing the display and creating a captivating ambiance. Every aspect of the new Marni boutique, from the materials used to the strategic placement of design elements, is designed to celebrate the intrinsic link between the brand and the cultural essence of Venice. The store aims to be more than just a retail space; it is a testament to the brand's commitment to artistic expression and its profound appreciation for the city's unique aesthetic. #MarniBoutique #Venice #PiazzaSanMarco #InteriorDesign #VenetianStucco #CalacattaMarble #FashionRetail #ArchitecturalDesign #CulturalHeritage