KEEN ON GREEN
Octogono Valeta Verde by Vives
Almost all of the Spanish brands are offering green in their décor ranges. Shades of blue and lilac have been promoted by Dulux and Pantone as ‘colours of the year’, but in the tile industry, at least, emerald and sage are the most popular colours. Used by interior designers for its calming properties and loved by homeowners for its outdoorsy vibe, green brings the natural world inside.
HEX-cstatic
Versalles by Oset
The hexagon shape is hot. It has increased in popularity for practical reasons, working equally well on walls and floors or in external applications. Yet it’s stylish too and offers a contemporary vibe. Patterns that can be achieved by combining hexagons allow for an intriguing placement of tiles, which is appealing for those seeking a custom look.
GLAM METAL
Metax Lux by Azteca
Recent times have seen an enthusiasm for industrial metal looks such as rusty steel or oxidised copper. In this platinum year, a glance at some of the new launches shows a growing interest in much more glamorous metallic effects. Surfaces that would suit a high-end bathroom refurb or a luxurious spa are offered in sophisticated colour palettes and are notable for their elegant details. Finishes are polished rather than distressed.
PLEASING PLACEMENTS
Penny by Realonda
New ranges of tiles by Spanish manufacturers are often designed to give users a degree of flexibility with installation. Small formats that can be arranged in a variety of ways allow designers and architects to make their mark. Instead of traditional laying patterns, tiles can be combined in a quirky way. Using blocks of colours can be very effective as with these wide bands of mosaic pennies.
MACRO-TASTIC
Valletta by La Platera
Geometrics that flow boldly over a ceramic surface feature in many of the new launches. You’ll need a decent sized space to use these designs since the pattern is only complete by piecing together multiple tiles. The designs can be seen on small 20×20 formats, but also on larger 60x60cm formats. There is nothing subtle about this style.
CLEAN CUT
Next by El Molino
Ceramic and porcelain tiles have always been a hygienic choice. They are easy to clean and don’t absorb moisture. But in response to the pandemic, Spanish manufacturers are adding an extra layer of anti-bacterial protection during the firing process. This anti-bacterial technology is already widespread. It can be seen in all formats and styles including cement, marble and wood-effects. Some brands plan to roll it out on all of their ranges, not just as an optional extra.
WARM IT UP
Lucca by Peronda
A soft earthy palette of bone, beige and terracotta is vying with our perennial favourite grey. Décor ranges are taking inspiration from baked clay, mud, shells and fossils rather than anthracite and charcoal. Interiors once again feel warmer and today’s tile collections reflect this.