RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2019
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5. BIG PATTERNS
Italians are known for their rich artistic heritage, which is now
rendered on big porcelain slabs with minimal grout lines to create
the alluring effect of wallpaper with the technical benefits of
ceramic. In fact, some companies are even marketing their
products as ceramic wallpaper, offering an expansive catalog of
patterns digitally printed on tiles up to 5.25'x10'. One example is
ABK who introduced Dark Edition as a capsule collection inspired
by the Gothic side of nature for its ever-expanding Wide&Style
line. Another company is Fuoriformato who offer an explosion of
color and pattern on large ceramic surfaces that can also be used
as furnishing elements. Additional examples include: 14oraitaliana
Tahiti, Casalgrande Padana Onici, Fioranese Liquida, Keope
Eclectic, Mirage Bottega, Ornamenta Operae, Panaria Even,
Rondine Swing, Stile Italia Extra, Unica Garden, and Vallelunga
Sospiri.
( Pictured Clockwise: Casalgrande Padana Onici, Stile Italia Extra,
Vallelunga Sospiri, Unica Garden, Panaria Even)
6. NEU SURFACES
This year, it wasn't just the patterns and sizes that impressed with
their seemingly endless variety and sense of inventiveness. Tile
producers have completely upped the ante in terms of surface
design, which can be seen in dozens of awe-inspiring new finishes
and textures designed for aesthetics as well as functionality. Two
collections that artfully demonstrate this trend as well as ceramic
tiles' chameleon capabilities include Ceramica Sant'Agostino
Lakewood that conjures oiled wood planks with a hand-planed
surface and Vallelunga Cava whose marble design and satin finish
looks like an ancient European church floor. Additional collections
include: 14oraitaliana Slice, Campani Divinae, Bardelli Pittorica,
Coem Moonstone, Decoratori Bassanesi Tartan, Cerdisa Espirit, Cir
Paris, Ergon Woodtouch, Fap Lumina, Imola Blue Savoy, Italgraniti
Icône Bleu, Made +39 Cube, Marazzi Eclettica, Marca Corona
Arkistone, Piemme Shades, Supergres Met-All and Viva Yaki.
(Pictured Clockwise: Made+39 Cube, Marazzi Eclettica, Fap
Lumina, Ceramica Sant'Agostino Lakewood, Campani Divinae)
2018 Fall/Winter TILE TREND report
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