i+D - May/June 2019 - 20

Materials
Tile

SAFE,
STYLE-FORWARD
CERAMICS

Advances in digital imaging clarity have allowed
for re-creations of everything, from elements of nature
to cityscapes, artwork, and more, while advances
in textural techniques have brought iconic design
elements, like tin ceilings, patinaed metals, and even
cross-stitching to life. Also making an impact are
massive slabs that mirror natural marble and other
stones and gemstones that allow for bookmatching,
as well as re-creations of myriad species of wood
that have moved beyond the simple plank into parquet
and inlaid pattern options that fool the eye even
when up close.
In addition to new product and technological
advances, a new video campaign has launched to
promote the benefits of ceramic tile. Produced by
Ceramics of Italy, "Ceramic. A safe choice." details
the sustainable, environmentally friendly nature
of ceramic tile and dives into additional benefits
many may not realize, like the fact that ceramic tile
will not burn, doesn't release harmful chemicals,
and is hypoallergenic and fully recyclable.
The informative video can be viewed on the
Ceramics of Italy website and will be promoted
by additional industry partners as well.

1. REALONDA CERAMICA. Textural
designs have reached new depths, re-creating
everything from time-honored tin ceilings to
dramatically sculptural relief looks, as shown
here in the Ivy Mist line from Realonda.
2. CERAMICA SANT'AGOSTINO.
Wood looks have moved beyond the basic
plank to include parquet-like patterning,
as well as more detailed wood inlay designs.
Primewood from Sant'Agostino, shown
here in Mix, calls on Nordic and Danish
design influences for a lighter wood look
with softened veining and lightened knots.

-Jennifer Quail

3. COTTO D'ESTE. Advances in digital
clarity and scope have allowed for the
creation of dramatic, multi-panel re-creations
of singular scenes from the natural world,
from varied cities and their skylines, and
more. Shown here is Dream from the
Wonderwall collection at Cotto d'Este.
4. FLORIM. Re-creations of natural stones
like marble are proving a driving force for the
ceramic category, while an increasing number
of dramatic gemstone options, like the very
believable Etoile Illusion from Florim, are
gaining traction.

i+D - May/June 2019

Image 1: Realonda Ceramica/Image 2: Ceramica Sant'Agostino/Image 3: Jennifer Quail/Image 4: Jennifer Quail

CERAMIC TILE IS BY NO MEANS A NEW
PRODUCT IN THE DESIGN WORLD, BUT
THE ADVANCES BEING MADE WITHIN THE
CATEGORY, COUPLED WITH THE PRODUCT'S
INNATELY SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE MAKEUP,
HAVE BROUGHT THE MATERIAL TO NEW
HEIGHTS AND OPENED THE DOORS FOR
DESIGN PROFESSIONALS TO TURN TO TILE
FOR INCREASINGLY VARIED APPLICATIONS.
Proving the leaps being made by the category in
both creativity and production capabilities, the
recent Coverings trade show offered a visual and
technological immersion into a product grouping
that increasingly knows no bounds.

i+D - May/June 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of i+D - May/June 2019