8 Creative New Tile Trends From 2019 Cersaie in Italy
From optical illusions to murals and new ways with black and white, tiles at 2019's Cersaie embraced their artistic side
Antonia Solari
12 October 2019
Tile manufacturers are getting creative. Gone are the days of bland white tiles scaling bathroom walls: tiles are now becoming more versatile, colourful and, well, prettier. We’re seeing a shift from the obvious and minimal to more colourful designs in the form of both enduring favourites, such as cement-look tiles or black-and-white schemes, and new ideas, including illustrated and textile-inspired tiles or pastel shades.
This much was clear from this year’s Cersaie trade fair, an international exhibition of architectural ceramics and bathroom furnishings held in Bologna, Italy, from 23 to 27 September 2019. With trends diverging between black-and-white, bold colours and pastel tones, tiles are setting their sights on more than just the bathroom and providing something for everyone. Here are eight tile trends that are hot this year.
This much was clear from this year’s Cersaie trade fair, an international exhibition of architectural ceramics and bathroom furnishings held in Bologna, Italy, from 23 to 27 September 2019. With trends diverging between black-and-white, bold colours and pastel tones, tiles are setting their sights on more than just the bathroom and providing something for everyone. Here are eight tile trends that are hot this year.
Chain in Blue (floor) and Rainbow in Avio (walls) from the Art Shapes series in ABK’s new Wide & Style capsule collection
1. 3D illusion
3D tiles are big this year, but their texture can be uncomfortable on floors. However, there’s a plan B: flat tiles with a 3D effect. As a bonus, these come in a variety of colours and inventive visual effects.
1. 3D illusion
3D tiles are big this year, but their texture can be uncomfortable on floors. However, there’s a plan B: flat tiles with a 3D effect. As a bonus, these come in a variety of colours and inventive visual effects.
Soul collection by Ceramiche Piemme
Find a tile supplier near you on Houzz for professional advice on which tiles to use at home
Find a tile supplier near you on Houzz for professional advice on which tiles to use at home
Scenario collection by Marazzi Ceramiche
Icon collection by Target
2. Cement tiles reborn in porcelain
New porcelain-stoneware interpretations of traditional cement tiles are offering colourful and lively options in tiling. These can inject colour into the home on walls, floors and decor details.
2. Cement tiles reborn in porcelain
New porcelain-stoneware interpretations of traditional cement tiles are offering colourful and lively options in tiling. These can inject colour into the home on walls, floors and decor details.
Fun collection by Ceramica Sant’Agostino
Resina collection by Ragno Ceramiche
3. Pastel colours
For those who prefer a softer look and more delicate tones, another trend is on the way: pastels, with pink as the unconventional protagonist.
3. Pastel colours
For those who prefer a softer look and more delicate tones, another trend is on the way: pastels, with pink as the unconventional protagonist.
R-Evolution collection by Casalgrande Padana Spa
Variations in tile size, gloss or matt finishes, and monochromatic or tone-on-tone schemes keep things interesting.
How to Decorate With Pink (and Make a Space Look Grown-Up, Not Girly)
Variations in tile size, gloss or matt finishes, and monochromatic or tone-on-tone schemes keep things interesting.
How to Decorate With Pink (and Make a Space Look Grown-Up, Not Girly)
R-Evolution collection by Casalgrande Padana Spa
OT 07026 collection by Cerasarda
4. Black and white
It’s a classic: black-and-white floors have immediate impact – now in more than just the kitchen, their traditional setting.
4. Black and white
It’s a classic: black-and-white floors have immediate impact – now in more than just the kitchen, their traditional setting.
Contrasti collection by Ragno Ceramiche
The novelty, in fact, is in using black-and-white chequered tiles in other areas of the house, from the entrance to the living area.
Patterned tiles work well here too, or alternating patterned (but still strictly black-and-white) and monochrome tiles.
The novelty, in fact, is in using black-and-white chequered tiles in other areas of the house, from the entrance to the living area.
Patterned tiles work well here too, or alternating patterned (but still strictly black-and-white) and monochrome tiles.
