Tile Trends We’re Excited to See in 2022
Despite coming into use as early as 4,000 BCE, the craft of tilemaking is still an evolving one! Supported by emerging technology in the construction and design sectors, the tiles of tomorrow could be even more impressive and bring more benefits to the spaces where they are installed.
The 38th edition of Cersaie was held not long ago, and we’re excited to let you know about the latest in tile trends that will be gradually unveiled over the next 12 months or so. Let’s dive right into it:
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Size: Big Slab Tiles
One of the strengths of tiles is how customisable their sizes are. In the coming year, we’re excited to see more big slab tiles (or large format tiles) hit the market. From what we’ve seen, we’re going to see more marble-inspired surfaces that add majesty and grandeur to the spaces where they’re installed, and the use of some very exclusive materials for their surface design. Keep an eye out for it!
Be awed by the raw size and visual power of Vogue Grande.
Size: Square Format Tiles
80x80cm, 100x100cm, and 120x120cm square tiles are also going to feature heavily in the landscape of 2022, adding structure and symmetry where they are placed. For the most part, we are seeing a lot of designs that play with light, or take on neutral shades derived from earth and stone, which will define the new contemporary as we venture forth into the new 20’s.
Size: Conventional Sized Tiles
Not to be forgotten, conventional shaped tiles, such as the 60x120cm, 60x60cm and 30x60cm tiles, continue to be very much relevant and perfectly suited for most uses, especially in commercial and public areas where their value tend to be more utilitarian.
Typology: Ceppo di Gré
Besides the classic stone and marble effect tiles, we’re positive we’re going to get more wood effect and geometric / patterned tiles that add immense visual interest and texture wherever they are installed. One particular pattern that on the verge of making waves is Ceppo di Gré, which is originally an Italian stone with a unique look due to the large pebbles that are speckled across its body. Check out Pedregal for an example of this type of design.
Typology: Marble Design Tiles
Still synonymous with a classic expression of elegance, the new generation of marble tiles are characterised by thick, strong veins in highly contrasting shades against their backgrounds, which impress a stronger personality upon the space. Through the purposeful and artful mismatch, a stronger sense of elegance can be achieved.
Exhibit power and beauty through Elysian.
Typology: Stone Design Tiles
The look of stone that is minimalistic yet rich in surface and material details continue to be popular for modern spaces. In the coming year, balanced colours and delicate nuances in the surface design lift these tiles to their highest aesthetic potential, leading the way for richer expressions in contemporary settings.
Typology: Wood Design Tiles
As biophilic design grows in demand, the natural versatility of wood fits right into consumers’ needs while lending itself to a wide range of expressions. Available in light to dark shades, every piece also sports a unique grain and texture that helps establish a strong connection with nature.
Typology: Geometric & Patterned Tiles
From strong to subtle, geometric and patterned tiles have proven themselves to be truly timeless in concept. Enriched by lustrous finishes and reliefs made possible by technology, depth and cinematic effects can be implied to further add to the drama of any space.
A unique visual staccato rhythm can be achieved with PR7.
Colour: Soft / Neutral / Warm
The new normal as we make a return to welcoming guests indoors again is characterised by soft, neutral, and warm notes that help create a light and easy setting, but still can be further built upon.
Colour: Blue & Green Hues
While Pantone has unveiled the colour of the year for 2022, we can expect to see similar shifts in palette choices within the tile industry. Blue and green hues are poised to take over as the colours of choice, symbolic for a return to life and liveliness for many of us.
Colour: Dusty Tones
Not everything has to be vibrant and vivid, though – dusty or hazy tones are also going to feature heavily in the return journey to normalcy. Mixing and matching these dusty tones, even within a monochromatic spectrum, can create an intensely romantic look.
Colour: Monochromatic
A break from high contrast and drama can also evoke feelings of comfort and safety. With careful planning, low-contrast spaces can look good, while imparting a sense of calm that helps you relax – perfect for home settings!
Style / Mood: The Golden Age of Hollywood
The Roaring Twenties are back, and so is Art Deco in a fancy modern suit, now called Neo-Deco. Rather than a direct call-back to the 1920s, the style is also reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood with its monochromatic colour palette and general ambience of opulence and elegance, communicated via sleek lines and tasteful accents.
Nothing spells a boldly unique character like Terra-Arte.
Application: Furnishing and Other Usage of Tiles
More and more people are realising that tiles can be so much more than just beautifying your floors and walls! The potential of tiles is being unleashed with the creativity of furniture designers who are turning them into lasting pieces such as sink countertops, pots, and more for both indoor and outdoor usage. Find out more on maximising the use of excess tiles with our article.
Tile Making Technology: Digital Ink Decorations & Effects
For hundreds of years, the design on tiles were limited to what you could paint by hand onto their surfaces, or to the natural colour of the raw materials. But with digital ink, we are able to put designs onto tiles with much greater precision and detail than before. Consider the marble veins on Natural & Abstract or the funky textures of Terra-Arte for instance – they wouldn’t be possible without digital ink technology!
Tile Technology: Technical Tiles
Through a new mix of raw material composition, technical porcelain tiles now allow for the full body of the tile to be a certain colour – not just on the surface! When you think about tiles like Sonosand or Blitzen Stone, they are exactly the same colour all throughout their thickness. These tiles are especially useful for commercial areas with heavy foot traffic, as even when scratched or lightly damaged, one wouldn’t get unsightly grooves on the tile surface. Plus: technical tiles tend to have perfectly straight (or rectified) edges, which helps create truly seamless designs!
New Age Tile Technology: Anti-slip Tiles
For the longest time, the only way to create tiles that are safe when wet was to make their surfaces coarse and rough, in order to increase friction. Though research and development, our engineers have come up with our Slip-Stop Tiles family: Pedregal, Legacy, and Tribes, which manage to have glossy surfaces when dry, but increase in friction in the presence of water. Now you can be assured of your safety both indoors and outdoors, without sacrificing the look that you desire.
