Both tradition and its partner, craftsmanship, are things consumers are excitedly welcoming into their homes. Whether it’s the comfort factor that comes along with natural textures and colour variations, or the uniqueness they provide that can be hard to locate in modern, sterile environments, the incorporation of artisanal interior elements is a trend that cannot be ignored in 2019.

Thankfully it’s also a trend that comes quite naturally to many tile manufacturers and producers. From Mainzu Ceramica there are a few new standout ranges: Rivoli and Zellige. Rivoli takes inspiration from 50s and 60s design, with geometric patterns and a sober colour palette creating classy tiles in five shades and six styles.

Alpe White, Black and Torino offer base decorations in varied motifs for a mix and match wall that pairs easily with the colour choices: White, Grey, Black, Brown and Blu.

The Zellige collection makes it easy to incorporate retro elements in interior design that complement modern pieces. These matt square tiles come in four designs, two coloured and two in black and white. They can be used for walls, flooring and even to create unique countertops.

Mainzu’s Tin Tile works the antique look from a different angle, with aged metal finishes. These ceramic tiles are available in three rusty shades and five decors in natural colours.

Antigua Cerâmica is a company that specialises in artisanal tiles, making use of their skilled craftsmen to design and create each piece. Their whole catalogue is an ode to the artistic process with collection upon collection of refined, painted tiles. Those belonging to the classics such as the Royal Series and Jorge Elias present tiles with a traditional look.

There doesn’t seem to be a specified era that consumers are set to be leaning towards, with preferences from old-world mosaics and traditional terracotta wear to 50s wallpaper and art deco. The trend seems simply to go hand-in-hand with the desire for unique styles and handmade tiles.

The retro look is alive and well in Liquida from Ceramica Fioranese. Fifties patterns and colours presenting geometric shapes in a variety of sizes. These digitally printed porcelain tiles come in standard size of 200x200mm but also much larger slabs of 1200x1600mm.

Designed by Davide Tonelli the pastel shades and eight patterns transform interiors into sought after modern-vintage delights. Limestone works as the surface inspiration for the tiles, giving them a distinctive handmade appearance.

The handmade look is also featured throughout Alteret‘s new collections, notably Subway, Diamond and Firenze. These handcrafted terracotta tiles come in a variety of colours, both bold and subtle, with natural variations in shade and texture.

Their plain terracotta tiles have an aged look about them and their shapes can help create contemporary and varied patterns for a multitude of environments. They can also be glazed to suit consumer wishes.

Additional collections of traditional, artisanal and handmade style tiles include: Heritage by Ceramica Fioranese, Vita by Ceramica Sant’Agostino, The Rug by Sicis, and Habitat by Equipe Cerámicas.

Mainzu
Antigua Cerâmica
Ceramica Fioranese
Alteret

A new post by Hanna Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, March 2019.