Wood surfaces have long been cherished for their timeless beauty, but as homeowners seek more durable, sustainable and low-maintenance options, wood-effect tiles are emerging as a clear favourite. Offering the best of both worlds with the durability of ceramic tile and the warm hues of wood, wood-effect tiles are popular with those looking for something with a more traditional aesthetic. María D Arraez, director at Tile of Spain UK explains why wood-effect tiles are the superior choice and how to use them in the home.

Superior durability

“Unlike real wood, which is prone to scratches, dents and wear over time, wood-effect tiles are designed to withstand heavy traffic, making them suitable for busy homes and spaces such as hallways. Wood-effect tiles are also completely waterproof, making them the ideal option for rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. Try using them on kitchen splashbacks and bathroom flooring to create an eye-catching display, as seen in the Poeme Roble by Keraben.”

Low maintenance

“Wood-effect tiles require minimal maintenance as they don’t need sealing or staining, as is the case with real wood. They are extremely easy to keep clean and will continue looking as fresh as the day they were installed. An option such as the Bosland Nature Tile by Rocersa is perfect for homes with muddy paws and children who like to play outdoors, as a simple sweep and mop will ensure a pristine condition for many years to come.”

Versatile designs

“With so many colours, textures and finishes mimicking the look of real wood, you will be spoilt for choice. From light oak to deep mahogany, there is so much versatility with wood-effect tiles that you can achieve your desired look without the limitations of natural wood grain. Whichever room you’re redecorating, there will be a wood-effect tile to suit, offering a consistent appearance across your chosen surface. The Alchemy Pearl Tile by Peronda is particularly effective when used in the bedroom, as its light-coloured and gentle tones are ideal for creating a relaxing environment, whilst the Alvaral Louis Roble Tile by Undefasa, with its eye-catching pattern, is better suited to spaces in need of a statement.”

Tile specialist WOW Design has developed a new collection, Melange, a tile designed to create unique transitions from one colour to another – ideal for transforming walls into sophisticated tapestries. Through its visual representation of colour gradation, also known as ‘ombré’ or ‘gradient shading,’ gentle progressive transitions from one colour or hue to another are created using small-format tiles.

Thanks to the collection’s expert use of colour, Melange allows notable transitions from cool to warm shades. This brings new sensations to living spaces, allowing shifts from blue or talcum hues to pink, from khaki to sea – or cloud-inspired tones, or from creamy or earthy shades to sky-like colours.

These captivating colour transitions can transform walls into exquisite tapestries, turning them into genuine works of art with seamlessly blending hues. Melange combines art and technology, offering limitless potential for designing and personalizing living spaces. The smooth colour transitions add depth and movement to surfaces, creating three-dimensional effects.

The collection comes in long rectangular 10.7 x 54.2cm. (4.2”x21.3”) wall tiles in a matt finish, with 3 sets of 5 different tile models for dressing up walls in 3 different blends.

Cosentino has introduced the Dekton Pietra Edition, a contemporary collection inspired by iconic Mediterranean stones. This launch follows the successful 2023 debut of Dekton® Pietra Kode, envisioned by renowned designer and architect Daniel Germani. The new Pietra Kode designs will be available in the UK starting 11 July 2024.

The ultra-compact Dekton Pietra Edition collection replicates the intricate details of traditional stones like Travertine, Ceppo Di Gré, Piasentina, and Campaspero, while offering enhanced realism and durability to meet the demands of modern architecture and interior design.

“Pietra Edition is the new journey to the origin of timeless and Mediterranean architecture already started with Pietra Kode,” said Daniel Germani.

“I am proud to continue my collaboration with Cosentino to bring the designs of Pietra Edition to designers, architects, and homeowners as a surface that is both timeless and innovative.”

Featuring Dekton’s TSP technology, the carbon-neutral Dekton® Pietra Edition introduces a technological layer to iconic natural stones with six serene designs. The collection pays homage to the enduring elegance of Mediterranean natural stones while elevating their design.

Pietra Edition’s palette of six styles includes four distinct stone textures, such as the newly introduced Piasentina and Campaspero:

• Trevi: With a cream base and a parallel pattern of irregular grey and blue veins, this design is inspired by the timeless beauty of Roman silver Travertine.
• Ava: Drawing inspiration from Ceppo di Gré, a stone from the Lombardy region, Ava features a rough yet warm design, perfect for Mediterranean-style projects.
• Adia: This design offers a versatile finish with a silky appearance. Its cream tone and soft white lines elevate any design project.
• Nebu: Recreating the depth of Roman Travertine, Nebu’s unique irregularities bring a timeless charm to any space.
• Polar: Inspired by Spanish stone Campaspero, Polar features a hyper-realistic pattern with beige tones, greyish and cream veins, small inlays, and fossils.
• Sandik: This design embodies the traditional elegance of Campaspero with a softer finish, featuring a cream background and subtle grey tones, ideal for outdoor applications.

