Tile’s Transformative Trends

Monday, September 16, 2024, Floor Covering News

By Suzy Krogulski

Tile’s style evolution has continued to transform with new trends and technology. FCW spoke to several companies about what consumers expect to see in the market as tile continues to evolve.

Today’s Tile Trends

The tile market continues to morph, according to Emser’s Kathy Greene, director of brand strategy and communications. “In the coming year, nature-inspired and biophilic designs will remain a dominant trend with attributes focused on handmade, imperfect details, fluted shapes and plenty of arches along with warm, desert-inspired neutrals. We’ll also see a shift towards decorative flair and creative self-expression as an avenue to lift the spirits as it sparks delight and helps create joyfulness in a space. This trend speaks to optimistic maximalism with the use of brighter hues, playful patterns and shapes that offer a sense of surprise and wonder.”

Consumers are capitalizing on these natural designs by ensuring their homes seamlessly blend with the natural world. “The emphasis will be on creating cohesive environments where the boundaries between inside and outside are blurred, promoting a more integrated living experience. Not only will we hold tight to natural and organic charm, the versatile formats and sizes will allow for greater design flexibility, catering to a wide range of architectural styles and personal preferences,” said McKenzie Blevins, tile and stone designer, Shaw Floors.

Dayna Holleyman, product designer, Marazzi USA and American Olean, explained what major trends will carry on. “So as far as the design trends go, we continue to explore the spectrum of interior design trends. And I have two that I feel will continue: One of them is the coastal retreat, bringing in elements like travel and history and heritage into a space to make it truly uniquely yours. … The next one was the modern reality, which really brings peace, coziness and simplicity into a space, embracing the organic forms products really inspired by wood, patina, metals, concrete [and] soft, natural stones.”

Tile companies are not only playing with color and style, they’re also playing with format. “The tile industry has seen a remarkable shift in design trends, with large format tile emerging at the forefront of modern interiors. We anticipate that large format tiles will transform the way we think about tiling spaces big and small. Large format tiles are significantly larger than the traditional tiles we’ve seen in the past,” explained Ariana Schweymaier, showroom consultants, Arizona Tile.

Paulo Pereira, vice president, MSI, said he sees enhanced realism. “Innovations in 3D printing technology are enabling more intricate designs, realistic textures and interactive functionalities, [as well as] tiles with three-dimensional effects and unique textures will become more popular for adding depth and interest to both walls and floors.”

And textures are playing a more important role, explained Catherine Buehre, vice president of brand operations, Louisville Tile. “I do think texture in general is a very big trend. I think we spent a lot of time doing a lot of marble looks and things that were flat and shiny. Everything is so much more textural. I sat in on a presentation and their take on it was that since we all touch our phones — this flat technology — thus, in the real world, texture and craft and things that are handmade and have a handmade feel become important. We’re definitely seeing more texture. Even if you look at what manufacturers of furnishings, like Crate & Barrel and West Elm [are producing], there’s so much more texture. I think people just want their physical surroundings to feel more comforting. Personalization is sort of the other side of it. We see more color, more people picking things that are more unique.”

Tile’s Path Forward

With tile, the benefits extend beyond simply beauty. “The future of the tile industry is poised for transformation, driven by advancements in sustainability, design innovation and technology. Tiles will become more than just a functional or decorative element — they will be integral to creating healthier, more sustainable and more personalized living environments,” said Blevins.

Emser Tile’s Greene remarked that this focus on space will also lead to other trends. “We’ll also see a shift towards decorative flair and creative self-expression as an avenue to lift the spirits as it sparks delight and helps create joyfulness in a space. This trend speaks to optimistic maximalism with the use of brighter hues, playful patterns and shapes that offer a sense of surprise and wonder,” said Greene.

Additionally, Holleyman noted tile will continue to ride the wellness wave. “[Tile will be] focusing on overall wellbeing. There have been certain studies showing how our interior environment really does impact and affect how we work and process throughout the day and night. Those spaces are important, and influence how we feel in our daily activities and lifestyles.”

Colors will emphasize cozy spaces and earthy colors such as browns, emerald greens, terra-cotta tones and taupes, said Arizona Tile’s showroom consultant Ariana Schweymaier. This will bring the consumer more in touch with nature. “As we move towards these earthy hues, texture will be equally as important as color. Tile designs with textures that mimic the look of stone or wood will see an increase in popularity. Tiles with matte or anti-slip finishes with subtle variations in color and pattern that create an organic, tumbled look will take the design world by storm. Textured tiles add depth and character to spaces making them feel more lived in while also creating safer, slip-resistant surfaces,” said Schweymaier.

Performance & Technology

Greene also noted that both beauty and performance will be expected.

“With adaptability continuing to rise as a priority for remodels and new construction alike, we foresee an increase in demand for tile that offers superior functionality — non-slip, antimicrobial and more — without compromising on aesthetics. Consumers want versatile design solutions that meet practical needs while still delivering on beauty, and spaces that are both stylish and highly functional. As a result, the market is expanding with innovative tile options that blend cutting-edge technology with elegant design. Emser is committed to delivering on both practicality and style, zero compromise.”

Technology indeed will play a larger role. “Looking further ahead, we anticipate a greater integration of smart technology into porcelain surfaces. With this in mind, we have designed Hypertouch, an exclusive patented technology that, with a simple touch or light press, allows you to control lighting, HVAC, audio-video systems and windows. By introducing this technology, we aim to enhance the aesthetics and continuity of surfaces, eliminating unsightly cover plates and external switches,” shared Sofia Sabattini, director of marketing, U.S., Stonepeak.

MSI’s Pereira elaborated on the specific types of technology. “For increased customization, [we’ll see] demand for personalized and unique tile designs will rise, enabled by advancements in digital and 3D printing technologies.”

Additionally, over the next five years, Pereira says that to meet consumer demands, “Advanced manufacturing techniques will allow for greater complexity, customization and durability in tile designs, meeting the evolving demands of both residential and commercial markets.”

Tile’s inherent sustainability will also continue to be a key part of its appeal, said Sabattini. “One major trend is the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, leading to a rise in demand for ceramic and porcelain surfaces made from recycled materials and produced with energy- efficient technologies.”