Tile Trends From Italy: Creativity & Versatility Rule at Cersaie Fair
From 3D optical illusions to murals and new ways with black and white, tile is embracing its artistic side
Tile manufacturers are getting creative. Gone are the days of boring white tiles scaling bathroom walls: Tile is now becoming more versatile, colourful and, well, prettier. We’re seeing a shift from the obvious and minimal to more colourful designs in the form of both enduring favourites, like cement-tile-look tiles or black-and-white schemes, and new ideas, like illustrated or textile-inspired tile or pastel shades.
This much was clear from this year’s Cersaie trade fair (Bologna, Italy, September 23–27). With trends diverging between black-and-white, bold colours and pastel tones, tile is setting its sights on more than just the bathroom and providing something for everyone. Here are 8 tile trends that are hot this year.
This much was clear from this year’s Cersaie trade fair (Bologna, Italy, September 23–27). With trends diverging between black-and-white, bold colours and pastel tones, tile is setting its sights on more than just the bathroom and providing something for everyone. Here are 8 tile trends that are hot this year.
Scenario collection by Marazzi
Fun collection by Ceramica Sant’Agostino
Resina collection by Ragno
3. Pastel colours
For those who prefer a softer feel and more delicate tones, another trend is on the way: Pastels, with pink as the unconventional protagonist.
Find an interior designer to help plan your flooring
3. Pastel colours
For those who prefer a softer feel and more delicate tones, another trend is on the way: Pastels, with pink as the unconventional protagonist.
Find an interior designer to help plan your flooring
R-Evolution collection by Casalgrande Padana
Variations in tile size, glossy or matte finishes and monochromatic or tone-on-tone schemes keep things interesting.
Variations in tile size, glossy or matte finishes and monochromatic or tone-on-tone schemes keep things interesting.
R-Evolution collection by Casalgrande Padana
OT 07026 collection by Cerasarda
4. Black and white
A classic: Black-and-white floors have immediate impact – now in more than just the kitchen, their traditional setting.
Find flooring and carpeting professionals on Houzz
4. Black and white
A classic: Black-and-white floors have immediate impact – now in more than just the kitchen, their traditional setting.
Find flooring and carpeting professionals on Houzz
Contrasti collection by Ragno
The novelty, in fact, is in using black-and-white chequered tiles in other areas of the house, from the entryway to the living area.
Patterned tile works well here too, or alternating patterned (but still strictly black-and-white) and monochrome tile.
The novelty, in fact, is in using black-and-white chequered tiles in other areas of the house, from the entryway to the living area.
Patterned tile works well here too, or alternating patterned (but still strictly black-and-white) and monochrome tile.
Contrasti collection by Ragno
Marquina Nero lux from the Delight collection by Lea Ceramiche
Serie Ritratto from the Hand Painted collection by Target
6. Pictorial decorations
Among the new ideas were wall finishes reminiscent of hand-painted canvases.
In some cases, like the Rittratto series from Target, pictured here, these can even be customised: Customers request the image they want to be depicted on the tiles and develop a concept in collaboration with the designers.
6. Pictorial decorations
Among the new ideas were wall finishes reminiscent of hand-painted canvases.
In some cases, like the Rittratto series from Target, pictured here, these can even be customised: Customers request the image they want to be depicted on the tiles and develop a concept in collaboration with the designers.
Wonderwall collection by Cotto d’Este
In other cases, they are more traditional and often inspired by nature, which is trendy in itself – as we’ll see below.
In other cases, they are more traditional and often inspired by nature, which is trendy in itself – as we’ll see below.
Terre collection by Roca
7. Jungle style
Yes, nature is one of the most frequently chosen subjects for wall decor. Specifically, the large leaves of tropical forests immediately bring a sense of the jungle into the home.
They’re not just for those who love bold designs: there’s a version for everyone, with tiles that still transport one to the jungle, but in more subdued shades.
7. Jungle style
Yes, nature is one of the most frequently chosen subjects for wall decor. Specifically, the large leaves of tropical forests immediately bring a sense of the jungle into the home.
They’re not just for those who love bold designs: there’s a version for everyone, with tiles that still transport one to the jungle, but in more subdued shades.
Bloom collection by FAP Ceramiche
I filati di Rex collection by Florim in collaberation with Rubelli.
7. Textile-like weaves
The last trend, dedicated above all to fans of the romantic and the classic, is stoneware that echoes the patterns of traditional cloth wallpaper.
7. Textile-like weaves
The last trend, dedicated above all to fans of the romantic and the classic, is stoneware that echoes the patterns of traditional cloth wallpaper.
Wonderwall collection by Cotto d’Este
We saw small flower prints and tone-on-tone coverings that resurrect classical inspiration in a durable, easy-to-clean tile form.
Read more:
Tile Talk: An Alphabetical Guide to Tile Terms
Tile Guide: Where to Use Which Tile Type
Tell us:
Which tile caught your fancy?
We saw small flower prints and tone-on-tone coverings that resurrect classical inspiration in a durable, easy-to-clean tile form.
Read more:
Tile Talk: An Alphabetical Guide to Tile Terms
Tile Guide: Where to Use Which Tile Type
Tell us:
Which tile caught your fancy?
1. 3D illusion
3D tiles are big this year, but their texture can be uncomfortable on floors. However, there’s a plan B: flat tiles with a 3D effect. As a bonus, these come in a variety of colours and inventive visual effects.