More than 30 different types of porcelain, glass and natural stone tile was utilized to decorate the new Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center in College Station, TX

Gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs (GPTP) are gaining a lot of traction in the tile and stone industries as of late. The large-format materials, which are technically defined as tiles measuring 1 x 1 meter (40 x 40 inches) or larger, have been around for almost 10 years now, but have been creating a lot of buzz in the marketplace over the last handful of years.

Design professionals from all over the U.S. discuss what types of designs, colors and formats are currently trending in the tile industry

The first free-planning development phase of the new UpTown district in Milan, Italy, includes about 420 apartments, with a total of 2,000 homes to be completed by 2026. Built to the design of SSA, Scandurra Studio Architettura and Zanetti Design Architettura, the first two lots at Cascina Merlata -- four towers and three linear blocks -- create an open residential system, seamlessly connected to the existing urban structure and landscape.

Before relocating to the U.S. to serve as CEO of Island Stone North America, Nigel Eaton constructed what he thought was going to be his family home in Australia for the next decade. The 5,000-square-foot residence was designed to be clean and modern with a balance of natural elements.

Hospitality at its core is about creating a welcoming space. When entryways, kitchens and bathrooms have stained stone, tile and grout, they are far from welcoming. Be sure to protect all your jobs with a quick application of a penetrating sealer, because as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.

With the hospitality design sector in a seemingly constant state of change, tile and other alternative material manufacturers need to stay up-to-date on current trends in colors, shapes, finishes and sizes to meet the demands of the architectural and design community.