Interior Design Blog
Surface design in 2010 and beyond: Mandarin Stone
February 16, 2010
I recently had the chance to pick the brains of several surface manufacturers to find out what's new for 2010. If you can't make the Surface Design Show opening today in London, check back the next few days for a briefing on colour and texture trends across the industry.
What is your most popular product and why?
Whilst clients are slowly becoming bolder in their colour choices, pale and timeless shades are still our most popular products. Clients are often keen to keep tiling simple and introduce colour and texture to a room with paints and fabrics.
Setting aside service, what is the most important thing your customers are looking for at the moment?
Undoubtedly, quality products that offer longevity and good value.
What are the biggest challenges you face?
Our biggest but most enjoyable challenge is continuously sourcing and introducing new products into our range.
What are the most exciting current developments in your sector?
Clients are tiling larger areas and experimenting with exciting colours and design. With advanced technology in terms of uncoupling and waterproofing membranes, stone tiles can now be fixed in almost all areas of the home and outdoors. Stylish wetrooms are now being included and clients seem fearless in their use of stone.
What's going to be the colour and/or texture of tomorrow?
Current trends show that people are moving towards bolder shades and grey tones are proving especially popular.
Future-gazing, what will be happening in your sector in 2015?
Large format tiles and strong shades will be used in bigger expanses both inside and out. Wetrooms will be introduced to the majority of homes and many new countries will develop into key suppliers for innovative colours and textures.
