It’s all about colour
Opulent patterns, bold colours and natural richness latest style for tiles and slabs in home decor
Move over neutral ceramic and stone. The year ahead will see trendy homes outfitted with tiles and slabs that feature bold colours, luxurious patterns, surprising textures, unique shapes, metallic and lacquered finishes, richer veining and floor-toceiling wrapping.
That’s the message of stone and ceramic products retailer Ciot Inc. of Ontario, in unveiling its tile and slab trends for 2020.
“No longer are ceramic and stone products solely about functionality and durability, but rather, they have become fashion statements in themselves, elevating any decor with unprecedented character and elegance,” said Kristina Panzera, senior buyer of Ciot, adding that today’s products deliver a mix of natural elements with ultrastylish looks, a combination consumers are after.
“The result is nothing short of a masterpiece, creating an artful, one-of-a-kind look in any room that will stand the test of time,” she added.
According to Ciot, the hottest tile trends in ceramic and stone products for 2020 are:
Eye-catching colour. From pale rosés and minty greens, to punches of indigo blue, forest green, burgundy and black, 2020 will be all about colour. Stronger tones add character to any room while warmer pastels remain popular for a more neutral, muted decor.
Striking textures, patterns and finishes. Imitation cement tiles boasting colourful patterns are growing a fan base for their ability to add visual interest in the home, while neutral textures are favoured to bring a touch of Mediterranean heat or Bohemian-style loft. At the same time, more conservative toneon-tone textures will increasingly be popular for floor tiles, used to uplift a decor without weighing it down. Bright, glossy tiles resembling a lacquered finish in which you can ‘feel’ the brush strokes are also taking centre stage.
Dynamic shapes. Compelling shapes – from fish scales to diamonds and hexagons – are gaining traction as a fun, freespirited way to elevate a room. Computer-generated 3D effects will also create complex tile designs that play with light and shadows for futuristic decor palettes.
Super-sized tiles. When it comes to tiles in 2020, bigger is better. The new standard is 60 by 60 centimetres, with large rectangular tiles – measuring 60 by 120 centimetres – gaining traction for upscale looks. Longer, wider planks will steal the spotlight for flooring, and used on walls, they create a sleek, modern vibe.
Metallics. Metal finishes will be increasingly stylish, with natural gold, copper and brass highlights creating one-of-akind shiny, reflective surfaces that glisten in natural light. Primarily used as wall coverings, deep metallic finishes exude a raw, organic feel. Underfoot, neutral-toned metal finishes for floors will continue trending.
Distressed looks. What’s old is new again as distressed looks continue to hold appeal for both floors and walls, imitating the look of old marble floors worn by years of foot traffic, and creating an air of old-warm charm and craftsmanship.
In stone, the trends are:
Stone wrapping. Elegant and sophisticated stone slabs will envelope entire rooms as consumers experiment with all surfaces for an inviting, oneof-a-kind decor. From floor-toceiling stone slabs on walls, to kitchen islands, to stairways and floors, stone delivers a striking, cocooning ambience.
Colour infusion. Warm whites are no longer monotone and flat, but rather, contain
Brighter, bolder veins. While white marble with light grey veining will always be a classic choice, stronger marble colours with active veins of wine red, emerald green and bright blue are starting to steal the show. Rather than hanging expensive artwork, these surfaces are works of art themselves.
Natural richness. The outdoors continues to move indoors in 2020, with the rise of honed surfaces and finishes that resemble raw materials and radiate the richness of nature. Leathered marble, terrazzo and concrete looks are becoming increasingly popular for their moody grey vibe.
“Whether using ceramic or stone, combining patterns, finishes and colours to create a unique look in any room is a hot trend that is expected to continue well into the future,” Panzera said.