When it comes to commercial design trends, each year brings fresh looks to the table. With continuously evolving manufacturing technologies, tile trends in 2016 are no exception. Commercial spaces are no longer expected to incorporate traditional colors, patterns, and styles, and, thus, those who design those spaces are more frequently choosing colors and tile designs that are eye-catching and bold, textured and geometric, and modern–infusing new life into public and professionals settings. Here’s a look at the hot tile trends you can expect to see in commercial interiors in the coming year.
Wood-Look Tile
Tile that looks like wood is already a favorite trend (and it’s clear that it’s here to stay), in large part because these collections are getting better looking and even more varied in style. This year, you’ll see more painted wood and whitewashed looks that take the trend beyond styles that just capture authentic appearances of wood grains and stains. Think bright hues on wood grain texture, for example. And this trend isn’t limited to floor tiles; we’re seeing lots of wall installations incorporating wood looks, as well.
Dimensional Wall Tiles
Tile will jump off the wall, so to speak, in all kinds of 3D designs this year as manufacturers introduce tiles with dimensional shapes, folds, waves, raised geometry, and asymmetrical profiles. Fitting these tiles together creates a 3-D wall with a seamless sculpted surface.The popularity of 3D wall tile speaks to the marketplace’s readiness for bold and daring designs that are more adventurous and architectural.
Brick Style Installations
Brick is back and better than ever. In the tile world, “brick” equates to both tile shape and installation pattern. Perennially popular brick tile sizes and patterns are set to hold strong in 2016 as we see more design schemes incorporate industrial chic and even rustic, vintage influences. Look for tiles and installation patterns that mimic old brick walls, including brick with mortar spills and polished or painted styles. Brick looks are staples for wall designs, but today, brick-look porcelain tile for floors is a game changer with its easier maintenance and authentic look and feel.
Marble-Look
Porcelain has made it possible for the marble look to go where it has never gone before, and this year, the marble look is more realistic than ever. We’ll see it on floors, walls, and countertops, in mosaics, and mixed with other materials. The enduring, classic look of rare Calacatta marble, with its pristine white background and dramatic grey veining, is poised to be popular in 2016.
Geometric Shapes
Geometric shapes, including the timeless hexagon, emerged as a strong trend last year, and the format promises to remain popular this year. Whether geometric shapes are used prominently or subtly, they can greatly impact on the feel, tone, and texture of a space. Geometric forms are very flexible. They can go modern or retro in style, enhancing whatever design scheme–no matter how bold or nuanced the intended aesthetic.
GIO brings you a carefully curated, on-trend selection of tile and stone products developed expressly for your commercial design projects. Each color, size, texture, and detail you see on our website has been hand-picked from global sources based on our laser-focused knowledge of what you need to take your designs not just from good to great—but from great to extraordinary. Contact us anytime we’re here to work with you!
