Tile is one of the oldest products for interior design with the earliest evidence of glazed brick being used in the Elamite Emple at Chogha Zanbil, dated to the 13th century BC. However, despite its broad use across the world spanning millennia, the industry keeps its eye on the future, constantly refining technical aspects and aesthetics.
In few places is this as obvious as the annual Cevisama show. Held in Spain each spring, the largest manufacturers showcase their newest offerings and detail the latest in materiality. Following are just a handful of eye-catching designs that i+s predicts will rise in popularity in the near future.
Argila Pasadena | by Peronda
It can be argued that subway tiles aren’t a trend having a revival, but it’s undeniable that the cut is everywhere. The white body wall tile Argila Pasadena from Harmony (a Peronda Group brand) takes the traditional subway tile a step further by providing eight patterns and five colors, including a “pop-y” turquoise (shown here). Fired with an age-effect glaze, the 7.5cm x 30cm tiles blend a handcrafted aesthetic with a luxury finish.
Thinbig | by Roca
While bigger isn’t always better, recent advancements in technology and material science have led tile manufacturers to produce dynamic monolith slabs. THINBIG by Roca transcends what has been possible before by providing a lightweight, large-format tile. At 6mm thick, they are available in 120cm x 240cm and 120cm x 120cm in stone, marble, concrete, fabric, and monocolor finshes.
Koncept | by Pamesa
Pamesa’s Koncept panels, part of the K-Koncept line, which includes five different material looks (K-Steel, K-Sintex, K-Slate, and K-Wood), allow designers to mix and match patterns and finishes across a project. Available as rectified semi-polished porcelain and rectified porcelain tiles in five sizes, the Koncept line goes from floor to ceiling, and everything in between, nixing the hassle of trying to find different materials and brands that fit together.
Dynamic | by Natucer
While neutrals dominate interiors, refusing to give up their place in the industry as the sensible choice for design, designers have taken advantage of 3D effects to add a subtle (and at times not-so-subtle) impact.
In noticing the trend, Natucer released its Dynamic collection this spring. Available in five different 3D effects, they allow the designer to switch up the pattern and turn the standard subway tile design literally on its end. In particular, the Dynamic Arch design, created as a series of three attached domes in 7.5cm x 30cm and 15cm x 30cm tiles, allows grout to be applied in the crevices between each arch, giving the appearance of individually applied tile but installed in half the time.
Farnese | by Vives Ceramica
Similar to how designers are bringing the outside indoors through material use, the boundary between the two literally blurs, as well, with interior design spilling out into the open. With anti-slip features, VIVES Ceramica’s Farnese series can take the design further. Boasting small fragments of marble in four colors, the tiles add an extra glint of refinement.
Olson | by Gayafores
As the industry continues to focus on wellness as a holistic experience bringing together both body and mind, and in response to a technology-driven society, there is an influx of bringing nature indoors. As a result, the trend of materials that mimic nature continues to rise with no end in sight. The Olson series by Gayafores is one such design, making Nordic-style woods readily available around the world in a durable tile. Available in neutral tones of white, gray, and honey, the Olson collection gives the illusion of untreated wood in three plank sizes: 15cm x 90cm, 45cm x 90cm, and 20.2cm x 66.2 cm.
Shagreen | by Aparici
A show-stopper at Cevisama, Aparici’s newly released Shagreen proves mimicry is the highest form of flattery. Taking inspiration from stingray skin, the unique yet subtle pattern—created through the use of tiny grains to produce perfectly round impressions—and metallic sheen result in an opulent design. The line is vailable in three colors and a variety of coordinating styles and shapes.
