The industry continues to grow impressively both at home and abroad, and the UK is one of the most appreciative markets for Spanish ingenuity with tiles.
At this year’s Cevisama fair a number of key themes and fresh ideas emerged:
Triangles Galore
The language of geometry has a timeless beauty, and the simplicity of the triangle allows for striking effects whether used as a detail or to build a dramatic pattern. Tiles and triangles are a match made in design heaven and Spanish manufacturers are finding multiple ways to put this look into durable and versatile shape.
Playful Pastels
The soft elegance of pastel shades has a perennial appeal, creating a calm yet uplifting ambience when applied to interior design. Advances in tile technology mean that any colour or texture is possible these days and several manufacturers from Spain have embraced a more playful tone for new collections.
Sketch Book Beauty
A hand-drawn impression is a key theme in several new Spanish tile collections, with a sense of the artisan’s own personality sketched into a durable design. Chalk, pencil and paintbrush each seem to have been creatively at work in a variety of tile choices for use either large scale or as a feature section.
Line Dancing
Whether as the subtlest suggestion or as more visibly linear ridges, a number of tile collections from Spain embrace a motif of fine lines. Running closely parallel or criss-crossing at angles, this textured effect can add a hint of fascination to otherwise neutral schemes, and work wonderfully well over a large expanse of wall.
A Touch of Terrazzo
A classic look in Mediterranean flooring, the Terrazzo effect conjures up a sense of relaxed style while also being an eminently practical and forgiving choice. Now, however, the new Terrazzo comes with a twist… discreet shapes, metallic outlines and unusual colour choices have been added to the mix by brands reinventing a heritage look.
Retro Patterns
Interlocking curving shapes and mid-century patterns and palettes have been given a modern edge… several manufacturers areoffering a touch of nostalgia in an inspiring range of options for creating the freshest of schemes. In flat or relief, matt or glazed, neutral or bright hues, these tiles come with all the quality to be expected of Spanish brands.
Tunnel Vision
Combining optical illusion with 3D textures, the visual motif of the tunnel shape is a recurring theme in some recent tile designs. Drawing in the eye with a touch of intrigue, this effect appears on a range of options for wall tiles from Spain, and allows for either subtle accents or pure visual drama.
Flora & Fauna
Nature figures strongly in the latest ceramics, with an exotic interplay of birds, flowers, wildlife and all in a riot of joyful colour. When a strong design impact is desired these new patterns can play a starring role, whether used in full mural form or as a strip of feature effects.