Move over neutral ceramic and stone. The year ahead will see well-designed homes outfitted with tiles and slabs that feature bold colours, luxurious patterns, surprising textures, unique shapes, metallic and lacquered finishes, rich veining and floor-to-ceiling wrapping.
That’s the message from stone and ceramic products retailer Ciot Inc. in unveiling its tile and slab trends for 2020. “No longer are ceramic and stone products solely about functionality and durability, but rather, they have become fashion statements in themselves, elevating any decor with unprecedented character and elegance,” says Kristina Panzera, Ciot’s senior buyer. She adds that today’s products deliver a mix of natural elements with stylish looks, a combination that consumers are after.
“The result is nothing short of a masterpiece, creating an artful, one-of-a-kind look in any room that will stand the test of time,” Panzera adds.
Established in Montreal in 1950, Ciot has grown to become a major importer and retailer of ceramic and stone tiles, stone slabs (marble, slate, granite, onyx and quartz), mosaic, and hardwood flooring. According to the company, which has showrooms in Montreal, Toronto, Vaughan and Mississauga, the hottest trends in ceramic and stone products for 2020 are:
Tiles:
* Eye-catching colour: From pale rosés and minty greens, to indigo blue, forest green, burgundy, and black, 2020 will be all about colour. Strong tones add character to rooms while warm pastels remain popular for a neutral, muted decor. Topping Ciot’s list of trending tile collections are Bowl, Crackle, Colorplay, Let it Bee and Urban Atelier.
* Striking textures, patterns and finishes: Imitation cement tiles boasting colourful patterns are acquiring fans for their ability to add visual interest, while neutral textures are favoured to bring a touch of Mediterranean heat or Bohemian style. At the same time, conservative tone-on-tone textures – such as Ciot’s Nextone, Evolution, and Stile – will be increasingly popular for floors. Bright, glossy tiles are also taking centre stage.
* Dynamic and compelling shapes – Fish scales, diamonds and hexagons are gaining traction as a fun, free-spirited way to elevate a room. Computer-generated 3D effects will also create complex tile designs that play with light and shadow for futuristic looks.
* Super-sized tiles: Bigger is better in 2020. The new standard size is 60 by 60 centimetres, with large rectangular tiles measuring 60 by 120 centimetres. Longer, wider planks will steal the spotlight for flooring. Used on walls, they create a sleek, modern look.
* Metallics: Metal finishes will be increasingly stylish, with gold, copper and brass highlights creating shiny, reflective surfaces that glisten in natural light. Primarily used as wall coverings, deep metallic finishes – such as Ciot’s popular Diesel Metal Perf – exude a raw, organic feel. Underfoot, neutral-toned metal finishes for floors will continue to trend.
* Distressed looks: What’s old is new again as distressed looks continue to hold appeal for both floors and walls, imitating the look of old marble worn by years of foot traffic to create an air of Old-World charm and craftsmanship.
Stone Trends:
* Stone wrapping: Stone slabs will envelope entire rooms as consumers experiment with all surfaces for an inviting, one-of-a-kind decor. From floor-to-ceiling stone slabs on walls, to kitchen islands, to stairways and floors, stone delivers a striking, cocooning ambience.
* Colour infusion: Warm whites are no longer monotone and flat; they contain lively textures in hints of grey or gold. Rosé, burgundy, jade green and icy blue return in 2020 as light and colourful choices suitable for all rooms. Black will also increasingly be in vogue, particularly with white and gold veining that is mysterious, deep and chic. Topping Ciot’s stone colour choices are: Dover White, Bianco Ecru, Enigma, Cosmopolitan, Dreaming Greens and Onice Blue.
* Brighter, bolder veins: While white marble with light grey veining will always be a classic choice, stronger marble colours with active veins of wine red, emerald green and bright blue are starting to steal the show.
* Natural richness: The outdoors continues to move indoors in 2020, with the rise of honed surfaces and finishes that resemble raw materials and radiate the richness of nature. Leathered marble, terrazzo and concrete looks – found in Ciot’s Ceppo, Barroco and Onice Black Cloud – are becoming increasingly popular for their moody looks.
“Whether using ceramic or stone, combining patterns, finishes and colours to create a unique look in any room is a hot trend that is expected to continue well into the future,” Panzera says. •
Ciot’s full line of 2020 ceramic and stone trends is available in its showrooms. For more information, visit www.ciot.com.
