South America’s premier tile exhibition, Revestir, attracted a good audience to the Sao Paulo Expo, Brazil in March. While it was a shame that two of the country’s most admired brands, Eliane and Elizabeth – both now owned by USA flooring giant Mohawk, were absent this year, the show still proved a successful showcase for the Brazilian tile manufacturing sector with Portobello leading the way. While Revestir may have lost some of its unique South American aesthetic over the past 15 years, there is no doubt that first-time visitors will have been impressed by the sheer quantity and quality of the stands and the diverse products on display.
Revestir is not just a tile show, but also features tile manufacturing technology, adhesives, tools, and other surface options such as laminates, LTV, natural stone, and wood. The physical event is supported by a strong programme of talks and demos, which are generally well attended.
With an interior design event sharing this impressive venue for all but Monday, there was plenty of other interior eye-candy on display between 10th to 14th March. Quite why the two show organisers could not have fully aligned their dates is beyond me, but overall the event twinning worked well, which is not something you can say about most European event combos.
The decision to limit entry in the first two days to specific classes of professionals certainly made it easier to visit stands and have proper conversations. When the entry rules were relaxed later in the week, the stands were notably more crowded, with hordes of the now-infamous Brazilian influencers posing for selfies at every turn.
10 years ago, you would have seen a fair selection of European tile brands exhibiting at Revestir. Today, following the 2008 financial crisis and the Coronavirus pandemic, the number of overseas manufacturers, including those from other South American countries, has really dropped off. At the same time, there seems to be fewer tiles on display that have a uniquely Brazilian character. There were still cobogos from Manufatti and Nina Martinelli, and a reasonably smattering of decors inspired by the local flora and fauna, but only the real tile geek would be able to distinguish between Revestir and either Coverings or Cersaie.
It was not surprising that the new tile ranges on display largely confirmed the macro trends from the most recent iterations of Coverings, Cersaie, and Cevisama. This underlines that interior trends across the globe have grown closer together as the manufacturing base has grown wider and the number of tile factories has boomed.
Personally, I think this is a shame. In past years I really enjoyed the distinctive Brazilian design aesthetic at Revestir. At the same time, the overall quality of output from the Brazilian manufacturers – both technical performance and design excellence – has steadily improved. The very best, like Portobello, have always matched up to the finest European factories. But my impression is that more and more Brazilian tile brands would now happily find a place in the showrooms of top tile retailers in UK, Australia, USA, and Europe. The only things that could hold global buyers back are the widespread use of red-body clay, and the limited choice in larger formats. But these two factors aside, Brazil has more and more to offer buyers across the globe, whether you are looking for a cost-competitive range of plain colour wall tiles, an XXL format marble-effect floor tile, or a stunning stone-look façade.
Wandering around the show, visitors will have noticed around 160 stickers promoting the Best in Show initiative. These little badges highlighted ranges entered into the competition to find the very best new collections in 10 different categories, both ceramic tiles and other surface materials. This great Revestir initiative, now in its tenth year, always prompts a lot of discussion among visitors. The 2025 Best in Show Award further consolidated its relevance in highlighting trends, a fact reflected in the record number of entries. Curated by journalist and design critic Marcelo Lima, the judges visited all of the participating stands on Monday and Tuesday, looking at both technical and creative criteria, before announcing a list of winners across 10 categories.
The winner of the Best Ceramic Tile Category was DeRosso for RockFace – Orange Red: a 120 by 70mm brick-effect design that is as much about texture as colour. This sophisticated tile is also manufactured in 11 other colours using clays, industrial recycled elements, and natural minerals from DeRosso’s own quarry. The vibe is all about authenticity and material strength: a very impressive look that is right on today’s design zeitgeist.
The winner in the Best Ceramic Collection category was Deca with Cuba Ocean. This 550 by 400mm creation has sinuous curves inspired by the surface finishes of Oscar Niemeyer’s Brazilian Modernism and natural undulations found in the ocean. An internal accessory hides the drain valve and acts as a support for everyday items, increasing the usable area and preventing the worktop from getting wet.
The Best Metal category winner was Docol with Chu-á Shower, a 2.53 by 1.56 metre shower concept for outdoor areas, by architect Alan Chu, that was inspired by bathing and playing with garden hoses. The design evokes memories of childhood, another great initiative by a brand that celebrates quintessential Brazilian design.
The winner of the Best Cementitious Tile category was Lepri for Indigo. This 70 by 70mm tile delivers a Denim revolution, using recycled fibres from the world’s most democratic and beloved fabric, jeans. This unusual and innovative design goes beyond aesthetics, with its strong environmental story by transforming textile waste into an interior design element.
