Cersaie 2019: 8 Design Trends From Italy's Bathroom Fair
Sustainability and new textures, colours and materials make a splash in bathrooms, while tiles venture into other rooms
Antonia Solari
29 October 2019
The 2019 edition of Cersaie, the international exhibition of ceramics for architecture and bathroom furnishings held in Bologna, Italy (September 23 to 27), did not just provide an essential look at trends in bathroom design. This year, the show offered insights into trends driving the design of other rooms as well. This 37th edition of Cersaie was sold out: 889 exhibitors occupied all the available space and were visited by 112,340 design professionals and enthusiasts.
Our editorial team spotted eight key trends among the ceramic tiles, bathroom fixtures and furnishings exhibited at the show – both extensions of what we’ve already seen, and new ideas just arriving on the market.
Our editorial team spotted eight key trends among the ceramic tiles, bathroom fixtures and furnishings exhibited at the show – both extensions of what we’ve already seen, and new ideas just arriving on the market.
Anupama Kundoo, architect
1. Sustainability
The event’s theme, ‘Let’s Open a New Era!’ drew attention to the importance of sustainability, research on low-impact design solutions, and products that are in line with these philosophies.
A series of conferences and seminars organised by the fair, titled ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking’, saw the participation of world-renowned architects such as Anupama Kundoo (pictured), Emilio Ambasz and Felipe Assadi, who were chosen in part for their commitment to the environment.
Over the course of her multi-award-winning career, architect Anupama Kundoo has demonstrated her strong focus on research and experimentation. Much of her work focuses on materials that have minimal impact on the environment and are often deliberately suited to the socio-economic context in which they are used.
“Technologies must interact and stand in dialogue with people and knowledge, and I prefer technologies that reduce the costs of realisation but at the same time avoid waste and are within reach of all,” said Kundoo in a speech.
1. Sustainability
The event’s theme, ‘Let’s Open a New Era!’ drew attention to the importance of sustainability, research on low-impact design solutions, and products that are in line with these philosophies.
A series of conferences and seminars organised by the fair, titled ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking’, saw the participation of world-renowned architects such as Anupama Kundoo (pictured), Emilio Ambasz and Felipe Assadi, who were chosen in part for their commitment to the environment.
Over the course of her multi-award-winning career, architect Anupama Kundoo has demonstrated her strong focus on research and experimentation. Much of her work focuses on materials that have minimal impact on the environment and are often deliberately suited to the socio-economic context in which they are used.
“Technologies must interact and stand in dialogue with people and knowledge, and I prefer technologies that reduce the costs of realisation but at the same time avoid waste and are within reach of all,” said Kundoo in a speech.
Wall finish: Limpha by Casalgrande Padana
Manufacturers’ exhibits also aligned with this theme. Innovations presented at the fair included ways of combating indoor pollution, using recycled and recyclable materials, and incorporating products made from the byproducts of industrial supply chains in order to minimise energy consumption and waste.
This is the case, for example, in Casalgrande Padana’s Limpha porcelain stoneware collection (pictured), inspired by climbing plants. These slabs incorporate so-called Bio Self-Cleaning technology, which uses photocatalysis – chemical reactions accelerated by sunlight – to break down pollutants in the air and decompose dirt that settles on the surface of the tile. According to the company, about 1,000 square metres of these slabs – which can also be installed outdoors – purify the air as efficiently as a forest the size of a soccer field, eliminating the amount of nitrogen oxide that would be emitted by 70 cars in a day.
Manufacturers’ exhibits also aligned with this theme. Innovations presented at the fair included ways of combating indoor pollution, using recycled and recyclable materials, and incorporating products made from the byproducts of industrial supply chains in order to minimise energy consumption and waste.
This is the case, for example, in Casalgrande Padana’s Limpha porcelain stoneware collection (pictured), inspired by climbing plants. These slabs incorporate so-called Bio Self-Cleaning technology, which uses photocatalysis – chemical reactions accelerated by sunlight – to break down pollutants in the air and decompose dirt that settles on the surface of the tile. According to the company, about 1,000 square metres of these slabs – which can also be installed outdoors – purify the air as efficiently as a forest the size of a soccer field, eliminating the amount of nitrogen oxide that would be emitted by 70 cars in a day.
Shower tray: Reef by Agha
Agha, an Italian company that makes shower trays and bathroom fixtures, presented another sustainable design: Reef. This vanity top and shower tray are made of 100 percent recycled material sourced from the construction-industry supply chain. It is recyclable, formaldehyde-free and solvent-resistant.
