TREND ALERT - RETURN TO CLASSIC
SURFACE IDENTIFIES THREE KEY THEMES THAT ARE SET TO DOMINATE INTERIORS THIS SEASON
- Style: Soft Classic
- Technology: Inkjet
- Function: Slim
Style: Soft Classic
The overriding theme from leading international tile fair ‘Cersaie’ in Bologna is a return to softer, more classic styling. Think faux polished marble and faux dark wood combining to create contemporary style that feels rooted in the past. The overall effect is chic and timeless style to provide interiors offering high levels of luxury and comfort.
Technology: Inkjet
Inkjet technology has improved dramatically allowing a virtual blank canvas when it comes to creating printed tiles. This will be used to produce designs that faithfully simulate natural materials and textures to perfectly suit the softer, classic theme. This new modern technique can now also be used where a paintbrush and the skill of an artist would have been required in days gone by. Ornate murals, paintings and interesting trompe l’oeil effects will be possible, all with the added benefit of incorporating the highly desirable performance characteristics of ceramic. To see how accurate and faithful to the natural material this new technology is, view i Bianchi or Le Essenze.
Function: Slim
The latest ultra-slim technology has been embraced by the tile world and we predict will rapidly become the new standard as it offers many benefits. This new technology allows porcelain to be pressed into large format sheets of only 3-4 mm in thickness. Suitable for both wall and floor applications internally and externally, the material is aesthetically indistinguishable from its forbearer which is typically twice to three times as thick. At less than half the weight the new material is easier to handle, simpler to cut, and since twice as much can be transported using the same amount of fuel, one of the greenest tiling options around. Tile-on-tile refurbishments can be completed quickly with minimal impact on existing walls and floors and weight critical environments such as apartment blocks will also benefit .
The Surface Collection comprises many ranges that incorporate SLIM technology, including i Bianchi, Le Essenze, Stontech and Kerlite.
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