Recent advancements in technology have led to major steps forward in tile aesthetics and design. Natural materials - especially stone and wood - have become a key source of inspiration, as well as the textures of cement, resin and metal. A whole valley of options has opened up for tiles in residential, business and contract settings, both indoors and outside. In the midst of this drive forward, the ancient majolica origins of ceramic tiles have not been forgotten. Barriers are being pushed forward on one front, while the colours and geometrical patterns of a glorious past are proving to be essential architectural elements. Marazzi’s Block collection draws on resin, reinterpreting the patterns of old Sicilian majolica tiles in geometrical and floral patterns, in two colour options to be combined with single-colour tiles. Cerim’s Memory also turns to such traditional motifs, mixing patterns and geometry to produce spectacular graphic effects in neutral and pastel hues. Fioranese has Cementine 20x20, a reinterpretation of the majolica tile with decorative patterns. The focus is on the residential sector, offering wall and floor options. The tile patterns can be freely combined or laid in a single version to produce seamless geometrical designs. Brennero’s Infinity replicates wooden or stone surfaces, but with sophisticated decorations using sober, delicate shades of light blue and beige. They evoke the charm of the gardens they are inspired by. Fondovalle’s Rug has a textile vibe, replicating the weft of a loom-woven rug in four striking, but nuanced hues. Imola 1874 by ImolaCeramica combines white with a palette of dusty colours and a wide range of patterns, producing a mix that traces the history of ceramics from the end of the 19th century through the 20th century. The Carrara version of Pastorelli’s Elite has seamless floral decorations, to be matched with the surfaces that reproduce the grain of marble. Naxos’s Pixel proposes a radically new way of interpreting ceramics. Finely dotted surfaces create a 3D effect, with various patterns where colour and light interplay. Pixel images are the pattern for I’Pix by Sicis, which reproduce many pictures, created with mosaic tassels, for large wall panels. Flexible Architecture by Sant’Agostino, designed by Philippe Starck, goes well beyond the concept of simple decoration as the tiles become fully fledged architectural elements, turning the grouting into a modular decorative pattern.
CERAMICS OF ITALY Viale Monte Santo, 40
I - 41049 Sassuolo (MO)
Tel. +39 0536 804585
Fax +39 0536 806510
E-mail:
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www.laceramicaitaliana.it
