There’s something about concrete which can seem a little cold- the vast expanse of dull grey that evokes images of factory interiors and warehouses. The industrial look is highly modern and remains über trendy, but often relies on highly stylised furniture and lighting for elevation. Sometimes interior spaces need a little something else to add character. Italian architect Andrea Maffei believes concrete to be the … Continue reading Characterful Concrete
From Australian designer Greg Natale comes a range that mixes unpredictable natural shapes and highly ordered geometry to produce The Composite Collection. Created for Italian luxury design brand Bisazza, this creative set of mosaics offers a distinctively organic appearance whilst maintaining something of the modern and robotic. The four decorative patterns take inspiration from a range of natural forms, including coral and minerals. The final … Continue reading Organic meets Geometric
Although tiles are commonly works of art in their own right, this collection created in collaboration with Italian artist Giorgio Griffa takes that concept to another level. Since the mid-sixties Griffa’s work has developed from a traditional approach to subject and style, to one identifably formed in the abstract-expressionist and tachiste movements. Despite being firmly categorised as belonging to this ‘analytical painting’ movement, today his … Continue reading Enigmatic Euridice
From CEDIT by Florim comes a truly magical collection. The brains behind these bold and beautiful pieces is artist and graphic designer Federico Pepe. Here he took inspiration from marbled paper, a technique that results in a paper surface with an uncanny resemblance to natural stone and marble, yet with the creative freedom afforded by a multitude of colour pigments. This effect is most commonly … Continue reading Awesome Araldica
Toni Cumella’s ceramic expertise has been utilised by architects such as Enric Miralles, Alejandro Zaera-Polo, and Jean Nouvel. These collaborations have made Ceramica Cumella’s material a key component of Barcelona’s stunning built environment. Continue reading Toni Cumella: Ceramic Visionary
For Cedit’s Matrice collection, Brondi and Rainò have taken various concrete-inspired surfaces and imagined additional design reverberations, using 3mm deep incised graphic marks cut into the slabs. These provide a framework for infinite design combinations when grouted in bold colours. This recalls embroidery where every stitch is at right-angles to another one to construct forms and decorations. Continue reading Sensory Structures
Ital;y’s Etruria Design offers a rich and versatile range of 3D wall tiles in a variety of colours, shapes and graphic lines. These have been developed through two distinct decorative concepts: the stricter, more refined Victoria collection, and the Art Déco collection, which is centred on a reappraisal of this decorative retro style. Continue reading Art Deco Delights
Portinari presented Carmen, designed by Alessandro Mendini, at the International Furniture Show in Milan. The diamond format, vibrant colours, and subtle relief reflect Mendini’s interest in the masks worn by Harlequin, the medieval puppet famous for his multi-coloured garments. Continue reading Harlequin Huzza
Mesmerising, hypnotic and uber cool, Wow’s decorative tile portfolio that would grace the showroom of any aspirational retailer around the world. It should also prove a hit with architects and designers as it offers a great opportunity to express creativity in surprisingly innovative ways. Continue reading Winsome Wow
On its Coverings stand, Colorker gave star billing to the new Metropolitan collection. Perhaps the most retro design to date from the hugely impressive ZYX brand, these tiles offer a trip back in time … while at the same time reinventing a great icons of ceramic design – one that is redolent of urban Paris and London at the turn of the 20th century. Continue reading Metropolitan Mastery
Florim is not, strictly speaking, a ceramics firm; it is an Italian design firm that is proud to work in ceramics. The Rilievi collection fits perfectly into our mission, which is to transform the perception of industrial ceramics from functional objects to design objects, an essential part of any aesthetically optimal interior. Stefano Torrenti, CEO. Continue reading Rilievi Reallignment
Ceramica Vogue’s Confetti collection, designed by Marcante-Testa, features ‘graphic inspired patterns evocative of a present perfect capable of guarding the most intimate aspects of people and their memory.’ Designed for those homes and restaurants and hotels seeking a domestic dimension, this range provides humour, and a lightness of touch. Continue reading Italian Idioms
