Ceramic tile, porcelain and mosaic: Modern technologies, innovative design ideas and fashion trends
The scope of application of ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware and mosaic in the interior of the apartment or at home almost the same. Each of the materials is worthy of being a full-fledged participant in the design of residential space. No less bright and impressive may be the result of their joint existence. All these types of finishes perfectly complement each other, and manufacturers often offer them within the framework of the same collection.
New collections of ceramic materials and mosaics reflect the trends of modern life. We try to get away from the templates and emphasize our individuality, and the main criteria for the choice of decoration are style and beauty. Therefore, the work of architects and designers capable of creating many original surfaces or decorates to create many original surfaces or, on the contrary, virtuoso compile seemingly incompatible background tiles, decorators, mosaic, is so important. With the development of ceramic production technologies, visual differences in ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware differences are increasingly noticeable. Along with the porcelain stoneware, painted in the mass, elements with polished, glazed, satin, "aged" surface, whose manufacturer's technique is similar to tile. The areas of use of these two types of finishes are converted. Not so long ago, the porcelain stoneware was intended mainly for floors and facades of buildings. Forms, many companies produce a series that include outdoor and wall tiles.
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Of course, some specificity of the use of porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles and mosaic remains. For example, porcelain stonewares with extremely low water absorption and high frost resistance is still considered an impeccable material for the outer decoration. Pitches with a complex or strongly rugged outline preferably the tile is easier to cut it. It means that the stacker will spend not so much forces and time on these procedures, and there will be less dust from the disk saw. When cladding curvilinear surfaces is difficult to do without mosaic. Little dimensions of the tester allow you to virtuosively bypass corners, decorate all sorts of turns and roundings, decorate the arches, columns, niches. Perhaps the only limitation concerns glass mosaic. It is undesirable to apply as an outdoor coating, since it accumulates dirt and sand, which scratch the glass surface.
Iris. | 
Bisazza. | 
Trend. | 
Trend. |
1. One of the fashion trends of this season: the floral ornament on the surface of the ceramic tile. In the case, it is highlighted not only with color, but also relief. Monochrome gamma- combination of matte white and glossy black- very effect
2-4. A very unexpected impression produces a mosaic pattern that simulates the leopard skin (2): It is much more familiar to see this colors on the ladies and handbags. Floral compositions made of glass mosaics of different tones (3, 4) look no less exotic
Fashionable palette
It would seem that a new one can wait from the ceramics that appeared at the dawn of mankind? And yet, despite the widest assortment and versatility of materials, every season appear innovative design ideas and fashion trends. Lovers of visual effects are rush to report that the muffled natural tones of ceramic finish are now most relevant. Incredibly diverse shades of beige, gray, brown are distinguished by reduced color intensity. Perhaps such a palette helps to forget about problems, withstand a huge flow of information that daily collapses for each of us, and at least at home to enjoy peace and peace. After all, you see, in space, filled with natural tones, breathing, it seems easier.
Cir. | 
Vietri. | 
Undefasa. | 
Ceramic Tiles. |
5. The Liberty Collection (CIR) reproduces natural onyx. Ceramic granite coated tiles made in the spirit of the artistic tendencies of the beginning of the twentieth century. Slightly tangible when touching the surface relief visually emphasizes glossy areas on a matte background
6. Calm green background and embossed leaflets on the surface of ceramic tiles are a kind of interpretation of a popular floral theme
7. Walls and kitchens are decorated with porcelain stoneware from the Arcadia collection (undefasa). It reproduces dark wood wenge and light-birch. Wall tile size - 59,232.3cm, outdoor- 59,216cm
8. At first glance, it seems that this is a mosaic: a little protruding tessers of the wrong shape, white grout for seams ... However, we have a ceramic tile, imitating a mosaic surface
However, wishing to play with color will undoubtedly find collections in bright and juicy paints. The interior of ceramics with pearl gloss, mysteriously flickering mosaic made of transparent glass or cold metal. After all, the fashion trends of the last time are not total and allow to deviate from the general line how much is far away, especially since the choice is huge. Here is just a small list of ceramic tiles and porcelain manufacturers presented on the Russian market: Villeroyboch (Germany); Aparici, Apavisa, Azteca Ceramica, Ceramicalcora, Dune, Peronda, Rocersa, Undefasa (all-Spain); ARSHEO CERAMICA, CIR, COEM, EDILCUOGHI, IRIS, MARCA CORONA, SANT 'AGOSTINO, VIVA CERAMICA (all ITALY); "Cerambar Plant" (Brand Italon), "StroyFarfor" (Brand "Shakhtinskaya Tile"), Estima Ceramica, Marmica (All- Russia), as well as mosaics: Bisazza, Giaretta, Sicis, Trend (All Italy); Dune, Ezarri, Onix (all-Spain); Architeza, Jnj Mosaic, Super Glass (all of China).
