80 2019 | TRENDS INTERNATIONAL TRENDS FROM SPAIN (continued) ies. 8” x 8” and 8” x 16” were the most preferred sizes; however, sizes as small as 5.5” are becoming more and more popular. Chiseled Edges The chiseled and broken edge is back again this year proving that 2017’s introduction was not just a flash in the pan. With its return comes the revival of the modular, multi-format Versailles pattern. The responses to this revival seem quite polarized depending on geographical market. People seem to be either all in with their acceptance and excite- ment for the return of a more natu- ral and relaxed aesthetic, or they are indignant towards the style and wider joints necessitated by the irregular edges. Vintage Looks In accordance with last year, heavy rustication and weathering are on the decline to make way for more of a vintage, worked by hand look. In aesthetics ranging from oxidized steel to glazed ceramics, the overall impression is one of a high-quality material with a long lifespan due to care and consideration, rather than one of neglect and hardship. Metals have mellowed to an oxidized – but lovingly burnished – finish and the ceramics have lustered glazes, subtle metallics and varied finishes to deep- en their overall aesthetic. Texture in place of color also fea- tures heavily in the decorative arena. Using shadow and highlights is some- thing the manufacturers are doing better than ever to create decorative elements as subtle and refined as the graphical variants are bold and expressive. Both have a strong place in modern design. Geometric Accents There are two main inspirations that are quite fresh for 2019. Art Deco – organic inspired graphic design – and simple lines or unpretentious geometry. Both of these styles fea- ture a sophisticated appreciation for great graphic design and bring ele- ments of it into our environment. Seamless patterns effortlessly jump from piece to piece, allowing decora- tive elements to be on any scale the client desires. Gauged Porcelain Panels This established but still niche seg- ment of the tile industry continues to gain popularity. There is a definite place for these large formats in the traditional tile installation segment; however, manufacturers will need some shifts in their marketing and sales channels to fully take advantage of the opportunity gauged porcelain offers. Counter/worktop markets are an obvious starting place; however, the major players here are not the traditional tile distributors, Tile of Spain claims. They state that large tile distributors don’t have the ware- housing, logistics or even showrooms to put this material in front of the Roca Tile, CC Mosaics Collection Decocer Arnold+Goose Apavisa Alchemy These vintage offerings from Porcelanosa give the overall impression of a high-quality material with a long lifespan due to care and consideration. Aparici Tango Simple lines and unpretentious geometry char- acterize this offering from Mainzu Ceramica.