STONE: NATURAL & EFFECT STONE AGE
Carly Allison, Head of Brand and Product at Fired Earth, discusses the latest trends in stone tiles
Over the past few years, interiors have moved away from highly polished surfaces and more towards materials such as limestone that feel more tactile, authentic and connected to nature. Consumers are creating spaces that provide a sense of calm with natural textures, earthy tones and imperfect finishes taking priority over high-gloss glamour. For tiles, this has translated into a growing demand for stone-inspired surfaces that celebrate variation, depth and character. Aged textures and matt finishes are becoming increasingly popular, creating interiors that feel layered and lived-in rather than a pursuit of perfection.
THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF MARBLE
Natural marble is perennially popular, and this trend will continue in coming months and years, but we are also seeing a surge in demand for marble with stronger colours and veining. One example is a latest addition to our collections, Calacatta Viola, which features deep purple, burgundy, green, and grey veining. These colourful threads vary from tile to tile meaning no two are exactly the same, which architects and interiors designers are prioritising currently as it gives them a point of difference. Quarried in Italy, Calacatta Viola has been used for centuries and is a striking choice for a range of interiors, and having a range of colours means that they’re versatile and easy to decorate with. We’ve created rectangle and hexagon mosaic formats, making them an excellent choice for statement kitchen and bathroom splashbacks, feature walls, and floors.
technology has advanced significantly in recent years, meaning the finish is fantastic – it’s very hard to tell them apart from original stone. The key benefits of stone effect porcelain are that they have a lower price point, are highly durable and easy to source, install and of course maintain.
One of our newest stone-effect tile collections is a great example of how to capture this desire within the market for natural texture in porcelain: Frame has the look and feel of authentic stone with the practical benefits of porcelain.
Frame brings together the soft variation of limestone with texture and subtle fossil detail, paired with a series of simple, considered formats. The tiles have a Nordic-inspired palette which is very popular and the collection is designed to create spaces that feel balanced, understated and quietly refined. Customers are also looking for versatility, so the collection is available in varying shapes such as a larger 30 x 30cm tile, a rectangular 5 x 30cm tile and a smaller 5 x 5cm square, so you have the option to lay the tiles in a single format or as a more architectural composition. They are fantastic indoors and outdoors, meaning you can create a cohesive look easily. The three neutral colourways; Chalk, Dune and Moor, offer simplicity and the freedom to play with pattern and proportion.
Precise installation and aftercare techniques are important considerations required to achieve a long-lasting finish and so it is important to work with experts in natural stone and marble tiles when specifying them. Drawing on decades of experience, we provide professional guidance at every stage, from preparing and fixing tiles correctly to selecting the most suitable cleaning, sealing and protection products for each stone type. Our carefully developed installation recommendations help preserve the natural beauty, character and performance of marble and stone surfaces, ensuring they remain intact for their lifetime.
THE STONE EFFECT OF PORCELAIN
Another market trend we are witnessing is the growth of porcelain tiles with a stone effect. The manufacturing
20 Frame stone-effect porcelain
www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk
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