Why Tile followed influencers’ predictions for tile trends leading up to Coverings ’19. In previous blogs, we explored these trending styles: wood-look tile, geometric tiles and pattern play, dark marble-look tile, gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs, floral and leaf tile, mirror tile, and textured tile.
So, how well did our anticipation match the beauty and excitement experienced at the show?
Wood Looks
A growing selection of wood-look ceramic tile options are taking new shapes in larger tile formats and expanded colors. We saw new parquet designs, wood-look mosaics, installation patterns, and more detailed texture with knots, splits, and striking grain patterns.
Geometrics and Patterns
We witnessed new shape styles from a number of manufacturers. Thinking outside the box to incorporate new shapes and designs, we also saw the importance of craftsmanship for unique installation patterns to create one-of-a-kind looks.
Marble Looks Go BIG
Marble-look ceramic tile achieved “Best in Show” accolades for booth designs with marble looks that wowed us coming and going. While dark marble was well represented, we saw marble looks in a variety of colors that took our breath away.
Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs
In addition to gorgeous wall installations, countertops and cabinetry facings showed off gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs along with furniture creations that allow you to choose tile surfaces for tables (see the marble trend photo, too).
Large-format patterns also served double duty as incredible mural-esque art installations. Surfaces other than ceramic tile can be unsuitable to use in wet areas, so this is a game-changer for durable decor, folks.
Floral and Leaf Tile Extremes
Bringing the outdoors in is a mood-booster in any room. As in nature, trending tile designs are incorporating both large and small scales. We saw tropical broad stokes and also intricate, hand-made designs bringing the best of nature to décor. Digitally printed, stamped in clay, or in mosaic form, you can create indoor gardens you don’t have to water!
Mirror Tile
We saw more than we expected to see in mirror tile trends, as mirror tile combined with florals and leaves and geometrics for unique statement combinations.
Textured Tile
Shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns big and small saw a development in texture. This trend has us reaching out to touch our surfaces, and there’s a texture for every touch you crave — smooth or rough, singular, repeated, or patchwork.
The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) provided a trends tour of the North American pavilion that showed all of our anticipated trends were well represented at Coverings ‘19, accompanied by 2019’s color trends of rust, yellow, blues, and more expansive grays.
“Printing technology today allows ultra-realistic graphics and such saturated colors that there are almost no limits to what tile designers can create,” said TCNA’s Roxanne Morris.
TCNA also highlighted the new terrazzo looks and concrete tiles, both with new options that keep these styles popular.
Mixed Tile
One trend emerged as an overall showstopper: mix.
Coverings ‘19 demonstrated that contemporary mix is a sum greater than the individual parts. We found a Boho mixture of patterns that also took on a terrazzo look, and popular marble looks that mixed shades and shapes for a unique installation. This intended mix of texture, shape, design, and installation pattern engages multiple senses.
Tile designs that surpass our expectations create endless possibilities and a delightful surprise in trending décor.
And, this versatility of ceramic tile is truly tile’s greatest strength — the ability to answer any use with unique beauty and durability.
Our trip to Coverings ‘19 had us awed, inspired, smitten, and full of hope for what designers and technology will bring to Coverings ‘20! It’s a “big easy” decision to see you in New Orleans, Louisiana from April 20 to 23, 2020 for what is sure to be an exciting parade of tile style.
