If you haven’t considered tile as a wall covering for your commercial design projects, you should definitely give it a thought because the advantages of tile over paint or wallpaper are many. Tiles are durable, hygienic, easy to clean, stain-proof, fireproof, fade, odor, and moisture resistant, as well as often environmentally friendly and cost-effective considering life cycle of the material and its long term performance. Wall tiles allow you to put texture or patterns on the wall that rival the detail and softness of wallpaper and paint, minus the mess. What’s not to love? Here’s a look at the latest trends in wall tile.
Color Shift
While grey tones continue to be on-trend, clay, taupe, and other neutrals are making a comeback. Soft blacks are also beginning to rival grey’s popularity. Though neutral-toned tiles are very fashionable right now, rich or bright colors are often used to create eye-catching wall designs that will make memorable impressions in commercial interiors.
The New Mosaics
Multi-hued glass mosaics have moved beyond the classic 1-inch x 1-inch square. Linear “pencil” tiles in stacked or random patterns, and often mixed with natural stone and/or metals, offer depth and dimension to vertical surfaces. Ceramic and stone mosaic shapes are varied, ranging from ovals and triangles to hexagons and marquise. Metal tile designs have taken a huge leap and are now available in a wide array of shapes, including 3D and a variety of finishes.
Texture
Digital printing technology has enabled manufacturers to add texture to tiles to create intricate visual effects. Fabric-look tiles that mimic the look and feel of textiles offer a softer look while retaining the hard-wearing characteristics of porcelain. 3D tiles in porcelain or stone create a continuous, sculptural texture, lending a thoroughly modern look to any space.
Artisanal Looks
Handcrafted objects have become more and more in demand over the past 10 years as we continue to desire looks that communicate authenticity. And while handmade tiles are certainly beautiful, it’s not always practical to source and install artisan tiles, especially for large commercial spaces. Savvy tile manufacturers have figured how to re-create that “antique chic” look without the handmade price tag.
GIO is your gateway to beautifully designed, strategically selected collections of floor and wall tile sure to fit your demanding specification requirements and unique style. We look forward to working with you!
Click on the images to view the tile collections.
