A showcase of stone and tile at Coverings 2012
A. The “Magnifique” Collection by Atlas Concorde stands out for its fresh engaging aesthetics, made of lines and contours that freely interweave. The white-body wall tile collection has a refined colour palette, made up of six color tones with a glossy, reflecting surface and three satin tints for enthralling chromatic combinations. The 40- x 80-cm slabs exalt the collection’s elegance while the slender 20- x 80-cm size tiles add interesting compositional opportunities to any project. www.atlasconcorde.it
J. Laticrete has launched “4-XLT Rapid,” a fast-setting, multi-use, polymer-fortified adhesive mortar specifically formulated for large format tile installations requiring a rapid turnaround. Intended for projects that need to be worked on during “off hours,” 4-XLT is for great shopping malls, airports, transportation centers and other commercial/institutional jobs, as is it quickly ready for heavy foot traffic almost immediately after application. 4-XLT Rapid offers utility for non-sag wall installations, medium bed buildup and thin-set applications on floors and walls. www.laticrete.com
K. Metropolitan Ceramics, a brand of Ironrock, has introduced its unglazed quarry tile line, “QuarryBasics.” With a Green Squared Certification, this tile combines long wear and great looking colors to ensure a wise addition to any project. The colors coordinate to fit high traffic, multi-use, commercial, and residential design needs. “QuarryBasics” are natural, unglazed, high density ceramic tile made in the U.S. available in nine colors and three sizes. www.metroceramics.com
L. The “Fahrenheit” series by Tile of Spain-branded manufacturer Land Porcelanico features tile resembling the look of metal with an aged-effect that is available in unique, curved three-dimensional pieces. www.landporcelanico.com
M. In its “Hex” collection, Lilywork displays 1/2 - x 3-inch field in Persian Blue in a flower patterning with turquoise dots/accents, and striped half-round and circle borders in turquoise. The custom-made tile product is ideal for a range of interior and exterior applications, including pools, shower surrounds and entryway floors, as well as kitchen backsplashes and fireplaces. All of Lilywork borders and patterned field are color customizable within its 15-color palette. www.lilywork.com
N. Vintage, revisited and revived for modern dwellings and public spaces — that’s the takeaway with “American Heritage,” Marazzi’s newest wood plank series in color body porcelain. The artisanal feel of hand-scraped, hand-oiled hardwood is authentically reproduced on a strong and durable porcelain body that withstands rigors — water, stains and freezing conditions — that are often the nemesis of real wood. www.marazzitile.com
O. Mediterranea has introduced a new porcelain tile line that evokes the nostalgia of classic American beach destinations. The “Boardwalk” series has been masterfully crafted, using Dynamic HD Imaging™ technology, and it is named after America’s most distinctive boardwalks. Tiles in the collection are available in four colors — Atlantic City (Ash), Coney Island (Walnut), Myrtle Beach (Whitewash) and Venice Beach (Amber) — and two sizes — 8 x 48 inches and 6 x 24 inches with 3- x 24-inch bullnose trim pieces. www.mediterranea-usa.com
P. Original Style has introduced the “Glassworks” Collection, a contemporary collection that has been designed for all styles of interiors. From a distance, the tiles appear to have been forged from gold, silver or wrought iron, when in reality they contain no metal at all. You have to look closely to discover that these tiles are actually made from glass. The collection offers a variety of effects including the decorative Pharoah (pictured), Amun-Ra and Tutankahamun wall tile available in 23 5/8- x 1113/16-inch pieces. www.originalstyle.com
Q. Rookwood’s “Modern Classics” Collection explores the possibility and vibrancy of form. Inspired by textural, energetic worlds and metropolitan life, the designs are passionate and sophisticated. This collection offers contemporary styling with a clean, luxurious appearance. www.rookwood.com
R. The “Mayfair” Collection by Tile of Spain-branded manufacturer Tau was inspired by the Tower Bridge in London. Tiles in the collection reflect the look of weathered cement and can be accompanied by a choice of three-dimensional metallic decos. www.tauceramica.com
S. Inspired by traditional scabos and rapolano stone, Vitromex’s “Mikonos” porcelain tile collection offers a high degree of variation and an irregular edge to mimic the natural appearance of stone, while providing the durability, reliability and ease of maintenance of porcelain. Mikonos is offered in 16 different tile face variations and in three colors available in 20 x 20 inch, 13 x13 inch, 12 x 24 inch, 13 -x 13-inch mosaic and 3- x 13-inch bullnose. www.vitromex.com
