Cersaie 2018: Extra-Large Tiles Dominate with Sophistication and Size
Cersaie 2018, the premier international exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings, concluded in Bologna, Italy, with a clear trend dominating the show floor: the ascendancy of extra-large tiles and surfaces. Manufacturers showcased slabs reaching up to an impressive 3 meters, emphasizing visual continuity, unparalleled practicality, and advanced design capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Size Matters: Extra-large format tiles were the undisputed stars, offering seamless aesthetics.
- Technological Advancements: Digital printing allows for realistic reproductions of natural materials with enhanced durability and ease of maintenance.
- Versatile Finishes: A wide array of effects, from concrete and resin to wood and intricate marble patterns, were presented.
- Decorative Potential: Large tiles are increasingly incorporating graphic and three-dimensional decorative features, rivaling wallpaper.
- Tailored Solutions: The trend caters to the growing demand for bespoke designs from architects and clients.
Mimetic Effects and Marble Marvels
The exhibition highlighted the sophisticated mimetic capabilities of modern tile production. Brands like Florim, with its Étoile de Rex collection, presented extra-large porcelain stoneware tiles mimicking rare marble varieties such as Amazonite. Atlas Concorde's Marvel Edge collection placed marble center stage, showcasing its chromatic richness in series like Red Luxury and Royal Calacatta. Iris Ceramica Group featured new Onyx varieties from FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti in large, thin slabs, demonstrating vibrant color palettes. Ceramica Sant’Agostino paid homage to Roman history with its Via Appia collection, offering Navona Travertine effects, while Refin introduced the celestial-inspired Stardust and the earthy Tune collections.
Decorative Dominance in Large Dimensions
Beyond mimicking natural materials, large tiles are embracing bold decorative elements. Ragno's collections, including CoccioPesto and TexCem, introduced vibrant contrasts and textured effects. Marazzi's System S showcased unexpected expressive potential through format and color combinations. Ceramica Sant’Agostino’s Waystone collection featured graphic textures on large tiles, creating dynamic surfaces, and Coem's Modica line echoed Sicilian style with warm tones and vertical graphic panels. Atlas Concorde's Twist collection added a three-dimensional, rope-like texture, while ABK's Wide&Style presented ceramic panels with high-resolution digitally printed designs, akin to wallpaper, such as the exotic Rain Forest. Devon&Devon incorporated luxurious floral motifs into their extra-large format porcelain stoneware.
The Resurgence of Big Color
Color took center stage in uniform, extra-large surfaces. Atlas Concorde's Boost collection offered concrete effects in vibrant hues like red and sage green. Villeroy & Boch's Lightplay collection introduced a nuanced palette of powdered colors inspired by cotton fabrics. Marazzi's Eclettica collection brought fashion-forward shades to bathroom tiles, allowing for personalized chromatic choices. Refin's Creos line provided large slabs with a resin effect in a palette of intense colors and subtle neutrals.
Ultraslim and Tailor-Made Solutions
Marazzi's Grande 2018 series amplified tile sizes to 160 x 320 cm while reducing thickness to 6 mm, enhancing versatility for applications beyond flooring, including furnishings. Lea Ceramica's SlimtechDelight collection offered marble-effect finishes in original formats with new tactile sensations. ABK's Native series, inspired by Trentino porphyry, provided personalized, single-material solutions for bathrooms and furnishings in various earthy tones. The trend towards ultraslim and tailor-made options underscores a commitment to adaptable and sophisticated design.
Leave a comment