Products Trends


2019 Fall-Winter Tile Trend Report | by Caroline Busch
After roaming miles of aisles and a dozen pavilions at the Bologna Fairgrounds for Cersaie, Ceramics of Italy is pleased to reveal the top seven tile trends for the fall-winter season. From a design standpoint, the new collections from Italian tile producers were full of striking patterns, saturated color and interesting surface effects made possible by new technologies and collaborations with famous design studios and fashion houses such as Mendini, Lissoni, Versace, Valentino and Rubelli. Italian brands also demonstrated their expanding library of product offerings with sinks, shower floors and kitchen countertops made of porcelain tile slabs.
BAS RELIEF
Relief is a centuries-old sculptural technique, used by artisans to add depth and drama to the built environment – from the frieze of the Parthenon to Trajan’s column in Rome. This year’s tile collections were full of relief, from ridges and creases to more sculptural surfaces, like boiserie.
- Aix by Atlas Concorde
- Block by Ceramica Fioranese
- Materia by Ceramiche Piemme
- Stream by EdimaxAstor
- Lumina by Fap
- Bubble by Imola Ceramica
- Drapes by Made+39
- Victoria by Marca Corona
- Soffio by Vallelunga
SPECKLED
Given postmodernism’s recent comeback, it’s not surprising to see speckled surfaces as one of this year’s biggest trends. Micro and macro fragments, technicolor dots and playful interpretations of terrazzo all played a starring role in dozens of new introductions.
- Blend Concrete Grey by ABK
- Macro by Casalgrande Padana
- Terrazzo MaxiMini by Ceramica Fioranese
- Porfirica by Ceramiche Coem
- Frammenti by Ceramica Del Conca
- Medley by Ergon
- Le Palladiane by Rex
- Shards by Fondovalle
- Overcome by Leonardo
- Foyer by Marca Corona
- Quilt by Mosaico+
- Rissey by Refin
PRECIOUS
From designs emulating rare marbles and semi-precious stones to tiles with an iridescent finish reminiscent of Akoya pearls, preciousness was the name of the game for dozens of manufacturers this year. It also gives designers a chance to source rare and precious materials without depleting the Earth’s natural resources!
- Narciso by Viva
- Nolita by Vallelunga
- Opulence (Valentino by Ceramiche Piemme)
- Akoya by Ceramica Sant’Agostino
- Vetri by Refin
- Oro by LaFaenza
- Infinito 2.0 by Fondovalle
- Onyx&More by Casa dolce casa (Florim)
- Boutique by Del Conca
- Luci di Venezia by Decoratori Bassanesi
- Moon_Stone by Coem
- Élite by Blustyle
BLENDED MATERIALS
One of the advantages of digital printing is the ability to reproduce the look of just about any material. With unlimited possibilities at their fingertips, Italian tile companies are blending material effects, such as wood & concrete or marble & terrazzo, to create entirely original typologies and new opportunities in interior design.
- Timeline by Del Conca
- Millelegni by Emilceramica
- Arcadia by Fire
- B&W Marble by Floor Gres
- Alter by Provenza
- Timewood by Ceramica Sant’Agostino
FLORA
Designers know that a touch of greenery can add comfort or whimsy to any space – not to mention the psychological benefits of biophilia. This year’s tile collections offer a range of floral options, from hyper-realistic green walls to playful palm prints.
- Limpha by Casalgrande Padana
- Verde Verticale by Francesco De Maio
- Extra Leaf by Colli di Sassuolo
- I Filati di Rex
- Maiora Concrete Effect by Ragno
- Icon by Target Group
- i-sense by Vallelunga
TERRACOTTA & SAGE
Italians do not shy away from color, which was obvious at this year’s show. A warm color palette saturated the show floor – but sage and terracotta were the most popular hues, both separately and occasionally paired together.
- Art Shapes by ABK
- Bamboo by Appiani
- Materia Prima by CIR
- Rocket by Decoratori Bassanesi
- Terra by La Faenza
- Resina by Ragno
- Spring by Ceramica Sant’Agostino
- System by Vogue
- Foil by Refin
PSYCHEDELIC
They say “everything old is new again,” and the same is true for tile! Radical references to the 1960’s and 70’s were plentiful, with psychedelic colors, playful geometries and trippy patterns galore.
- Fleurs by Bardelli
- Join by Caesar
- Oro di Napoli by Ce.Vi.
- Cementine by Fioranese
- Interlagos by Tonino Lamborghini Tiles & Style
- Let it Bee by ImolaCeramica
- Paprica by Marca Corona
- Icon by Target Group
- Dimore by Emilceramica
October 2019