Trendy and timeless, practical and whimsical, durable and beautiful – when it comes to building materials, ceramic tile wins the heart of many a designer and homeowner for its ability to offer the best of many worlds. Technological advances and passionate designers have carried modern ceramic tile a long way from the basic, utilitarian looks of yesteryear.

Home renovation and building go on year-round, but as with any design statement, each season brings new looks and trends. This autumn’s trends share a flair for boldness and innovation. The ceramic tile experts at Tile of Spain point to the hot trends to watch in ceramic tile this fall:

Color

Strong saturated tones such as midnight blue, royal purple and deep chartreuse will join autumn’s traditional power hues of rich reds and burnt sienna. Reds are especially dominant, appearing in every shade from fiery orange-reds to deep merlot. These powerful colors are paired with linear and neutral whites, creams and soft grays to provide a high-contrast punch.

You’ll also see high-contrast color schemes such as black and white. This fall’s tile collections also employ texture and geometry to underscore the contrast of light and shadow.

Softness and whimsy also have their place with gentle palettes of sky blue, blushing orange, lilac and rose imparting optimism and childlike peace of mind. Highly stylized interpretations of classic motifs and floral patterns add sophistication to traditional themes. The message of these lighter looks seems to be “Don’t take life too seriously. Have a little fun with design.”

Pattern

Fall pattern trends include micro and macro patterns within a single tile, larger-than-life designs that incorporate multiple tiles, and optical illusions. Drawing on consumers’ continuing interest in the environment, tile makers are presenting entire collections inspired by nature. You can find tiles that mimic the texture of sand dunes, waves, tree bark and even rain.

Just as 3D has taken the movie scene by storm, tile makers are using the concept in fall patterns. Mind-bending effects are updating classic and mod styles. Designers are using dot-matrix screens, sometimes with metallic glazes, to twist the eye.

Texture

Texture lends nuances of shade and tone through the play of light and shadow. Ceramic tiles have always been a good medium for textures. Digital technology has made it easy for tile makers to apply texture to a ceramic surface. New possibilities have emerged, such as tiles that mimic the look of antique distressed wood and bush-hammered or chiseled stone.

Size

It’s difficult to pin down a trend in size these days, since technology has made it possible for manufacturers to produce tiles in a wide range of dimensions. Tiles can be as minute as 5/8 by 5/8 inches, or as grand as 4 feet by 4 feet. Some can even be made in 8-foot lengths.

Slim tile continues to be an evolving technology gaining wider appreciation from homeowners and designers. Slim tiles use fewer resources in every phase of the manufacturing process, enhancing their appeal for eco-conscious consumers. This tile format also works well for a range of new applications, from cabinetry veneer and furniture tops to acoustical panels in ceiling applications.

As manufacturers and designers continue to push innovation in technology and style, ceramic tile will continue to appeal to homeowners and home builders for its versatility, durability, beauty and eco-friendly qualities. You can learn more about ceramic tile at www.spaintiles.info.

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High-contract color schemes are one of the trends this year in ceramic tile.Patterns inspired by nature play a large part in this year’s most innovative ceramic tiles.

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