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New mediums, motifs and technologies made Cersaie one of the most exciting tile and bath furnishing fairs yet
Written by Melissa Feldman
When it comes to tile design, nobody turns out masterworks like the Italians. To honor that claim to fame, Bologna has become the home to Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings. This fall 1,036 exhibitors from around the world presented their latest tiles in bustling booths filled with chic bath and room vignettes and accompanied by delicious nibbles like Parmigiano-Reggiano and glasses of bubbly Prosecco. Innovative designs, techniques and surfaces pushed the limits of the medium to create striking and inspiring works.
While faux wood surfaces, black-and-white graphics and purple shades were ongoing themes, a majority of this year's exhibitors had launched serious efforts to produce green and sustainable alternatives to traditional tiles and surfaces. Pre- and post-consumer waste, tiles, glass and even cathode-ray tubes from TVs were among the recycled content that had been repurposed. Many manufacturers also reduced the thickness of their tiles, making their products easier to apply over existing surfaces and lighter and more economical to ship.
Italys Next Tile Trends
Like a traditional houndstooth pattern but much more jagged, Coem's latest tile introduction takes on the trendy pixilated look. The black and white porcelain tile can also be custom cut.
Though this may be Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola's first foray into tiles, she showed no signs of being a novice. This unusual collection displaying pixel-like cut-outs is offered in a 4mm thickness in unglazed porcelain with a textured surface that's been water-cut and comes in five neutral colors.
With an old computer motherboard for inspiration, MAP Design Studio for Mipa utilized laser-engraving to achieve the retro Loop tile.
Naxos presented its Vanity collection, which included the Fascia Anemone pattern in black [shown] and white. The flowers are so large that they can't be contained within one tile. A giant anemone would add the perfect note to an outdoor space or pool house.
These Mediterranean florals evoke the plants blossoming along the Amalfi coast near the factory where AR.CE.A.'s handmade ceramic tiles are made. Covered in a double-fired glaze, the pattern's soft lines create the illusion that an artist had painted them directly onto a tiled wall.
The tulip has been on ongoing theme in Dutch-born artist and landscape designer Ronal Van Der Hilst's work. His Tuli-Art tiles just became available in large decorative ceramic panels (64" x 96"), though the look reads as a compilation of smaller tiles. Each panel is entirely handmade and comes in three colorways.
Another large-scale pattern made its debut at Marca Carona: the Tropical wall tile depicting palm leaves. The collection also included compatible neutral surfaces to mix and match with the Tropical's new twist for the bath.
The Zero 4 porcelain wall tile designed by Francesca De Simone for Marazzi is perfect for a powder room wall or sink backsplash. The metallic finish adds glow to the subtle fractal pattern. Another plus: the product is suitable for applying over existing materials.
The Dechirer collection by designer Patricia displayed hexagonal unglazed porcelain stoneware adorned with a layering technique; the reliefs' mix of textures make the muted colors intriguing.
Settecento introduced a molded porcelain tile in an organic shape reminiscent of sand formations; thus its apt name, Dune. An interesting choice for a media room or bath, it comes in white, bronze and pearl gray.
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