Opinion of a specialist
The final stage of laying ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware and mosaic-felt of the seams. To do this, we use grouting mixtures: ordinary or with their plasticizers included in their composition. All of them vary with the degree of elasticity. And in the means intended for the grouts of the seams on the tiled and mosaic surfaces of the bathrooms and kitchens, especially in areas exposed to the direct exposure to water, we advise you to add plasticizing and anti-grapple solutions. They make grout more elastic, water-repellent, prevent the appearance of mold and fungus in seams. For the seams of the mosaic finish, the pool bowls, which is constantly in contact with water, produce special compositions. Keep in mind: Suture grouts of white color can be sprayed into any tones; This is especially important if the walls and gender uses the retped tile with minimal seams, which should remain invisible.
Olga Ignokina, Fashion-Ceramica Salon Administrator
Eternal Classic
What can be more timeless than the classic interior saturated with details! Traditional "white top" and "dark bottom" are diluted with elegant decorative elements: borders, inserts, panels, eaves and bases. Their drawings repeating the patterns of the XIX-beginning., Never look like and too major. Mirrors in the framing of ceramics, lamps, bas-reliefs successfully complement the overall picture. For conservatives who do not like to change anything in their lives and consider much too extravagant, the classic interior is a win-win solution. Especially since there are collections of ceramics, supplemented with tabletops with built-in shells, sculptures, columns, lamps. All these items are made in the same style, but not from ceramics, but from other materials.
Cir. | 
Edilcuoghi. | 
ROCERSA. | 
Peronda. |
9. The end of the tabletop is decorated with a decorative border "pencil" and tiled with smooth elegant lines of plant ornament
10. Extremely effectable glossy flower outline on matte surface
11. Nature served as a source of inspiration for the creators of the ceramic tile of the Bohmian series (ROCERSA). Eye decorative elements present images of butterflies and tiny hummingbirds
12. Paul from polished porcelain stoneware, imitating natural marble, decorates the socket (8888cm)
Multiformat collections consisting of a tile of different sizes, both with multiple sizes, are popular. Instead of banal filling the plane of the floor or walls by monotonous squares, a peculiar game of puzzles was proposed. Countless unique drawings create, combining large and small, square and rectangular tiles. Akak turn symmetric lines into a refined mess, tells the computer. Moreover, simultaneously with the selection of an interesting pattern, you can get rid of the need to cut the tile, thus combining aesthetic and utilitarian objectives.
Coem. | 
Coem. | 
Coem. | 
Ceramic Tiles. |
13-15. Ceramic surface reproduces the texture of the natural basalt, and convex embossed rectangles resemble mosaic masonry
16. Another interesting designer acceptance - a combination of multi-level tiles of various formats
Flower veil
Floral topics again in fashion. However, they have undergone some changes. Bright, ringing flowers and colors, which were usually diluted with monochrome background tiles, are displaced by less causing and more refined ornaments. Extremely unusual floral icy formed by glossy and matte sections of tiles. A monophonic surface at first glance has a drawing. He is noticeable, but not striking. No less stylish image and backgrounds, which differ only with shades. Overflowing contours of colors, outlined shiny icing, gold or silver, contribute to creating a soft romantic atmosphere. Such decors will not leave anyone indifferent. Lovers of natural natural beauty will fall to taste wildflowers, miniature and gentle. Impressively large orchids, roses, poppies, irises look more exotic. These ceramic bouquets will never be faded and will stay with you for a long time.
Edilcuoghi. | 
Edilcuoghi. | 
Edilcuoghi. | 
Edilcuoghi. |
17-18. EDILCUOGHI ceramics has a large variety of formats, decors, special elements, as well as surface types. Alternation within one interior of tiles of different sizes revitalizes space, allows you to create unexpected and interesting graphic images.
19-20. The background tile with a vegetable pattern (4932cm) and a border with floral ornament (327.5cm) from the New Light collection (edilcuoghi) form a classic combination of bright scarlet and noble black
Forms and paints
The flower theme is sometimes manifested in the form of embossed patterns, occasionally sampled by color. This is a special case of another relevant trend of the season: the surface of ceramic tiles acquires an increasingly pronounced relief, which is not accidental. It is with a restrained color scheme and monochrome solutions texture and surface relief overlook the fore. The most unexpected forms fascinate the game of light and shadow, destroy the monotony of the planes. Previously, such an effect was sought using relief borders, decorative inserts, mosaic elements. Now the entire surface of the walls is played and overflowed, filling the room of the room by movement and life. The croaked tile looks most dynamically - it brings the memories of easy breeze and sea waves.
