NEW ORGANIC TREND - BATHROOM FLOOR TILES

According to Elle Decoration, ‘If you look through history, you’ll find that angular styles are most often associated with periods of economic growth and confidence.’  The magazine then goes on to site the optimism of the 1920s, when Art Deco first appeared and the sleek minimalism of the early part of the last decade. This could well be true, but the emerging trend for curves, and organic materials could also be driven by technological advances and a desire to distinguish the past from the present – in purely stylistic and not necessarily economic terms.

Technology Drives Trends 
New technology and materials used in the design process have created mouldable surfaces, hence the curved organic shapes that are dominating sanitary ware at the moment. This is also true of bathroom floor tiles. New printing methods on porcelain mean that precious marble or even rare wood are being used in wet areas without fear of erosion or rot. This means that the over-all feel of the bathroom is softer and more sensual.

BATHROOM FLOOR TILES THAT REPLICATE NATURE

The Surface Collection includes only the best Italian porcelain tiles that echo natural marble or wood:

I Bianchi
Perfectly replicating the most sought after Italian white marbles, i Bianchi heralds the return to a more classic and restrained look that is elegant, natural and mature. When using this range as bathroom floor tiles, we recommend using it on its own or combining it with Le Essenze, a collection of rare simulated timber panels, which creates a luxurious and exclusive look.

Le Essenze
Interpreting some of the rarest and most precious woods in nature, Le Essenze provides a realistic and plausible alternative to the natural counterparts. The six woods it replicates are Zebrano, Frake, Noce Chiaro, Teak, Wenge & Ebano. The importance of this range should not be overlooked as it gives you access to materials which can no longer be bought in their natural state or are strictly regulated and therefore prohibitively expensive. For example, Zebrano is considered a precious material and in danger of extinction. Frake’s use – in its natural form - is no longer ecologically sustainable, since it is usually obtained through the destructive exploitation of tropical forests. Noce Chiaro is a Light Walnut and is strictly regulated due to over-exploitation and, ebony (Ebano) is currently in danger of extinction.

Glamwood
Glamwood perfectly mirrors the beauty of lacquered wood and when used as bathroom floor tiles, imbues the bathing area with an oriental sense of calm. The range provides countless laying options, including opulent parquet floors, but because it’s porcelain it has none of the draw backs using wood in a wet area has.

Sicis
This stunning range of mosaics doesn't replicate wood or marble, it draws inspiration from nature's palette. The picture above shows blue glass and porcelain mosaic bathroom floor tiles from the 'water' range. There are seven other hues to choose from; ice, air, snow, fire, lava, earth and nature.