The 40th edition of Cersaie took place in Bologna, Italy, in September attracting nearly 100,000 visitors – we take a tour with tile manufacturers’ association Tile of Spain to discover the 5 key new tile trends to look out for.
Seventy-five brands in the Tile of Spain group of manufacturers showcased their products at the 40th edition of Cersaie in Bologna, celebrating an industry full of vibrancy and invention, and making Spain the second largest exhibitor by country at the show. With nearly 100,000 visitors, the event drew crowds keen to see the latest collections in ceramic and porcelain – while Spanish manufacturers lived up to the sector’s image as pioneers offering premium quality, exciting design and technical innovation, together with a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
1. Sea and sand
From the land of sunshine and glorious coastlines, it’s no surprise the ambience of the seaside is a popular theme in Spanish tiles, whether that be uplifting aquas and turquoises, shimmering shell-like finishes, wave-like textures or calming sandy tones. Evoking thoughts of relaxing on the beach or by the pool, the latest collections range from decorative wall tiles that create a sense of wellbeing in the bathroom, to floor coverings perfect for outdoor terraces.
2. Neo noir
The beauty of black makes a strong statement in design, bringing an air of glamour and sophistication. Black comes in many subtle variations, from shades bordering on dark grey and green to deep charcoals and midnights, and with iridescent finishes or marble-like veining. Deliciously dark tiles with a fascinating difference are offered by many Spanish manufacturers and come in various formats, from wall tiles ideal for splashbacks to slabs of porcelain perfect for worktops, walls and floors.
3. Going green
Green is a highly popular choice in interiors, bringing us closer to a soothing sense of nature. Spanish ceramics have embraced this colour with verve and ingenuity, offering a wide array throughout the tonal range and in a variety of decorative styles and formats. From slender bamboo effects for the bathroom to the replication of exotic stones, and from traditional square and metro pieces to easy-install mosaics – the glory of green is taking over tiles!
4. Raw rock
The aesthetics, details and textures of quarried stone and minerals have been adopted by Spanish tile brands to create new offerings for walls and floors, indoors and outdoors. Representing all the raw beauty of rock formations, grottos, and well-worn footpaths, these easy-to-work-with, lightweight products enable a sense of gravity, without stripping excess resources from the ground… and with inspiring potential for installing subtle patterns.
5. Calling for clay
Terracotta is one of the earliest forms of ceramic and the rustic look of natural or fired clay has an enduring appeal. Spain has a long and proud history of making beautiful and useful things from this ancient material and several Spanish manufacturers are referencing the tradition in collections that range from contemporary interpretations to honouring the simplicity of old-school tiles.
