EFFECT CERAMICS & PORCELAIN FORCES OF NATURE


Katy Harris, Marketing Director for tile distributor Verona, picks out some of the key natural-effect designs which are dominating the tile industry.


Real timber, marble and rustic materials are a designer surface solution often sought after for their stunning good looks. In today’s economic climate, however, most homeowners are working to a budget when it comes to decorating.


Delivering the same striking aesthetic as their natural counterpart but at a fraction of the cost, wood, stone, concrete and marble-effect tiles are now becoming a go-to choice when choosing a surface covering.


Not only will these natural-effect tiles save consumers money when revamping their homes, they are easier to install and require no special sealing. Made from ceramic or porcelain, they are waterproof and highly durable, needing minimal maintenance to keep them looking their best.


Advanced printing technology has made it possible for ceramic and porcelain tiles to mimic the look and feel of natural materials to the extent that they are hard to differentiate from the real deal. With such a vast array of design choices, from raw urban concrete effects through to opulent marble imitations, it’s possible to recreate any high-end look with the use of natural-effect tiles.


Magic Marbles


Whether the tile features a marble design with dramatic veining, or a soft, smoking blend, marble-effect tiles have long been a popular choice for a high-end bathroom design that won’t break the bank.


Polished marble effects in a simple colourway breathe light into even the smallest of rooms, helping to create a calming, open space. Rather than matte finishes, which tend to absorb the light, rooms are transformed with stunning onyx and Calacatta-inspired designs in a polished or gloss finish, offering effortless designer style.


Game of Stones Ideal for adding character and depth


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seeing more design-led solutions that answer consumer demand.


The popularity of timber designs means that distressed, reclaimed wood-effect tiles are currently top of the style stakes. We are seeing more realistic, textured, woodgrain finishes achieved through advanced high- definition printing techniques. The latest designs are made all the more interesting through hints of colour, such as rust or contemporary grey.


to walls and floors, stone effects deliver an inviting space full of natural materials within a fresh, clean colour palette. Inspired by the great outdoors, these tiles draw inspiration from textured materials, such as slate, sandstone, travertine and limestone, to connect the space with nature for a calming ambience.


Natural stone effects have a unique ability to be styled in a rustic way, complementing traditional living spaces, or they can be used to create an industrial theme when paired with modern furnishings, hints of metallic and matte black accents.


Stone effects really bring the trend for textured surfaces to life. With enticing textures and raised finishes, stone- effect tiles deliver a look and feel as close to the real thing as possible.


Against the Grain


The perfect complement to sleek, polished surfaces is the warm, natural look of wood-effect tiles. Rich taupe, earthy brown and soft silver create a comforting, homely space with the overall feeling of being closer to nature.


The beauty of wood effects is their versatility and the level of detail, such as the intricacy of the print and textured finish. But we are now


With their waterproof properties, ceramic and porcelain tiles work well in wet room environments like kitchens and bathrooms, where natural timber is prone to damage and warping. No special maintenance is needed with wood-effect tiles, unlike real timber, making upkeep easy for homeowners. Tiles are a great conductor of heat, making wood-effect tiles the ideal partner to underfloor heating for a warm, heated wooden floor in the bathroom.


Urban Inspiration


Smooth and polished or raw and exposed, concrete is a natural material that has been influencing commercial and residential design schemes for decades. As far as natural materials go, concrete is a perfect fit with the ever-popular industrial trend, with concrete-effect tiles a much-coveted floor surface solution for bathrooms, kitchens and open-plan spaces.


Concrete effects are one of the most commonly specified tiles selected for open-plan spaces. This is a trend frequently seen in many modern new builds and the hospitality sector.


Stone-effect tiles have always been strong sellers within the retail environment, but we’ve seen concrete effects become a key style direction in all markets due to the nation’s obsession with cool, contemporary grey tones and our ongoing affinity with industrial aesthetics.


www.veronagroup.co.uk www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


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