Miami, FL October 2024 – Spanish ceramic manufacturers, representing the Tile of Spain brand, traveled to Bologna, Italy, to present their latest collections at Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings. This annual event, held from September 24 – 27, 2024, united architects, interior designers, specifiers, distributors, retailers and tile producers to discover the newest advancements and leading trends within the ceramic industry and preview what’s to come in the next year.
This year, Spain’s presence at Cersaie remained strong, with 96 Spanish companies showcasing innovative ceramic products during the weeklong fair. Second to the host country, the Spanish delegation of ceramic manufacturers ranked as the second-largest group of exhibitors.
The fair served as a platform to unveil new trends, innovative formats and enhanced technological capabilities from Spanish participants. The following is a highlight of the exceptional Spanish designs exhibited at Cersaie this year:
SENSORIAL DESIGN
Interior designers are going beyond the visual spectrum to curate spaces that engage all five senses. Thanks to advancements in digital decorative technology, ceramic manufacturers are now able to perfectly replicate natural textures and patterns, creating tiles with enhanced tactile and visual experiences. Furthermore, many designers are paying closer attention to the sense of smell. As ceramic tiles are naturally free of VOCs they do not retain orders, they assist with establishing an aromatically pleasing and clean environment.
DISCRETE TECH
As AI and smart home technology advance, the domestic automation sector is also rapidly growing, with a focus on enhancing quality of life and energy efficiency. Ceramic tile is essential in this evolution, thanks to its non-conductive properties that protect electrical systems while maintaining connectivity. Modern tiles now incorporate features like pressure-sensitive LED lighting and induction cooking, making it easier to blend cutting-edge technology with elegant design.
HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE
As the integration of technology in residential settings continues to rise, there’s a growing desire to incorporate natural elements into built environments. Reflecting on the urgent impacts of climate change on our environment, our connection to nature has become a central focus in architectural and interior design. Ceramics, with their inherent properties and moisture resistance, create an ideal environment for houseplants to thrive without the risk of deterioration. Additionally, advancements in digital technology enable the realistic recreation of organic details, ensuring that both the cladding and greenery in a space provide a rich biophilic experience.
POLARIZED DESIGN LANGUAGE
The design world is witnessing a resurgence of two contrasting design philosophies: Japandi minimalism on one end of the spectrum and Maximalism on the other. While the styles pose a juxtaposition in design, they are both being embraced, often in combination. Ceramic tile manufacturers are supporting this integrated design approach by streamlining their collections to showcase a unified color scheme. This stylistic decision makes it easier for clients to create harmonious spaces, regardless if they are opting for a maximalist or minimalist aesthetic or mixing the two. Many Spanish manufacturers are featuring consistent links in color and texture throughout their catalogues, ensuring that every style has an option, from the most modern and simple styles to the most ornate and classic motifs.
GEOMETRIC SEQUENCE
While traditional square and rectangular tiles will never go out of style, the use of alternative geometric-shaped tiles is gaining momentum. Tile in these unique forms add a contemporary, playful twist on classic tile designs, creating intricate patterns and the illusion of movement across floors and walls. Spanish manufacturers are producing tiles in formats such as hexagons, diamonds, triangles and parallelograms, encouraging the freedom to experiment with a myriad of arrangements to personalize their spaces. With infinite layouts such as herringbone, honeycomb, basketweave and more, these tile styles offer endless possibilities for creating dynamic and visually intriguing designs.
About Tile of Spain
In Spain, tile makers labor as they have for centuries – pushing their passion for design and innovation to new levels of artisanship. With one of the purest and strongest domestic clays available, Spanish manufacturers have an unparalleled ability to make the end product more diverse. From rustic handmade forms; to technical facades that cool buildings and clean the air; to the impossibly slim, sustainable recycled and inkjet masterpieces that fire the imagination. The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER), together with España Exportacióne Inversiones (ICEX) are the organizations whose objective is to support Spain’s ceramic tile manufacturers and the industry as a whole by stewarding and promoting the Tile of Spain brand worldwide. A strong global leader, the Spanish ceramic tile sector is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers concentrated primarily in the province of Castellón.
For more about tile produced in Spain, contact the Tile of Spain Center at the Trade Commission of Spain, 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 1114, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Call 305- 446-4387 or visit http://www.tileofspainusa.com.
For photography, interviews or questions, please contact Catherine Hoy at 732-644-3285 or [email protected] or Kristen Pirrocco at 609-731-4976 or [email protected].