tile trends 2015 part 2 …

Just like the The Salone del Mobile in Milan, the CERSAIE International Tile Fair set in Bologna Italy sets the benchmark in international trends and technology. Australian suppliers take flight to bring back the best on offer. I sat down with 3 major Australian tile suppliers to find out what will be trending over the next few years and how they approach the task of ordering containers confidently knowing that the Australian design community will embrace their selections.  So follow us on this 3 part series discovering the best on offer from Bologna 2014. Part 2….

Today we talk to Marco De Clerico the buyer and director of Skheme for a bit of a Q+A …

Q- What preparation did you undertake before heading to Bologna 2014 tile fair?

The Bologna tile fair covers a large area with 21 halls, 11 of which contain stands showcasing ceramic floor and wall tile products. A lot of preparation goes into the planning in order to achieve as much coverage as possible over four days. This includes organizing meetings with suppliers as well as setting a daily target of viewing stalls.

Q- How would you describe your buying style 2014?

This year we have been very selective due to the saturation of product types on the market such as concrete and timber look tiles.

Q- Were there any trends? If so could you describe them?

The biggest trend seen throughout the fair was large scale tiles e.g. porcelain slabs varying from 600x1800mm to 1600x3200mm. Continuing on from last years Cersaie Fair, there was an influx of concrete, timber, hexagon and patterned tiles.

Q -What keeps you informed of trends or new technologies?

In regards to technology we are kept up to date by our suppliers as the Europeans are always pushing the limits in order to create something new and extraordinary in the ceramic industry. We are influenced constantly by what we see on social media, fashion and colour trends.

Q- What was the best part of the Bologna 2014 tile fair? How did you feel about that?

Seeing innovation and the moment you find a product with a point of difference that will meet our market needs and have a wow factor.

Q- What are the key factors that motivate you to purchase?

Products that will fill the gaps we think are missing in our collections.

Q – I feel that with fashion, quite often what works on the runway in Milan may not be as welcomed in Australia, so how do you decide that Australia will back your choices?

Australia has such a broad, varied market so it’s about offering creative products that still meet the Australian design aesthetic and standards.

Q- What was your favourite meal and did you take a photo? Please describe it in 30 words or less.

One of my favourite meals was tortellini al brodo (meaning pasta in a broth) which is a traditional meal from the Bologna region.

Q – Please share with us your top 5 new products:

Trellis – Something new that we haven’t seen before with two completely different textures on the one tile. Its geometric pattern allows for bespoke design.

Trellis

Trellis

Trellis

Trellis

Trellis

Trellis

Marne – is an honest replication of an Italian bluestone with natural color variation never seen before on a porcelain tile. MARNE is architectural, contemporary and unique enough to stand the test of time.

Marne

Marne Scuro

Marne

Marne Avorio

Blend Art – A rustic, distressed timber look porcelain tile, with an incredible amount of detail.

Blend Art

Blend Art

Blend Art

Blend Art

Blend Art

Blend Art

Do Up – Fantastic solution for retailers who can’t brick their walls but want a painted brick wall feel.

Do Up

Do Up

Timeless – With the timeless quality of marble and the strength of ceramic, this revolutionary design offers large format tiles with the precious look of real marble.

 Timeless

Timeless

 Timeless

Timeless

Related Posts

No Comments Yet.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.