The passing of time is a reality we cannot escape. It is one that creates two permanent challenges in interior design: durability of materials and longevity of design trends. That’s where ceramic tile comes into the design equation. It is the perfect option to fight the concept of time and withstand these challenges. Its resistance and infinite aesthetic possibilities makes ceramic tile the ultimate design tool.
There is a clear tendency towards neutral pieces so that the design stays modern even through the passing of time. In their search for design longevity, both commercial and residential spaces use plain colored square tiles combined with metallic finishes, stone-like qualities, surfaces with volume, classic style and the combination of sizes and postmodern esthetics. Here’s a look at how ceramic tile trends are looking towards the future.
Dual Gres, Arti Collection. Décor Vera Blue Series (12×24)
Reemergence of Metal Looks
Rose gold, brass, copper and other antique finishes are increasing in popularity as seen at recent latest design trade shows like Cevisama. Manufacturers and designers are looking to the past to reclaim aged materials for their designs in response to their search for timeless pieces.
Dune Cerámica, Megalo Collection, Grace Gold Series (12×12)
Ceramic tiles re-visit more classic uses of metals, with entire designs mixing an array of textures. The mixture of gloss and matte, plus the subtle play of volume become assets when designing with these collections. Mirrored effects, metal inlays, metallic shades and iridescence hues make up unique ceramic compositions that bring timeless style to any room.
Terrazzo Passion
One of the most traditional materials gaining a popular presence in interior design projects are the agglomerates derived from stones, which ceramic tiles have the ability to perfectly reproduce. These materials are composed by a binder, which serves as an element to unite fragments. Traditionally, raw or colored cement and fragments are from rocks, which come from slabs of natural stones.
Vives Ceramica, Ceppo di Gre Collection. Oriyas Natural Series (24X24)
The finish, which imitates terrazzo, is, without a doubt, the most relevant. Architects and interior designers value it as a material with character reproducing the effect of salt and pepper or stracciatella, which is once again making a come back.
Tactile Surfaces
Thanks to technological advances introduced to the industry, ceramic tile manufacturers can now generate artful pieces with controlled body, volume and three-dimensional effects. Texture is important to consumer perception, both visually and physically, when searching for wall tiles with a strong character in order to make a design statement.
The latest technological innovations allow for the production of very precise tile reliefs thanks to special inks/enamel impressions and major improvements in the classic production process.
Cas Ceramica. Artline Collection. Star Series (6X16)
The object of tactile surfaces is to generate contrasts between smooth surfaces and rough finishes, between bright enamels and mattes, and between plain surfaces and those with volume. These surfaces present a simple esthetic with pure graphic designs, as well as an extensive variety of reproductions of natural textures.
Part 1 of 2. These trends are summarized from the Tendencias Cerámicas Report 17/18 of the Observatorio de Tendencias del Hábitat, which can be seen in its entirety here.