TRENDS | 2019 75 INTERNATIONAL TRENDS FROM ITALY (continued) between giant sheets of glass to create lunar-like land- scapes for the Gem Glass line. Meanwhile, Refin Stardust combines the nebulous veining of alabaster with elegant metallic surface effects to create a line of porcelain tiles inspired by the nighttime sky. Shown (clockwise from top left): Ceramiche Piemme Majestic Valentino; Cotto d’Este Vanity; Emilceramica Tele di Marmo; Fire Transalp; and Atlas Concorde Marvel Edge. The Blues Whether soft or electric, blue is one of the hottest hues in tile design this year, offering a revitalizing pop of color to a variety of interiors. Some, like Cedit’s Rilievi sculptural ceramic wallcoverings, are the kind of hyper blue associated with contemporary artists Yves Klein and Frida Kahlo. Others, like Refin Creos and Provenza Vulcanika, conjure the feeling of vacation and the shallow teal waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Shown (clockwise from left): Casa Dolce Casa Artwork; Francesco de Maio Blu Ponti; Cedit Rivieli; and Colli Fes. Big Patterns Italians are known for their rich artistic heritage, which is rendered on big porcelain slabs with minimal grout lines to create the alluring effect of wallpaper, with the technical benefits of ceramic. In fact, some companies are even marketing their products as ceram- ic wallpaper, offering an expansive catalog of patterns digitally printed on tiles up to 5.25’ x 10’. One example is ABK, who introduced Dark Edition as a capsule col- lection inspired by the Gothic side of nature for its ever-expanding Wide & Style line. Another company is Fuoriformato who offers an explosion of color and pat- tern on large, ceramic surfaces that can also be used as furnishing elements. Shown (clockwise from top left): Casalgrande Padana Onici; Stile Italia Extra; Vallelunga Sospiri; Unica Garden; and Panaria Even. Neu Surfaces Tile producers have completely upped the style ante in terms of surface design, which can be seen in dozens of awe-inspiring, new finishes and textures designed for aesthetics as well as functionality. Two collections that artfully demonstrate this trend as well as ceramic tiles’ chameleon capabilities include Ceramica Sant’Agostino Lakewood that conjures oiled wood planks with a hand planed surface and Vallelunga Cava, whose marble design and satin finish looks like an ancient European church floor. Shown (clockwise from top left on page 76): Made+39 Cube; Marazzi Eclettica; Fap Lumina; Ceramica Sant’Agostino Lakewood; and Campani Divinae. Lunar Marble The Blues Big Patterns