B. Bellavita Tile has redefined the art of subtle style with its new series, “Cobblestone.” The charming cobbled design can transform any residential setting to have a warm and traditional feeling, but when viewed from a different design perspective, the surface texture can be perceived as cool, wet crocodile skin for modern and stylish installations. The collection is available in six distinctive colors: Turenne, LaGrasse, Yvoire, Avignon, Cannes, Charroux. The colors range from off-white to beige to gray to a rich deep brown. The collection is offered in two linear formats, 3 x 6 inches and 3 x 12 inches, with an 8-mm thickness. www.bellavitatile.com
T. Voguebay presents its “Iceberg” glass mosaic collection, which comes mesh-backed and is stocked in the U.S. in both 12- x 12-inch (pictured) and 4- x 12-inch sizes. The flexibility of stocking both sizes allows customers to design full feature walls or simple accents and borders, according to the manufacturer. The glass itself is made using high-quality automotive grade glass and an imported color glaze from Europe to ensure the clear vibrant colors. Voguebay also offers custom possibilities where clients can pick and choose colors or blends. www.voguebay.com
C. Bonotti’s Collezione Italia offers a selection of carefully chosen natural stone from Italy. These marbles have been extracted from the historic Apuan Alps, and they have been used by artists such as Michelangelo as well as some of Italy’s most renowned architectural works. Pictured is Calacatta Bella, which is well suited for a range of architectural elements. www.collezioneitalia.eu
D. With this new three-dimensional sheet mosaic, Bestview International has given timeless black marble tile a fresh and contemporary design in its “3-D Black Wave Mosaic” line. The pillowed and curved mosaics resemble ocean waves as they repeat every ½ inch with a raised and depressed wave. This mosaic can be used in many applications from backsplashes, accents, waterfall walls, or alone as field tile on an accent wall or bathroom. The new black marble does not display much contrast as its white veins are minimal and is available in different finishes, including honed or polished, which produce varying light effects. The collection is available in 12- x 12-inch sheets. www.bestviewintl.com
E. The “Natura” Collection by Colorker is designed to be a reproduction of timber with the realism of nature. Colorker’s new collection of wood-inspired tiles takes technology a step further — showing tiles that appear aged and weathered as only time can do. www.colorker.com
F. The “Shades” Collection by Crossville is a new line of porcelain tile offering a fresh, urban look in a sleek range of minimalist colors. The line’s contemporary palette is a mix of nine inviting, refined tones with linear detailing. Six shades of gray — ranging from warm to cool — are complemented by both warm and cool white hues and a rich, not-quite-black selection as well. www.crossvilleinc.com
G. Popular as far back as the Aztec era, Mexican Travertine stone now has a new look for the 21st century thanks to recent size and color updates in the Florida Tile “PietraArt” Collection. Offerings of the collection have expanded to include 3- x 6-inch, 4- x 4-inch and 6- x 6-inch sizes in tumbled, domed- and vein-cut polished finishes. The “PietraArt” line now comes in two new colors — Noce and Desert Cream — that have replaced the Amber tiles of the former collection. The collection also now includes floor sizes of 12 x 12 inches and 18 x 18 inches in the filled and honed finish plus two plank widths of 4 and 6 inches wide. www.floridatile.com
H. “Vogue” is the newest collection by Hirsch Glass that integrates an intriguing design with subtle curves and angles to offer a three-dimensional look. Available in two shapes, two blends and ten amazing colors from subdued to intense. www.hirschglasscorp.com
I. Quarried in Brazil, “Cygnus” from Magnitos a silvery-gray quartzite which also has schist in the matrix to give it extra character. Magnitos reports that this material is well suited for countertop applications. www.magnitos.com.br
Coverings 2012 returned to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, in April, and it did not disappoint with its numerous displays of stone and tile introductions. The diverse array of product lines ranged from large-format porcelain to wood-look tiles to glass mosaics as well as a full assortment of the latest natural stone collections. Here is just a glimpse of the latest developments that were presented at this year’s event:SEE SLIDESHOW
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