Author: diaryofatileaddict

I have been writing about the tile industry for more than 25 years. I have started this blog to share some of my knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, ceramic tiles. I also wanted to shine a light on the work of some of the artists, architects and designers around the world who work with ceramic tiles. I was the Founding Editor of Tile UK, and I am currently the Editor of three tile-related publications in the UK: Tile & Stone Journal, The Specifier’s Guide to Ceramic Tile & Calibrated Natural Stone; and TDY: Tile Design Yearbook. I am also International Correspondent for Tile Today and Discovering Stone, both published in Australia. My aim with Diary of a Tile Addict is to introduce tile enthusiasts to developments in tile design, significant architectural and interior design projects that get the best out of tiles, technological developments that are driving the ceramic tile sector forward, and breaking news from tile exhibitions around the world. I will also introduce readers to some of the talented and inspiring individuals who help make the ceramic tile world so creatively diverse, technically advanced and intellectually fascinating.
Design & Technology, Tile Companies

Primus Vitoria: production paradox

Apicer’s 2024 The Art of Possibility Tour of Portugal proved hugely inspirational. It offered Diary of a Tile Addict’s Joe Simpson a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the country’s leading manufacturers, see numerous examples of ceramic street art, experience tile’s massive contribution to contemporary Portuguese architecture, and – best of all – get fully immersed in the history, heritage, and passion that drives Portugal’s … Continue reading Primus Vitoria: production paradox

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Design & Technology, Tile Companies

Recer: sublime surface selection 

One of the most respected Portuguese tile brands, Recer was founded in 1977.  Today it is a medium sized producer of porcelain tiles, and ceramic wall tiles, offering home owners and designers a wide range of contemporary solutions with its wide and diversified product portfolio. In 2022, Recer produced around 5 million sq. metres of tiles, achieving total sales of Euro 45.3 million.   Sustainable … Continue reading Recer: sublime surface selection 

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Design & Technology, Design Delights, Iconic Designs

Viúva Lamego: Tiling tradition transmogrified

Founded in Lisbon in 1849, Viúva Lamego remains a proud exponent of traditional Portuguese ceramics. But this landmark company is far more than an artisanal tile producer, although it does manufacture exquisite small format plain and decorative tiles in its unique facility in the Sintra district. The company is better viewed as an ambassador of Portuguese culture, due to its close collaboration with numerous artists, … Continue reading Viúva Lamego: Tiling tradition transmogrified

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Design & Technology

Portugal: tile tradition and technology

Earlier this year Diary of a Tile Addict was invited on a four-day ceramic tile study tour of Portugal.  As a long-term admirer of Portugal’s long and influential ceramic tradition, DOATA’s founder, Joe Simpson readily accepted the invitation. For a self-proclaimed tile addict, this wonderful tour proved to be a complete pleasure and privilege.  There were many reasons for its success.  One, was Joe’s fellow … Continue reading Portugal: tile tradition and technology

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Uncategorized

Instagram colour faves

From cottagecore to grandmillennial, homeowners’ interior choices have been heavily influenced by social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest. With people staying in more as the night draws in, Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance were inspired to discover the trendiest paint colours on Instagram for a room makeover this year. The experts collated a seed list of popular paint shades from reputable sites … Continue reading Instagram colour faves

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Design & Technology, Motifs & Materials

Tone and texture totality

Every now and then a stand really stops you in your tracks at Cersaie. Mainly it will be a familiar brand, but one rare occasions you encounter a previously unknown brand and a display full of creativity and delight. In 2022, Tile Addict discovered some jaw-dropping architectural finishes and textures on the Gypsum stand. Based in Bergamo, Italy, Gypsum produces plaster, laminated polystyrene, and high … Continue reading Tone and texture totality

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Design & Technology, New Tile Designs

Polish porcelain perfection

Wallpaper-effect tiles were the stand-out trend at Cersaie 2022. No one company caught the mood with greater visual impact that Tubadzin. This dynamic Polish producer delivered a simply stunning range of decorative 1,200 by 2,750mm ceramic panels.  These ranged from sumptuous stone effects, such as Aquamarine, Calcatta Green, and Pietra Blu; through powerful wood-effect designs, to the Japanese inspired Matsu, and one of my favourite … Continue reading Polish porcelain perfection

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Design & Technology, Motifs & Materials

Venetian mahogany vibes

One of the outstanding new ranges at Cersaie 2022 was Canal Grande by Refin, a collection inspired by glamor of Venice and the city’s nautical culture. Canal Grande pays homage to majestic mahogany, the material traditionally used to build vaporetti: the famous Venetian water taxis. Refin’s design team, in collaboration with an historic shipyard in Venice, studied these nautical mahogany boards in great detail to … Continue reading Venetian mahogany vibes

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Navy Blue Herringbone Tiled Bar Ben Carpenter
Architecture & Interiors

Eatery designs out waste

Apricity is a low-waste cooking and sustainable food sourcing restaurant in London’s Mayfair.  Headed by Chantelle Nicholson, this restaurant’s interior reflects its low impact approach to dining, including recycled content tiles from Parkside.  Sustainable hospitality design specialist, Object Place Space, has used its own Restorative Design Framework to design out waste and pollution and minimise carbon footprint.  For the reception, bar and toilets with surfaces … Continue reading Eatery designs out waste

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New Tile Designs

Immersive impressions

When a marketing-savvy company such as Cosentino announces a major product launch one month prior to Cersaie, Tile Addicts everywhere should pay close attention. In fact the Spanish solid surface experts launched two new collections – Kraftizen and Onirika – simultaneously at a virtual press event. This post looks at one of them, Onirika, an immersive collection by interior designer Nina Magon that taps into … Continue reading Immersive impressions

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Motifs & Materials

Rhapsody in blue

As the lockdown restrictions begin to be eased in the UK, my mind has naturally wandered to the possibility of seeing new tile designs in the flesh once more, and therefore to Cersaie in November. What surprised me was that one product group I’m really looking forward to exploring afresh are the new generation of marble-effect porcelains.  This may seem strange from someone who has … Continue reading Rhapsody in blue

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