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.
News and Comment

Domus’s parent company calls in the receivers

On 1st September 2026, the Board of Headlam Group plc confirms that Will Wright, Chris Pole, and Ryan Grant of Interpath Advisory will be appointed as joint administrators to Headlam Group plc. Headlam is Europe’s largest distributor of floorcoverings with its HQ in Coleshill, Birmingham. The objective is to stabilise operations and maintain service for customers whilst engaging directly with suppliers and other stakeholders to … Continue reading Domus’s parent company calls in the receivers

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News and Comment

Faye Toogood set to design for Mutina

Mutina has announced a new collaboration with Faye Toogood, one of the most original and distinctive figures on the contemporary creative scene.  British artist, designer and creative director Faye Toogood has long pursued a cross-disciplinary practice spanning art, design, architecture and fashion. Her work is defined by a sculptural, instinctive language that challenges the boundaries between disciplines and places material at the heart of the … Continue reading Faye Toogood set to design for Mutina

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Cersaie, Exhibitions, New Collections, Trends

NovaBell’s subtle stone looks set for Cersaie

NovaBell will show a selection of porcelain stoneware innovations at Cersaie 2026: three brand-new collections, two collection extensions, two new surfaces and, for the first time, a collection of tables featuring 12mm porcelain stoneware tops, available in a wide range of finishes from the Oversize collection. The new Discovery collection draws inspiration from Pietra Lias, a sedimentary limestone formed during the Jurassic period and found primarily … Continue reading NovaBell’s subtle stone looks set for Cersaie

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Tile Technology

Study validates Bios Self-Cleaning and Anti-Bac treatments

Issue 43 (September 2026) of the scientific journal Environmental Technology & Innovation features a study titled “Towards a comprehensive assessment of antibacterial ceramic tiles: linking surface properties to bacterial adhesion.” The research was carried out by a multi-disciplinary team including researchers from the University of Bologna, San Raffaele Rome University, the Italian National Research Council (CNR), and Casalgrande Padana. The researchers analysed Casalgrande Padana porcelain … Continue reading Study validates Bios Self-Cleaning and Anti-Bac treatments

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News and Comment

August data points to construction slowdown

August data indicated a sustained downturn in business activity across the UK construction sector, led by weakness in the residential building segment.  The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – an index tracking changes in total industry activity – registered 44.3 in August, down from 44.7 in July and below the neutral 50.0 value for the twentieth successive month. All three … Continue reading August data points to construction slowdown

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News and Comment

Toby Drew takes BDM role for Roca Group in Ireland

Roca Group UK & Ireland has appointed Toby Drew has joined as Business Development Manager for the Laufen and Roca brands, covering Leinster and Munster.   He will focus on both retail and merchant accounts. Drew has 25 years’ sector experience; the last 17 of which have been in bathrooms.  “In taking on a new role, I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with my existing contacts in the bathroom industry,” notes … Continue reading Toby Drew takes BDM role for Roca Group in Ireland

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Cersaie, Exhibitions

Cersaie: Expect The Unexpected from Wow Design

At Cersaie later this month, Wow Design will present ten new collections and The Unexpected, a central space featuring three ideas the company will unveil that expand the possibilities of ceramics within architecture and design. The new collections explore different approaches to geometry, colour, and material, while The Unexpected goes one step further by revealing new ways of understanding and using ceramics beyond their conventional … Continue reading Cersaie: Expect The Unexpected from Wow Design

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