Following up on last month’s extensive recap of the Cersaie exhibition in Bologna, Tile of Spain has highlighted six trends from the show it says will see us through to 2023.
Autumn leaves
Whether bold and sharply drawn or soft and impressionistic, leaf patterns are the motif for post-pandemic interiors. As many of us have acquired a new appreciation for nature and its soothing qualities on our lockdown walks, it is no wonder that we’re welcoming the outdoors in.
Shapely figures
One of the most innovative types of surface, 3D tiles can take a variety of forms. Relief surfaces can have a purely decorative purpose – adding interest to a wall – or they can offer a practical solution. Used as cladding, ceramic pieces not only add appealing, colourful surfaces to buildings, they may also offer ventilation or acoustic barriers. If pieces are stackable they work well as dividers, marking out an area for a specific use.
Decomania
The simplicity and streamlined forms of Art Deco suit contemporary interiors, so the Spanish tile manufacturers regularly produce small formats that pay homage to this aesthetic movement. Black and white geometric designs are perennially popular as they’re easy to live with and less likely to need updating when fashions change. They go well with co-ordinating marble effects that add to the luxurious feel the Deco era was known for.
HEX-cstatic
Offering a contemporary vibe, the hexagon shape is holding on to its appeal. Spanish manufacturers have launched many variations for both wall, floor and exterior. This popular tile format is successful when laid out as a single colour, but lends itself to experimentation with an imaginative placement of tiles.
Glam metal
Metals have taken on a more sophisticated style with finishes that are rich and dark or luminous and light. Less apparent is the enthusiasm for distressed or industrial finishes as many of the newer ranges compete to be the most glamorous. Surfaces that would suit a high-end bathroom refurb or a luxurious spa are notable for their impressively realistic details.
Golden wonder
For a luxurious look, marble-effect porcelains are a popular choice. They’re dramatic and often demonstrate an advantage over the raw material with colours or striations that have been unashamedly enhanced. This year’s designs are as eye-catching as ever and have gone towards the warmer end of the spectrum.
