Cersaie 2012 Recap: Day 2 (Electric Boogaloo)

Despite the sore feet and the lingering grappa headaches, we returned to the Bologna Fairgrounds for Day 2 of the Cersaie tile and bath show and went right back to work, searching for the very best in ceramic and porcelain tile.

And while some of the surprise factor always seems to dissipate on the second day of a multi-day affair, the sheer size of Cersaie meant that we had only scratched the surface during our first visit. From abstract colorations to inspired graffiti looks, there was a little something for everyone on Day 2. Here’s a sampling of our favorite tile products spotted during our time on the show floor.

If you haven’t already seen our Day 1 recap, you can find that here; our Day 3 recap, featuring our favorite bath products, can be found here. And remember to tell us about your favorites in the comments below, or at our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Refin Ceramica’s new Frame collection aimed to bring graphic decoration back to the ceramic world—a welcome contrast to the monochromaticism that still holds sway in the design world. The tiles measure in at 24 by 24 centimeters (pattern Majolica shown).

Refin’s Larix line of wood looks also stood out from the crowd for their realism and detail. Inspired by larch wood, which is widely used in traditional alpine architecture, these porcelain stoneware planks are sold in 25 by 150 centimeter sizes. Larix is available in Sun, Shade and Fresh colors (with Sun representing the most weathered of the three).

Emil Ceramica showcased a unique take on the wood trend with its Petrified Tree collection. The collection’s “bark” tiles feature a warmer, more natural appearance (and is also available in longer planks) while the “core” tiles are polished, processed and enriched—an inventive juxtaposition of two different textures/feels under one cohesive line. A rep for the company says they are in the process of producing an EPD for the product.

Provenza’s Innocence line mixes wood, stone and concrete looks all in the same tile for the designer who just can’t choose. An EPD for the collection will be available soon.

We loved these décor tiles from Ceramica Viva, which mix graffiti with more traditional concrete and wood looks (part of the Statale 9 collection). Perfect for an unexpected pop of color or pattern in wood or stone-heavy spaces.

Ceramica Viva also featured an array of glossy, luminous accent tiles as part of their Acqua collection. Filled with abstract swashes of color reminiscent of a Rothko painting, these tiles promise to brighten any space (25 by 60 centimeters).

Imola Ceramica rolled out its Micron 2.0 line of large-format tiles for its Cersaie booth. Maxing out at 120 by 120 centimeters and offered in three finishes (natural, polished and hammered), this full body porcelain stoneware is ideal for exteriors and large commercial spaces where a monochromatic look is needed.

Ceramica Sant’Agostino arguably had one of the biggest releases at the show with its Flexible Architecture collection, designed by Philippe Starck. The collection turns the joint of the tile into an architectural element; by offering tiles with joints exposed on one, two, three or all sides, combined with matt and glossy finishes, designers can mix and match to create entirely new decorative elements.

Here’s a look at Flexible Architecture in action. Sant’Agostino says that more colors will be available when the collection is shown at next year’s Milan Furniture Fair (we saw yellow, white and grey tiles at Cersaie).

Atlas Concorde proved that plank sizing isn’t just for wood looks; its Sunrock collection, which captures the look of classic architectural stones, is available in 22.5 by 90 and 15 by 90 centimeter sizes, as well as more traditional 60 by 60 and 30 by 60 centimeter versions. Sunrock is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and is offered in five colors and three finishes

Flaviker Pi.Sa displayed its energetic and versatile Over collection, which features one format (25 by 75 centimeters), nine colors, three décor styles (Bloom, Stripes and Time) and two mosaic styles (lines and squares).

Another look at the Over collection. From graffiti looks to sophisticated solids and stripes, Over gives designers a lot of flexibility in designing their ideal space.

See more photos from the #Cersaie tradeshow at the Interiors & Sources twitter page.