Italian Tile, Glitz and Glamour: Cersaie 2017 Recap
One-half of the Cersaie 2017 Ceramics of Italy North American delegation ready to start the day! Image via Ceramics of Italy.
With the recently concluded Cersaie 2017 event held in Bologna, Italy, it was obvious that pattern, color and texture reigned supreme!
As part of Ceramics of Italy North American delegation of architects, designers, and fellow press members, our group had exclusive opportunities to view the latest in tile in innovative tile designs, designer collaborations, and view trend-setting ceramic, porcelain and glass tile products.
The decorative porticos of beautiful Bologna.
But first, the numbers. Cersaie 2017 was attended by 111,604 visitors, 4.7% more than in 2016, with increases in both international and Italian visitors. Held in Bologna from 25 to 29 September and organized in cooperation with BolognaFiere, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings “confirmed its status as the leading commercial event for the global market, complemented by a wide range of initiatives aimed at architects, interior designers, installers, the media and end consumers,” show organizers said.
The timeless, historic stone floors at the Palazzo Ducale di Sassuolo.
Further, during the Cersaie Press Conference at the historic and stunning Palazzo Ducale di Sassuolo, we learned that sales of Italian tile has increased due to branding strategies, exports to American trade shows, or any other event relevant to tile and the A+D community. That’s great news for designers and architects as Italian tile continues its growth with respect to homeowners’ long-lasting quality product needs and decorative desires.
Gorgeous fireplace adorned with vintage Delft tile spotted during our tour of the Palazzo Ducale di Sassuolo.
Cersaie Sightings & Trends
Now, with my group’s exclusive access ability to speak and interact with exhibitors directly, we could touch, feel, ask, and most importantly, document with words and images our new-found trend-setting ceramic and porcelain tile products.
What stood out was the increased use of metallic in surprising ways, innovative tactile features (think texture and dimension), large-format decorative tile panels, and terrazzo.
But first, my heartfelt gratitude to Ceramics of Italy, Confindustria Ceramica, the Italian Trade Agency and the organizers of Cersaie for their hospitality, their tireless efforts in keeping our 50-member delegation informed and amused, and most importantly, for extending the invitation to take part of an unforgettable experience that benefits the readers and fans of Tileometry’s blog and social media platforms. Grazie mille!
Now, onto the tile eye-candy I hope you will be able to see for yourself during Coverings 2018 in Atlanta, showcased in the Ceramics of Italy pavilion!
Note: The following is Part 1 of a two-part series. Stay tuned for the second installment!
Gorgeous large-format tile panel with a petrified wood pattern by 14 Ora Italiano.
Mix-and-match tile patterns from ABK
As part of the Ceramics of Italy North American delegation, we were treated to Atlas Concorde’s newly opened showroom in Modena, Italy.
A private tour of Atlas Concorde’s tile manufacturing facility.
Textures abound at Casalgrande Padana!
Known for colorful and whimsical tile, Ceramica Bardelli didn’t disappoint!
Confetti, a new glazed tile collection designed by Marcante-Testa for Ceramica Vogue.
An ode to color and Italian architect, industrial designer, furniture designer, artist, and publisher Gio Ponti, by Ceramiche di Vietri.
Pattern play from Cotte D’Este.
Patina and dimensional tile from Edilcuogli Ceramiche.
Large-scale terrazzo tile pattern from Edilgres.
A modern interpretation of terrazzo from Emilgroup.
Florim showcases a high-gloss stone tile with jagged marble veins.
Textured tile with metallic undertones from La Faenza Ceramica, part of Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola.
Lea Ceramiche partners with French designer Patrick Norguet for another winning tile collaboration!
An attention-getting tile collection from Imola that is bright, colorful and textured.
Leonardo Ceramica combines a wood-look tile with metallic graining.
Crystal Rock, a mosaic tile creation from Mosaico+
Meet Manifesto, the vibrant new tile series from Ornamenta Ceramics.
Encased between two glass panels is SICIS’ Vetrite large-format tile collection that features electric, metallic veining.
The colorful exhibit space of Tonalite featured mind-boggling color options!
Unica’s new Vienna tile series pays homage to Art Deco with its colors, metallic touches and geometric shape.
Del Conca’s latest tile collection features the art work of Guido Crepax and his Valentina character.