Maximum impact: tapping into the maximalism trend

The tile industry is constantly evolving as new technologies emerge and trends remain fluid across the commercial sector, and our team of experts continue to be at the forefront of these changes.

Now we’re more than halfway through 2023, it’s interesting to see a number of trends gain or lose momentum. The years-long trend for neutral shades remains prominent across the commercial sector, but we’re seeing an increased demand for bolder designs too – ranging from small pops of colour to full maximalist design.

More is more

So, what is maximalism?

Offering the totally opposite solution to minimalism, the maximalist trend celebrates bold style for a unique, fun and in some cases ornate, overall finish. In many cases, maximalism incorporates several design elements – including colours, patterns and textures – to create distinctive spaces that always make an impression.

This is a re-emerging trend as opposed to brand new, and has fallen in and out of style over many years in a pattern directly linked to societal trends. For example, in the 17th century and later the Victorian era, maximalist patterns and colours were incorporated into stately homes as a demonstration of wealth.

With this in mind, it makes sense that this trend is starting to gain popularity once again across the luxury commercial sector, such as high-end hotels.

Tiles offer a fantastic solution for projects inspired by maximalism, with a huge variety of floor and wall tiles now available offering bold colours, patterns, shapes and textures.

Colour

One of the key ways to create a space with maximum impact is the correct use of colour – and when it comes to maximalism, bold is best.

Adding pops of colour to neutral spaces through elements like furniture has long been a go-to for interior designers, and the use of colour in maximalism takes this to the next level by making bolder shades the key feature of a space. Fortunately, there are many tiles available in bold colours, suitable for a variety of applications from floors to walls, and even swimming pools.

Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta, has proved a popular choice and we’re delighted to offer several tiles within this colour palette, including the Aurore collection’s Rosa Caldo shade which offers a unique take on classic mosaic tiles.

In commercial settings, company branding may be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a bold colour, but it’s also important to consider the psychology of colour. For example, our Abacus tile in yellow would be ideally suited to classrooms or brainstorming spaces in offices as research shows that this colour evokes creativity.

Pattern

The use of patterns is another great way to create a maximalist space, and tiles offer an easy solution for this.

One way to incorporate maximalist design using tiles is to create patterns through alternating colours, with many tile collections featuring several shades that can be used together. This ‘mix and match’ option is available in block colour tiles, such as our recently launched Oltre collection, as well as collections featuring multiple colours and built-in patterns to choose from for a truly unique design like Chintz or Jazz.

There’s no need to create your own pattern to achieve maximalism though – we offer a vast number of tiles with a singular design, or that have been created to fit together to create a pattern. Cuban & Havana and Meraki are great examples of this and what’s more, both of these striking tile ranges are suitable for a variety of commercial applications including both floors and walls.

Shape

When it comes to using tiles for maximalist design projects, combining patterns with unusual shapes is a fantastic way to make a real impact.

More and more tiles that deviate from the traditional square and rectangular shapes are reaching the market, making unusually-shaped tiles the ideal way to combine modern changes with this historic trend.

We’re proud to have recently launched Kite, a collection of quadrilateral tiles designed for maximum impact in any commercial space. Available in ten interchangeable shades ranging from black and white to the opulent heritage feel of navy and taupe, these glazed ceramic wall tiles offer a playful solution.

The Curve collection offers an alternative shape for maximalist design without compromising on creativity, also offering ten colour choices as well as the option of a matt or gloss finish. These L-shaped tiles can be arranged in a number of geometric formations, making them the ideal addition to commercial spaces inspired by the concept of more being more.

Texture

Adding a variety of textures to a space has long been a popular way to add finishing touches to an interior design project. Traditionally, elements like furniture have been the go-to for texture but tiles now offer a great alternative.

We’re seeing an increasing number of manufacturers creating tiles with texture, and tiles with ribbed and three-dimensional effects are growing in popularity for interior design schemes looking to create a standout space. Collections like D’Autore and Glace are ideally suited to projects inspired by maximalism thanks to the variety of bold colours on offer combined with textural elements for a modern take on this historical trend.

If you’re looking to incorporate maximalism into your next project, our team of experts are available to provide technical advice for commercial tiles. To request samples, arrange a colour consultation or to discover more of our extensive range of tiles, contact info@ctdarchitecturaltiles.co.uk or call 0800 021 4835.