While I have always had an affection for tile, I have to say that the love grew like the Grinch’s heart during the Coverings Show a few weeks back in Orlando, FL. First of all, the sheer size of the convention hall is overwhelmingly exciting! I first noticed the usual suspects such as tile manufacturers, but moreso, I also saw specimens of natural stone, tools and equipment (In use!), and the most amazing pop up showrooms this side of Maison & Objet.

I was fortunate to go on several tours of the various Pavilions in the show: Italy, Spain, and North America. I have to say that each pavilion brought their A game. From the folks explaining the cool features and products of their respective pavilion to the actual products—each one was unique and soooo satisfying for the designer in me.

My take away for trends this year are also fabulous. Here’s the run-down:

Texture!!

I have always loved textural fabrics and wallcoverings, but now the tile industry is joining in on the game more than ever. From small tiles with handmade imprints to large format tiles, texture abounded at this year’s show and I am here to say, I welcome it!

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Large Format!!

Speaking of large format, this is another biggie. Gone are the days when you had to only source natural stone (though I still love it and it 100% has its place in design). Porcelain is now a dead ringer for the real thing, and the sizes available are mammoth (think a full size piece of porcelain covering your entire fireplace from floor to ceiling!). The options are endless including bookmatching. Yessss!! You betta work large format porcelain!

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Pattern!!

I am here to tell you that if you love pattern, and you love tile, you are set! So many of the most popular patterns are now available on porcelain and ceramic tiles. You can even bring your OWN pattern and have it duplicated onto the material

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Dark, Moody, (dare I say- SEXY)!!

I have always had fun with darker colors in design, but now the tile and stone industry is also embracing this concept. I saw the most sultry slabs of marble, and then on the other side of the show floor, I saw sexy pieces of porcelain that seemed to extend all the way from the floor to the roof! I was blown away by the beauty of it all.

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Lastly, this is not a trend, but each year at Coverings, the most popular place to go at any point, is the rescue dog area. Tile companies donate tile and cover the roofs and walls of dog houses that are then auctioned off and the money is donate to the rescue society that is there on hand. I have to say, that my stress level always decreases with puppy therapy.

I also had a fun time interviewing some of the reps from the gorgeous showrooms for House Tipster Industry. Here are a few of those clips:
Trends | Allison Eden Studios | Fiandre

Soooo, there you have it! My recap of my fabulous time at Coverings 2019! And a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Coverings Show as it celebrated 30 years this very year! Trust me when I say, if you ever find the time to go to this show (the location varies and might be near you next year!), please do yourself a favor and go. I left with amazing ideas, inspiration and also some of the best new friends! Coverings Show is where you can be inspired, network to your heart’s content, and did I mention puppies?

Till next time, Happy Designs!
John