new tile trends from the coverings show

Last week, I found myself in Vegas. That’s right, Sin City. And while I spent one fine evening losing my money at the roulette table (wait, I played until 3AM, so that should read “one fine morning”), I was actually invited there to take in the Coverings 2011 show. Billed as the ultimate stone and tile experience—1000+ exhibitors from 50+ countries—I can assure you it delivered. Now I understand why people go gaga over this stuff! Here are five trends or innovations that I found fascinating. (More to come later, I promise.)

1) Amazing ink jet technology that produces high-definition porcelain and ceramic tile meant to mimic the look of natural stone or well-worn wood. Companies like Florida Tile have elevated this to an art form. And the glazing technology is amazing, too! With it, they can, quite convincingly, achieve the sophisticated look of polished marble.

high-resolution ceramic tile

porcelain tile with wood-grain texture

2) The resurgence of glass. Now made in almost any thickness, hue, size or shape imaginable, there’s a new standard in glass. It’s stronger and can be used for countertops, partition panels and even benches, much like the one I snapped at the Interstyle Ceramic and Glass booth. And don’t you just love their ripple glass? It’s available in 40+ colors, and you’d swear water flows over its surface. Stunning.

ripple-effect glass

glass-topped bench

3) Twisted tile. And bent…and stretched…and weaved together. Tile is being manipulated any which way, and the results are drool worthy. Cover an entire wall or add a simple strip to up the visual ante. Love the Evolution collection from Apavisa with all its texture and dark, sexy color.

basket weave tile from Apavisa's Evolution collection

tile that looks like it's been stretched and twisted

4) Media mash-ups are hot. Glass + metal + mirror + ceramic = hello, gorgeous. And, believe it or not, so is graffiti! Artfully done via ink jet technology, it’s the epitome of urban chic.

metal mixed with tile

graffiti tile

5) Thin is in. We saw it everywhere! 3.5mm-thick porcelain tiles in large, impressive formats. Use them on walls, on floors, on counters. Easy to handle and cut (so perfect for curvy areas), installation is a breeze. And because it’s low profile, it can go right over an existing floor. Plus, it’s considered eco-friendly because thin tiles are made with less material than traditional tiles and are lighter to transport.

thin tile

Enough said. I’m officially a stone and tile geek. Who’s with me?! How do you achieve style with tile?