MAPEI’s Tile & Stone Installation Systems now include Keraflex™ Super, a new highly versatile mortar with polymers designed for installing large and heavy tile on floors, walls and countertops. The new mortar features the outstanding trait of providing a high transfer of material to the backs of tiles while retaining impressive non-sag/non-slump properties.

Is quartz still rising in popularity? Are miters still a favorite? Is natural stone being used anywhere else but countertops? Over the years, trends seemed to be somewhat stagnate. But some new design trends are becoming apparent.

Overall, the majority of those polled in Stone World’s recent Purchasing Plan Survey, which is conducted by Clear Seas Research Department at BNP Media (Stone World’s parent company), seem optimistic about their businesses in 2020.

Charmean Neithart loves interior design and all things houses. For the last 18 years, she has been designing homes throughout Southern California for a varied clientele. “The collaborative nature of projects with clients is my favorite part,” said the senior designer at Charmean Neithart Interiors in South Pasadena, CA.

Working within an extremely small footprint in an original 1951 home, Sheryl Steinberg, Allied ASID, LEED Green Associate, of Sheryl Steinberg Interior Design, LLC in Bethesda, MD, was tasked with creating an open, modern, bright, efficient, usable, roomier bathroom that reflected the owner’s modern style.

For this issue of Contemporary Stone & Tile Design magazine we show off the different new tile trends that are currently on the market. These range from porcelain to ceramic, large format to mosaic.

The Valley Vista residence in Encino, CA, the residential winner in the 2019 Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition, is clad almost entirely in Italian porcelain tile. “Encino is increasing its elegant status,” said Jamie Rezaie, partner for the DI Group in Beverly Hills, CA.