Ceramic tile producers have been hard at work coming up with some new products for retailers. The following are a few of the latest and greatest.
Coem
The research department at Italy-based Coem is always deeply focused on stones and high-tech processes like the 3D technology that gives its porcelain stoneware a natural-looking surface. The company’s new Rapolano 3D and Millerighe series feature this new technology. The Millerighe series (meaning 1,000 stripes) will be available in an oversized format 24 x 47 and in a special new textured “sticks” décor.
Crossville
The company will debut recycled glass lines that have a hand-crafted yet elegant appeal with rich, jewel-like colors and a three-dimensional look, according to Laurie Lyza, director of marketing, of the as yet unnamed products. “These recycled glass mosaics can be used as accents or a full field for more dramatic impact. The deep jewel tones within the palette reflect the current fashion trends.”
Crossville is preparing several new porcelain tile collections for launch later in the season, she added. “These looks are very crisp and sleek with neutral color palettes and understated graphics that lend themselves to more monochromatic design schemes.” Plank shapes continue to be popular and are included in these soon-to-be launched series. The tiles feature subtle veining and blended striations that give the perception of a linear graphic, reflecting the continued demand for long, clean lines.
Dal-Tile
The company continues to offer a broad selection of products at competitive prices, according to Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director. “Our new collections not only help create inspired design, but speak to emerging trends driving modern design.”
Dal-Tile’s new lines, such as Ayers Rock, reflect the trend toward classic, realistic stone visuals, made possible through the use of sophisticated digital printing technologies such as Reveal Imaging, which combines the authentic look of stone with the performance of porcelain tile. “The availability of larger formats is another trend our new product launch speaks to,” Kirk-Rolley said. “These introductions appeal to the value-driven consumer, who desires innovative products that are also affordable.”
Fantesca glazed porcelain floor tile delivers a rustic stone visual with the ease of maintenance associated with quality porcelain tile, Kirk-Rolley said. Available in sizes ranging from 12 x 12 to 24 x 24, the line offers a warm color palette.
Dal-Tile has also expanded its collection of floor and wall combinations with Healthland glazed ceramic tile. The line features a wide color palette, several field tile sizes, an expansive trim package, versatile decorative accents and 2 x 2 pressed mosaics in two random blends. The line offers function, value and beauty in one complete package, she noted. In addition, Healthland contains post- and pre-consumer recycled content, which may help building and remodeling projects achieve credits and/or points in a variety of green building pro- grams, such as LEED.
Pinnacle is a new colorbody porcelain designed with a smooth, marble visual. Available in two neutrals and three large-format sizes, Pinnacle has the ability to compliment both residential and commercial design spaces.
Dal-Tile is also updating its collection of natural stone products by adding two stones to its marble collection as well as four selections of granite slabs.
Fioranese
Another Italy-based company, Fioranese’s inspiration combines old and new architectural concepts and materials. Nu Cotto is the new fall collection inspired by the colors and surfaces of the Umbria region of Italy. It is available in five colors and large formats such as 18 x 351⁄2 inches.
The new Metropol series is inspired by the famous modern structures and reinforced concrete from a trio of Italian architects. Concrete is used like a blank slate, a sort of empty blackboard where any decoration can fit. True to form, the tiles are available in white, gray, strong gray and mud.
Florida Tile
“There has been a flood of wood looks recently,” said Sean Cilona, the company’s marketing director, “some modern, some classic, but I believe ours is a nice middle ground.” The look of its new Berkshire product is achieved with a combination of digital printing technology and detailed punch that offers a handscraped look. “We believe this will appeal to both minimalistic designers and more traditional mid-America. We also believe the color palette is a great representation of the most popular natural woods available from the largest producers in the U.S.”
Stellar is Florida Tile’s latest commercial product offering. Cilona said the look combines two popular trends in commercial and high-end residential. “One is the popular metallic look that was made famous by a certain Spanish manufacturer, the other is a stained concrete look that has been hugely popular across large commercial jobs for several years. We combine these looks in a very technical through-body porcelain that is available in large-format tiles and an earthy modern monochromatic color palette.”
Keraben
Its fall introductions capture different styles in stone and offer continuity to textile finishes that have performed well in previous seasons, noted Javier Plasencia Abasolo, U.S. export manager for the Spanish manufacturer.
Keraben will introduce several series with inkjet technology that will bring greater variety and diversity in graphic finishes with stone being the nexus of almost all new products, he noted. The new ranges emulate soft stones, marble and slates.
As for colors, Keraben will focus on soft colors like white, pearl, cream and sand, and look to deeper colors like black, gray and graphite for contrast. “Whites are still trending in our markets,” he said, “so we intend to continue applying this color range in different textures allowed by advances in inkjet technology.”
-Louis Iannaco