Tile of Spain Companies Present New Collections at Cersaie 2023

Spanish companies made the journey to Italy to unveil new collections at Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings. This annual event serves as a hub for architects, interior designers, specifiers and tile producers to delve into innovations and prevailing trends within the ceramic tile sector and preview what’s to come in the year ahead.

Spain’s presence at Cersaie remained resolute, with 92 Spanish companies showcasing cutting-edge ceramic products throughout the weeklong fair. Impressively, the Spanish delegation of ceramic manufacturers ranked as the second-largest group of exhibitors, trailing only the home country, in representation.

The exhibition was a fertile ground for the emergence of new trends, innovative formats and enhanced capabilities from Spanish participants. We are delighted to spotlight some of the exceptional Spanish designs that graced Cersaie this year:

SEEKING BALANCE

When balance and complementary interactions are fleeting, tile makers look to the birthplace of yin-yang and wabi-sabi for inspiration. While we see ample textile designs translated into ceramic renditions, there is one standout repeated by many this year, “stick mosaics”. Manufacturers are offering their take on this classic Japanese porcelain style, enhancing new lines with gracefully flowing pottery glazes. The appeal of fragmented pieces lies in the delicate interplay between precise straight lines and the gracefully undulating imperfect charm of the coatings.

TACTILE RENAISSANCE

Spanish manufacturers are whole heartedly embracing the infusion of rich textures throughout new ceramic collections. As architects and designers explore a growing interest in outfitting built environments in raw and rugged materials, the incorporation of tangible surfaces enables one to adequately interact with and navigate a space. Tiles impressed with deep grooves, subtle fluting, billowing curves and scored strokes are meant to be experienced both visually and physically.

TRUE SLABS

For the first time, the world has witnessed the availability of production-ready versions of full-body lamina porcelain slabs. This achievement signifies a momentous milestone as it fulfills a long-standing request from fabricators and specifiers since the mainstream adoption and installation of large-format tiles. These full-body pieces offer the remarkable qualities synonymous with porcelain products: resistance to heat, scratches, acid, water and antimicrobial properties. But, truly distinguishes them from vying materials is their capacity to be worked with, using traditional fabrication techniques, making them a cost-effective and versatile choice for premium applications.

PUT IT IN NEUTRAL

The neutral palette is undergoing a slight chromatic shift, moving towards mid-spectrum hues that present a slightly edgier tone compared to the whites and grays that have dominated in recent years. Oatmeal, mocha and caramel inspired hues will reign throughout this year’s prevailing ceramic lines. While saturated neutrals like midnight, forest, and wine will play a supporting role, to anchor the overall color scheme.

BEYOND REALISM

When texture, sheen and reflectivity alongside color can be digitally manipulated, it’s not only possible to recreate anything through ceramics, it’s easy. Modern tile production is at a stage where artistic expression knows no bounds, even when taking on a natural reproduction. The layers of detail that are possible with printing techniques evokes truly visceral experiences. The ability to create fine variance in decorative adornment allows for a ceramicist to play with the characteristics of different substances or introduce another element of interest.

NEW METAL

Metallics are set to become a major player in the decorative realm of ceramic design. This year, the glazing industry, led by pioneers in Spain, have implemented benign minerals solutions to achieve reliefs reminiscent of Corten steel and oxidized metals, in a sustainable and healthy way. These graphic overlays fuel the growing macro-trend of industrial design by empowering projects with avant-garde finishes and grandiose architectural details.

For more about tile produced in Spain, visit Tile of Spain’s website.