Tile is a material that has transformed itself into a timeless design element. From its earliest evidence of use in the 13th century BC, to the intricately patterned mosaics of today, it is one of the oldest and well-known materials that serves as the foundation for many designs. The classic building component even has its own holiday on Feb. 23.
Coverings, the largest international tile and stone exhibition in North America, founded National Tile Day in 2017 to honor the beauty and durability that tile provides. To observe this year’s holiday, Coverings will showcase previews of products that be will unveiled at Coverings 2019, which takes place April 9-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
To honor the style and versatility of tile on National Tile Day, Alena Capra, certified master kitchen and bath designer and industry ambassador for Coverings, has created a 2019 trends forecast which highlights the patterns, colors, sizes and textures that continue to shape the industry.
“I took a look at the latest products from industry leaders, such as Tile of Spain, Ceramics of Italy, and the Tile Council of North America,” says Capra on her selections. Her predicted trends include the following:
Florals and Leaves: With its pop of personality, florals and leaves make a great alternative to wallpaper–especially in commercial spaces seeking durability.
Mirror Tile: One of the fastest rising trends, mirrored tile amplifies light and adds personality, with antique or frosted finishes and beveled edges.
Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs: Gauged tile applications have become more widely used, appearing as cladding on buildings, walls, floors and installed as countertops or other surfacing.
Bold Color: While blue remains America’s favorite color, brighter hues are on the rise, as are sophisticated blacks and dark greys as “new neutrals,” particularly in marble-inspired looks.
Pattern Play: As wallpaper and patterns regain popularity, the trend has translated to tile – with striking shapes, complex geometric patterns, pop art, graphics and patterned wood options.
Large-Format Tile: As production technology continues to evolve, tiles have become larger and larger, with current styles in up to 60-by-120 inches. Learn about the benefits of big tile installation on I Hear Design with Crossville’s vice president of businesses development, Frank Douglas.
Capra notes that technology has added a lot of great new options over the years. “The advancement in the digital printing technology has been amazing – wood porcelain and stone just seem so real that it’s often hard to distinguish if it is the real thing or a porcelain tile,” she says. Capra adds that some of her favorite innovate ways in which companies and designers are using tiles include the variety of uses for gauged porcelain panels, and accent walls with different colors of tile that create fun, geometric patterns and looks.
All these trends and more will be available to view during Coverings, which brings together 1,100 exhibitors representing over 40 countries. This year’s show will include the latest in innovations, trends and live demonstrations, along with features like the Art Tile Courtyard, which includes handcrafted tiled dog houses that are later donated to charity. For further exploration of tile, learn more about the event here, and be sure to tune in to interiors+sources’ coverage of Coverings, April 9-12.
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