Tile CounterTops - Design & Material Information

We’ve come to expect glamorous style from the Italians, and tile makers did not disappoint this spring as they presented their latest designs at the Coverings Tile and Stone Show April 29 to May 2 in Orlando.

Sustainability and green design are at the top of the mind for today’s architects and designers, and tile is a practical choice for countertops. “We saw it starting commercially at the high end, but now this isn’t just a trend—it will be a mainstay,” says New Jersey designer and self-proclaimed “tile fashionista” Anna Marie Fanelli. One of the most popular options available for countertops is wood-look ceramic and porcelain, which not only have a long lifespan but also help to preserve our natural forests. These tiles are available in elongated planks, squares and chevron patterns that replicate almost any species of wood.

For countertops, patterns are strong this year and range from bold geometric shapes to sensual fabric looks. Checks, herringbone, houndstooth, damask and floral patterns make a glamorous statement on backsplashes and as accent walls for designers who want a touch of opulence.

Color palettes have gone classic again, with black, white and shades of gray taking precedence this season. Just like the dresses worn by the top actresses on Oscar Night, red is also a hot color in the design scene, along with grey-plum, mustard yellow, marigold, emerald and cobalt blue.

Metallic continues its stronghold on the luxury market, and many Italian companies are infusing glazes with metals to capture iridescent qualities. Though metal can be used as a tame accent, today some manufacturers are showcasing metals in large formats that cover an entire wall application. These sleek and shiny surfaces will be presented in all shapes, sizes and patterns. Edgy designs that are embossed or in bas-relief are a unique take on this trend.

Choosing a backsplash is a bit of an art. Functionally, it must be an easy-to-clean surface that protects, and yet aesthetically, it must work well with the myriad other surfaces and finishes in the room, from cabinetry and appliances to flooring and countertops. While sometimes the backsplash becomes a room’s focal point, sometimes it needs to fade into the background to let other materials shine.

Read more: Understated Elegance in Backsplashes

With granite still the most popular countertop material, the focus is changing to the backsplash. What will not only complement the countertop, but give it that extra sense of style? Should you use the same material, metal or tile? Or is there something else?

Today, the hottest look is tile, but not just any tile. The small glass tiles, such as . . . [read the rest of Choosing the best countertop backsplash]

Looking for more information on countertops? Click one of these links: Countertop Trends, Laminate Countertops, Recycled Countertops, Concrete Countertops, Metal Countertops, Glass Countertops, Engineered Stone Countertops, Countertop Fabrication