Three macro trends are centred around the desire for security, lightness and freedom within the home, reflecting moods rather than functions. 

The need for security, which in this context equates with stability, heralds a return to solid, elegant materials from a familiar aesthetic realm, such as marble and natural stone. For this purpose, tile manufacturers have delved into their archives to retrieve historical decorations and formats.  

Pastel colours dominate spaces designed to evoke light, carefree and positive atmospheres. Thirdly, the growing popularity of ceramic tile collections featuring bold decorations reflects the desire for interiors in which individuals can freely express themselves and give free rein to their creativity. 

New vintage 

The new vintage style fulfils a need for security and stability, creating atmospheres reminiscent of materials or decorations from the past while incorporating modern comfort and functionality. 

Opus by Casalgrande Padana offers a choice of geometric motifs with a retro flavour.

Porcelain stoneware allows for the creation of environments inspired by the 1950s, the industrial style or even older periods, without sacrificing important technical characteristics such as frost, abrasion and stain resistance and colourfastness.  

Affrescati by Ceramiche Refin is an eclectic take on Italy’s rich artistic heritage, bringing the allure of frescoes to flooring.

Other collections stand out for their finishes, meticulously mimicking the appearance of natural stone and marble, and replicating not just the patterns of the original materials but also their timeworn look. 

Azteca by Settecento, with its chiselled edges and natural clay tones, reflects the irregularity of hand-crafted rustic charm.

Pastel colours 

Pigmenti by Lea Ceramiche, designed by Ferrucio Laviani, powerfully combines the material and colour.

As early as the 1950s, pastel colours found their way into homes, gracing ceramic surfaces and objects alike. These hues embodied optimism, a sentiment pervading the Western world as it emerged from the shadow of war.  

Elements Design Paint by Ceramiche Keope is a collection of matte surfaces enhanced with new, inviting dusty shades including avio, sage, peach, powder and cotto.

Today, these shades are making a comeback. However, the symbolic significance has evolved markedly. While pastels still serve to foster positive emotions, they now also hint at a need for escapism and a departure from reality. 

Gemme by Fap Ceramiche is a tribute to light, mirroring and multiplying beauty with onyx in shades of bianco, beige, rosa, menta and cielo.

Maximalist style 

With its large sizes, extravagant decorations, bold patterns and recently introduced three-dimensional effects, the maximalist style may seem at odds with the soft-coloured minimalism trend.  

Marvel Meraviglia Diamond Atlas Concorde, developed in a partnership between Atlas Concorde and Zaha Hadid Architects, draws inspiration from the ancient art of Roman mosaics.

However, it is deeply entwined with the quest for comfort and well-being, particularly during a period marked by significant external challenges. Within the sanctuary of the home, people are in search of a space where they can freely express themselves and allow their inner voice to resonate, fuelled by the power of their imagination.  

Namib by Ceramiche Refin is inspired by one of the world’s most ancient deserts, with subtle variations in grain and colour to create a delicate sense of depth and movement.

This paves the way for eclecticism and overlapping, without forgetting to choose high-quality materials and finishes to avoid descending into kitsch. 

Puerto Rico by Mipa embraces terrazzo flooring, weaving a perfect balance of ancient and modern in a wide colour palette, from the most delicate to vibrant hues.

Macro tile trends focus on mood over function, answering the desire for security, lightness and freedom within the home. 

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to https://www.ceramica.info/ for the information in this editorial.