
Eco_Alabaster is the latest stylish and sophisticated idea by Ceramica Fioranese for natural stone floor and wall coverings. This is a classic stone given a contemporary twist, featuring extraordinarily beautiful, delicate shades and modern patterns. The collection also features new mosaics, including Mosaico Esagona, with hexagonal tesserae, and Mosaico Listellato. The pattern is inspired by the decor elements in natural travertine stone found in thermal bath areas in the East, such as the Turkish baths.
Eco_Alabaster also complies with LEED® requirements, thanks to its high recycled material content (over 40%), which does not affect the appearance of the product. The Eco_Alabaster collection is available in the following colors: Grigio, Beige and Bianco and in a variety of sizes, including 24 x 24, 18 x 18, 12 x 24 and 12 x12 inches. www.fioranese.it
Eco_Alabaster also complies with LEED® requirements, thanks to its high recycled material content (over 40%), which does not affect the appearance of the product. The Eco_Alabaster collection is available in the following colors: Grigio, Beige and Bianco and in a variety of sizes, including 24 x 24, 18 x 18, 12 x 24 and 12 x12 inches. www.fioranese.it
Celebrating its 28th edition in Bologna, Italy, Cersaie 2010 - the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings - was held last fall, and the event hosted more than 83,000 visitors, and revealed leading trends and cutting-edge products from more than 1,000 exhibitors across 34 countries.
While touring the sold-out exhibition space, the latest in innovation and design for ceramic tiles was evident. Noteworthy trends this year can be found in designer-made inspirations, a variety of textures, enhancements to ongoing trends, including wood and stone looks as well as slim tiles, and a continued devotion to tile with green and sustainable design.
Manufacturers are also considering the installation process. Large-format tiles are now sized to be suitable to being carried by one installer as opposed to ones in the past that typically needed at least two handlers. Additionally, several new product lines feature installation-ready tiles that do not require mortar or other installation products - making the process easier, according to the manufacturers of these products.
Below is just a sampling of the latest in stone and tile innovations displayed at Cersaie 2010:




Developed to revitalize the graphics and colors of Casablend, Velvet tiles are smooth to the touch and available in five attractive shades - Oyster, Ecru, Charcoal (pictured), Taupe and Platinum. Velvet interprets the personality of a house in contemporary terms, putting together elegance and functionality, aesthetics and technology, creating a style fitting for homeowners and architects alike. Their non-slip properties make Velvet tiles particularly suitable for outdoor installation. A new 80 x 80 tile has been added to the sizes available, specifically produced for the world of architecture. www.casadolcecasa.com


In line with the ongoing research, SECOND.LIFE® aims at giving new life to materials that have been used in various forms in the past, to create high-tech design surfaces, with a very low environmental impact, confirming the company’s desire to protect the planet.
The entire SECOND.LIFE® range is available in the colors Carbone, Cenere, Argilla, Sabbia, Gesso, Corteccia, Basalto and Lava, with standard size slabs and polished, honed and brushed finishes. www.santamargherita.net





Line Grey and Wave Blue, Wave Green and Wave Grey - designed to bring out the sensorial aspect of the material to its fullest. The decor elements feature distinctive graphics and lines created using advanced Full HD technology on Slimtech laminated stoneware. Adding function and decor for traditional wall covering purposes, the product can also be used on closet doors, containers, doors, fireplaces and bathroom and kitchen countertops.www.ceramichelea.it