The relief relief finds a continuation in the original ceramics imitating the natural stone.
Iris. | 
Iris. | 
Peronda. | 
Peronda. |
21-22. Incredibly stylishly on the walls, a combination of tiles with a flat surface and embossed texture. Light reflections, shadows give a single finish a special charm
23-24. To facilitate a very difficult task of selection of ceramic finishes and accessories, some manufacturers complement the collections of ceramics with various interior items made in the same stylistry. Color and drawing of a wall curb repeated in the design of the lamps
Viva | 
Viva | 
Vietri. | 
Peronda. |
25-27. Ceramic tiles with a variety of surface relief- from the simplest circles to intricate geometric and plant ornaments - recognized by the present hit of this season
28. Color ceramic "carpet" consists of figured elements cut from porcelain stoneware
Stone Island
Ceramic tile and porcelain stoneware "learned" exactly reproduce not only the color of minerals, but also their texture. The surface of the marble and granite polished to the mirror glitter, chaotic drawing of streaks and the translucent depth of traverse, onyx and quartzite, unique roughness, light loss of tuff and limestone - imitation are almost indistinguishable from natural prototypes, being embodied in tiles of any sizes: from 1010 to 6060 and 12060cm . The probability of "meeting" of elements with the same pattern is so small that on the lined surface it is difficult to find two similar tiles. The floors laid out by ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware in the style of antique, with small chips around the edges, look like this was not one generation of your ancestors. By the way, similar surfaces have an anti-slip effect, which is preserved even after wetting.New reading
Unusual metamorphoses occur with a mosaic in demand at all times. Along with the Tessers of the classic form, manufacturers offer elements resembling scales of fish, braid, mugs and ellipses, flowers and leaves. It is especially suddenly a mosaic of small semiprecious pebbles, pieces of untreated stones, river pebbles. Separate elements fixed on the grid are collected in modules, wide plates or narrow strips. Previously, similar dicks were perceived only as decorative jewelry, and today they are becoming increasingly popular and turn into the main finishing material. Such a design of a niche or one wall becomes the norm, and the winds manage to separate the mosaic almost all surfaces of the room, including the floor and ceiling.
Trend. | 
Trend. | 
Trend. | 
Bisazza. |
29-32.Things, decorated with white-golden mosaic, will be appropriate in classic and in ultra-modern interiors (29). A cheerful cell on the walls uniquely points to the country style. The originality of the finish is that the figure is made of non-traditional material - mosaic (30). A few more options for unusual mosaic patterns: one turns the surface into flower glade (31), the other two resemble an alligator skin (32, 33)
Bisazza. | 
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Ceramic Tiles. |
34-35 at the peak of fashion mosaic with unusual forms of the Tesser, who look like fish flakes (34), then like bee honeycombs (35)
36. Stylish decor is formed by a relief surface
Following the fashion, new technologies arise. For example, a highly qualified mosaic can only be highly qualified, and even if it uses a good grouting composition. Such mixtures released by well-known firms are expensive, the consumption of them is greater than when laying the tile (after all, the seams are more). So, the price of grouts for seams with the addition of synthetic resins for packing 5kg begins from 1700 rubles. Therefore, by the way, the appearance of the so-called quasi-zimo. These are conventional tiles of standard sizes that migrate the mosaic surface: form, texture and color of the tester, and sometimes the color of suture aggregates. Such cladding is simple in laying, and the seams are not necessary at all.
Opinion of a specialist
Fashion trends in interior design arise with enviable constancy. Yesterday, the floor of the porcelain stoneware, imitating carrarsky marble or blue granite from Brazilian deposits, was considered quite prestigious and respectable. Today, the stylish interior suggests the presence of an outdoor decoration, a kind of decorative dominant. The popularity of mosaic panels, elegant friezes or large sockets made of finishing ceramics is growing confident. Moreover, modern technologies allow you to make beautiful and complex decors from porcelain stoneware, and almost everyone can try themselves as a designer.
Large manufacturers, such as Peronda, complement the collections with ready-made mosaic panels. They are folded together on the principle of the children's designer. The size of the compositions starts from 5050cm and are limited to your own fantasy and the size of the room. Porcelain tile mosaic is ideal for background tiles on a shade and forms minimal internal seams. A single, almost mirrored floor surface makes fabulously pleasant subsequent operation.
