February 2/10, 2020: Volume 35, Issue 16
By Megan Salzano
Las Vegas—The tile and stone category is not immune to the effects of encroaching vinyl flooring products and is perhaps the hardest hit by current labor woes; however, these obstacles have not stopped it from being one of only two aspirational categories in the industry. As such, it is safe to assume consumers will remain enamored with the category and its high-end features and performance attributes—making it a key money maker for retailers who can sell it.
Tile and stone suppliers agree, it’s up to suppliers and dealers alike to inspire consumers to reach for tile and stone. To facilitate that, independent retailers would do well to educate their customers on the benefits the category affords as well as current tile and stone trends.
For the new decade, design trends include some returning favorites as well as fresh looks. In addition, they include styles that are proving to be worthwhile for the retailer’s bottom line. Indoor/outdoor, for example, taps consumer penchants for outdoor living spaces while also allowing retailers to expand their offerings into a new area of the home. Large format continues to make waves in the market, while decoratives still prove their worth. In terms of colorways, blue has moved to the top of the design heap. Helping consumers visualize these designs will be key for the successful retailer in 2020. But, as Emily Holle, trend/design director, MSI, put it: “You can talk about trend through words, but it’s also a very visual play.”
With that in mind, following are several tile and stone trends coming in 2020 evidenced through images of the innovation showcased here at TISE.
Indoor/outdoor
Suppliers agree, the indoor/outdoor trend offers money-making opportunities for independent retailers that should be tapped in the coming year. Seen here (clockwise from top left) is MSI’s porcelain Myra tile; Daltile’s Commissary porcelain pavers; and Emser’s Network Stripes glazed porcelain.
Blue
Blue has taken the market by storm as consumers turn to the colorway to fulfill myriad design tastes with a neutral that adds a pop of color. Seen here (clockwise from top left) is Daltile’s Remedy; Emser’s Splash glass tile; and MSI’s “Moody Blues” booth section.
Large format
Large-format tile has been slowly gaining prominence in residential homes, and suppliers this year agree the dollars behind the trend are starting to roll in. Retailers would be wise to tap the growing potential of these oversized products. Seen here (clockwise from top left) is Daltile’s Elemental Selection slab series; MSI’s new Braxton Grigia wood-look tile; and Arizona Tile’s Konkrete series.
Decoratives
Decoratives have been a winning option for years, adding uniqueness to the home. This year’s tile exhibitors showcased geometric patterning, global-inspired design and nuanced texture. Seen here (clockwise from top left) is Mediterranea’s floor tile/deco coordinating collections; Emser’s Rhythm line in black and white; and MSI’s Royal Link wall deco.