Arpi on Tile
2023 Trends: Large-Scale Decorative Wall Tile; Elements of Red
Bold Realism and Vibrant Reds Add Spectacular Touches
Moon Jellies, from New Ravenna’s Pinnacle mosaic collection. Image courtesy of New Ravenna.
By Arpi Nalbandian Tileometry
More than 21 years ago, I was introduced to the ever-evolving and fascinating world of tile. At first, it seemed like any other floor covering that was cursed with beige/neutral overtones. There was a lack of imagination to how it was installed, the pattern, the format, etc.
Thankfully, my lackluster point of view significantly transformed with my first tile and stone event, Coverings. Later came Cersaie in the historic city of Bologna, Italy. By the time Cevisama in Valencia, Spain, rolled around, and Unicera in Istanbul, Turkey, I was truly perplexed at how it could be possible that such a spectrum of colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns existed.
Conversely, why were these incredible choices extremely limited, or nearly non-existent, stateside?
As the years went on, it became clear that one of the reasons, and perhaps the most-critical, was that U.S.-based designers and architects had not been exposed to the vast array of options available within the global market — specifically, the European market.
Thankfully, with the measurable increase of focused initiatives provided by Tile of Spain, Ceramics of Italy, Coverings, and NKBA/KBIS, professionals who specify and recommend materials are now able to confidently, and with the full support of industry associations, bring their designs to the forefront.
Moreover, with the increase in awareness of wellness and personal health, tile has earned its well-deserved place as the leading material to implement, fulfill, and convey the true benefits of this earthly matter — it offers significant hygienic qualities; it is durable when properly handled and installed; and it is incredibly sustainable.
Let’s see what’s ahead in 2023 with the following tile-centric decorative trends you’ll be sure to see more of in the coming months.
Ceramiche Brennero
The Faroe series by Ceramiche Brennero features a decorative blend of biophilic and artistic possibilities. From swirled, metallic brush strokes, to detailed floral, or autumnal landscapes, this collection is available in four formats (80×80, 60×120, 60×60, 30×60). Image courtesy of Ceramiche Brennero.
La Faenza
La Faenza’s Crea-La collection features nature- and textile-inspired designs imprinted on 60" x120" color body porcelain tile panels. Image courtesy of La Faenza Ceramica.
Large-Scale Creativity
With the ease of cleaning, and without the worrisome and time-consuming efforts of poorly installed wallpaper or expensive paints, large-format gauged porcelain tile panels (GPTP) have steadily increased in availability. Thanks to modern, high-tech manufacturing facilities, continuously updated and well-researched Tile Council of North America (TCNA) installation methods and guidelines, and the detailed training opportunities offered by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), provide key instruction for handling the thin slabs.
Further, GPTP are no longer considered solely for building façades, as they were when they first came onto the design scene. These panels are frequently seen adorning bathrooms and kitchens as near-seamless surfaces.
In actuality, living areas, where people and families spend most of their time, are also reaping the benefits of porcelain panels. Whether you’re craving a lush landscape, beguiling geometrics, the look of quarried stone, or the tactile feel of concrete, there are plentiful options to suit every need.
Yet, I would be amiss in only mentioning GPTP. Let’s not forget the glorious beauty and hand-assembled creativity found in mosaics. As evident above, it takes countless hours of talent and expertise to construct large-scale mosaic tile and stone panels.
This type of painstakingly assembled art is not only eye-catching, but it too offers the same timeless, hygienic, and sustainable features as individually installed tile pieces.
Ceramiche Campogalliano
Art Wood from Ceramiche Campogalliano offers the advantages of sustainable porcelain tile combined with Scandinavian style. Image courtesy of Ceramiche Campogalliano
Ceramiche Piemme
Ceramiche Piemme’s Homey series touts the well-admired look of Old World encaustic tile. Image courtesy of Ceramiche Piemme
The Crimson Comeback
Along the color spectrum, red and its companions — magenta, garnet, maroon, burgundy, and others — offer an intense and emotional bravado that commands attention. Not only can red communicate serenity (florals, fauna, wind-swept rustic deserts), it can simultaneously be overly dramatic (anger, aggression, etc.). As dominant of a color it is, red can be harnessed to reflect excitement, confidence, and unapologetic boldness.
You’ll need to think past brick, terracotta, and adobe to fully grasp the primary color’s evolution.
Further evidence of red’s power can be seen in Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2023 — Viva Magenta. According to Pantone, Viva Magenta “vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. [It] is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.” A perfect definition of this hue.
Naxos
The Chromatica collection from Naxos emulates the velvety, matte texture of terra cotta. Image courtesy of Naxos.
Gouache: Portobello America
Portobello America’s Gouache series showcases the supple glossiness reminiscent of zellige tile. Image courtesy of Portobello America.
With that, I’m looking forward to Coverings 2023 where I can see and touch the latest in trend-setting tile patterns, designs, and formats to be imported from all over the world, mainly from Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Turkey.
For several days in April, I’ll be surrounded by hundreds of tile-specific exhibitors showcasing their latest products to journalists and bloggers, aficionados, admirers, distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders, and real-estate developers.
If you’d like to attend Coverings to witness the latest in tile designs and trends, then please visit Coverings.com for more information and to register.
Casa Rosa: WOW Design
The Elle Floor collection from WOW Design features L-shaped tiles that can be adapted to suit a large array of design preferences. Image courtesy of WOW Design.