Hexagonal formats, texture, copper and vintage patterns are the stories for 2015

FORMAT

While large scale formats, continue to a big seller (pardon the pun) to create seamless surfaces, particularly for floor tiles, this year expect to see even greater sizes . The move in 2014 was towards 750mm sizes but these have been usurped, as sales & marketing director at Craven Dunnill, Steve Whitehurst explains: “Floor tiles become ever larger, year on year, with 750 x 750mm, 800 x 800mm and 900 x 900mm formats proving popular.” But the tile format story of 2015 is undoubtedly small-scale and hexagonal shapes. Head of design at British Ceramic Tile, Claire O’Brien points out: “Smaller formats and different shapes are set to take the interior world by storm. From hexagonal shapes and tapered planks through to interlocking designs, the possibilities are endless.”

COLOUR

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Blue and grey have been the colour stories of 2014 and these will continue into 2015, however the tone of grey will differ. Claire O’Brien of British Ceramic Tile expands on the change in grey: “The difference from last year is the shade of of grey is now cooler and multiple tones are used together to create a layering effect. It is a strong foundation for adding colour flashes, and contrasting highlights.” She also says designers should pay attention to 1950s colours of chartreuse, burnt orange, warm brown, teal green and petrol blue. In fact the Pantone colour of 2015 is Marsala, a red-based brown.

WOOD AND METAL

Wood which was a growing trend in 2014 will continue to be big news in 2015, particularly with life-like timber patterns emerging on porcelain. The natural-looking surface helps bring warmth into a scheme, and will be particularly important in kitchens. Sales manager of Surface Tiles Jules Archand states: “Wood look tiles are still the biggest seller and will continue to be on trend. They offer texture, contrast and warm colours, complementing and softening all styles from industrial to classic.” Alternatively opt for real wood, with waterproof Teak tiles, which can be used on walls or floors of wet environments. Managing director of William Garvey, Bill Garvey says: “Dispelling the myth that wood is not suitable for application in wet, humid environments is one of the reasons we stated creating interior tiles crafted from wood to be used as wall or floor coverings.” Metallic colour palettes will also be strong for 2015 with copper and bronzes at the forefront of interior trends and gaining popularity. Claire O’Brien adds: “Colours range for burnished gold, beaten copper and worn pewter. They are understated, aged and distressed rather than brash and new.”

TEXTURE

With the continuing trend for timber and stone effects, texture remains key. But it’s no longer simply a case of polished or matt surfaces, think rough stone, which can be replicated through digital printing on a smooth surface. It’s all about uneven surfaces. Design co-ordinator of Original Style, Jenny Wasson comments: “Texture will prove to be big news, from split faced stone in domestic interiors to raised relief and soft, textural waves in glass. The appeal of these is the opportunity to add an extra dimension to an interior scheme that can be highlighted with well-placed lighting.”

VINTAGE

Patchwork tiles with a nod to vintage patterns gained popularity in 2014 and will remain a theme in 2015. These range from the folk-style, Delft patterns which originated in 17th Century Holland, through to period geometric and floral stylings. Jules Archand of Surface Tiles comments: “Retro Vintage is a big trend and will continue to be huge for 2015. Retro-look patterned tiles on floors are popular, with walls following suit and colours are getting stronger but still in vintage shades.”