Tile is the thing at Cersaie, the ceramic-and-bath trade’s annual exhibition in Bologna, Italy. For its
25th anniversary, held October 2–6, 2007, more than 1,000 exhibitors displayed such diverse trends
as super-size formats, black-and-white motifs, metallic accents and—of course—faux stone. - Julie Taraska
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Op art
Imbued with dazzling optical patterning, the richly hued Assenzio
full-body, color-through porcelain tile from the Boudoir series comes in
12.5" x 38" and 6" x 38" formats. Red, black, and white field tiles complement the mix. Settecento, Fiorano Modenese, Italy. www.settecento.com
Slim line
A mere 3.5 mm thick, Kerlite Plus porcelain panels are backed with fiberglass mesh and install directly over such existing floors and wall materials as wood and ceramic. Fire-, UV-, scratch-, and frost-resistant, sizes include 20" square, 39" square, and
39" x 118". Cotto d’Este, Sassuolo, Italy. www.cottodeste.it
In the groove
This light-reflecting Echo porcelain tile by Majorca looks like luminous grooved metal. Suitable for floors and walls, it is available in four basic hues (white, black, gray, and blue) and two large formats (24" square and 12" x 24"). Cancos Tile & Stone, Farmingville, N.Y. www.majorca.it
Mark of industry
Suitable for paving or cladding, Marca Corona’s
C10 Project is inspired by the texture of carbon fiber. The 4"-square porcelain tiles come in a glossy black or white and three surface patterns: smooth, mini, and maxi. Optional accents include metallic blue, red, and silver. Westchester Tile & Marble Corp., Scarsdale, N.Y. www.marcacorona.it
Photorealism
These porcelain tiles realistically simulate the random patterning and textures of natural stone thanks to a new coloring process based on ink-jet printing. With this cutting-edge technology, manufacturer Del Conca is able to virtually “tattoo” the design onto the tiles, extending it to their typically elusive outer edges. Fade- and stain-resistant, the tiles can be used indoors or out. Del Conca, San Clemente, Italy. www.delconca.com
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