Among the themes that showed up in almost every booth at the 2012 Cevisama tile expo in Valencia, Spain, was tile with traditional wallpaper patterns. I was amazed by the diversity and abundance of styles on display, from playful to palatial. Some of those looks, especially the fanciest, are for export to Russia and Eastern Europe, rather than the usa, but I’m certain that if you wished to borrow the look, you can do this together with tiles accessible this year.
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Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS
Regal colours together with traditional emblems as listellos would be the most popular homage to wallpaper… well, the wallpaper you’d see at Hearst Castle, anyway. Aparici made these tiles.
CKD, jamie Gold, CAPS
Gold and classic patterns showed up strongly too, such as in these tiles by Saloni.
Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS
The wallpaper motif showed a lot of sparkle, and iridescence showed in field tile and listellos alike. Here, Keraben ties in silver with a more contemporary gray.
Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS
Florals appeared in many offerings too. This mini floral pattern by Grespania evokes a bed-and-breakfast.
Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS
Grand florals designed to appear like mosaics stole the show. Pinks and reds, such as in these Saloni selections, were especially common.
CKD, jamie Gold, CAPS
Stripes were a sexy theme also and came in numerous tastes. Here you see them in Tau’s cheerful color mix, complemented with linen-line field tile.
CKD, jamie Gold, CAPS
These stripes by Plaza offer a neutral palette and feel. They induce bud cloth but at a water-friendly edition.
CKD, jamie Gold, CAPS
Mylar wallpaper never appealed to me, but this mylar-inspired botanical by Keraben is striking. I can easily see it working as a focal-point wall at a master bath or powder room.
CKD, jamie Gold, CAPS
Architectural inspirations showed up strongly also. Here you see gold and white wainscoting along with a chair rail in a bathroom setting. This blend by Grespania was likewise shown in dwelling spaces but at a quieter, pattern-free colour.
CKD, jamie Gold, CAPS
Who says wallpaper has to be about pattern? If florals and stripes leave you dizzy, go glam with an artful choice like this one from Keraben.
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