Tile is said to be one of the most versatile materials in the decorative surface segment. With innovations happening at light and fast speed, tiles are venturing into unchartered territories and depicting designs, shapes, styles and applications that are earlier unheard of. A designer’s favourite materials, Tiles are being experimented upon every time to create a unique décor statement while being sustainable. Keeping up with the tradition, SURFACES REPORTER (SR) presents to you Ten Tentalizing Tiles Trends with inputs from Cersai 2021-22, the biggest tile event of the year.
1. Earthen Tones and Matt finishes
No longer meant only for exterior spaces, Earthen tones continue to rise and shine with the influences of raw nature and subtlety of pure organic undertones that speak to comfort and home. The clean lines and smooth surface of matt finish reinforce the value of simplicity. These honed looks provide a simple backdrop forthe subtle and natural variation of raw materials allowing them to shine
2. Rise of blue and Green
While previous chromatic palettes were all about infusing color, this year we anticipate a shift towards more toned-down designs.There will be a strong rise in neutral blues and greens encompassing entire collections to stimulate tranquil and calm settings. This scheme will be accompanied by accent pieces in super saturated deep blues and emerald greens to add a dose of color.
3. SUBTLE TEXTURE
With the preference for more demure designs, shading becomes vitally important. The simplest and most effective way to manipulate shade is through texture. Collections featuring hypnotic surfaces will offer spaces a unique sensory experience full of depth and interest.
4. Nature takes the centerstage
Organic graphics full of simple wood grains mixed with light and dark nuances become tension anchors for designs, in contrast to the aggressive & imposing stone looks of the past. In this trend, we enter into our second range of layered neutrals that spin from deep red and rusty terracotta through the mid-spectrum browns of woods and oxides through to the peachy, honeyed tones of raw lumber or fired earth.
5. DYNAMIC DESIGN
As technology grows and progresses, we see a rebirth of ceramic art. Painting styles, graphic design and other art-forms find fertile soil in decorative ceramic elements. Designed to be flexible in their use and equally suited to be used as accents or entire fields.
6. Geometric Sequence
Tessellating geometrics with a rise in hexagons, triangles and chevrons abound. The diversity of geometric tiles and the versatility they deliver elevate designs and create a more interesting look. Ceramic collections featuring ornate motifs can be combined with more simplistic designs to infuse drama in residential and commercial spaces. Solid colors finished in both glossy and matte coatings play incredibly well together creating a dynamic yet subtle layer of interest.
.jpg)
7. Marble Mania
As the efficacy of replicating realistic stones becomes more simplified, we start ranging further afield to create fantastic examples of natural rock. From intricate veining patterns to warm golds and cool silvers, the look of marble can easily be depicted in tiles. Large-format slabs featuring smoky marbled streaks combined with the soft shimmers of iridescent details will remain the protagonist to conceive glamorous interiors.
8. HYGIENIC SOLUTIONS & FLEX-USE SURFACES
Since the advent of COVID-19, we are more focused than ever on analyzing the spaces we spend most of our time in. Now more than ever we must ask, how do we maintain these spaces to keep them safe and sanitized? Manufacturers from around the world offer ceramic solutions infused with antibacterial properties to adorn countertops, floors walls and more, and quickly halt the spread of germs and lend to quick and chemical-free cleaning to promote more sustainable environments.
9. Digital Augmentation
Mid-piece effects and transitions in structure and finish add tiers of detail to build an organic composition. Layered glazes and inks bring depth of tone and finish. Digitally deposited adhesives fix particles of frit to recreate the worn classic glaze.
10. Small Scale in the Great Outdoors
To celebrate the macro scale capabilities of modern production, we see a return to classic sizes like the 8x8”, that call upon iconic motifs and glazing styles of Modernist times and retro design. The rise of smaller formats, especially for exteriors helps satisfy safety as well as aesthetics.
