Porcelain Tiles – For Art or an Art Form?

With the start of the PAD London Fair of historical and contemporary design in Berkeley Square, London, we’re asking the question:

‘Are porcelain tiles a canvas for art and artefacts, or actually an art form in themselves?’

We think the answer is that they can be both, and here’s why…

The muted and mellow tones of more minimalist designs in the Minoli collection make the most perfect backdrop for artworks, sculptures, furniture and fabrics. The calming composition of concrete and clay-effect ranges, whilst having a certain depth through their tonal layers, can be used to create soft, sublimely smooth surfaces with natural and neutral colourways.

Take for instance the Boost Series, within which there are no less than 8 different design derivatives to choose from. At one end of the scale, the original Boost variants, Boost Natural and Boost Balance have the microfine appearance of perfectly poured concrete, with varying degrees of gentle variation in their saturated colourways.

Others in the series have a more granular and natural stone appearance, so from a distance may at first appear simple and subdued, but on closer inspection they contain the irregular markings, minerals and inclusions of their quarried counterparts. From the wider Boost Series, Boost Stone, Boost Mineral and Boost Mix all present this dual dimension in their appearance.

So, as a minimalist backdrop for statement sculptural pieces, to make exclusive, contemporary furniture the feature of a room, or to simply make colourful artworks ‘pop’ in the setting, the meticulously matt finishes of solid and subtle tile ranges are the perfect inclusion on walls and floors in residential and hospitality environments.

Thinking about porcelain tiles as an art form in their own right, whether exploring the variety of intricate décor tiles and different shaped mosaics or considering the more colourful marble and gemstone-effect series, or the block-print patterns of those that emulate Victorian painted tiles, these ranges can be used to create innovative and imaginative features.

The geometric and fluid forms of the complementary décor tiles within a wide variety of the Minoli Collections bring texture and tonal variety to interior designs. Whether used to clad fixed elements such as fireplaces, bars and kitchen islands or simply framed to create patterned panels, here porcelain tiles can be seen as art installations in themselves.

The latest series in porcelain with the look of colourful marbles and gemstones can make striking statements as well, with gleaming gold veining, vivid green and blue hues and stormy, smoky greys riven with ferrous flecks.

In extra-large slab formats with 120/278 dimensions, almost seamless surfaces with bold colour combinations can inject artistic flair into a variety of interior settings. They can also be used to reflect or pick up on a particular coloured piece of art, lighting, furniture or fabric to great effect.

If you’re at PAD London Fair of historical and contemporary design in Berkeley Square from 14^th – 19^th October, you’re just a 20 minute walk from Minoli London, at 71-73 George Street, London, W1U 8AQ. Why not take a stroll up to visit the showroom, meet the team and explore the huge variety of different designs on display.

You can find the Minoli London contact details here.