5 minute read
TRENDS
COVERINGS’ top 10 TILE TRENDS
Coverings, the largest international tile and stone exhibition and conference in North America, compiled a list of the top 10 tile trends forecasted by three leading international tile associations and sponsors of Coverings, Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association of Spain/Tile of Spain, and Tile Council of North America.
The following tile trends are a preview of the newest and most admired styles to be discovered during Coverings 2021, to be held July 7-9, in Orlando.
Venice Villa, Iris US Tile Council of North America
FLECKED EFFECT: This trend features a kaleidoscope of colors or floating fragments of shapes, where the patterns lend a burst of energy to floors and walls. From chunky to fine flecks, and large slabs to smaller tiles, the flecked effect offers endless, unique style options. SOFT TEXTURES: With a growing preference for toned-down designs, look to trending tile options that offer softer and more natural looks as people yearn for a connection to nature. IN VEIN: Expect to see large-scale veining in 2021. Marble-look designs are evolving; some have fewer wide, riverlike veins with flowing movement and clean edges, while others have more angular, frenetic looks.
D’Autore, Natucer Tile of Spain
Luxor, Ceracasa Tile of Spain
Nuance, Tonalite (Color: Sage) Ceramics of Italy
GORGEOUS GREENS: Using shades of green with tile textures reminiscent of nature will be a popular approach to bring the outdoors inside.
Lyon, Porcelanite Dos Tile of Spain
HIGH GLOSS: Glossy tiles offer eyecatching shine and durability for areas that need to be cleaned often, which is why the high gloss trend is expected to make a big comeback this year.
BIOPHILIA: Thanks to advancements in high-definition printing, ceramic tile can be used to achieve biophilic design, which has been found to support cognitive function, physical health and psychological well-being. Ceramic tile designs are moving to more natural and untreated wood looks, as the timber elements evoke calm environments and a sense of nature.
Keynote, Fondovalle Ceramics of Italy
XXL: Extra-large ceramic tiles are increasing in popularity. This trend enables countless applications and design possibilities, with large-format tiles that come in sizes up to 5.25 feet by 10.5 feet, and thicknesses ranging from 3.5 millimeters to 2 centimeters.
Materica, Ceramiche Caesar Ceramics of Italy Wallcraft, Panaria Ceramica Ceramics of Italy
East Village HDP, Florida Tile Tile Council of North America
LARGE HEXES: Non-rectangular tile styles, specifically hexagons, are growing to monumental sizes in 2021. Hexagons as large as two feet in diameter can add tons of drama to a space.
PATTERNED TILE CONCRETE LOOK-
ALIKES: Concrete-look tiles will continue to serve as a muse for architects and manufacturers this year, with playful patterns and infinite laying schemes that add a dramatic impact on any indoor or outdoor space. MUTED TONES: 2021 will see a strong rise in muted tile tones, such as soft blues and greens, that create soothing and relaxing spaces.
Tile, stone and design industry professionals can experience the top tile trends for 2021 at no cost by attending Coverings 2021. The inperson show offers attendees the opportunity to network with industry peers, attend educational sessions and live demonstrations, and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Complimentary registration is open and available at coverings.com.
Living Well Through CLEAN DESIGN
by Becky Trybus, CHID, IIDA, RID
In the era of COVID where clean spaces and healthy living matter most, manufacturers in the commercial design market have long been accustomed to creating products that meet the demands of germy environments. Embedded in every professionally designed commercial environment is a hidden world of details methodically orchestrated to support the health, safety and welfare of its occupants. While these details go largely unnoticed, yielding to the big-picture experience of the user, there are a handful of takeaways you can learn from these code-driven spaces for your own home.
Commercial finishes must be extremely durable to stand up to high use and harsh cleaning protocols. This dictates what we can and cannot specify in our projects. The residential environment is not nearly as stringent, but over the past year we’ve all probably become more aware of the need to use thorough cleaning practices in our own homes.
Highly touchable surfaces like countertops, cabinetry, door hardware and upholstery are often breeding grounds for germs. One way we respond to this in commercial interiors is to select finishes that stand up to heavy duty cleaning and reduce the spread of germs. Fortunately, some of these same materials are available on the residential market. Here are some of my favorite recommendations.
COUNTERTOPS
While quartz and granite are the most popular solid surfaces, quartz is my top choice for commercial spaces. Quartz is easy to maintain, less porous than other solid-surface materials, resists stains from household cleaning, and doesn’t need to be sealed and re-sealed periodically like granite. It’s readily available to homeowners and comes in a large variety of gorgeous design and finish options.
CABINETRY AND HARDWARE
Antibacterial laminates make for sleek and clean cabinetry. These come in beautiful, warm color palettes that are suitable for just about any residential aesthetic and available through designers. Additionally, antimicrobial door hardware can be easily changed out on cabinetry or entry doors. A simple internet search to source these items is the best place to start.
UPHOLSTERY
Wipeable, high-performance textiles are a staple in commercial design, and they come in various forms like highly sophisticated vinyls, polyurethanes, silicones,