


Advances in Technology Produce Innovative New Designs
A key factor that influences ceramic tile design trends is the development of new manufacturing technology. Each year, manufacturers seek to gain an edge over their competitors by developing unique finishes. This year, an exciting new printing method was unveiled by several key manufacturers; the process is similar to standard four-color printing, in which different pigments are combined to create an infinite number of color variations. In the place of liquid glazes, colored clay nanoparticles are injected onto the surface of the tiles, including edges and recessed areas. The result is a finish with no visible pixelation, which allows for countless photorealistic finishes imitating stone, wood or any other design. Colorkerdebuted the new system, which it is calling "Tecktonia," at Cevisama, and several other manufacturers, includingRexandInalco, are already using the process.
A Shift Toward Modernism
One of the most significant trends this year is a shift toward modernist designs and less emphasis on the rustic looks that have been predominant for so long. Many manufacturers have adopted a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes modularity and interchangeability, allowing consumers to mix and match different lines together to achieve personalized designs. The shift toward modernism has also affected the color palettes offered this year, with more emphasis on clean, crisp neutral shades and less on rustic hues. Another reflection of this modernist aesthetic is the growing use of metallic finishes and accent pieces, which are often combined with flat, neutral shades to yield a contemporary feel.

Natural Looks Becoming More Convincing
One of the major trends in recent years has been the development of tile finishes that mimic the look and texture of natural stone, wood and other natural products. These products have become so adept at mimicking their natural counterparts that it is often difficult to distinguish them apart without close-up inspection. While stone looks were immediately embraced by consumers, wood looks have been slower to gain acceptance, perhaps due to size limitations. With the advent of larger formats, however, wood look ceramic tiles are now available in sizes that mimic natural wood more closely.Some of the outstanding new wood look series that were introduced include:Roca'sForestwall tile collection andNorwayfloor tile collection, which is available in six natural wood colors;Colorker'sTundra; ChenbySaloni, a colored body porcelain available in four colors in 12-by-24- and 18-by-36-inch formats;Anima, a new series fromNatucer; Grespania'sZebranoseries andAzuvi'sPerformanceseries.


Glass and Metal Continue to Gain Popularity
Another key trend for this year is the continuing gain in popularity of glass and metallic finishes and accent pieces. While glass tiles themselves remain popular, many manufacturers are seeking to recreate the look of glass tile with innovative new ceramic tile designs, thus avoiding some the inherent limitations of real glass tiles. This is particularly evident with trim and accent pieces, which are often combined with traditional tiles to add color and interest. In terms of metallic finishes and accents, a panorama of divergent approaches has emerged, with weathered steel, copper, stainless steel, brass and many other types of natural materials being imitated with uncanny accuracy, often in combination with more conventional tiles.Tau Ceramica, a pioneer of metallic finishes, expanded its popular and often-imitated Metallica line with several new series, includingSilver, Rhodium, Steel, CopperandMetal Slate.