42 2019 | TRENDS definitely played its part recently. As printing and glazing techniques advance, natural stone looks have improved immensely, producing authentic white marble looks that are in demand. And natural stone is on the rise, as well. Modern farmhouse design con- tinues to be popular and includes encaustic-look and subway tile. And textiles are making a statement in tile. The Tile Shop is seeing more and more wallpaper-effect tile with subtle nuances of texture and a 3-D quality. Designers love the ability to use these tiles to tie the overall look of the room together. White and gray continue to be domi- nant in the Midwest/Northeast, paired withpopsofcolortomakeastatement. Two-tone or three-tone patterned tiles (such as encaustic-look) continue to be popular. People are looking for something to personalize their space and make it different. Each category of mate- rial – whether it be porcelain, ceramic, glass, metal or wood – takes off due to its design quality rather than what it is made out of. The only material that The Tile Shop noted people specifically request is porcelain, due to its durabil- ity, but the design aspect takes prece- dence in most cases, with two-tone or three-tone designs, and mixed-materi- al waterjet mosaics that offer elevated design capabilities. People are using these designs in new and innovative ways to add subtle pattern or a make a bolder impact in their spaces. Mixing natural stone with man-made products is always on-trend because it allows high-level design and affordability. The Tile Shop noted that installa- tion patterns are dependent on the type of material used. Subway tile still tends to be laid in the most tra- ditional way as a half-offset or brick pattern. It also observed a strong rise in the patchwork look, where multiple patterned tiles are mixed together on a single surface. The company is educating its clients through events such as NTCA educa- tional workshops and wedi certifica- tion events. Its Pro Network market managers also work closely with its pros, making sure they are choosing the best installation products to get the job done right. Southeast/Florida At D&B Tile Distributors, with a multitude of locations in Florida, the top tile sales trends include porcelain SALES TRENDS (continued) Natural white marble and authentic porce- lain replicas are in demand. Shown is Firenze natural marble, from The Tile Shop. Modern farmhouse design is gaining ground, popularizing encaustic look tiles like The Tile Shop’s Star line. Paris, from The Tile Shop, epitomizes the trend to textured, 3D wall tiles. Wood Impressions, from Crossville, was installed at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, spring training home of the World Champion Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals. Wood porcelain planks continue to charm and captivate. Photography by G. Richard Booth. Stonewater Kitchens worked with D&B Tile Distributors and and Catherine Jordan Design, LLC/Cathy Connon, Designer on this water- front winter home. Rectified 6” x 36” rectified porcelain floor tile tied in with the exist- ing herringbone pattern in the original unit. Photography by G. Richard Booth.