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.
Awards, Design & Technology, News and Comment

Tratto is included in the ADI Design Index 2026

ADI Permanent Design Observatory has selected Tratto, a porcelain collection by Atlas Concorde Habitat, for the ADI Design Index 2026. This marks the first step in the two-year cycle leading up to the 2028 ADI Compasso d’Oro Award. Considered proportions and clean lines characterise the Tratto range, which was designed by Piero Lissoni. With Tratto, ceramic becomes a table, a bench, a planter, a storage … Continue reading Tratto is included in the ADI Design Index 2026

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News and Comment

Fall in UK construction output slows

The headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – an index tracking changes in total industry activity – picked up from 44.3 in August to 46.1 in September, which signalled the least marked downturn in output volumes for eight months. Slower rates of contraction were seen in the residential, commercial and civil engineering segments. Commercial construction (index at 48.5) saw the … Continue reading Fall in UK construction output slows

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News and Comment

Pro Tiler Tools is the star performer at Topps Group

Topps Tiles Plc’s trading update for the 52-week period ended 26th September 2026 shows Group revenue, including CTD, was around £292 million for the year, down c.1.3% year-on-year. The Group says this is explained by the annualisation of prior-year CTD store closures, and the closure of underperforming Topps Tiles stores. CTD currently trades from 23 stores, compared with 31 in the prior year. Group revenue, … Continue reading Pro Tiler Tools is the star performer at Topps Group

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Art and Artists, Weird & Wonderful

Nikki Edwards: pastel power pixellated

This week Joe Simpson visited Shoreditch Design Week to get a flavour of the new talent energising London’s creative craft scene, and to look at some of the amazing products and talent on display.  One artist to really catch tJoe’s eye was Nikki Edwards, an up-and-coming contemporary mosaicist who offers a fresh take on this most traditional of art forms.  Edwards featured three original works.  … Continue reading Nikki Edwards: pastel power pixellated

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Cersaie, Exhibitions

Earth in Motion concept distinguishes Decocer at Cersaie

Decocer is set to shine at Cersaie 2026 with Earth in Motion: a concept by architect Héctor Ruiz Velázquez that transforms small-format ceramics into architecture.  This project continues the award-winning theme presented at Cersaie in 2025 and Coverings in 2026. While last year’s narrative explored the origins of ceramics – earth, clay and material – in 2026 it turns to transformation. The material folds, undulates, … Continue reading Earth in Motion concept distinguishes Decocer at Cersaie

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