Once a year, the global tile industry gathers in an American city to show off its new wares. This year, that gathering took place in Orlando and there were brands from the United States, Turkey, Portugal, Japan, China, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Mexico and other countries represented. Coverings bills itself as North America’s largest stone and tile show, and attracts designers, contractors, builders, other specifiers and, of course, industry pros who cover the design industry for their print and online readers. Here are hot takes from last week’s show from three such pros answering three particular questions:
What was your personal favorite trend at Coverings?
White on white dimensional patterns add sophisticated interest to a neutral space.
Realonda/A Tile of Spain Member Company
“I liked the dark marbles and moody stone colors, whether in natural stone or porcelain/ceramic tile. They make a nice counterpoint to all the light finishing and add drama and dynamism to a space. At the same time, I liked all the white-on-white geometrics and wainscoting-type patterns.”
Lesley A. Goddin, Editor, TileLetter, the official publication of the National Tile Contractors Association
Natural onyx was the inspiration for this porcelain tile.
Fiandre USA/A Tile Council of North America Member Company
“I loved all of the beautiful gauged [thin slab] porcelain panels– especially with the onyx looks. There were so many beautiful colors and tones…like rose, and soft shades of green. I saw a lot of tile with the onyx look, and I loved that, because we have been doing. a lot of marble looks for a few years now. This brings back a beautiful type of stone, but in a super durable tile. Unlike natural stone, there are no worries of scratching on this material!”
Alena Capra, Interior Designer, Alena Capra Designs/Design Blogger and Coverings Ambassador
Wood look trends have expanded beyond plank.
Lea Ceramiche/A Ceramics of Italy Member Company
“I love that the wood look we’ve seen in plank form for a few years now has expanded to very beautiful and detailed inlaid wood styles and also love the subtle glamour of the gemstone and more muted metallic reproductions. All are evidence of increasing design and production capabilities.”
Jennifer Quail, Editor-in-Chief, i+D Magazine, official publication of the American Society of Interior Designers
Which new trend do you think has the most staying power in the US market?
Large format stone looks continue to trend strongly.
Iris US/A Tile Council of North America Member Company
“I think the porcelain slabs and gauged porcelain tiles will proliferate. Natural stone is amazing, but the cost and the care can be challenging. Porcelain versions of these gorgeous stones — and hybrids of stone looks that can only be achievable with digital printing — make the look more accessible to a wider range of end users. One thing that is essential for the success of the project is to partner or hire with a qualified tile installer, who has trained to work with the handling and installation of these products.”
Lesley A. Goddin
Wood-look tiles can go where wood can’t.
Atlas Concorde/A Ceramics of Italy Member Company
“I believe the wood look in ceramic will continue to grow in popularity, in part due to the increasing options in style but also due to consumers becoming more educated as to the benefits of ceramic tile, like how it is sustainable, recyclable, hypoallergenic, odorless, etc.”
Jennifer Quail
Thin porcelain slabs are being used for much more than floor and wall.
Tau/A Tile of Spain Member Company
“Gauged porcelain panels are my top pick. Since they have been introduced, manufacturers have continued to produce so many incredible, and realistic stone looks on these.. that can even be book-matched, like real marble and stone slabs! The design capabilities are also limitless – walls, floors, countertops, cladding… I believe this will continue to grow in the market; it’s such a versatile, and beautiful product.”
Alena Capra
What was your personal favorite product at the show? Why?
Drama infuses new glass and stone-inspired tiles.
Sicis/A Ceramics of Italy Member Company
“So hard to choose! But I really loved the contrast of the warm gold veining in Ariana‘s Epoque Black, which seemed to glow from the dark matrix. I also loved Sicis‘ Vetrite floor tiles, which are anti-slip for secure footing, and offer a high level of customization. On the installation side, Litokol (distributed in the US by Tile Doctor) is converting all its Starlike epoxy grouts to ZHERORISK Evolution Technology non-corrosive, non-toxic and VOC-free formulas that pose no risk to environment or installers, and other building materials will follow. This is a result of two-year research sponsored by the European Union and conducted at major Italian universities.”
Leslie Goddin
Exotic stones inspired realistic porcelain slabs.
Florim/A Ceramics of Italy Member Company
“My personal favorite was Etoile Illusion by Florim. The reproduction of natural turquoise is beautiful and peaceful and the clarity of the patterning was impressive. It has the ability to bring both elegance and the calming effect of nature to a space.”
Jennifer Quail
Botanical inspirations were a hot trend this year.
ABK/A Ceramics of Italy Member Company
“I loved all of the tropical prints on tile… the palm leaves and green tones. Such a fresh, and fun look, in a variety of styles. Every room can always use. a little green, and typically people will achieve that with plants… but why not with tile?”
Alena Capra
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If you’re in the design, remodeling and construction industry and want to spot your own trends and favorites, head to New Orleans next April for Coverings 2020.