TERRAZZO TILE AND MARBLE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
|
|
|
Personal Style 2005 Consumers may not fully realize the level of
sophistication attainable in today’s ceramic tiles. However, manufacturers are
almost giddy over the level of quality – in function, and especially in
aesthetics that can be achieved with state-of-the-art production techniques.
With an "anything is possible" attitude, new products are being
introduced in every style of current design. There are ceramic programs that
will appeal to: classic traditionalists; risk-taking innovators; down to earth
naturalists; and technocrats who welcome the integration of smart domotic
technologies in floor and wall tile. Offering a wide range of styles is a winning
strategy and reflects the growing trend toward eclectic interior design.
Increasingly we are seeing a move towards "personal style" or
"fusion design," as opposed to any rigidly defined design genre. In
fact, it is the unexpected in the décor of a room that delights us and
heightens the contrast between individual elements. The year 2005 is all about more: more choice;
more quality; more time; more well-being; and more individuality. In short, the
well informed consumer demands "more for me." Smart retailers pay heed
to the floor covering statistics and display the latest ceramic tile fashions in
impeccable showrooms, staffed by knowledgeable, well-trained personnel. Regardless of what mainstream Canadians are
buying, they want the experience of viewing the latest trends and models from
across the globe. When they walk into your showroom, do they immediately know
they are in the hands of the "fashionista experts" of the ceramic tile
world? There are literally millions (read Canadian women aged 41-59) of
well-heeled, discerning, fashion forward homeowners excited about seeing the new
tiles for 2005! Neutrals Light neutral color-ways will remain a mainstay
in the ceramic and stone palette. But don’t pigeonhole your clients into
boring beige, even though that may be the inevitable sale. Show the intimate new
colors that are moving into a rich orchestration of red infused grays and
browns. Imagine every hue from cappuccino to the darkest rich espresso. These
mid and dark tones are comforting, sophisticated and add drama to large open
concept rooms. Bud Greens Through Icy Blues The fresh meditative colors of water, sky and
spring lift the spirits and add vitality to any color scheme. Smoky blues and
grays compliment stainless steel appliances and fixtures, and the translucent
value of glass in palest mint and shades of aqua promote tranquility and healing
in bathroom spas. Reliving The ‘70s References to the Happy Days of the ‘70s,
complete with retro furnishings, can whisk us away to simpler, more secure times
and revive our optimism. Ceramic programs in lime, fresh orange and sunny
yellows are whimsical and imaginative with pop-art geometric relief and
patterns. Finish Perfecting ceramic wood programs requires
utilizing the most advanced techniques the industry has in its arsenal. Quality
lines use random screen to create extreme grain variation in each ceramic plank.
Sleek rectangles in 3-, 4- and 6-in. widths by lengths up to 36 in. ensure a
stunning hardwood pattern. Rectifying all sides of the tile allows for a
next-to-butt joint installation necessary to achieve the monolithic appearance
of wood. There are many areas where natural wood cannot be used and the ceramic
alternative will provide the solution in bathrooms, showers, backsplashes or
other areas subjected to moisture. Commercial projects wanting a
scratch-and-dent resistant finish that is easily maintained, and fireproof, will
recognize the benefits immediately. Exotic woods such as wenge and fruit-woods,
in addition to spectacular marquetry strip tiles will bring classic inlay floor
designs within the budgetary reach of many clients. Last year, the ceramic industry introduced
spectacular oxidized metal finishes based on Corten or weathering steel. This
year, the first stainless or titanium-like glazes were added to the industry’s
lineup of contemporary industrial finishes. Ceramic panels measuring 24 in. x 48
in. were simply breathtaking. It is easy to image the stainless glaze utilized
in residential lofts, restaurants, hotel lobbies and one-of-a kind fireplaces,
and building facades. Formats Ceramic tile is so much more than square! It is
not unusual to see in excess of 12 different sizes and shapes in the ceramic
programs of 2005. Both 12-in. and 18-in. squares are now cut into elegant strip
tile in a variety of widths. Mosaic and Escher like geometric shapes are mesh
mounted in 12-in. grids for easy and precise installation. Some of the newest
formats combine a variety of textures and rectangular sizes for a brick or
stacked stone effect. This year there is something exciting for every
stylistic theme. With ceramic tiles meteoric rise in popularity, competition is
rife. There is a wide range of quality and price. As with other products, you
get what you pay for. The difference between top of the line tile and down and
dirty tile is astounding in regards to: longevity; function; health;
sustainability; realism; and fashion. Consumers want the best quality they can
afford and purchase when they trust the expertise of their retailer. Guiding the
homeowner on a trip through the latest styles, colors, textures and technologies
is the type of adventure every consumer is looking for. |