5 tile design trends for 2014

CEVISAMA, the International Ceramic Tile Fair, recently took place at the Feria Valencia center in Spain.

The Spanish tile industry continues to be vibrant and sales are on the rise for a third year. Spain has grown its tile exports, further solidifying their leadership position at the forefront of technology and design. As a result, Spain is currently Europe's leading ceramic tile producer, and the second largest exporter at worldwide level.

Spain's ceramic tile sector exports grew by 8%. It is estimated that total sales by the Spanish ceramic tile industry will have hit 2.8 million euros by the end of 2013. Exports to the USA rose by more than 22%.

The following provides a brief overview of some of the key trends and new products featured at CEVISAMA:

1. Encaustic and Hydraulic

Classic encaustic ceramic hydraulic cement styles in a wide variety of colors and geometric patterns continue to attract attention. From distressed antique to contemporary colors, the mixed pattern look was everywhere at the fair and was shown on walls, floors and counter surfaces.

2. Beveled

Beveled tile adds dimension, depth and interest to a subway tile pattern. Tile textures and geometric shapes give designers flexibility to take classic looks and recreate them in new, interesting ways.

3. Geometric and Fashion Inspired

Geometric shapes such as hexagons and fashion inspired Victorian reliefs or herringbone patterns offer a fresh vantage point - outside the rectangular or square box. Shapes also provide a crafted or artisan feel given the attention to detail in execution. Mix and match patchwork takes this effect even further.

4. Technology Advances

New 12mm countertop slab sizes in 5'x10' dimensions were launched by Inalco and Neolith. Inalco presented a unique material with the resistance of porcelain tile combined with an innovative translucent quality called Poise. It allows designers to have light show through the surface.

Touché is another new addition to Inalco's range, standing out in this case for its ultra-white surface, a pioneering achievement in porcelain tile design. This degree of whiteness provides a better background for the creation of classical high-quality marble-effect tiles.

Relonda introduced a single fire product with reactive metallic glaze. Kefrin is a beautiful and accessible metallic concept.

5. Oxidized and Fossilized

Spain manufacturers continue to push the envelope on wood looks creating new petrified or fossilized concepts that have a stone-like appearance. Oxidized looks were also prevalent incorporating rust, blue and metallic tones for a contemporary industrial feel.