What is the future direction of tile development?
2025-08-13 13:17:30
The future of tile design is evolving rapidly, driven by both aesthetic and functional demands. Designers must consider a wide range of factors beyond just visual appeal—such as mold patterns, color schemes, surface textures, luster, size, and complementary products—to achieve the desired decorative effect. At the same time, tiles must also meet practical requirements like slip resistance, stain resistance, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. Safety remains a top priority, with concerns about light pollution and radiation being taken into account to ensure that aesthetics do not come at the cost of user well-being.
Industry experts highlight two major trends currently shaping the ceramic tile market. The first is the growing popularity of rustic-style ceramic tiles made from wood-fired clay, often referred to as Cotts. These tiles have gained significant traction in China in recent years due to their natural, earthy look. However, producing such tiles requires high standards in design, development, manufacturing, and display. Only a few international brands, particularly from Italy and Spain, have successfully mastered this niche, with well-established supply chains and presentation methods. As a result, the domestic market has begun to mirror this trend, with a few local brands following suit.
Another rising trend is the use of stone-like elements in ceramic tiles, including microcrystalline and marble-effect options. Over the past five years, these tiles have become increasingly popular. However, the market is now facing a serious issue of product homogenization, especially with the widespread use of inkjet technology, which allows for mass replication of similar designs. This has led to a lack of originality and creativity. The challenge now is how to break free from this uniformity and bring more innovation to the industry.
Tile design should follow key principles: first, integrating technology to support creative visions, pushing the boundaries of existing processes to achieve unique results. Second, adopting a holistic spatial perspective, where tile design goes beyond individual patterns or plates and considers the overall environment. Third, emphasizing natural comfort, ensuring that every design enhances the living experience without compromising on style. Finally, balancing decoration, functionality, and safety.
While some in the industry believe that tile design is shaped by technological development, I strongly disagree. In my view, it’s the other way around—design needs drive technological advancement. Every new production method, such as rubber roller printing or inkjet technology, was developed to meet specific design demands. For example, the introduction of rubber roller printing was aimed at achieving richer texture variations, while inkjet technology emerged to create more detailed and three-dimensional effects. Our development process always starts with a clear vision of the desired outcome, then we build the process around it.
Mango Ceramic Tiles has been rooted in the pastoral style since its inception, focusing on this niche with dedicated effort. I believe Mango has helped make the rustic trend mainstream by conducting thorough market research, defining a clear identity, and paying close attention to design details. By drawing inspiration from Italian design practices, they have created a natural, authentic look that resonates with consumers. The use of Cottos as a core element has played a key role in the brand's success.
As the industry becomes more aware of the value of design, collaboration with international design systems will continue to grow. Strengthening ties with Italian design professionals isn’t just about importing ideas—it’s about learning from their approach. Instead of simply buying ready-made designs, companies can engage in collaborative projects where Italian designers work directly with local teams. This kind of interaction benefits both sides, allowing for deeper understanding and innovation.
The future of ceramic tile design is full of possibilities. While it's hard to predict exactly where it will go, one thing is certain: design will play an even greater role. There will be more diversity, less repetition, and a stronger emphasis on creativity and originality. This is not just my prediction, but my hope for the industry moving forward.
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