Personal Style 2005 By Patti Fasan

Personal Style 2005
By Patti Fasan

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 decor 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!

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.

Patti Fasan , BA, CTC brings over 25 years of research, project experience and passion to her presentations. She is a Certified Ceramic Tile Consultant from the Ceramic Tile Institute of America (CTIOA). Patti has published numerous articles and currently writes for California-based Tile Magazine. She has lectured in Europe , the U.S. and Canada . Her seminars have been featured at Coverings, Surfaces, Design,Y.C. NeoCon NY, and AIA conventions. Her consulting firm, Professional Attention to Tile Installations (PATTI), is focused on improving the technical expertise in the design and floor-covering community through education and training.