The 2024 ceramic tile trends cater to three different needs

The new 2024 Italian ceramic tile collections reflect three macro trends that cater to specific needs in the world of interior design, especially in domestic spaces. These trends are centred around the desire for security, lightness and freedom within the home. In other words, they reflect moods rather than functions, something that has become harder to achieve in the outside world at this challenging moment in history.
Companies are responding to the need for security – which in this context equates with stability – by returning to solid, elegant materials from a familiar aesthetic realm, such as marble and natural stone. For this purpose, they have delved into their archives to retrieve historical decorations and formats. Conversely, pastel colours dominate spaces designed to evoke light, carefree and positive atmospheres. At the same time, the growing popularity of ceramic tile collections featuring bold decorations reflects the desire for interiors in which individuals can freely express themselves and give free rein to their creativity.

New Vintage style
The New Vintage style fulfils a need for security and stability, creating atmospheres reminiscent of materials or decorations from the past while incorporating modern comfort and functionality. For instance, the use of porcelain stoneware allows for the creation of environments inspired by the 1950s, the industrial style or even older periods, without sacrificing important technical characteristics such as frost, abrasion and stain resistance and colourfastness. Companies’ research efforts have also led to the development of innovative products that offer security in terms of both emotions and functionality. These include surfaces that achieve excellent anti-slip properties without adopting a rough finish, combining softness, versatility and ease of cleaning. Other collections stand out for their finishes, meticulously mimicking the appearance of natural stone and marble and replicating not just the patterns of the original materials but also their timeworn look.

Pastel colours

As early as the 1950s, pastel colours found their way into homes, gracing ceramic surfaces and objects alike. Colour designer Francesca Valan explains that these hues were vital at the time because they embodied optimism, a sentiment pervading the Western world as it emerged from the shadow of war. Today, these shades are making a comeback, a trend underscored by the yearly colour predictions made by international paint companies. However, the symbolic significance has evolved markedly: while pastels still serve to foster positive emotions, they now also hint at a need for escapism and a departure from reality.

Maximalist decorations
The maximalist style in the world of surface coverings, with its large sizes, extravagant decorations, bold patterns and recently introduced three-dimensional effects, might seem at odds with the soft-coloured minimalism trend. However, it is deeply entwined with the quest for comfort and well-being that people are increasingly seeking within their homes, particularly during a period marked by significant external challenges. Within the sanctuary of the home, people are not just looking for security and positivity; they are also in search of a space where they can freely express themselves and allow their inner voice to resonate, fuelled by the power of their imagination. This paves the way for eclecticism and overlapping, without forgetting to choose quality materials and finishes to avoid descending into kitsch.