Designers have always factored in the tactile experience when creating interior environments. Today’s renewed focus on the tactile texture—the surface quality of materials and objects—is reconnecting us to how things feel when touched. Typically, tactile texture is described as smooth, rough, fuzzy, bumpy. On the other hand, visual texture captures the perception of what a surface might feel like. We make assumptions of what it may feel like based on our memory of feeling a similar object. So even though a designer uses a flat product, it can bring about the feeling of bumpy surface. Additionally, perceptions of texture are greatly influenced by the materials surrounding an object, like the wall next to the floor texture.
Maximizing visual texture in porcelain tile, Crossville leads the industry in developing unique production techniques incorporating textile-like touches in stunning style. The Bohemia and Ready-to-Wear tile collections are just two of the offerings for designers who are seeking the versatility and benefits of tile when specifying surfacing products with visual texture.
Incorporating boho-chic styles and adventurous, textile-like touches into customized tile designs, the Bohemia porcelain tile collection offers an unconventional take on texture and color. The versatility of the line’s sizes and hues provides a creative solution allowing designers to be unconventional. Taking inspiration from nomadic, spirited cultures, this unique line offers a fabric-finish tile in boho-chic style. Bohemia has the appeal of finely weaved cloth that has the effect of coziness and warmth. Yet, the tiles are smooth to the touch and much easier to clean providing the many benefits of porcelain tiles with the suggestion of the tactile feel of the boho-chic material inspiration without the disadvantages of actual fabric.
Another Crossville collection, Ready-to-Wear, brings the texture of your favorite pair of jeans with a style that can dress up—or down— to suit any look. Patterned with classic warp, weft, texture, and tone, the collection brings touchable, everyday appeal to floors and walls. Its smart-casual shades speak to a relaxed-yet-refined sensibility that’s fashionable and approachable. Check out how Ready-to-Wear’s Flannel Suit blended beautifully with white wall tile in Circa Lighting West Hollywood’s unique showroom.
Tactile and visual textures are pushing design trends in 2020 by stimulating two different senses — those of sight and touch. By tapping into two senses, texture adds more than just visual stimuli to a space. The suggestion of movement on a visual front thanks to a textured surface is how designers are moving from good design to great spaces.
