New collections from Spanish manufacturers prove that non-standard tiles are becoming the main fashion trend today.
It is no secret that, as a rule, ceramic tiles have the familiar and understandable shape of a square or rectangle. Recently, however, this tendency has radically changed: manufacturers are changing their attitude to traditions and go to bold experiments in search of new original solutions. Modern equipment and unique technologies make it possible to produce tiles of the most unusual configurations. So, the latest collections of Spanish companies, presented at the largest foreign exhibitions, showed that at the height of fashion this season - ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware of a non-standard, and sometimes fancy shape, which is part of the design and is emphasized by the pattern and texture of the coating.
The real trend was the appearance on the market of hexagonal ceramic tiles, which made a splash. Similar collections were presented by many major manufacturers, including Natucer, Peronda, Vives, Colorker. The focus is on hexagons for every taste of all kinds of colors and sizes: imitation of a honeycomb, elongated hexagons, type-setting, with ornaments and ethnic motives. The buyer is given a huge choice: tiles of large and small format, with a glossy, embossed or matte surface. Collections are in particular demand, in the production of which the latest technologies are used: Full HD printing on surfaces, creating a relief texture, combinations of various materials.
The volumetric hexagonal tiles, as well as the system of complex hexagons, look very unusual. The imagination of manufacturers knows no bounds: it is difficult to even imagine how many new design possibilities are opened by combining tiles of non-standard and traditional shapes.
An interesting option that will certainly find its admirers is a tile with a square shape or with a scalloped edge, which looks like a fragment of cladding with hexagons or octagons. Decorating with such tiles does not visually differ from real hexagons, but it is faster and easier.
No less popular and more "exotic" shapes: "hourglass", triangular and octagonal tiles, intricate and fanciful elements with rounded edges. For example, the large triangles with a small notch in the center from the Evia collection from
Vives create a unique visual effect. Discreet light colors accentuate the shape of the tiles. It is the perfect choice for hi-tech or minimalist interiors. The floor and wall finishes are reminiscent of an unusual futuristic material and are perfect as a backdrop for designer furniture and original accessories. On the contrary, the multi-colored contrasting triangles of the Halsa series cover liven up the space and add dynamics to the interior.
In the collections of Spanish factories, there are also coverings with elements in the form of rhombuses, trapeziums, abstract irregular polygons, "hourglass" or having a wavy or beveled edge, as well as coverings that resemble textile upholstery using the capitonné technique. As a rule, such tiles are used as a decoration for one of the walls or a section of the floor, combined with a rectangular or square one.
The fashion for extravagant geometric shapes has not been spared and
mosaic. Among the novelties of the last season are ceramic and glass mosaics in the form of rhombuses, circles, ovals, octagons. There are spectacular volumetric tesserae (for example, at the Apavisa factory), as well as elements of irregular abstract shapes and their various combinations that create bizarre patterns (for example, at the Dune factory).
Tiles with uneven edges in the rustic style, imitating natural stone or wood, look spectacular and unusual. The surface lined with such tiles visually looks homogeneous and harmonious. A tile with uneven edges is often chosen when it is necessary to hide the imperfections of a room. However, you should be careful here, as the effect can be reversed. Laying such tiles requires high qualifications of the master, even small roughness can negate the whole effect.
When choosing any non-standard solutions, it should be borne in mind that non-rectangular tiles are more difficult to lay than classic ones. Working with it is much more difficult than with a rectangular or square one. But despite some technical difficulties in laying, tiles of a non-standard shape are not only a fashionable current trend, but also an excellent choice for a bright and original interior that will emphasize your individuality.
