Al Fresco Redefined: The Evolution of Pool & Patio Design
Outdoor living spaces have evolved from mere add-ons to centerpieces of many homes. Pools were once used solely for swimming, but nowadays, they have become much more versatile, serving as oases for relaxation, unwinding, and entertainment. The demand for high-quality outdoor accommodations at hotels and multi-living environments is high, with commercial pools and patios becoming ever more luxurious and versatile. The latest pool and patio design trends emphasize luxurious, comfortable, technologically advanced outdoor living spaces. Here’s a look at what’s trending in patio and pool design and the Crossville tile collections that align.
Stone Fiction exterior finsih porcelain tiles are the elegantly effortless alternative to travertine. The soft, swirling surface graphics and mild, neutral color palette emulate what Mother Nature created in travertine’s distinct mineral deposits.
Paving the Way: Stylish & Durable Patios & Pool Decks
Flooring is the most significant element of outdoor design because it lays the foundation for patios and pool decks. There are various options for porcelain exterior tiles or patio pavers, including natural stone looks like limestone, travertine, and more. These exterior finish tiles are aesthetically striking, versatile, and designed to endure the elements for many years. They are super tough, impermeable, and resistant to extreme conditions like high heat or freezing temperatures while offering enhanced traction in wet conditions. Porcelain exterior tiles and patio pavers are popular with designers for both commercial and residential surfaces.
Taking its cues from the elegance of Italian Pietra di Cardosa and United State’s Vermont Slate and merged with technical advancements, Owen Stone porcelain tile is unlike any before. The Leathered finish offers a buttery, cashmere-like feel, and the textured outdoor tiles feature DCOF suitable for commercial applications that require enhanced traction.
Blurring the Lines: Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transitions
Creating seamless indoor-outdoor transitions with matching interior and exterior tiles is a growing trend that looks like it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. When integrated into designs leading to an outdoor kitchen, patio, or pool deck, this idea of bringing the outside in or vice versa fosters a contemporary and unified ambiance, effectively giving the impression of a larger space.
Inspired by Portuguese Atlantic Dark limestone, our Portugal porcelain tile collection is graced with natural beauty found only in the Mediterranean. The look of the limestone captured in this line is different from others of its kind, featuring a subtle, organic surface that delivers a sophisticated, tactile elegance.
Maximizing Mini: Petite Patios
Outdoor living is not always about luxury on a grand scale. Limited size does not have to mean missing out on cool aesthetics. In 2023, search data from Houzz revealed that homeowners with smaller yard areas are searching for “small screened-in porch ideas,” “small backyard patio,” and “small front porch” (“9 Home Design Trends Emerging Now,” Houzz). For homeowners with modest-sized yards, adding a petite patio or deck can turn an unused side yard or entry into an inviting outdoor living space.
Granite and slate-inspired Owen stone outdoor tiles work equally well in modestly sized spaces.
Reflecting Elegance: Glass Tile Glitz
Incorporating glass tiles into exterior designs can elevate outdoor spaces and add a glitzy, glamorous vibe. As a bonus, glass tiles are super-tough — they can withstand harsh weather conditions, including sun exposure, rain, and frost, without fading or deteriorating over time. Glass tiles are low-maintenance because they are non-porous and won’t absorb water or harbor mold and mildew, and they are easy to clean. The reflective qualities of glass can brighten up any outdoor area, create an eye-catching focal point, and make a space look larger. Glass mosaics in a pool area or waterline can add a stunning visual effect, reflecting light and creating a sparkling, luxurious look.
Sideview Glass tile mosaics offer richly faceted metallics that reflect eye-catching style from every angle. Offered in polished and matte finishes, these mosaics serve as stunning showpieces or sparkling accents.
Green Living: Embracing Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainable pool design isn’t just a trend; it’s a commitment to the environment. By minimizing the carbon footprint, sustainable material choices make your pool a haven for homeowners and the planet.
All ceramic tile is inherently green, but our new Beljn porcelain tile is also carbon neutral. This beautiful porcelain tile with an exterior option features white veining, coal lines, and visible fossils like its inspiration, Belgian Limestone. Learn about the 350 million-year-old history of Belgian Limestone here.
Soothing Waters: The Appeal of Calming Water Features
The sight and sound of flowing water create serene settings in pools and spas, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of daily life. Emphasizing water’s healing properties, this approach turns any pool into a sanctuary of calm, fostering tranquility and promoting a sense of balance and well-being.
Terracotta-inspired Cotto Moderno porcelain tiles bring forth the essence of the earth, transforming raw materials into art. he bohemian style and artisanal make up of each unique tile bring nature’s energy to your vision.
Glow & Warmth: The Allure of Cozy Fire Pits
As outdoor entertainment spaces evolve, fire pits have become essential for a cozy atmosphere. The allure of flickering flames and the soothing crackle of a fire pit enhance the overall outdoor experience and are an affordable way to make an outdoor space valuable year-round.
A feature wall, tile beam, and sunken fire pit all feature our Shades 2.0 porcelain tile collection in Midnight. Read the case study here.
Love what you see? Great design starts with a sample!
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