Take a Cue

Current interior design trends influencing surface materials

By Irene Williams

What do two popular television series about the fact opposites attract and the great outdoors have in common?

Each has inspired sweeping interior design trends that presently influence today’s residential and commercial aesthetics, including the look, feel and function of surface materials.

These were showcased by Lindsey Waldrep, vice-president of marketing at Crossville Inc., during a presentation at this year’s Coverings expo, North America’s largest annual event for the tile and stone industries. Waldrep curated the survey of three macro design trends in context of what’s up-and-coming in the realm of tile design. Here’s a quick take on each.

COURTLY CONDUCT: TIMELESS LUXURY

The first trend is inspired by the audaciously ornate sets and styles of The Great and Bridgerton. Both are lavish episodic television series marked by over the top period costuming and decor. The Great, billed as the “occasionally true story of the rise of Catherine the Nothing into Catherine the Great,” takes place in the Baroque 18th century, while Bridgerton explores the opulent lifestyles of London’s high society in the 19th century Regency period. These influential shows have sparked frenzies in the realms of wearable and interior fashion, with designers offering modern interpretations of Baroque and Regency’s maximalist sensibilities.

The overriding essence of this trend is really about timeless luxury and escapism. It’s indulgent, curlicued and theatrical. Whether following the appeal of Baroque’s grandeur or Regency’s fantastical elegance, this trend comes to life in contemporary applications through use of a spectrum of colours, stunning details and sumptuous layering.

With the Baroque influence, gilded and marbled white hues dominate the palette

with darker, jewelled shades and authentic woodworking details providing lush undertones. This palace-inspired luxury is much bolder than the art deco trend a few years ago because the scale of the design is much more grand. Regency’s sway on modern style is both in concert with and in contrast to Baroque. While this look is also stately and unabashed, it has a generally lighter and brighter aesthetic, incorporating graceful pastel shades and softer details to convey courtly luxury.

So, how do these palatial styles translate to tile and other surface materials?

The latest technologies for creation of surface visuals allow for vivid reproductions of some of the most luxe materials in the world. Manufacturers have answered this modern trend by developing convincing replications of materials that were previously inaccessible or too expensive for many consumers. From generously proportioned porcelain tile panels and mirrored tiles to looks that mimic mother-of-pearl and marble, there is a range of options on the market.

ERA OF CONTRAST: BALANCED LIVING

This design trend has emerged in a world that’s cautiously coming out of lockdowns and pandemic-related stressors to seek wellness, restore balance, and reclaim literal and figurative breathing room.

As so many people try to steady the pendulum between safety and freedom and want versus need, interior design is responsively reflecting society’s contrasting perspectives in the prevalent use of visually contrasting design elements. Interiors incorporate white tones and bold, vibrant colours — a visual interpretation of the desire for both reliable steadiness and bold, intrepid optimism. With this trend, the world of design moves further from the once-popular modern farmhouse style with expected black and white elements to an organically bright cleanness that is highlighted with punctuations of deep, surprising colours — a hopeful aesthetic that is confident and sophisticated.

This fervent trend plays out beautifully in tile design. Not only is there a seemingly ceaseless array of tile options to bring in the contrasting hues that are the foundation of this trend, but there are so many shapes, sizes, designer accents and textures, as well. Tiles applied in creative, patterned installations can capture the balanced contrasts of this modern style that speaks to the shared experiences of people’s unique lives and the times.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE: IMMERSION IN NATURE

Can nature really be a trend?

The world of design answers with an emphatic yes. Both residential and commercial environments are increasingly incorporating outside elements inside and reinterpreting outdoor areas to offer the functionality of interior spaces. This is all in answer to people’s desire not to just connect with nature but to be immersed in it, too.

The current trend is an extension and evolution of the popularity of biophilia, bolstered by the post-pandemic proclivity to get outside and experience nature with intentionality and purpose. Health and well-being have always been motivating factors for immersion in nature, but even more so in the wake of Covid-19 protocols. That’s why this trend is about much more than incorporating natural materials and biophilic design elements in interiors; it is about literally being outside, working and living outdoors in ways that have traditionally been reserved for inside spaces.

Although residential design led in the creation of outdoor spaces in the last couple of years — for example, families opting for pools in the backyard since vacation budgets couldn’t be spent on travel — commercial designers are fully on the bandwagon, too, developing highly functional and inviting exterior spaces for workplaces, healthcare facilities, hotels and more. Designers are creating outdoor environments that aesthetically blend with interior areas to create cohesive environments that carry the essence of health and well-being from exterior to interior and vice versa.

As part of this trend, designers are more keenly aware of and committed to the specification of sustainable products for both exterior and interior projects. Designers and consumers alike are much more attuned to environmental issues, and end-users want to know product ingredients and how those impact health.

Tile and surface materials have long addressed the priorities that align with this trend. Tile is an innately green surfacing choice, as it’s made of clay, fire and water, is durable and lasting, and supports healthier environments thanks to its dense body that’s resistant to dust, moisture and mildew. Additionally, tile design technology makes it possible to replicate countless natural materials, offering the look, texture and desired effects to support this trend. Notably, there are incredible exterior surface options available today to help create outdoor spaces that look and perform beautifully. Paver-style tiles, wood-look porcelain tiles, porcelain slabs and porcelain tile panels are only a few of the versatile coverings ideal for use in outdoor areas.