The Changing Face of Tile at Italy’s Cersaie 2022 Trade Fair
We saw muted tones, tactile surfaces, smaller formats and innovation at the international ceramics and bathroom show
Antonia Solari
October 14, 2022
An explosion of color, tactile surfaces and innovation in ceramic products was on display at Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, held Sept. 26 to 30, 2022, in Bologna, Italy.
The common denominator among new products was the goal of making homes more comfortable, with delicate shades that inspire relaxation and earth tones that emphasize a connection to nature. The fair also made room for highly textured surfaces that stimulate the senses and create a sense of belonging.
Tiles for interiors were displayed in a variety of formats, especially on the smaller side, while wood- and marble-look styles continued to be popular. The most popular, however, were tiles that mimic wallpaper or metallics. We also saw many technical innovations as the sector continues seek out ways to reduce energy consumption, combat indoor pollution and reduce waste.
The common denominator among new products was the goal of making homes more comfortable, with delicate shades that inspire relaxation and earth tones that emphasize a connection to nature. The fair also made room for highly textured surfaces that stimulate the senses and create a sense of belonging.
Tiles for interiors were displayed in a variety of formats, especially on the smaller side, while wood- and marble-look styles continued to be popular. The most popular, however, were tiles that mimic wallpaper or metallics. We also saw many technical innovations as the sector continues seek out ways to reduce energy consumption, combat indoor pollution and reduce waste.
Federica Biasi, Decoratori Bassanesi designer and art director, next to her Wabi-Sabi collection at the company’s Cersaie booth. Photo by Simone Furiosi
1. Earth Tones
Clay, ocher, green and other natural tones are clearly popular. “We’re using earth tones more and more. It’s a clear trend,” says Federica Biasi, designer and artistic director of Decoratori Bassanesi. “After two years of Covid, everyone wants to reconnect with nature. In fact, the trend will only grow stronger. And this is my philosophy as a designer: The home should be a place to relax and get back to natural environments.”
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1. Earth Tones
Clay, ocher, green and other natural tones are clearly popular. “We’re using earth tones more and more. It’s a clear trend,” says Federica Biasi, designer and artistic director of Decoratori Bassanesi. “After two years of Covid, everyone wants to reconnect with nature. In fact, the trend will only grow stronger. And this is my philosophy as a designer: The home should be a place to relax and get back to natural environments.”
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Bottega d’Arte line by Iris Ceramica
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Mindwalk collection from Pastorelli in Cardoso Stone and Brown Antique
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Percosi Frame collection from Ceramiche Keope
2. Calm and Soothing Tones
Designed to create relaxing spaces and make the bathroom a snug, cozy environment, we saw tiles in particularly light and delicate tones tiptoeing into interiors, bringing with them a feeling of comfort. “Homes should be filled with soft tones, and tiles shouldn’t disturb the environment, but complement it,” Biasi says.
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2. Calm and Soothing Tones
Designed to create relaxing spaces and make the bathroom a snug, cozy environment, we saw tiles in particularly light and delicate tones tiptoeing into interiors, bringing with them a feeling of comfort. “Homes should be filled with soft tones, and tiles shouldn’t disturb the environment, but complement it,” Biasi says.
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Pigmenti collection by Ferruccio Laviani for Lea Ceramiche, in 12 colors
3. Color Blocking
“Desaturated and neutral colors like beige and dusty pink are still very present, but we’re also beginning to see saturated colors used together,” says designer Terri Pecora. Color blocking was another prominent trend at Cersaie this year. In some cases, we saw natural colors paired together, creating a sense of movement.
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3. Color Blocking
“Desaturated and neutral colors like beige and dusty pink are still very present, but we’re also beginning to see saturated colors used together,” says designer Terri Pecora. Color blocking was another prominent trend at Cersaie this year. In some cases, we saw natural colors paired together, creating a sense of movement.
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Katrine Goldstein, managing director and partner of Norm Architects, with the firm’s Copenhagen collection for Decoratori Bassanesi. Photo by Simone Furiosi
4. Tactile Textures
Tile surfaces may have been the most interesting thing at this year’s fair. Cersaie 2022 was all tactile, with designers and producers presenting plenty of textures to stimulate touch.
Katrine Goldstein, managing director and partner at Norm Architects explains that the trend of pairing soft colors with particularly tactile surfaces triggers a sense of well-being. “Our collections are made in colors that make us feel relaxed. Surrounding ourselves with earth tones relaxes the mind and the soul. … Nowadays, we’re so overwhelmed by images and stimuli that architecture and design play a vital role in how people feel when they’re at home or in other environments. Colors inspired by nature and tactile surfaces are things we desperately need.”
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4. Tactile Textures
Tile surfaces may have been the most interesting thing at this year’s fair. Cersaie 2022 was all tactile, with designers and producers presenting plenty of textures to stimulate touch.
Katrine Goldstein, managing director and partner at Norm Architects explains that the trend of pairing soft colors with particularly tactile surfaces triggers a sense of well-being. “Our collections are made in colors that make us feel relaxed. Surrounding ourselves with earth tones relaxes the mind and the soul. … Nowadays, we’re so overwhelmed by images and stimuli that architecture and design play a vital role in how people feel when they’re at home or in other environments. Colors inspired by nature and tactile surfaces are things we desperately need.”
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Blow collection from Blustyle. The Crust version has a patterned finish.