The winner in the Brasil Ceramic Tile category was Nina Martinelli for Due Vecchio Terracotta. This tile reflects Brazil’s indigenous peoples’ intimacy with the earth and expert use of clay. The design evokes the simplicity and richness of the local culture. Due Vecchio Terracotta’s 70 by 70mm pieces feature ‘brick’ facets in a natural ceramic and recycled material body that is further enhanced by double firing to achieve a rustic and organic texture.
The winner in the Best Natural Rock category was Grupo Paraná with Sea Foam Green. This 2.80 by 1.70 metre natural stone slab pairs sophistication with resistance. Its greenish background enhances indoor and outdoor environments. Ideal for swimming pools, worktops, sinks, walls, and decorative objects, the stone is extracted from Grupo Paraná’s own quarries offering exclusivity for architectural projects.
It was no surprise that the winner in the Best Porcelain Tile category was Portobello for Mocaccino da Torino. This is a 1,600 by 1,600mm design based on iconic Breccia stone. Formed by intense geological movements, it is one of the most appreciated rock formations in northern Italy. The Breccia Collection experiments with this stone-effect concept, delivering an artisanal design encrusted with precious gems to form a patchwork of unique rock-inspired tiles.
The Design Brasil Porcelain category winner was Roca Cerámica for Taj Mahal: a stone that literally formed the centrepiece of this brand’s highly impressive stand. Available in a stunning 1,200 by 2,500mm XXL format, this warm, neutral design was inspired by Taj Mahal quartzite found in the Uruoca region of Brazil. The tile features warm tones, ranging from light beige to gentle gold. Soft textures and organic veins are key features of this collection’s appealing aesthetic.
Company highlights
Natural inspiration was at the heart of Biancogres’ Revestir exhibits. “The fact is that all of our efforts this year have been focused on the search for more realism,” says Alexandre Luz, Marketing Manager. “As a result, we have achieved textures, reliefs, and designs that are even closer to the materials that originally inspired the products.”
To achieve the velvety touch and reduced shine of natural stone, Biancogres has developed the Velvet texture. “It is a sensory porcelain tile, which invites us to touch it with extreme softness and reminds us of comfort, being able to awaken emotional memories. Velvet also gives the product a low shine, contributing to projects that require luxury and sophistication,” says Luz. Products such as Onix Bianco in 1,200 by 1,200mm, Travertino Clássico in 600 by 1,200mm, and Pulpis Grigio in 600 by 1,200mm are among those to feature this exclusive finish.
The trend towards more fluid spaces with textured dynamics has led Biancogres to develop fluted versions of wall tiles, such as Travertino Navona and Marmo Perla, in 450 by 900mm. The new Biancogres embossed collection also includes Flut and Aris in ranges such as Chloe, Calacata Altissimo, and Gris Armani. Another impressive design was Flut Caruá Rosso in 450 by 900mm which reproduces a beautiful native wood from the Amazon rainforest.
Also from Biancogres, Tivoli Travertine will add a lot of sophistication to projects. It is perfect for those looking to create elegant and striking spaces. It moves harmoniously between classic and contemporary, creating an atmosphere of luxury and warmth on floors and walls.
Innovation has been part of the Strufaldi company’s DNA since its founding in 1995. One of Brazilian pioneers in small-format tiles, Strufaldi has a production capacity of 5,000,000 square metres per year. Strufaldi stands out for offering the market high-quality glazed ceramic tiles in a variety of shapes, colours, and textures for façades, swimming pools, and interior applications.
Catching the eye this year was Ravello, a design in a sophisticated dark green tone that reflects the lush vegetation of the Italian region that inspired the concept. Here soft relief brings dynamism to the surfaces, while a matt finish highlights the design’s naturalness. These 60 by 240mm tiles come in 60 different print faces. The red option – Rossa Bright – is particularly unusual and impressive.
Inspired by the beauty of the Italian coast, Strufaldi’s Spiagge collection combines the reliefs and reflections of beaches in its surface. Another 60 by 240mm brick format design, this range will illuminate spaces with refinement and elegance.
Boasting a large 560 by 1,000 format, Carmelo Fior’s new Soft texture was one of the brand’s highlights at Revestir. It is a finish that combines elegance, modernity, and versatility. Carmello Fior launched 23 new designs in this format, largely based on marble and concrete. They offer a sophisticated and uniform look. Fewer joints help to emphasise spaciousness and achieve a distinctly modern vibe. The Soft texture aims to create a more welcoming feel. It is ideal for kitchen walls, bathrooms, and covered outdoor areas. According to Rodrigo Battistini, Product Development Manager: “Each year we seek to expand our presence in the market, meeting the growing demand of our audience, who seek products that combine trend and cost-effectiveness.”
