Architects and designers from top firms along with influencers and experts will examine strengths and weaknesses of current design thinking and practices, exploring issues like research, technology, and wellness.

Register Now
natural habitat cold spring home exterior

Metropolis Editors, Natural Habitat, sustainability, sustainable architecture

METROPOLIS Introduces Natural Habitat, a Sustainable Homes Video Series

The series debuts with a tour of a tranquil upstate New York retreat designed with Passive House principles.

Read more
Courtesy Florim

October 5, 2021

9 Collections from Cersaie 2021 That Prove Tile is the New Wallpaper

From Victorian florals to tropical jungle patterns, Cersaie 2021 was filled with new “ceramic wallpaper” launches that bring the outdoors in.  

By: Leilah Stone

After being postponed for a year due to the ongoing pandemic, Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings returned to Bologna for its 38th edition from September 27 to October 1, drawing in more than 62,000 visitors. Walking through the 623 booths, one trend became clear: After a dark period defined by grief and uncertainty, tile manufacturers are looking toward the beauty and optimism inspired by the natural world.

From historically informed florals to modern abstract patterns, the halls of Bologna’s Exhibition Centre were filled with decorative wall solutions that encouraged visitors to see the value of tile as an alternative to wallpaper. Utilizing cutting-edge digital printing technologies, combined with a variety of glaze applications and textures, these collections exhibit the decorative and expressive qualities of wallpaper while boasting the durability and versatility of ceramic.

GIOIA

Gardenia Orchidea’s new Gioia collection is available in 10 plain colors and 7 patterns, from optimistic florals to bold geometric motifs. The 24-by-47-inch size makes it easy to install on walls or floors.

GARDENIA ORCHIDEA gardenia.it

CHROMAGIC

This collection of porcelain stoneware “ceramic wallpaper” tiles is available in 10 colors and exhibits a unique resin texture. The variety of third firing wall decorations make it a great option for mixing and matching with other neutral tiles.

CIR MANIFATTURE CERAMICHE cir.it

MILANO MOOD

FAP Ceramiche’s new Murals slab collection features lively tropical and floral patterns. With glossy iridescent lacquer accents on matte backgrounds, these 31-by-63-inch tiles are sure to catch the eye.

FAP fapceramiche.com

TELE

Radiating a vintage charm with its natural palettes, Gigacer’s expressive new Tele slab collection is available in six unique patterns ideal for accent walls.

GIGACER gigacer.it

FRESCO

Unlike the colors of plasters and wall frescos that fade with time, this new slab collection recalls 18th-century European architecture while performing to 21st-century standards. Suitable for indoors or outdoors, Fresco is available in four different sizes and seven colors.

GRUPPO CERDISA RICCHETTI ricchetti-group.com

AZUMA UP

Imola has added five new colors to its popular Azuma collection. The full-body porcelain stoneware tiles are available in five sizes up to 47 by 102 inches.

IMOLA imolaceramica.com

SHOWALL

Whether designers are transforming a dining room or a hotel lobby, Serenissima’s new Showall collection offers numerous options for modular or continuous pattern solutions. The collection is made up of 22 patterns using cutting-edge digital printing techniques on porcelain stoneware slabs.

SERENISSIMA serenissima.re.it

TIMELESS

Timeless is a collection designed to promote relaxing spaces through natural patterns and a color palette composed of serene green and blue hues. The matte white-body wall and floor tiles hint at traditional wallpaper patterns with metallic details.  

NAXOS naxos-ceramica.it

MATCHUP

Florim’s new Matchup collection seamlessly combines surfaces, styles, and colors for imaginative combinations that showcase a variety of material effects from marble to concrete. Pictured here is the Earl Grey Tropico pattern, one of many jungle-themed prints launched at this year’s Cersaie.  

FLORIM florim.com

Would you like to comment on this article? Send your thoughts to: [email protected]

Latest