Paint-Effects Expand The Tile Palette

Abbas Youssefi
Abbas Youssefi
15th April 2020

Wall tiles that look as if they’ve been splashed with paint have been one of the main talking points at recent tile exhibitions around the globe. These eye-catching designs have allowed producers to show off the full capabilities of new porcelain inks that maintain all their vibrancy when fired.

These new looks are also illustrative of just how playful ceramic tiles can be. Look out for streaked effects with a touch of glitter and smudged designs that convey a fashionable care-worn look. All of this ingenuity shows that ceramics can be customised to evoke almost any interior design concept and are also incredibly faithful when reproducing a picture, whether with sharp photo-realism or with impressionistic painterly brushstrokes.

Our delightful Harlequin Blue not only plays to this vogue for paint-effects, but also works the must-have hue for 2020; blue. These 110 by 330mm Spanish porcelain tiles also reflect the current interest in all things geometric. With these three trends distilled into one great design, Harlequin Blue offers unmatched staying power.

All things bright and blue-tiful...

These remarkable tiles feature a variety of blue, green, and light grey triangles randomly set onto a clay-like textured surface. The triangles are finished with a special glaze that adds a slight sheen, creating subtle yet striking light effects. The random nature of these oh-so-cool tiles - which come in 25 different variants - really comes out when they are laid in a brick-bond pattern; emphasising their playful vibe.

Also exploring the blue spectrum, Harmony Sky – a classic 100 by 200mm glazed design – delivers a period feel with a contemporary twist. The uneven, hammered surface recalls hand-made tiles of the past, yet the fresh shades of sky blue are absolutely on-trend for today’s kitchens and bathrooms. There is even a matching decor tile for added impact.

Good Morning to you too, Harmony Sky

Another great option from Porcelain Superstore is Marais Aqua, shown below. This 65 by 200mm ceramic design from Spain has a sumptuous gloss glaze with a drop-dead-gorgeous rippled finish. This really elevates them from most run-of-the-mill wall tiles. In this design, pale duck egg blues happily complement mellow, minty hues.

Marais Aqua - ideal for modern-meets-vintage vibes

We love the resultant warm hand-made look; proof positive that blue is not a ‘cold’ colour. One of the great appeals of the modern-vintage vibe is that it works equally well with chic contemporary furniture or the country cottage look. So, if it is lasting design versatility you seek, look no further.