After reviewing hundreds of new product launches from Ceramics of Italy member companies, here is a summary of the top six trends for the 2020 spring-summer season. While some of these trends are seasonal, such as blue, others showcase the Italian tile industry’s answer to important movements in design such as biophilia and the importance of telling a good story. These products are now available in the North American market through an extensive network of tile dealers and retailers. For additional products and inspiration, visit the Ceramics of Italy product gallery, which just published the 2020 Spring-Summer collection.

BIOPHILIA

The first major trend is Biophilia–the idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. Oras online plant retailers keep insisting: Plants make people happy! Anecdotes aside, it is scientifically proven that nature has the power to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance mood and creativity, which is why companies like Amazon are taking biophilic design seriously, demonstrated in the jungle-like, glass-enclosed spheres that NBBJ designed for their headquarters in Seattle. Tiles mimicking nature can help improve a person’s perception of space, which is a good reason for architects and designers to consider incorporating them into their next project. Italian manufacturers offer a variety of plant-like tile designs from barely-there leaf prints, grassy motifs, and palm designs to pixelated florals, pop-art versions, and abstract gardens based on patterns and geometries found in nature.