Posted in Minoli
14th November 2022
Trend 03 – Natural and Manmade Materials.
In this our third design trends article, we explore how the further development of porcelain tiles that reproduce the appearance different natural and manmade materials, will offer new opportunities for interior designers, architects and property developers.
Whether applied independently or combined to complement within design schemes, the welcoming warmth of wood-look porcelain and the appeal of hand-cast concrete-effect tiles are set to remain frequently specified as property development preferences for 2023 and beyond.
The veracity and variety of wood-effect tiles realistically replicates the timber tones of so many species and harnesses all the gorgeous graining and gnarly knots found in their organic origins. Across the breadth and depth of Minoli’s wood look collections, specific ranges offer up distinctly different design qualities to support the trend of incorporating natural finishes into modern interior designs.
Take for instance the Jurupa series. Setting this range apart are the palette of cooler, contemporary colours, the option of a grip textured finish for use in wet areas and the availability of extra-long 30/240 planks. This extended length version is the result of new production technologies and transportation techniques that enable a timber textured tile of proportions suited to more expansive spaces. This allows designers to use the lean, linear look to draw the eye and seemingly extend the line of sight.
Other ranges with a warmer wood-look include Heartwood with richer shades of chestnut and golden oak. Alongside the traditional planking style sizes, the Heartwood series has three decorative formats that can be used to create feature areas or intricate parquet-like patterns.
The very latest advancements in wood-effect porcelain have also seen the introduction of outdoor specification product lines, with 20mm thickness and R11 slip resistance ratings. With these exterior use attributes, ranges like Twenty and Twelvenoon have become viable and very desirable alternatives to timber or composite decking.
Over natural wood, porcelain tiles have practical advantages in that they will not shrink, split or splinter, warp or show wear, and they are ultimately easier to clean and maintain. Being almost impervious to moisture and dirt, they are better suited for use in humid and wet areas, will not rot or attract algae, are highly resistant to extreme temperatures and are excellent conductors of underfloor heating.
Turning to porcelain tiles that replicate manmade materials, the most recent interpretations of concrete and cement offer soft, subtle and sophisticated surfaces, with tone-on-tone colourways that create depth and movement.
New micro-fine finishes and tactile textures are the features that bring a sense of urban luxury to ranges such as Boost and Clay, which have the meticulous surface variation of manually rendered mortar. These are highly technical, architectural tiles that allow for almost uninterrupted applications with Boost now available in super-sized 320/160 slabs. Whether in residential or corporate environments, it’s cutting-edge creations like these that are driving demand for porcelain from the most forward-thinking designers of spaces and places.
Concrete-effect ranges such as these, and the recently launched Glocal series, are also available with 20mm thickness and textured surfaces for use in exterior settings. These allow near seamless transitions from indoors to outside, through bi-fold or traditional patio doors and picture windows, or out onto courtyards and concourses in commercial situations.
Whilst quite minimalist in pattern and appearance, darker shades of concrete-effect surfaces can be used to create remarkably strong structures within built environments, with dimensions of depth and durability. Paler varieties can have an almost cloud-like composition, acting as a neutral canvas against which to play with bright and bold fixtures and furnishing.
Check back later this week when we’ll provide an early preview of new wood-look and concrete-effect ranges that will further enhance the appeal of these porcelain products when launched in the new year.