Other exhibits at this edition of the fair featured faucets that are designed to minimise water consumption, which have highly resistant finishes that increase their lifespan and, therefore, make their life cycle more sustainable. We also saw porcelain stoneware produced with minimal waste.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz to create a smart, sustainable and stylish home
Agha, an Italian company that makes shower trays and bathroom fixtures, presented another sustainable design: Reef. This vanity top and shower tray are made of 100 percent recycled material sourced from the construction-industry supply chain. It is recyclable, formaldehyde-free and solvent-resistant.
Other exhibits at this edition of the fair featured faucets that are designed to minimise water consumption, which have highly resistant finishes that increase their lifespan and, therefore, make their life cycle more sustainable. We also saw porcelain stoneware produced with minimal waste.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz to create a smart, sustainable and stylish home
Wall finish: Nola by Target
2. Not just for the bathroom
This edition of the fair saw ceramic finishes stepping out of their traditional roles in the bathroom to play protagonist in other spaces.
Thanks to their almost infinite variety of form, colour and pattern, tiles can be used as design elements throughout the home: for example, as creative headboards in the bedroom, as pictured here.
2. Not just for the bathroom
This edition of the fair saw ceramic finishes stepping out of their traditional roles in the bathroom to play protagonist in other spaces.
Thanks to their almost infinite variety of form, colour and pattern, tiles can be used as design elements throughout the home: for example, as creative headboards in the bedroom, as pictured here.
Wall finish: Realstone Navigli by Ragno Ceramiche
Wall finish: Mystone Limestone by Marazzi Ceramiche
Wall finish: Project Evolution by Caesar Ceramics
Tiles can also have an impact in the living room. Using porcelain tiles in living spaces can give a sense of continuity to the interior of a home or introduce splashes of colour while performing a functional role, such as partitioning a space (as shown in the next image).
Tiles can also have an impact in the living room. Using porcelain tiles in living spaces can give a sense of continuity to the interior of a home or introduce splashes of colour while performing a functional role, such as partitioning a space (as shown in the next image).
Wall panel: Brac by Mutina, designed by Nathalie Du Pasquier, photographed by Germano Schillaci
In this way, ceramics are a boon to architects and interior designers working throughout the home, as they are resistant to wear and dirt, easy to install and offer a huge amount of choice in terms of design.
In this way, ceramics are a boon to architects and interior designers working throughout the home, as they are resistant to wear and dirt, easy to install and offer a huge amount of choice in terms of design.
Lux Bianco Vittoria by Lapitec
3. Large sizes
Large-format stoneware slabs are now more readily available and, as already mentioned, are no longer relegated to the bathroom but work well throughout the home.
Large slabs can even be used on outdoor facades as a ‘second skin’; on furniture, such as tabletops; or in the kitchen as benchtops. Partnerships between stoneware manufacturers and kitchen companies are multiplying.
3. Large sizes
Large-format stoneware slabs are now more readily available and, as already mentioned, are no longer relegated to the bathroom but work well throughout the home.
Large slabs can even be used on outdoor facades as a ‘second skin’; on furniture, such as tabletops; or in the kitchen as benchtops. Partnerships between stoneware manufacturers and kitchen companies are multiplying.
Mistral by Barber & Osgerby for Mutina
4. Three-dimensional tiles
This is a trend we’ve seen before, and it’s now coming into its own: three-dimensional tiles are among the most original and sought-after porcelain stoneware.
At Cersaie, we saw three-dimensional tiles with a strong presence, which can set the tone for an entire space. In this way, tiles are no longer simple finishes, but can become more elaborate ornaments.
4. Three-dimensional tiles
This is a trend we’ve seen before, and it’s now coming into its own: three-dimensional tiles are among the most original and sought-after porcelain stoneware.
At Cersaie, we saw three-dimensional tiles with a strong presence, which can set the tone for an entire space. In this way, tiles are no longer simple finishes, but can become more elaborate ornaments.
Spring collection by Ceramica Sant’Agostino
Three-dimensional tiles can give a sense of movement to a design.
Three-dimensional tiles can give a sense of movement to a design.
Shower space: BlackBerry by Blubleu
5. Black, black and more black
Here’s another continuation of an ongoing trend: black is starting to take over the bathroom. Now, not only taps, but also bathroom fixtures, fittings, shower profiles and trays have gone dark.
5. Black, black and more black
Here’s another continuation of an ongoing trend: black is starting to take over the bathroom. Now, not only taps, but also bathroom fixtures, fittings, shower profiles and trays have gone dark.
Single-lever tap: Seven by Nobili Rubinetterie
There are many approaches: some give black a niche role as a dark accent within a more colourful context, as in this photo. Others go for all black.