Cerâmica Alfagrês, one of the manufacturers from the central region of the state of São Paulo, presented several new products in a 310 by 600mm format. Inspired by the beauty of nature, these new ranges were created using advanced digital printing technology, all with a glossy finish. Alfagres has also introduced embossed options to provide greater design versatility.
Cerâmica Atlas’ Revestir stand was inspired by Brazilian landscapes. It paid homage to natural elements of the country, such as the green of the forests, the blue of the waters, the terracotta of the hills, and the grey of urban areas. With over 16,000 colours in over 25 formats, Atlas offers a diverse product portfolio and palette designed to offer solutions for almost any project. At Revestir, Atlas positioned itself as the largest manufacturer in the Americas of small-format porcelain tiles, while reaffirming its commitment to innovation without sacrificing tradition.
Cerâmica Savane presented the IA – Identidade Afetiva collection, an innovative fusion between design and emotion. Inspired by the uniqueness of each person and the unique personality of each home, the collection proposes coverings that go beyond aesthetics, creating environments full of identity and soul.
Made from natural raw materials, Grespania’s Coverlam Top kitchen worktops are highly resistant to scratches, high temperatures and impacts, making them the ideal choice for demanding kitchen spaces. Highly durable, Coverlam Top kitchen worktops have an impermeable, stain-resistant, easy-to-maintain surface. Given the growing trend for book-matched decoration, Coverlam Top has enhanced its collection with a new selection of suitable marble-look worktops, allowing the creation of book- or mirror-effects. These come in different finishes, including a natural satin effect, with a matt surface and a soft touch. There is also an elegant Polished high-gloss finish; plus a new option called Polished Silk, a softer finish with a subtle shine and velvet touch.
The new collections stand out for their three-dimensionality, purity of colours, and soft finishes. Micro-relief effects are synchronised with the graphic veins and grooves of the pieces to perfectly recreate the natural beauty of stone, marble, or wood. In terms of design, the stand-out was Canela Roma: a marble-inspired collection with a distinct cinnamon hue, tinged with reddish and brown veins that evoke the organic beauty of the earth. Thanks to CarvedTechnology, this range offers a subtle texture that enriches the sensory experience. Coverlam Top Canela Roma is available in a 1,620 by 3,240mm format in 5.6, 10, and 12mm thicknesses.
Coverlam Top was also turning heads with its Invisible Induction hobs that allow users to cook directly on the worktop. This allows the creation of continuous surfaces, which makes cleaning easier. In addition, as it does not generate direct heat, these worktops are still safe to use when it is not being used for cooking.
Decolores also drew inspiration from stone at Revestir with Aurora Gold, a popular Brazilian marble with tones that vary between gold and white. A solomitic marble, Aurora Gold reflects light, and speaks to more adventurous designers with its unique veins.
Another strong creation was Mystic Blue, a design that combines deep blue hues with golden veins, creating a quartzite-effect of singular charm.
Delta Porcelanato is investing heavily in new large formats. A great example is Dharma Oro; a porcelain tile with a marbled look. It features striking and elegant veins that harmoniously transition between grey and gold, through to a dazzling white. Its large format emphasises this aesthetic, achieving a spacious and refined look. Dharma is offered in two finishes: satin and polished.
During Revestir, Formigres presented its most popular products, such as Formigres Prime and Formigres Premium, which offer the ideal combination of elegance and technology. The company believes that every environment, whether residential, commercial or industrial, deserves a covering that not only beautifies but also adds value and functionality.
Cerâmica Almeida displayed 25 new products, including Açores Natural GR inspired by the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. Also from the Almeida Group, Gaudi Porcelanato introduced the Nature collection featuring 32 products inspired by the four elements of nature: air, water, earth and fire. One of the highlights was Concreta Decor AC, which translated earthy nuances into a sophisticated new porcelain tile range.
Ceral Group launched the Belle Porcelanato brand at Revestir. This has a proposition of high-quality products that deliver both durability and design. The brand was created for those seeking tiles with a touch of refinement and sophistication.
Urban, an established collection from Incepa, has gained a new colour for 2025: Cement. Perfect for those looking for a contemporary design with the softness and authenticity of the cement texture in neutral tones, the range offers a discreet, homogeneous aesthetics and with little variation in design reflect the identity of a minimalist and versatile aesthetic for different decoration styles, from rustic to sophisticated, providing a neutral and timeless base. All sizes feature the Slim 7mm thickness that guarantees agility in application and allows joints just 1mm wide. Formats include Urbano Cimento in 600 by 1,200mm in a satin matt finish, and 900 by 900mm or 1,200 by 1,200mm in satin and ABS finishes. The Urbano collection also has a grey version in the same three formats and finishes.
