FLOORING & TILING


A Bold and Beautiful 2020 Ahead for the Tile Sector


R


ecent years have seen the tile sector dominated by 50 (or more) shades of


grey but 2020 could see that change, with colour and patterns really grabbing the attention. The use of colour on smaller format tiles, both


patterned or plain, is one such trend, alongside the latest glazing effect of zellige – the replication of the traditional Moroccan terracotta tile which boasts non-uniform, worn-out colour and surface variations. ‘Real’ zellige tiles are very difficult to install but


Comment by Peter Vann Director, Ceramique Internationale


the replica ceramic tiles now being produced offer the best of both worlds and are available in a range of strong, vibrant colours in a variety of small formats including 10 x 10 cm. And the return to these smaller square tiles will


be widespread. Historically in the UK four, and six- inch square tiles were almost standard – until the emergence of brick shapes – so it is interesting to see the return of these petite tiles used in tandem with modern glazing technology and production techniques. At the other end of the sizing scale another new trend are ‘artwork’ tiles or ceramic wallpaper


- larger formats, from 60 x 120cm right through to 1.6 x 2.8 metres, with patterns that are more usually found on wallpaper. Look out for flamingos, parrots and an array of exotic plants and foliage to help make a wild statement in your home. Away from patterns, safety and versatility are


beginning to have significant impact, with manufacturers creating products with anti-slip technology that is included within the manufacturing processes. This technology can be used on tiles with a much wider variety of designs and applications, both indoors or outdoors. The built-in safety aspect is becoming increasingly important in this age of the ‘blame game’ where personal liability for others is on the rise with designers and specifiers often asking about compliance before even considering viewing a sample. Returning to the subject of colour it seems that


blue is the colour for next year. From pale through to stronger and more vibrant shades, blue is the standout colour. A return to the past which is being given a modern twist is pink, and we expect to see more and more of it emerging.


Ceramique Internationale celebrates its 45th anniversary L


eading tile distributor Ceramique Internationale recently celebrated its


45th anniversary and puts its success down its three cornerstones - reliability, value and knowledge. The multi-million-pound business, which has a


4,500 sq ft Tiles and Mosaics showroom and warehouse in Leeds, distributes wholesale products to secondary retailers across the North and Midlands, as well as working on high-profile commercial projects across the UK. Owned and run for the past 25 years by


childhood friends Peter Vann and Cameron Fraser, Ceramique Internationale works with the


best tile manufacturers in Europe, supplying innovative quality products, backed up by outstanding customer service and the knowledge of a long-standing workforce. Director Cameron Fraser said: “As well as the wholesale and retail sides of the business we work extensively with designers, architects and developers on a wide range of diverse projects, including London Underground and high-profile spas and hotels such as Rudding Park, Low Wood and Formby Hall. “Our investment in the company over recent


years and the uniquely long and very strong relationships we have with our key European


suppliers means we are ahead of the game in terms of innovating and offering our customers the very best products and the most reliable service.”


The current workforce of 17 people offers


more than 300 years of combined service, while the warehouse holds well over 100,000 square metres of tiles in stock at any one time.


0113 2310128 www.tilesandmosaics.co.uk


42 BKU DECEMBER 2019


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