Cersaie Spotlights Top Tile Trends

Offering a nod to the trend toward personalization, Cersaie saw a host of unique offerings, from mismatched patterns to irregular shapes, suggesting that many designers are finding charm in imperfection. One such collection, created by Italian designer Massimiliano Adami for DesignTaleStudio, features cracks as a distinctive trait of the tile.

• Creative Recycling

The green trend remains strong in the tile market, with creative recycling a hot trend. From reintegrating manufacturing residues into the production process to using recycled glass from discarded TV screens and computer monitors, tile manufacturers continue to push the envelope with new environmentally friendly collections, many of which were seen at this year’s Cersaie. For instance, Mosaico+ uses a low-energy manufacturing process to create its “Area25” collection, which is made of 95% recycled glass. Likewise, Refin’s “Wood²” uses post-consumer recycled glass from obsolete cathode-ray tube TV sets. It also comes in an unusual square format (24"x 24" or 18"x18") that allows designers new creative opportunities.

• Concrete & Resin

When it comes to tile, tastes tend to run to opposite ends of the spectrum. This year, both the subtle texture and soft feel of resin and the rough, industrial touches of cement were highly visible at Cersaie, as Italian companies provided an array of tiles that featured both looks with the functionality and durability of ceramics.

• Mixed Materials

Thanks to improving digital technologies, companies are mixing and matching the look of natural elements from alabaster and marble to metal and wood – and everything in between.

• Ceramic Rugs

While tile has many wonderful qualities, some detractors suggest the hard surface can appear cold and uninviting. To address this concern, many tile companies are softening the look of ceramic floors by offering decorative tiles with bold and intricate patterns that mimic the look of area rugs, resulting in a warmer appearance.

• In Full Bloom

Flowers are back in style, with many tile manufacturers choosing to decorate their ceramics with a broad array of floral motifs.