There are many approaches: some give black a niche role as a dark accent within a more colourful context, as in this photo. Others go for all black.
Floor: Seafoam Aqua from the Key West collection by Cir
We saw full walls finished in pastel shades of single colours or in alternating tiles for a tone-on-tone scheme, all within a delicate colour palette.
We saw full walls finished in pastel shades of single colours or in alternating tiles for a tone-on-tone scheme, all within a delicate colour palette.
Wall finish: Pink Velvet from the Materia Prima collection by Cir
Even in such a subtle chromatic context, variety and movement are created by combinations of shades or geometries – squares, rectangles, hexagons and fish scales – and with glossy or matt finishes.
Even in such a subtle chromatic context, variety and movement are created by combinations of shades or geometries – squares, rectangles, hexagons and fish scales – and with glossy or matt finishes.
Finish: Invisible Light from the Slimtech Delight collection by Lea Ceramiche
7. Stoneware imitates nature
The already-substantial selection of stoneware inspired by natural materials continues to grow. Technological innovation has led to advances in surface texture, shape and tile thickness, so that tiles now feel more and more like their natural inspirations.
New additions in the genre of marble-effect tiles were models resembling the most precious and rare types of marble. These include varieties of white marble, which were highly popular at the show, and more colourful stones such as lapis lazuli.
7. Stoneware imitates nature
The already-substantial selection of stoneware inspired by natural materials continues to grow. Technological innovation has led to advances in surface texture, shape and tile thickness, so that tiles now feel more and more like their natural inspirations.
New additions in the genre of marble-effect tiles were models resembling the most precious and rare types of marble. These include varieties of white marble, which were highly popular at the show, and more colourful stones such as lapis lazuli.
Sensi Gems Series by ABK
Flooring: Intarsi by Ceramica Sant’Agostino
The leap in quality and innovation also allows timber- and parquet-look tiles to echo the possibilities of real wood.
The leap in quality and innovation also allows timber- and parquet-look tiles to echo the possibilities of real wood.
Flooring: Heartwood by Atlas Concorde
More and more, faux-parquet with inlays and decorations is taking the place of floorboards. Now, timber-look stoneware is reviving traditional layouts, such as herringbone or mosaic patterns.
More and more, faux-parquet with inlays and decorations is taking the place of floorboards. Now, timber-look stoneware is reviving traditional layouts, such as herringbone or mosaic patterns.
Corten effect from the Materia collection by Ceramiche Piemme
Last but not least, the world of stoneware has been inspired by metal, especially a new contender: Corten-look slabs.
Last but not least, the world of stoneware has been inspired by metal, especially a new contender: Corten-look slabs.
Wallpaper: Tip Toe by Wall & Deco
8. Non-ceramic finishes: wallpaper
Bathroom wall coverings other than stoneware were also on display at Cersaie. Among these, water-resistant wallpaper was a huge hit. This is even suitable for the interiors of showers and the areas around sinks and bathtubs.
8. Non-ceramic finishes: wallpaper
Bathroom wall coverings other than stoneware were also on display at Cersaie. Among these, water-resistant wallpaper was a huge hit. This is even suitable for the interiors of showers and the areas around sinks and bathtubs.
Wallpaper: Waltz of the Flowers from The Way of the Senses collection by Pixie
Here’s a special feature: wallpaper that is not only resistant to water, but also scented. The Way of the Senses collection from Pixie has a fragrance integrated into its surface and maintains its intensity for up to five to six months after installation. After this, the scent can be revived with a wax that also cleans and protects the surface.
Here’s a special feature: wallpaper that is not only resistant to water, but also scented. The Way of the Senses collection from Pixie has a fragrance integrated into its surface and maintains its intensity for up to five to six months after installation. After this, the scent can be revived with a wax that also cleans and protects the surface.
Wallpaper: Selva from the Inediti series by Inkiostro Bianco
Your turn
Which of these eight driving trends would you like to embrace? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Keen to read the latest news from other European design fairs? We have you covered with 2019 European Design Fairs: 3 Big Movements in Interiors
Your turn
Which of these eight driving trends would you like to embrace? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Keen to read the latest news from other European design fairs? We have you covered with 2019 European Design Fairs: 3 Big Movements in Interiors
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And full of bugs and spiders. Please don’t spray insecticides. Add spiders and move vegetation +6’ from sitting or indoor areas.
Scented wallpaper - perfect! I use scented paints sometimes (Benjamin Moore), but love the idea of scented wallpaper, too!
I love these large format tiles, the interior looks beautiful with them.