Demure subway bevels, spot-on wood replicas, and hexagons upon hexagons may be among the top trends in decorative wall and floor tiles, but how does a designer appeal to the client who’s looking for something a bit more daring? These coverings feature compelling graphic and geometric patterns that can be peppered throughout a space or applied in full to catch—and keep—the spotlight.
Lola, 41zero42
One
of five designs in the Italian studio’s Paper41 collection of
high-resolution printed porcelain tiles, the modern Lola packs an explosion of
color in each 20”-by-40” unit. The 1/4”-thick tiles can be reinforced
with a fiberglass sheet for use on the wall.
Contemporary Cement
Tiles, Bisazza
French
designer India Mahdavi’s new collection of cement tiles for Bisazza uses a muted color palette and simple geometries to bring pop-inspired prints to
the floors and walls. In 7.8"-square and 7.8"-by-9.1" hexagonal shapes, the
collection debuted at Salone del Mobile in Milan earlier this year. (h/t 3rings)
Mikado, Lithos Design
Lines of varying thicknesses run parallel, perpendicular, and diagonal in Mikado, one of five patterns from Lithos Design’s Opus collection of inlay stone tiles. The 23.6"-square tiles can be applied to floors and walls as a continuous pattern or a study in contrast. Available in three colorways inspired by natural ingredients and flavors—sugar, cocoa, and pepper.
Pop,
ImolaCeramica
Adventurous clients may consider putting their art in the wall instead of on it.
Italian tile brand ImolaCeramica plays on Roy Lichtenstein’s iconic characters and use of color,
pattern, and graphical text. Pop is double-fired for a glossy
surface and is offered in 4.9"-tall-by-13.1"-long tiles. Colorways
include white and black as well as red, yellow, and blue.
Arianna,
Ceramica Bardelli
London-based
designer Robert Dawson channeled the Greek myth of Ariadne in this collection
of ceramic tiles defined by a thread that traces a path across their surface. Offered
in white and black with gold and platinum detailing, Arianna consists of five 8”-square tiles whose patterns can be arranged in designs from
interlocking ovals to a winding ribbon that, unlike that of its ancient
namesake, seems to have no end.
