NATURAL MATERIALS THE NATUR Federica Minozzi, CEO of Italian tile manufactuer Iris Ceramica Group, discuss


Natural materials are known for their understated aesthetic whilst still being an eco-conscious and low-impact solution.


At Iris Ceramica Group, we work with ceramics, a purely natural material which can be transformed to create a range of luxury products that mimic natural surfaces in order to create the illusion of transparency and volume along with enhancing the depth of textures.


Ceramic panels are durable and easy to clean, so with the right care they can last a lifetime and offer an array of unique textures and patterns. Their strength makes them ideal for wet rooms, but also versatile in any statement room. It’s no surprise that they’re a popular choice for both business and residential properties. Our Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic has been created with this in mind and is one of the only innovative ceramic products in the world for ISO certified anti-pollutant and bacterial floors and walls.


The Active Clean Air & Antibacterial 2.0 range uses an active ingredient created as a result of a natural chemical reaction called photocatalysis that is 99.9% effective against bacteria. The photocatalytic reaction; in the presence of air, consequent moisture and light, activates a strong process of oxidation leading to the decomposition of the organic and inorganic pollutants that come into contact with photocatalytic surfaces.


Natural porcelain flooring is often used to create a sense of space; by seamlessly using floor tiles throughout an interior or exterior space, they can open up an area.


Our collection is the perfect example of high-quality sustainable design which accurately imitates earth’s natural minerals and resources to create


— 16 —


a beautiful oasis within any space. In the last 12 months we are seeing a surge in popularity in rare marbles like Amazonite and Agate and beautiful, rich wood and bark to create bold and intricate displays, for example.


Equally, the Terrazzo trend is still in demand offering unlimited colour and material options inspired by Italy’s beautiful Veneto region. Fragments can be anything from marble to quartz, and this mix creates an elegant patchwork of colours and texture, whilst a smooth finish keeps the look modern.


Our Iris FMG collection Venice Villa collection modernises this style with its 13 eye-catching colour choices available in three finishes, natural, polished, and textured.


Experimenting with natural materials has led to a number of other trends such as texture pairing and 3D design. Mixing different textures offers a contemporary twist. Full of contrast, this recent trend pairs rough surfaces with smooth and matte with gloss, to achieve an atmospheric and sensory experience that draws the eye. At Iris Ceramica Group, our gold industry standard technology makes it possible for us to create increasingly sophisticated 3D patterns and effects.


Despite being eye-catching as a standalone feature, nature- inspired ceramic surfaces also lend themselves to blending in various interiors both subtle and extravagant. They are the perfect way to introduce character and texture to an otherwise simple room design. This trend is not just exclusive to coverings; it’s also being featured in furniture and product designs such as tables and furnishing.


www.irisceramica.com www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26