Tile is the thing at Cersaie, the ceramic-and-bath trade’s annual exhibition in Bologna, Italy. For its 25th anniversary, held October 2–6, 2007, more than 1,000 exhibitors displayed such diverse trends as super-size formats, black-and-white motifs, metallic accents and—of course—faux stone. - Julie Taraska
 

Feel the heat
Reminiscent of a rippling waterfall, the Caleido Skin radiator is a variation on an age-old staple. Designed by James di Marco for Co.ge.in, the 8" x 20" hydronic unit is made of steel and comes in nearly two dozen colors with a wall-installation kit and air valve. Bristol & Bath, King of Prussia, Penn. www.caleido.bs.it

[Reader Service: April 2008 #200]

 

Guilding the lily
Hand fabricated, Refin’s Tagli d’Autore tiles are decorated with rich enamels, precious oxides, and various cracked and metallic glazes. Measuring 12" x 48" they come in such patterns as wavy stripes and abstract lilies. Specialty Tile Sales, Norcross, Ga. www.refin.it

[Reader Service: April 2008 #201]
 

Warm play
Form meets function with the Add On tubular radiator system, a series of 5" x 10" modules that link horizontally or vertically. The steel-and-aluminum units, hydronic and electric, come in a host of standard and custom colors. Tubes Radiatori North America, Corona Del Mar, Calif. www. tubesradiatori.com

[Reader Service: April 2008 #202]

     

All that glitters
The spiraling motifs of Tagina’s Fucina gold-and-bronze-look porcelain tiles differ from piece to piece. Available in six colors and five sizes, ranging from mosaics (6" square) to wall panels (22" square). Allstate Tile Center, Ghendora, N.J. www.tagina.it

[Reader Service: April 2008 #203]

Asian therapy
This elegant Tatami shower tray comprises a resin pan with ridged, nonslip ceramic panels snapped into it that channel water toward the drain. Lacava Design, Chicago, Ill. www.ceramicaflaminia.it

[Reader Service: April 2008 #204]

Quick fix
Avoid typical landscape installations with Provenza’s Supra Floating Floor System. Its durable, 12" x 24" nylon-and-fiberglass frames connect easily and support a selection of the company’s outdoor porcelain lines. Corda Tile, Natick, Mass. www.ceramicheprovenza.com

[Reader Service: April 2008 #205]
 

Op art
Imbued with dazzling optical patterning, the richly hued Assenzio full-body, color-through porcelain tile from the Boudoir series comes in 12.5" x 38" and 6" x 38" formats. Red, black, and white field tiles complement the mix. Settecento, Fiorano Modenese, Italy. www.settecento.com

[Reader Service: April 2008 #206]

 

Slim line
A mere 3.5 mm thick, Kerlite Plus porcelain panels are backed with fiberglass mesh and install directly over such existing floors and wall materials as wood and ceramic. Fire-, UV-, scratch-, and frost-resistant, sizes include 20" square, 39" square, and 39" x 118". Cotto d’Este, Sassuolo, Italy. www.cottodeste.it

[Reader Service: April 2008 #207]
 

In the groove
This light-reflecting Echo porcelain tile by Majorca looks like luminous grooved metal. Suitable for floors and walls, it is available in four basic hues (white, black, gray, and blue) and two large formats (24" square and 12" x 24"). Cancos Tile & Stone, Farmingville, N.Y. www.majorca.it

[Reader Service: April 2008 #208]

     

Mark of industry
Suitable for paving or cladding, Marca Corona’s C10 Project is inspired by the texture of carbon fiber. The 4"-square porcelain tiles come in a glossy black or white and three surface patterns: smooth, mini, and maxi. Optional accents include metallic blue, red, and silver. Westchester Tile & Marble Corp., Scarsdale, N.Y. www.marcacorona.it

[Reader Service: April 2008 #209]

     

Photorealism
These porcelain tiles realistically simulate the random patterning and textures of natural stone thanks to a new coloring process based on ink-jet printing. With this cutting-edge technology, manufacturer Del Conca is able to virtually “tattoo” the design onto the tiles, extending it to their typically elusive outer edges. Fade- and stain-resistant, the tiles can be used indoors or out. Del Conca, San Clemente, Italy. www.delconca.com

[Reader Service: April 2008 #210]