Tile Gets Creative at Italy’s Cersaie Design Fair
From 3D optical illusions to murals and new ways with black and white, tile is displaying its artistic side
Antonia Solari
October 11, 2019
Tile manufacturers are getting more creative. Their latest designs — on display recently at Italy’s Cersaie trade fair — are more versatile, more colorful and, in some cases, prettier. This shift is true among enduring favorites, such as cement-tile-look porcelain tile and black-and-white tile, and newer styles, such as illustrated, textile-inspired and pastel-colored tile.
With this wide range of designs, tile is moving from the bathroom into living spaces and providing something for everyone. Here are eight tile looks that were hot this year at the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings show in Bologna, Italy.
With this wide range of designs, tile is moving from the bathroom into living spaces and providing something for everyone. Here are eight tile looks that were hot this year at the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings show in Bologna, Italy.
Chain in Blue (floor) and Rainbow in Avio (walls) from the Art Shapes series in ABK’s new Wide & Style capsule collection
1. 3D Illusion
Three-dimensional 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, they come in a variety of colors and inventive visual effects.
1. 3D Illusion
Three-dimensional 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, they come in a variety of colors and inventive visual effects.
Soul collection by Ceramiche Piemme
Scenario collection by Marazzi
Icon collection by Target
2. Cement Tile Reborn in Porcelain
New porcelain-stoneware interpretations of traditional cement tiles are available in supercolorful and lively options. They inject color into a home on walls and floors or as decor details.
8 Design Trends From Italy’s Big Exhibition
2. Cement Tile Reborn in Porcelain
New porcelain-stoneware interpretations of traditional cement tiles are available in supercolorful and lively options. They inject color into a home on walls and floors or as decor details.
8 Design Trends From Italy’s Big Exhibition
Fun collection by Ceramica Sant’Agostino
Resina collection by Ragno
3. Pastel Colors
For those who prefer a softer feel and more delicate tones, another trend is on the way: pastels, with pink as an unconventional protagonist.
3. Pastel Colors
For those who prefer a softer feel and more delicate tones, another trend is on the way: pastels, with pink as an unconventional protagonist.
R-Evolution collection by Casalgrande Padana
Variations in tile size, finish (glossy or matte) and palette (monochromatic or tone on tone) keep things interesting.
Variations in tile size, finish (glossy or matte) and palette (monochromatic or tone on tone) keep things interesting.
Trasparenze Marine collection by Cerasarda
R-Evolution collection by Casalgrande Padana
OT 07026 collection by Cerasarda
4. Black and White
A classic black-and-white floor has an immediate impact — now in more than just the kitchen, its traditional setting.
4. Black and White
A classic black-and-white floor has an immediate impact — now in more than just the kitchen, its traditional setting.
Contrasti collection by Ragno
The novelty, in fact, is in using black and white checker tiles in other areas of the house, from the entryway to the living area. Using patterned black and white tile would work well too, or alternating patterned and monochromatic tile, keeping strictly to a black-and-white palette.
The novelty, in fact, is in using black and white checker tiles in other areas of the house, from the entryway to the living area. Using patterned black and white tile would work well too, or alternating patterned and monochromatic tile, keeping strictly to a black-and-white palette.
Chymia collection by Mutina
Contrasti collection by Ragno
Déchirer collection by Mutina, designed by Patricia Urquiola
5. All-Black
If even a black-and-white palette is too much, there’s always the option of an all-black color scheme. Black is never monotonous when various shapes and sizes of tile are used. Think hexagons, mosaic tiles, large slabs and classic subway tile.
5. All-Black
If even a black-and-white palette is too much, there’s always the option of an all-black color scheme. Black is never monotonous when various shapes and sizes of tile are used. Think hexagons, mosaic tiles, large slabs and classic subway tile.
Jointed collection by Mosaico+
Finish also plays a fundamental role. As seen here, glossy tile against a matte finish creates movement and variation.
Finish also plays a fundamental role. As seen here, glossy tile against a matte finish creates movement and variation.
Xtone collection by Urbatek
Marble-look tiles also offer movement — specifically black varieties, perhaps veined with hints of other colors.
Marble-look tiles also offer movement — specifically black varieties, perhaps veined with hints of other colors.
Marquina Nero Lux from the Delight collection by Lea Ceramiche
Ritratto series 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 Ritratto series from Target, pictured here, they can even be customized. Customers specify 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 Ritratto series from Target, pictured here, they can even be customized. Customers specify 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
Other options are more traditional and are often inspired by nature, which is trendy in itself — as we’ll see below.
Other options are more traditional and are 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. Tile showing large tropical leaves brings a sense of the jungle into the home.
Offerings in more subdued shades are available for those who don’t love bold designs.
7. Jungle Style
Yes, nature is one of the most frequently chosen subjects for wall decor. Tile showing large tropical leaves brings a sense of the jungle into the home.
Offerings in more subdued shades are available for those who don’t love bold designs.
Bloom collection by FAP Ceramiche
I Filati di Rex collection by Florim and Rubelli
7. Textile-Like Looks
The last trend, dedicated to fans of the romantic and the classic, is stoneware that echoes the patterns of traditional cloth wallpaper.
7. Textile-Like Looks
The last trend, dedicated to fans of the romantic and the classic, is stoneware that echoes the patterns of traditional cloth wallpaper.
Wonderwall collection by Cotto d’Este
At Cersaie, we saw small flower prints and tone-on-tone coverings that called fabric to mind but were actually durable, easy-to-clean tile.
Tell us: Which tile look do you find most compelling? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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At Cersaie, we saw small flower prints and tone-on-tone coverings that called fabric to mind but were actually durable, easy-to-clean tile.
Tell us: Which tile look do you find most compelling? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read about other shows and trends
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Join the Houzz Trade Program
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Rachelen, if you have seen ones you like on here you could contact the supplier through the Houzz link and see if they export to anyone here. Sometimes it's just one little independent tile retailer that you would never find driving around. At our last house I had to go to a "traditionally European heritage" area to an independent to get the border tiles I wanted as the majors all had same same. Even my local family owned tile seller was catering to the big builders i.e. plain and boring.
I am leaning to the Chymia tile for a 8 x 4 bathroom floor. Black vanity and white quartz. Appreciate opinions as to whether it's too trendy, too busy or will make a nice statement.
Thanks!
Oh my, #4 <3