Lepri’s stand reflected the fact that 79% of global consumers believe the role of brands has changed in the last five years, and 40% see this role as making the world a better place. Since 2005, Lepri has been dedicated to launching sustainable natural coverings, using clean energy and reducing its carbon footprint. Attitudes like these are part of the company’s DNA, and lie at the centre of its centenary celebrations. “The essence remains, just like our roots, the focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, sensory aspects, and relationships between people. Each product has its unique colour and texture, like a work of art that cannot be mass-produced and that makes each project exclusive,” explains Marketing Director, Ludmila Lepri.
Lepri’s Bio Colore Collection is available in three shades: cremma, pistacchio, and cielo. This range boasts a special and exclusive glaze, created by LepriLab, from the ashes of a wood-fired oven. The technique used is reminiscent of the ancient ceramic masters from China who, thousands of years ago, created an alchemy with the ashes heated in the fire until they became vitrified and shiny. The technique allows the production of exclusive tones that are very soft and infuse spaces with elegance and a sense of well-being. Available formats are 70 by 70mm, and 110 by 110mm formats. The Nobu collection is also available in 45 by 460mm. Lapri’s ranges can be used for floors and walls in indoor and outdoor environments.
Manufatti Elementos Cerâmicos, a quintessential Brazilian company, was one of the stars at Revestir for its exclusive, artisanal ceramics. This year, the company presented solutions for large façades: the Cotto Arte range. These deceptively light pieces bring real personality to large façades. These unique designs individualise projects in a striking and timeless way.
Revestir once again explored the Italian influences that drive the founders of Nina Martinelli, and which have shaped the brand’s identity over time. “This year, I would say that we are arriving at Expo Revestir 2025 with the certainty that we have reached a much-desired maturity, in terms of expressing our entire identity in our creations. Our origins, our traditions, what we admire and seek to develop and offer to the market, with sobriety and excellence. We hope that specifiers, retailers and other players in this fascinating world of architecture and construction feel welcomed and impacted by what we are going to present, with great care and attention to detail,” says Director José Renato Videira; one of the company’s co-founders.
For Roca natural references will continue to be popular in interior design. To reflect this the company has added a new colour, Gris, to the Boulevard range that combines the timeless beauty of stone with the durability of porcelain. Boulevard Gris – alongside a Beige alternative – was shown in 1,600 by 1,600mm in a satin matte finish, as well as 1,200 by 1,200mm in satin matt and ABS non-slip finishes.
Villagres presented products that inspire connection with nature. One of the standouts was an excellent reproduction of Cristallo Tiffany quartzite. The Tiffany Green porcelain tile design combines the incomparable beauty of natural stone with the practicality and strength of porcelain. Available in natural grit and polished finishes, Tiffany Green is the ideal choice for projects that value sophistication and versatility. It is available in an 805 by 1,400mm format, in natural and polished finishes. Tiffany Green is an excellent choice for swimming pools, where the trend of using large format porcelain tiles is on the rise, bringing modernity and sophistication to leisure areas.
Perfect for minimalist environments, Pietra di Tibur porcelain tiles were one of Villagres’s show highlights. This a classic travertine design that is available in 1,230 by 1,230 and 805 by 1,400mm formats, both with a natural surface. Inspired by the natural elegance of Italian stones, the collection combines aesthetic sophistication with the latest technological innovation: Sense Up. This innovation, developed by Villagres, transforms the tactile experience of ceramic coverings. Every detail of the surfaces was designed to awaken the senses, providing an authentic sensation of natural touch. Pietra di Tibur thus brings the rustic and timeless beauty of travertine, reinterpreted with the precision and versatility of porcelain. The collection highlights subtle nuances, refined textures, and a palette of neutral tones that harmonise with the most diverse styles of architectural projects.
A simple and attractive throwback to the square, patterned ceramic wall tiles that proliferated in the 1970s and 1980s, Lurca Tiles was born in 2010 out of a desire to offer new and interesting decorative options. Although they are said to be inspired by contemporary Brazilian tiles tradition, Lurca’s tiles are restrained, elegant, and delicate, yet remain the kind of decorative ceramics that create beautiful panels when assembled together. Each tile is hand-made, decorated using a silk-screen process, and then kiln-fired. The result is a classic old-school wall tile: thin, impervious, long-lasting, and low-maintenance. Each tile measures 155 by 155mm and is 6mm thick.
Next year’s show takes place from 9th to 13th March 2026.
More at Expo Revestir