How to Incorporate Ceramic and Porcelain Tile into Current Design Trends July 21, 2021 Borigni™ The COVID-19 pandemic, an increased focus on the environment, and shifting social sensibilities have intersected to give rise to some prominent design trends in the early months of 2021. People are looking for ways to create more flexible spaces in their homes, whether it be kitchens that double as work areas or exterior balconies serving as living spaces. A greater importance is being placed on transitional materials in current design trends. To ensure stunning aesthetics with durability and ease of maintenance, ceramic and porcelain tile are great floor, siding, wainscoting, and backsplash choices. Made with naturally occurring materials, ceramic and porcelain tiles are easy to clean, resistant to moisture, hypoallergenic, and offer a longer life. This makes tile an ideal sustainable choice as a strong foundation for current design trends. The following breakdown looks at some of the most prevalent trends in design and how ceramic and porcelain tile are an ideal fit. Authentic Materials Livorno™ Perfect symmetry is no longer a hallmark of a well-planned and carefully designed space. Homeowners are increasingly eschewing the rigid feel of perfectly matched furniture pieces and building materials in favor of more authentic products that come with charming imperfections. Handmade, authentic textures can provide warmth, character, and comfort to a space that highly finished and processed materials cannot match. Capture this feel by incorporating warmer color palettes and earthy neutrals to your space with products such as Emser Tile’s Raku™, Hues™, Livorno™, or Connect™. Biophilia and Wellness Passion™ The lines between interior and exterior living continue to be blurred as homeowners seek creative ways to make the most of their space. People are increasingly incorporating elements of nature into their homes as a means of reducing stress and increasing their overall well-being. Bringing in a connection to water, air, sunlight or nature is a hallmark of this trend. Emser Tile’s Passion™, in lush green or deep blue, is a particularly strong choice when designing with this goal in mind. When the desire is to have a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living, look for tile that can withstand the harsher outdoor climate and can be used in both spaces. Products that make for strong interior/exterior choices include Building Blocks™ Wood Oak Banzai™, and Brique™. Artistry Heksa™ This past year, we have seen people using home improvement as a means of expressing their creativity. The artistry design trend draws inspiration from contemporary styles of art deco and modernism while also mixing in splashes of the traditional. A key tenet of this design scheme is using colors and patterns to achieve classic, symmetrical looks in new ways. Some great ways to capture this look would be by pairing varying colors of black, white and gray Heksa™ tiles to create a stunning contrast between dark and light or incorporating fluted ceramic Kumito™ tile to create visual depth within interior spaces. Another option is to add one of the many stylized designs of Express™ ceramic tile to the kitchen or bathroom to unleash your inner artist through the many choices for unique colors and patterns. Marble Effects Parkview™ Marble is one of nature’s most precious natural resources and can give any home a luxurious and prestigious feel. Contemporary marble trends feature striking contrast, heavy veining, and bold colors to create an unforgettable appearance. Porcelain marble products, such as Emser Tile’s Vara™, Parkview™, and Kudos™, provide the classic elegance of marble and are easy to care for and maintain. Modern Industrial Brique™ Buildings are beginning to blend vintage styles with contemporary sleekness to capture a modern industrial look. From the industrial style bathroom that features exposed pipe and prominent fixtures to concrete kitchen counters with reclaimed metal sitting stools, the rugged, warehouse-like feel of the modern industrial is becoming increasingly attractive. Innovative tiles such as Brique™ and Ironworx™ help convey a minimal décor, drawing inspiration from old warehouses and factories to give modern spaces a clean, industrial feel. This mix of modern and timeworn details makes a unique layered statement that is sure to stand out in the contemporary market. Current Design Trends in 2021 Kudos™ A plethora of convergent forces has given rise to some prominent design trends in the first half of 2021. Some common themes that have arisen include a focus on bringing elements of nature indoors and finding ways to blend the lines between interior and exterior spaces to promote wellness, using home design as a means of expressing creativity, and drifting away from perfectly finished and highly processed interiors to embrace the power of an unfinished, industrial look. By adroitly mixing ceramic and porcelain tile into any of the prevailing design trends discussed in this article, homeowners can keep their properties in line with the latest real estate fashions throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond. AUTHOR | Skylar Ross is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Skylar is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.