Ca’ Pietra’s new collection, called Earthenware, is inspired by Italian pottery sold on the streets of villages on the Amalfi Coast. 

Renowned for its vibrant colours, Amfli pottery is notable for its intricate designs, which reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. The style often features bright blues and yellows, inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and the warm Italian sun.

Brought to life in five shades and replicating the texture of pottery through its matt finish, Earthenware is available in five colours: soft white, pottery, terracotta, coral, and linen, shades that are on-trend as we approach 2025. 

Working individually or paired together, Earthenware tile is a thin rectangle shape, so it can be used to create vertical, horizontal, or unique patterns on interior walls and floors.  

The tile Size is 5cm x 25cm x 1.2cm; it is available in a matt finish

For more information, visit www.capietra.com

This week marks the release of Bridgerton Season Three, Part Two, inspiring a welcome return to Regency-inspired, high-opulence interiors. Cosentino’s Le Chic collection is perfectly positioned to bring a touch of period flair to the home.

Crafted from premium minerals and recycled materials, the collection promises longevity from installation, assuring a beautiful and durable surface. For a modern twist on Regency design, look to Victorian Silver, a polished finish with silver and dark grey veining; Parisian Bleu, a rich blue finish with fine ochre veining; and Eclectic Pearl, a delicately veined finish with metallic accents. The collection is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices, with applications as varied as backsplashes, worktops, walls, and flooring, imbuing homes with the captivating allure of history.

Whether you’re an architect designing a Regency-inspired home or a designer seeking to add historical charm to a modern space, Le Chic ensures your bathroom exudes all the luxury and refinement of the Regency period.

Katie Parry-Stone, Retail Expert at Cosentino UK, comments: “Veined surfaces can add interest, depth and layers to an otherwise flat surface, and the delicate pattern can be incorporated for designs that are characterful and intricate to introduce a touch of sparkle and glamour on countertops or splashbacks. Cosentino’s Le Chic collection features intricately patterned marble surfaces that bring modern yet timeless design to the home.”

A groundbreaking home decorating material, crafted from 350-year-old volcanic ash sourced from Mount Etna, made its world debut at UK Construction Week (UKCW) London this month.

​Etna® is the brainchild of Sicily-based manufacturer Nikkolor Italia and is composed of volcanic ash from the Etna eruption of 1669, pure natural hydraulic lime, natural active ingredients and mineral aggregates.

Supplied as a dry powder, this innovative material transforms into a versatile plaster when mixed with water, allowing for a variety of stunning finishes and effects. Sustainable and breathable, Etna not only enhances aesthetics but also reinforces, protects, and restores both exterior and interior walls.

​Etna® was the result of the REUCET 2018/2020 project (recovery and use of Etna volcanic ash) conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Catania and financed by the Ministry of the Environment.

Nikkolor Italia was among the 16 companies showcasing their innovations at the special Sicilian Pavilion during UKCW London, held from May 7-9. As the UK’s largest exhibition for the built environment, UKCW London provided an ideal platform for Nikkolor Italia to present its cutting-edge products.

​The founders of Nikkolor Italia, Salvo Caniglia and Ierna Tiziana, said: “Visitors could not believe that we use volcanic ash that is older than any living creature on the planet. It was fantastic to use UK Construction Week London to launch our unique product to the world, and we hope this is the start of a promising relationship between UKCW and Sicily.”

​Vito Ruscigno, Foreign Technical Sales Manager, Nikkolor Italia, added: “The reaction and feedback to the launch of Etna at our stand within the Sicilian Pavilion was brilliant – at some stages we had people queuing up to speak to us!”

​Sam Patel, the divisional director – of construction, commented: “The launch of products like Etna at UKCW London helps to further strengthen the show’s international status and reputation, and it’s exactly what our event is all about – innovation, international collaboration and bringing the very latest products and learnings directly to those at the heart of the construction industry, from architects to contractors, surveyors to engineers.”

​More exclusive launches and live demonstrations will take place at UKCW Birmingham, which runs from October 1-3 2024; UKCW London will return next year, from May 6-8 2025.

Registration for the Birmingham event is now live. click here to register.