The latest tile collections are not only attractive they include anti-bacterial solutions for how we live our lives today
A vast array of colourful and textured, patterned and plain tiles have been launched for use in residential, commercial and hospitality projects this year. With so much choice it was a challenge to summarise the 2022/23 trends worth looking out for, so I was delighted when Tile of Spain (who represent more than 125 tile manufacturers) came up with seven concise directions for us to keep an eye on.
Keen on green
Almost all of the Spanish brands are offering green in their décor ranges. Shades of blue and lilac have been promoted by Dulux and Pantone as ‘colours of the year’, but in the tile industry, at least, emerald is the predominant hue. Chosen for its calming properties and loved by homeowners for its outdoorsy vibe, green brings the natural world inside. (Image shows Amazonia by ZYX available in square and hexagon formats)
Hex-static
The hexagon shape works equally well on walls and floors or in external applications. Patterns that can be achieved by combining hexagons allows for a custom look. Many new tile collections offer a hexagon alongside other formats so that they can be mixed or matched. Other ranges are more ambitious, combining marble-effects with wood and cement effects or juxtaposing plains with complementary decors. (Image shows Versailles porcelain tile – six patterns and four plains by Oset)
Glam metal
In recent years we have seen enthusiasm for industrial looks such as rusty steel or oxidised copper. Some of the new collections are experimenting with more glamorous metallic finishes such as gold, silver and titanium. Finishes are polished rather than distressed. (image shows large format porcelain Metal tiles in titanium finish from Tau)
Pleasing placements
New ranges of tiles by Spanish manufacturers are often designed to give users a degree of flexibility with installation. Small formats that can be arranged in a variety of ways allow designers and architects to make their mark. Instead of traditional laying patterns, tiles can be mixed up or placed vertically or diagonally. Using blocks of colours can be very effective as with these wide bands of mosaic pennies (Penny tile is a circular mosaic from Realonda)
Macro-tastic
Geometrics that flow boldly over a ceramic surface feature in many of the new launches. You’ll need a decent sized space to use these designs since the pattern is only complete by piecing together multiple tiles. The designs can be seen on small 20×20 formats, but also on larger 60x60cm formats. There is nothing subtle about this style (image shows: Dual tiles mixing wood, marble and stone effect shapes. From Museum)
Clean cut
Ceramic and porcelain tiles have always been a hygienic choice. They are easy to clean and don’t absorb moisture. But in response to the pandemic, Spanish manufacturers are adding an extra layer of anti-bacterial protection during the firing process. This anti-bacterial technology is already widespread. It can be seen in all formats and styles including cement, marble and wood-effects. Some brands plan to roll it out on all of their ranges, not just as an optional extra. (image shows Moments bacteria free porcelain tile from Undefasa)
Warm it up
A soft earthy palette of bone, beige and terracotta is vying with perennial favourite grey. Décor ranges are taking inspiration from baked clay, mud, shells and fossils rather than anthracite and charcoal. Interiors once again feel warmer and today’s tile collections reflect this. (Image shows Deco Core ribbed tiles in almond from Gayafores)
(Image at the top of page shows the Mykonos porcelain tile from Dune Ceramics fitting into the Macro-tastic trend)