Igor Paskin, director of the salon "Ceramics"
Ceramic carpet
Many of us recognize the beauty and elegance of complex ornaments of woven carpets or virtuoso paintings on the art floor. Avota intricate ceramic decor on the floor of the Halls and the representative zones of our apartments and the houses are still rare. However, it is the impressive bright compositions from porcelain stoneware and ceramic tile, one of the current trends of this season. Modern methods of curvilinear cutting solid ceramics make it possible to clearly withstand the contour of each decorative element, to make it precisely calibrated, despite the most complex form. Agree, rosettes with geometric or floral patterns, an image of a world map, fantasy drawings, from the simplest, composed of several tiles with an inlaid prisoner, to highly artistic paintings, will make the floor finish of interesting and unexpected. Many sellers of porcelain and tiles offer a warehouse program of decorative panels. Products according to the customer sketches are cut and combined at the manufacturer's factory.
SANT AGOSTINO. | 
SANT AGOSTINO. | 
Skvirel | 
Skvirel |
37-38. Ceramics accurately transmits beauty and glitter of polished marble, granite, quartzite
39-40. The walls laid out by a stone mosaic, which is smooth pebbles, not only effectively, but also cause unusual tactile sensations. Special skill requires the creation of intricate patterns on the surface of the walls (a), the monophonic plane (b) looks more strictly
Coem. | 
Coem. | 
Coem. | 
Edilcuoghi. |
41-43. Color, pronounced pores and cells on the surface of ceramic granite make it indistinguishable from natural travertine, from which, by the way, the external walls of the Roman Colosseum were laid out.
44. Decoration of the wall - insert from several ceramic tiles (2020cm) imitating mosaic
Attractive exotic
Sometimes the desire to stand out leads to the most unexpected results. Let's say gambling players will surely delight tiles, behind the glass surface of which are cards and chips from the casino. No less extravagant pattern created from chaotic scattered radio elements and chips. Such nontrivial things produce factories specializing in decors and diverse exotic. For example, Arsheo Ceramica floods with glass seashells, pebbles, herbs and flowers, butterflies and beetles, having them in a bright background. The number of possible options reaches several hundred. Anyone who does not find anything suitable can offer its own original decor made of anything, at least from pearl-pove buttons.
Archeo Ceramica. | 
Archeo Ceramica. | 
Ceramic Tiles. | 
Ceramic Tiles. |
45-46. Surprise with seashells hidden under transparent cover, pebbles from the seabed, flowers, leaves, butterflies can hardly succeed. Avtot printed circuit boards, wires and other electronic elements that the will of the designer turned into stylish decorations, can be considered a real exotic
47. In the frame of sparkling seams, transparent and monophonic tiles look much more interesting.
48. The crystals overflowing on the light can be fixed on the tile in the production process or attached separately as an additional decor, which provides freedom for creativity.
Marca Corona. | 
Estima. | 
Italon |
49-51. In the collections of ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware mosaic is present as a decorative element
Fashionable and small decorative details: let's say bright beads or sparkling rhinestones. The rear side of these objects causes the adhesive composition, and after removing the protective film, they are glued to the ceramic surface. Who would have thought that today a peculiar decor is capable of becoming a grout! Special additives give the composition of the pearl-pearl shine, create the effect of glittering diamond sequins or glow in the dark. The main thing is not to lose the sense of measure and taste.
Opinion of a specialist
Porcelain tiles are placed on specially designed adhesive compositions. We forbid the use of a conventional cement solution even after the plastic additives are introduced into it. The glue type is selected depending on the type of base, the format of tiles and operating conditions. For example, glue for facing facades or street venues should have high strength, water and frost resistance. Along with the right choice of concomitant materials, the qualification of the tiler is important. So, when laying a large-format porcelain stoneware (6060cm and more) glue is applied to the base, and on the back side of the tile. This reduces the likelihood of the appearance of emptiness under lining and improves adhesion. The more irregularities on the basis and the larger the format of the tiles, the thicker should be a layer of glue (and more of its consumption). The optimal thickness of the adhesive layer is 2-5mm.
Tatyana Komarova, specialist of Estima Ceramica
The editorial board thanks to the company "Ceramics", Estima Ceramica, Fashion-Ceramica, Skvirel group, Department for the Development Department of the Embassy of Italy (ICH), the Trade and Economic Department of the Spanish Embassy, "Personal Relations" for help in the preparation of material