Tile trends from Spain

At Coverings 2021, an international tile and stone exhibition and conference in Orlando, the Spain Pavilion provided a glimpse at some of the latest trends in ceramic tile.

Warm Tones
Earth-tones continue to rise as designers are turning to hues that remind us of nature. Influences of raw nature are subtle with pure organic undertones that speak to comfort and home. (Shown above: Corten Stone from Intermatex)

Layers and Texture

Neutral Gris from EmigresSurface finish and texture combine to create a nuanced field that brings hyper-reality to the forefront of design. Technical inks supply the ingenuity and infrastructure to conjure physical textures that relate perfectly to the graphic imagery of a space.

Geometric Sequence

Diamond Colors from Monopole

Tessellating geometrics with a rise in hexagons, triangles and chevrons abound. Solid colors finished in both glossy and matte coatings play incredibly well together creating a dynamic yet subtle layer of interest.

Marble Madness

Oni Blue from GeoTiles

As the efficacy of replicating realistic stones becomes more simplified, we start ranging further afield to create fantastical examples of natural stone. Spanish companies are perfecting the flecked nature of marbled materials by melding hypnotic gemstone hues with deep crystalized veining.

Digital Augmentation

Gaudi Reactive from Codicer

Mid-piece effects and transitions in structure and finish add tiers of detail to build an organic composition. Layered glazes and inks bring depth of tone and finish. Digitally deposited adhesives fix particles of frit to recreate the worn classic glaze.

Small Scale in the Great Outdoors

Bali Stone from Undefasa

To celebrate the macro scale capabilities of modern production, we see a return to classic sizes like 8-in. x 8-in. tile, that call upon iconic motifs and glazing styles of Modernist times and retro design. The rise of smaller formats, especially for exteriors helps satisfy safety as well as aesthetics.