The metallic trend is riding on the back of home owners who want to bring an edgy and striking look to their homes.  Through 2017, metallics have adopted a softer, distressed, tarnished, and reclaimed appearance.

Typical of this on-trend look is British Ceramic Tile‘s Industrial collection; a range of wall tiles in three metallic shades of gold, iron and silver.  They can be used on their own to create a glamorous, dramatic effect, or combined with a dark matt black tile to create a more edgy urban vibe.

Cersaie 2016 saw everything from the neo-industrial chic of large format corten and burnished steel slabs, through to bright cold, copper and platinum tesserae; and this design thread had some fresh impetus at Cersaie 2018 through the widespread adoption of continuous pressing technology giving rise to the simulated sheet-metal ultra-large tile ranges. Metallic tiles are also featuring in cutting-edge interiors as decorative inlays, either framing tiles or creating geometric motifs. One area where mosaics are really gaining traction is as 3D tiles.  This has been a really hot trend throughout 2017 and looks set to continue; with geometric metallic tiles and insets leading the way.

At the 2017 Surface Design Show, in London, Dune displayed some dazzling sculptural tiles that prove just how flexible and creative porcelain and ceramic can be, especially when used for multi-faceted surfaces. In rich metallic hues, Dune’s 3D tiles can make a luxurious feature panel in a home or hotel

The Kerlite Metal range from Cotto d’Este’s Altre Superfici collection offers a highly contemporary, edgy, industrial look.  Just 5.5mm thick, Kerlite Metal comes in three metallic finishes: Corten (left), Platinum (centre) and Iron (right). Kerlite Metal is manufactured in thin Kerlite 5plus 1,000 by 3,000mm porcelain slabs that are ideal for external façades and contemporary interior settings. The Kerlite Metal range is also produced with Microban antibacterial technology.

Unrepentantly masculine, Earth by Pininfarina was the first tile system designed by Pininfarina in partnership with Casalgrande Padana.  Launched in 2015, the range has since been expanded with new finishes and colours.  Billed as a blend of craftsmanship and elegance with industrial design; the end product is an innovative and versatile collection with a restrained style.  One of the keys to the range’s appeal are the thin metallic detailing, including Pininfarina branding; a rare occasion where brand association actually adds value.

The Odyssée collection from Montreal’s Mosaïque Surface offers a touch of glamour and luxury to any bathroom.  Showcasing over 20 different mosaic patterns, available in nearly 100 natural stones, 16 colours of Venetian glass and various metal inlay options, the Odyssée Collection is by far the most intricate collection that Mosaïque Surface has created to date.

Atlas Concorde‘s Mek collection of porcelain floor and wall tiles offers a contemporary surface characterized by linear coloured shading and accents of light inspired by hints of metal.  The surface effect of brushed metallic sheets is layered with a modern cement-effect, resulting in a finish where thin lines recalling light scratches are transformed into pure design elements.

The collection has an extensive range of decorative elements embellished with shapes rich in metallic accents and particularly original three-dimensional pieces.  Available in four formats – 750 by 1,500mm; 450 by 900mm; 600 by 600mm; and 300 by 600mm – the matt finish is durable and offers non-slip characteristics. The beauty of the material is expressed in four colours popular in contemporary interior design, co-ordinated with the shades of white clay wall tiles.

The decorative range, reflecting the latest trends in interior decoration, is inspired by geometries of essential shapes and enriched by metallic inserts. Accents of light, metallic inspiration, and geometric details really breathe life into this versatile collection.  https://www.atlasconcorde.comen/collections/mek/

Portinari’s Metal Brick range is, as the name suggests, a metallic effect in a brick shape; an eclectic fusion of rustic and cosmopolitan styles.  The 3D relief, surface imperfections and modern shades make this range able to create perfect contrasts, and tie-down a laid-back mood.  There are three colour options: all in a 80 by 250mm format.

A new post by Joe Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, November 2017.