Article Number : 2632 |
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| Date | 10/30/2007 9:44:43 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2632 |
| Abstract | By Nicole Miller Bologna, Italy—The 25th edition of Cersaie, the world’s largest tile exhibition, was a success by any measure. Three records were set: total visitors (91,935), foreign visitors (27,121) and Italian and foreign journalists (632)... |
| Article | By Nicole Miller Bologna, Italy—The 25th edition of Cersaie, the world’s largest tile exhibition, was a success by any measure. Three records were set: total visitors (91,935), foreign visitors (27,121) and Italian and foreign journalists (632). Trends included large and long-format tiles in sizes such as 12 x 48, 8 x 24, 24 x 48 and 9 x 36. Also, new tile collections with high-end finishes in neutral palettes were prominent, as were shiny materials and gold accents. Within minutes of walking the show floor, it was evident that design concepts continue to derive from nature. And while floral patterns remain popular, tree motifs were also a big hit this year as seen in a collection from Di Piu Srl, which offered a raised, extruded tile with a tree deco imprint. According to the company, this look is popular in both the American and Italian markets. Moreover, the wood look remains strong, and Impronta Ceramiche Italgraniti responded by launching two porcelain lines to emphasize this notice: Eden and No. 4. Eden, part of the company’s Evoluzione Materia collection, is described as a “wood-cement” made possible by the innovative Almatec technology. Eden, which is available in a 12 x 48 format, takes its inspiration from wood and blends with it the appearance of cement, according to the company. Making reference to one of the world’s most famous perfumes, Impronta also introduced the No. 4 collection, which blends wood and metal. “Clever honing of glazes immediately transmits the warmth of wood and metallic design of No. 4,” a company spokesperson said. Floor tiles are available in 24 x 36, 24 x 24, 6 x 24 and 6 x 36 formats. Furthermore, Spanish manufacturer Grespania introduced Escandinavia, a line that looks like wood with life-like wood grain. “A beautiful, light wood-looking tile is perfect for those rooms that get heavy traffic and/or may be prone to moisture where one wouldn’t specify real wood but wants to achieve the same look,” a spokesman noted. ‘Steeling’ the look Aside from the wood look, tiles mimicking steel were also a popular item on the show floor. One example was the Spider collection from Venus, available in brown and gray, giving a steel patina look to the floor. The ceramic tile is available in an 18 x 26 format. In keeping with last year’s trend of extruded tiles, collections today are bumpy, wavy, etched, engraved, etc. An example of this was found in Monina by Tagina’s Meetall series, created for users who do not want to sacrifice the compactness and solidity of high-thickness porcelain tile and appreciate the unique emotions of through-bodied coloring and metal effects. “The bright colors, bold reflections, and screen-printed and engraved metallic decorations give installations a strong personality and remarkable beauty,” according to the company. Aside from basic colors such as black, gray, white and beige, golden shades can be found in many of the new products on the market. For example, Glow from Atlas Concorde is comprised of metallic iridescent details and textures. Colors included in the Glow series are Star, Sun, Galaxy, Planet, Moon and Cosmos, and sizes are 24 x 48, 12 x 48, 24 x 24, 12 x 24 and 6 x 24. Design Tale Studio also introduced a gold product referred to as the Pareti d’Autore Gold Collection, which combines the appeal of 24 carat gold with a “sumptuous pattern to create astonishingly vibrant atmospheres.” Sparkly, glittery designs are a popular way to liven up a space, and in order to keep up with this new design trend, Mapei has created MapeGlitter, a shimmering grout to complement the tiles. Basic colors include silver and light gold. Concentrating on the U.S. market Recognizing the strength and influence of the Italian market, some of the country’s largest manufacturers have established U.S. offices and/or manufacturing facilities. Aside from setting up shop in the states, more and more foreign companies are attending American trade shows to introduce products and programs. According to the Del Conca Group, which is comprised of three manufacturing companies—Ceramica Faetano, Ceramica del Conca and Pastorelli—half of its exports go to the U.S. To that end, Del Conca USA has been established to oversee the logistical aspects of the market. “In the U.S., the ever-increasing appeal of ceramic tiles for architects and designers has led to a turnover in excess of [$71.4 million], with a growth of 30% with respect to the previous year,” the company reported. The Architech collection of porcelain stoneware floor tiles from Floor Gres is the company’s best seller in the U.S. Popular American colors include white, almond and beige, as well as darker shades such as black, brown and gray. The tile is available in 24 x 48, 16 x 32, 24 x 24, 16 x 16 and 8 x 8 sizes. “The collection was defined through a renewed conception of designing that promotes harmony between man and nature as well as the creation of a balanced system between constructed ambience and natural environment,” a spokesperson said. While the majority of new products were first being launched at Cersaie, many companies noted their plans to introduce them to the U.S. market at Coverings, which will take place in Orlando, Fla., from April 29 to May 2, 2008. |