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Coverings

Orlando, Florida: Orange County Convention Center
April 29-May 2, 2008

Coverings is an annual international expo where the future of tile and stone can be viewed aisle by aisle from 1,200 exhibitors representing more than 50 countries. “This really is the show for me,” says Craig Norberg of Norberry Tile  (206-343-9916).

While Norberg didn’t see a lot of truly new products this year, he did note some distinct trends. “We are seeing more texture, including mosaics and textures in porcelain,” he says. Norberg cites gorgeous Italian imports from Artistic Tile—Haute Couture, made to resemble pebbled leather, and Mélange, inspired by the beauty of intricate hand-woven fabric—as examples of the latest looks in porcelain.

Norberg was intrigued by new mosaics from New Ravenna in Exmore, Virginia, and Mixed-Up Mosaics, a New York City–based artisan tile maker that introduced colorful elliptical shapes and wavy adaptations of their popular designs.

Heidi Martin from United Tile (425-251-5290) noticed manufacturer installations that used a combination of materials—glass, metal, stone and ceramic—for a “texturally diverse” effect. “Tile has been around for so many centuries, it’s difficult for manufacturers to come up with something new—but this mix of textures feels fresh,” Martin says. Custom-blend options from Sonoma Tilemakers exemplify the look. “[They] use an old style of craftsmanship and production—and their blends are a great example of different materials used beautifully together,” Martin says.

She also noticed wonderful recycled products, such as recycled leather tiles from EcoDomo. “Recycled is particularly important in the Northwest, and it’s finally catching on in the rest of the country,” she says.

Kathy Blakeney from Pratt & Larson (425-882-0707) describes what she saw at Coverings as “variations on a theme.” Blakeney says metals are still strong —especially in greens and blues. “We’re still seeing the real steelwork—true metal bonded onto porcelain,” she recalls. And Blakeney saw more dimensional shapes—in glass or stone—often with patterns. She also noticed lots of stick glass in new and different colors.

For Susan Boyd of Statements Tile (206-762-8181), new introductions from Rex Ceramiche Artistiche were among the best in show. “Really bold prints for floors or walls” are another big look, she says. One of her favorites is Bloom by Italian tile maker Cerim. “What I’m also seeing from Italy are solid colors with varying surface textures—often a mix of scratched and honed in the same application,” Boyd says. “This variety allows designers to mix same-color tiles in a new way.”

International Contemporary Furniture Fair

New York City: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
May 17-20, 2008

For modern design enthusiasts, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair is one of the most anticipated spring shows. Among this year’s attendees were Hillary Rielly and Stephen Dooley of Inform Seattle (206-622-1608). While it’s a challenge to name just a few highlights, Rielly loves the Lifework desks from Herman Miller. “These new designs provide fresh options for the home that are functional and beautiful,” she says. Of six styles introduced, Rielly likes Airia for the sleek way it conceals wires and cables behind walnut panels and Enchord for its built-in second work surface.

Dooley’s favorites include the award-winning Steelwood chair by Magis, fashioned of bent steel with beech legs and seat. “These dining chairs would look great anywhere, from a traditional country home to a downtown condo,” he says. “When I’m sitting in one, I feel like I’m in a European café.”

The duo also loved a unique paper table from Moooi made of durable lightweight papier-mâché. Imagine your guests’ surprise when they learn that your dining room set is made of paper,” Dooley says.