Contrasti collection by Ragno Ceramiche
Déchirer collection by Mutina, designed by Patricia Urquiola
5. All black
If a black-and-white palette is too much, there’s always the option of an all-black colour scheme. Black is never monotonous when built up from various shapes and sizes of tiles: think hexagons, mosaic tiles, large slabs or classic subway tiles.
The Unconventional Designs of Patricia Urquiola
5. All black
If a black-and-white palette is too much, there’s always the option of an all-black colour scheme. Black is never monotonous when built up from various shapes and sizes of tiles: think hexagons, mosaic tiles, large slabs or classic subway tiles.
The Unconventional Designs of Patricia Urquiola
Jointed collection by Mosaico+
The finish of tiles also plays a fundamental role. As pictured here, the combination of glossy tiles against the matt finish on the rest of the wall creates movement and variation.
The finish of tiles also plays a fundamental role. As pictured here, the combination of glossy tiles against the matt finish on the rest of the wall creates movement and variation.
XTone collection by Urbatek-Porcelanosa
Marble-look tiles also fall into this category, specifically black varieties or those veined with hints of other colours.
Marble-look tiles also fall into this category, specifically black varieties or those veined with hints of other colours.
Marquina Nero lux from the Delight collection by Lea Ceramiche
Ritratto from the Hand Painted collection by Target
6. Pictorial decorations
Among the new ideas were wall finishes reminiscent of hand-painted canvases. In some cases, including the Rittratto series from Target, pictured here, these can even be personalised: customers request the image they want depicted on the tiles and develop a concept in collaboration with the designers.
6. Pictorial decorations
Among the new ideas were wall finishes reminiscent of hand-painted canvases. In some cases, including the Rittratto series from Target, pictured here, these can even be personalised: customers request the image they want depicted on the tiles and develop a concept in collaboration with the designers.
Wonderwall collection by Cotto d’Este
In other cases, they are more traditional and often inspired by nature, which is trendy in itself – as we’ll see below.
In other cases, they are more traditional and often inspired by nature, which is trendy in itself – as we’ll see below.
Terre collection by Roca
7. Jungle style
Yes, nature is one of the most frequently chosen subjects for wall decor. Specifically, the large leaves of tropical forests immediately bring a sense of the jungle into the home.
They’re not just for those who love bold designs: there’s a version for everyone, with tiles that transport one to the wilderness, but in more subdued shades.
7. Jungle style
Yes, nature is one of the most frequently chosen subjects for wall decor. Specifically, the large leaves of tropical forests immediately bring a sense of the jungle into the home.
They’re not just for those who love bold designs: there’s a version for everyone, with tiles that transport one to the wilderness, but in more subdued shades.
Bloom collection by FAP Ceramiche
I Filati di Rex collection by Florim in collaberation with Rubelli
8. Textile-like weaves
The last trend, dedicated above all to fans of the classical and romantic, is stoneware that echoes the patterns of traditional cloth wallpaper.
8. Textile-like weaves
The last trend, dedicated above all to fans of the classical and romantic, is stoneware that echoes the patterns of traditional cloth wallpaper.
Wonderwall collection by Cotto d’Este
We saw small floral prints and tone-on-tone coverings that resurrect classical inspiration in a durable, easy-to-clean tile form.
Your turn
Which of these eight new tile trends are you hoping to embrace? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Need to brush up on the latest news from international design fairs? Read up on Sustainable Ideas to Adopt From the London Design Festival
We saw small floral prints and tone-on-tone coverings that resurrect classical inspiration in a durable, easy-to-clean tile form.
Your turn
Which of these eight new tile trends are you hoping to embrace? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Need to brush up on the latest news from international design fairs? Read up on Sustainable Ideas to Adopt From the London Design Festival
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Rachelen, if you have seen ones you like on here you could contact the supplier through the Houzz link and see if they export to anyone here. Sometimes it's just one little independent tile retailer that you would never find driving around. At our last house I had to go to a "traditionally European heritage" area to an independent to get the border tiles I wanted as the majors all had same same. Even my local family owned tile seller was catering to the big builders i.e. plain and boring.
I am leaning to the Chymia tile for a 8 x 4 bathroom floor. Black vanity and white quartz. Appreciate opinions as to whether it's too trendy, too busy or will make a nice statement.
Thanks!
Oh my, #4 <3