Posted in Minoli
25th April 2022
New directions that are set to feature in the latest interior and exterior designs.
With Grand Designs Live returning to London’s ExCel venue from 30 April – 8 May, we look at the latest directions in tile design and production that are catching the attention of interior and garden designers, architects, homeowners, house builders and property developers.
Our top trends in tile design include:
- Extra-large format slabs
- Coordinated indoor and outdoor ranges
- Emulating natural finishes
- Bolder, brighter retro patterns
- 3D effects and tactile textures
- Urban industrial look
- Resurgence in smaller sizes
Extra-large format slabs
Suitable for floors and walls, new production and transportation techniques allow for more expansive and extra-large sized tiles. With dimensions of 120/120cm, 120/278cm and up to 120/320cm, extra-large format tiles and porcelain slabs allow for near seamless continuity of finish, providing a clean and minimalist surface, in some cases with virtually no grout lines.
Whether for a residential project or a commercial premises, architects, interior designers, specifiers and homeowners are enjoying a far wider choice of finish in these ‘oversized’ product lines. These include stone, marble, concrete and more vivid colours and intricate patterning. Once found only in high-end hotels and the most desirable residences, as more and more fresh designs are launched, these extra-large porcelain slabs are set to remain sought after for years to come.
Right image: Wanderlust Agata Blue 120/278
Coordinated indoor and outdoor ranges
More and more interior specification ranges are now available with complementary outdoor versions to match. Through bi-fold or traditional patio doors and picture windows, a near seamless indoor-outdoor transition can be achieved. A 9 mm indoor tile, which may be matt or gloss and easy to clean, is coordinated with a grippy external counterpart that can be in up to 20 mm in thickness, with a higher anti-slip rating, such as those ranging R11 to R13.
Today’s porcelain tiles are more durable and colourfast, stain and slip resistant, frost and weather-proof than ever. As demand for some form of outdoor space increases, with recognition of the associated benefits to our health and well-being, so coordinating interior and exterior tiles become increasingly in demand.
Image: Norde Platino Textured Outdoor 60/90 (20mm)
Emulating natural finishes
Advancements in tile production technology have enabled designers to achieve remarkably authentic finishes that replicate natural materials but with all the practical and aesthetic benefits of porcelain.
In some of the stone-effect porcelain products we see all the irregularities and surface characteristics that one would associate with their quarried counterparts. Those that emulate wood come in plank or parquet formats, some with the markings of sawn timber and the genuine graining of their organic originals. Many of the marble-like lines have such variety of patterning that any repetition of print is indiscernible, and in gloss and matt finishes they are almost indistinguishable from the real material. Ranges resembling concrete and clay appear rendered by hand with soft textures and toned-down tints.
Image: Heartwood Malt 20/120
Bolder, brighter retro patterns
Large format slabs with bright gemstone effects, rich colourway options that replicate majolica designs or multi-tone block-prints that emulate traditional encaustic squares. On one hand we see demand for muted-tone tiles, whilst on the other the variety of more perky patterns and palettes continues to grow.
With new manufacturing methods, increased intricacy and greater precision of print work becomes possible. In large format we see almost artwork-like imagery of floor-to-ceiling dimensions that create feature areas within more expansive environments. In smaller format we find pronounced patterns that can be used to create playful patchworks or carpets of colour to help anchor other fixtures and furnishings.
Image: Venti Classic Carpet 1 20/20
3D effects and tactile textures
The latest designs with raised profiles or carved indentations bring a decorative and exclusive allure, which uplifts, rather than overpowers a space’s architectural beauty. These tactile textured tiles lend themselves to evocative light effects, creating interior designs that are simple yet with strong visual impact.
The breadth of designs now available include subtle reliefs that emulate naturally occurring surfaces or forms such as fossilised foliage, gentle geometric and repetitive patterns, those with flowing features that appear wave-like or woven, and others with distinctive decoration and delicate detail like engravings and etchings.
Image: 3D Wall Carve Whittle 40/80
Urban industrial look
Concrete and clay effect tiles are not so new, having been in vogue now for a number of seasons, but it’s the technical advancements in production that continue to keep these top of mind amongst interior designers and architects.
These ranges with subtle tone-on-tone colourways, soft resin-like surfaces and muted natural shading are now available in a much wider range of sizes, shapes and formats, which allow for application almost anywhere.
Available in oversize slabs, matt, textured, grip or slip resistant surfaces and extra thick 20mm profiles for outdoor use, industrial look tiling allows for such variety in creative expression for those seeking a minimalist and modern environment.
Image: Raw Sand 75/150
Resurgence in smaller sizes
Previously popular as ‘10/10 kitchen tiles’, more compact designs are making a come-back. In the space between the miniature mosaic and more standard sizes, we see an abundance of decorative, brightly coloured and multi-textured tiles. Brick effect or slip format, laid in varying patterns, is now far more popular than the more regular-sized small tiles.
Traditionally these have been used in kitchens, bathrooms and cloakrooms but, while that’s still the case, as more innovative and imaginative examples emerge, interior designers are now applying smaller format tiles to create feature areas within larger living spaces, to clad specific architectural elements or to emphasise a structured step-change in surface or zoning.
Image: Timeless Moon Hexagon Grey
Elevating environments
We’re looking forward to seeing what’s trending at this year’s Grand Designs event and to see how our latest product lines can be used to further enhance interior, exterior and architectural designs.