Bold, unique patterns trend for tile
Bold, unique patterns trend for tile
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Large wood look tiles are becoming more mainstream, shown here in MSI’s Aspenwood collection.
The trend toward natural looks continues with wood visuals in longer and wider planks — A look already well received by homeowners and installers alike.
“At first, 6 X 24 planks were the fastest growing size and many people were nervous to step up to 6 X 36,” said Emily Holle, director of trend and design, national marketing, MSI. “But we are seeing 8 X 40 and 9 X 48 become more and more mainstream. The other trend to accompany this larger look is the desire for more unique graphics with exotic influence and even painted affects.”
Sean Cilona, vice president of marketing for Florida Tile, explained that while wood looks do continue to grow in popularity, there is currently a heavy emphasis on stone looks.
“And not rustic stone, like a quartz or granite, but not marble. The trend is for somewhere in the middle of those, with a focus for mixed looks. We’re seeing mixtures of slate and cement or limestone,” said Cilona. “At Cersaie this year, I was surprised because there was a noticeably different trend for more monochromatic and calmer tones.”
Lindsey Waldrep, vice president of marketing for Crossville added that while neutrals continue to be important, the trend is towards a warmer color palette.
“Grays are veering toward taupe-like tones. Neutral and accent colors are dialing up the warmth, as well,” she said.
But when it comes to wall tile, textured, dimensional options are the desired trend. According to MSI’s Holle, wall tiles with heavy pattern and textures give the visual depth.
“[It provides] a visual element that makes you really want to touch the tile. There are literal depth changes on the surface of the tiles that take wall tile to a whole new level,” she said.
She added that because walls are becoming more and more important to designers and homeowners planning their projects, a simple solution is the dimensional diversity of its Stacked Stone collection.
“Our natural stacked stone ledger panels come in a large variety of colors, dimensions and styles, adding an architectural detail to a project that’s one of a kind,” she said, adding the collection is perfect for accent walls, fireplaces, grill islands and more.
Crossville’s Waldrep noted that dimensional options in tile bring texture, sheen and shadow to vertical surfaces. “We’re seeing more play with patterns — from custom designs created with field tiles or actual patterns on tiles that create almost wallpaper-like styles,” she said.
The company’s new Simpatico collection epitomizes the consumer desire for the right combination of on-trend neutrals with unique, artsy accent colors.
“Make a statement with a selection of dimensional tiles that beautifully blend form and function,” Waldrep said. “Whether you need a sidekick or a superstar for your project, Simpatico is a kindred spirit in design that goes anywhere for any look and brings everything together simply and stylishly.”