Tile trends for 2010

From the people who know – The Tile Association

CERSAIE, The International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings held at the end of September in Bologna , Italy every year sets the trend for the following 12 months.  Members of The Tile Association report on products seen at the show which you will find in the best UK tile showrooms by the beginning of 2010.

TTA member CP Group report that –“The 2009 show appears to have been a relative success, with exhibitors reporting good business, and footfall exceeding expectations.  The trend & NPD process appears to have become more evolution than revolution.  Toned down colours and effects reflect a more conservative approach, with statement elements being incorporated into decoration.  Technological developments (ink-jet and thin-body porcelain) provide the most notable trends”.

Barry Slawson, the MD of the Nottingham-based East Midlands Ceramics also sees the super thin tile as one of the major developments in the industry for many years.“ A fantastic new range of “wafer thin” ceramic tiles could be about to make it ultra-easy to give kitchens, bathrooms and living areas a facelift.

The revolutionary new glazed porcelain tiles, from a variety of top manufacturers, were one of the major success stories from this year’s exhibition.  They are just 3mm and 5mm thick and can be easily fixed on top of an existing tiled area to create an instant new look”.

Adhesive manufacturer Mapei also see thin body porcelain as a key trend and have already responded to it.  Mapei always have one of the largest stands at CERSAIE.  “This year we have focused on our Ultralight S1 product during the show, as a consequence of the rising trend for the use of thinner and thinner porcelain tiles.  Some of these tiles are as thin as 4mm”. 

With a focus on the design element British Ceramic Tile, Design Director, Sheila Elliott makes the following comments. “Many trends were apparent such as metallic finishes, raised prints, matching wall and floor tiles and textured whites.

British Ceramic Tile has launched some exciting and stylish new products especially designed for the UK market, taking on board the trend for metallic finishes, raised prints, damask style designs and fine linen effect textures”.

Craven Dunnill tell us.  “Wood is back! .Also very large formats for floors and walls.  Floor tiles under 400 x 400mm in size are now passé.  Look out for special effects in mosaics and using tiles in other areas of the house other than bathrooms and kitchens.  3 dimensional designs are popular and intriguing new techniques in ink jet printing get ever more sophisticated with the marble-look now amazingly realistic in some of the higher quality ranges”.

Craven Dunnill have an interesting slant on thin body porcelain seeing the ecological advantages. “Thin porcelain is really new, 4.2 to 5mm as companies become more eco conscious, and to make tiles easier to handle, cut etc”.

CP Group also reported.  “A plethora of inkjet technology, effectively replicating natural stone and seen on both wall & floor in polished and matt finishes.  Glass is emerging as a key substrate across all sizes, colours and effects.  The use of glass tiles with ceramics is appearing in larger formats in line with established trends”. 

CP Group also address tile formats in a very detailed report sent to The Tile Association.  “A wide range of established tile formats were on show, from smaller squares up to 120 x 120cm. Rectangular formats are still popular and there is a move to narrow formats such as 20x50cm.

They continue to predict. “On colour, naturals dominate as ever, but advances in printing technology provide unique and more distinct ‘natural’ effects.  The use of colour is distinctly muted/burnished with pastel shades, deep purples and blues; plus black & white.  The development of muted Mediterranean tones, in glazed effect, provides new kitchen opportunities.

CP group also saw the use of tiles throughout the home.  “Emergence of ‘Living Area’ design, via creation of wallpaper effects: flock, geometrics, wooden panels, Muted Mediterranean & Moorish design styles provide colour evolution”.

On a more technical aspect 365Drills report that.  “Porcelain Tiles continue to rise in popularity and are in demand by an ever increasing sector of the population. 365Drills are the manufacturer of PORSADRILL, a solution to diamond drill perfect holes into large format porcelain tiles”. 

Adhesive manufacturer ARDEX UK announced the launch of coloured grouts in “32 fantastic new colours, ranging from Classic Vanilla to refreshing Spring Jasmine or the warmth of Autumn Red!”

For further information: www.tiles.org.uk