Key Tile Tends 2016
As EngineRoom scours the globe for the key trends in interiors and architecture, we always stumble across areas of detail that we love to bring into our designs and keep our client work “on message”. Following a trip to some European tile gurus last week, here’s our view of what’s happening in key tile trends and what’s likely to be de rigueur next year.
THICK AS A BRICK
If 2015 has been the year of the hexagonal tile, 2016 will be the turn of the brick. The look will go from very sleek bricks to ultra rustic but it won’t all be about the usual uniform layouts. Painted bricks, distressed bricks, wood-designed bricks and bricks with cement splashes will all add an element of chaos to the usual consistency of tiling.
ARTY WALLS
Street and pop art are both heavily influencing a new look in tiling. Transforming tiles into pieces of art will feature prominently next year.
THE 3D SURFACE
Technology, as always, moves forward and the ability of manufacturers to create ceramic tiles with three dimensional aspects will open up a new horizon of opportunity. Be it folds, ridges or pronounced geometrical shapes, a fresh breed of seamless sculptured walls will draw attention.
THE MIGHTY CHEVRON
The timeless patterns of chevron and herringbone tiles, re-imagined with new textures, will find a new lease of life on floors AND walls in 2016.
WATER’S EDGE
It’s hard not to ignore the surfeit of blues and greens in newly-offered collections from manufacturers. This aquatic colour pop will be popular next year as a marine theme is brought to the interior look.
There is no shortage of ideas and directions for 2016 – warm, velvety textures; fragments and a proliferation of grey are other popular themes – but the 5 influences above appear the key trends in tiling for next year’s interiors.