Industry review

Tile trends May 2010

Kevin Jackson, RAK Ceramics National Sales Manager, Tiles

Predicting tile trends is a risky business. Here’s the problem: trends are often fleeting whereas tiles tend to stay put for a long time.

The Cevisama tile fair featured an array of the daring and the dazzling, linear retro looks fought for attention alongside rich metallics, lustre mosaics and all things shiny and glittery. The wild and wacky may take centre stage in the exhibition halls, but it’s the contemporary look that can be relied upon to keep the tills ringing.

The appeal of the natural stone look shows no sign of diminishing. Today’s modern ink jet technology has created some strikingly authentic reproductions of limestone, marble and slate, which are difficult to differentiate from the real thing.

White tiles enjoy an enduring popularity, today’s whites come in a variety of reliefs and textures to create added interest. Large format whites are often paired with a polished mosaic strip or a contrasting black panel to give a classic look.

There are signs that the constant move toward bigger tiles has at last been arrested with smaller formats showing signs of a revival as manufacturers seek to deliver value for money: 33cm x 50cm and 20cm x 50cm sizes are becoming increasingly popular.

One of the most talked about innovations over the last 18 months has been the introduction of thin porcelain tiles. Most of these products are 3.5 – 5 mm thick and are particularly suitable for refurbishments where they can be installed on top of existing coverings, and being so much lighter than standard tiles they are easier to handle and cut.

Polished porcelains are a design trend which shows no sign of abating, often used with matching mosaics. Polished porcelains in 60 x 30cm and increasingly 60 x 60cm continue to be the product of choice for many people seeking that sleek contemporary look.

Neutral tones, natural stone effects, whites and polished porcelains - these trends look set to run and run.

Looking ahead to 2010

Industry comment from Rob Jull, MD of RAK Ceramics UK

Despite the recession and inevitable tough trading conditions this brought with it, the tile market continues to prosper due in large part to consumers investing any spare money they do have wisely on re-designing their bathrooms and kitchens – two rooms which we all know can make or break that all-important house sale when the property market does eventually experience an upturn and it’s time to consider moving on.

Our customers are becoming increasingly discerning in their product choices, opting for luxury whenever possible. This trend has led to an increase in popularity of wetrooms, plus the use of high quality porcelain tiles. Finish is also becoming increasingly important, with high gloss, polished and glazed effect tiles in particular in favour in both the kitchen and bathroom.

For RAK Ceramics, 2010 is about offering the consumer choice – choice in materials, choice in size, and choice in colour – at a competitive price which ensures value for money and we believe this will continue to be the key to what we hope will be another successful year to come.