“We try to bring in very powerful, tactile textures that nevertheless do not impact the space too much from an aesthetic point of view,” Biasi says. “Everything has to be be designed with a view to the whole. In the bathroom, for example, comfortable, serene spaces with very natural colors, satin and velvet textures that are very tactile and speak to all five senses are still trending.”
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“We try to bring in very powerful, tactile textures that nevertheless do not impact the space too much from an aesthetic point of view,” Biasi says. “Everything has to be be designed with a view to the whole. In the bathroom, for example, comfortable, serene spaces with very natural colors, satin and velvet textures that are very tactile and speak to all five senses are still trending.”
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Jungle from the Deco Studio collection by Del Conca
5. Wallpaper
This year Cersaie continued to feature collections that mimicked wood and a variety of natural stones. But the most novel offerings were wallpaper-inspired styles and metallic surfaces. We saw several tiles inspired by wallpapers, from traditional styles with small floral prints to others resembling paintings of plants and animals, to more abstract versions like the Elements collection by Seletti 4 Ceramica Bardelli. “When GianMaria Bardelli asked me to collaborate, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” said artistic director Stefano Seletti. “I discovered that the world of tiling has a magic power, similar to that of art.”
5. Wallpaper
This year Cersaie continued to feature collections that mimicked wood and a variety of natural stones. But the most novel offerings were wallpaper-inspired styles and metallic surfaces. We saw several tiles inspired by wallpapers, from traditional styles with small floral prints to others resembling paintings of plants and animals, to more abstract versions like the Elements collection by Seletti 4 Ceramica Bardelli. “When GianMaria Bardelli asked me to collaborate, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” said artistic director Stefano Seletti. “I discovered that the world of tiling has a magic power, similar to that of art.”
Alchemy by Cesar Ceramiche in the Lux version, with a glossy and reflective surface
6. Metallic Inspiration
There were also several tiles on display that managed to reproduce both the colors and textures of metal. For example, an aged-metal surface that resembles decades-old iron or Cor-Ten steel. Others offered contrasting glossy finishes.
6. Metallic Inspiration
There were also several tiles on display that managed to reproduce both the colors and textures of metal. For example, an aged-metal surface that resembles decades-old iron or Cor-Ten steel. Others offered contrasting glossy finishes.
Botanica collection by Tokujin Yoshioka for Mutina
7. Small Sizes
Possibly linked to the difficulty in securing raw materials, this year’s fair displayed far more small formats than last year.
7. Small Sizes
Possibly linked to the difficulty in securing raw materials, this year’s fair displayed far more small formats than last year.
Distortion series by Seletti 4 Gruppo Bardelli
Smaller styles have, however, opened up to many creative interpretations, like geometric patterns. Seletti 4 Ceramica Bardelli’s Escher-inspired design is one example. “I made a 2D capsule collection with 3D aesthetics to speak to the world of architecture in an original language,” Gianmaria Bardelli said during the company’s seminar at the fair. “The common goal? To twist the logic of modern decoration and composition and go beyond the mold.”
Smaller styles have, however, opened up to many creative interpretations, like geometric patterns. Seletti 4 Ceramica Bardelli’s Escher-inspired design is one example. “I made a 2D capsule collection with 3D aesthetics to speak to the world of architecture in an original language,” Gianmaria Bardelli said during the company’s seminar at the fair. “The common goal? To twist the logic of modern decoration and composition and go beyond the mold.”
Tetris by Ceramiche Sant’Agostino
8. Brick-Like
One popular look for small-format tiles was vertical or horizontal stacked tile, creating a brick-wall effect. The shape and size of these tiles makes it easy to arrange them in a variety of ways, allowing for lots of different combinations of colors and finishes.
8. Brick-Like
One popular look for small-format tiles was vertical or horizontal stacked tile, creating a brick-wall effect. The shape and size of these tiles makes it easy to arrange them in a variety of ways, allowing for lots of different combinations of colors and finishes.
Cotto d’Este’s Pura collection with Protect technology. Silver ions mixed into the material eliminate 99.9% of bacteria on the surface, according to the company
9. Sustainability and Technical Innovation
At this year’s fair we saw a renewed commitment to sustainability, with products made in fewer processing phases or without finishes or glazes. These styles also reduce the amount of waste and shortened the production chain.
Another continuing trend is tiling with antibacterial finishes that continue to promote wellness inside the home.
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9. Sustainability and Technical Innovation
At this year’s fair we saw a renewed commitment to sustainability, with products made in fewer processing phases or without finishes or glazes. These styles also reduce the amount of waste and shortened the production chain.
Another continuing trend is tiling with antibacterial finishes that continue to promote wellness inside the home.
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Another exciting innovation: the Reflet project from Mirage in collaboration with Andrea Boschetti, winner of the ADI Ceramics and Bathroom Design Award at Cersaie 2022 (pictured). The reflective, weather-resistant material is suitable for both indoor or outdoor use and is the result of over two years of research.
Ylico series from Fap Ceramiche
Another came from Fap Ceramiche, which developed a new type of industrial lacquer to create glossy accents on a matte background, contrasting the two textures.
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Another came from Fap Ceramiche, which developed a new type of industrial lacquer to create glossy accents on a matte background, contrasting the two textures.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
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What wonderful colors to live with. Bella!
I hope outdoor reflective surfaces won't become a trend. Aren't we supposed to be living more harmoniously with nature? Exterior reflections are problematic for birdlife.
Bird strikes are super distressing