What’s Hot in Design this Summer?

4 Ways to Use Ceramic Tiles in Summer Trends

by Clara Vicedo, Architect at ASCER – Tile of Spain

The summer blues hit hard as the UAE’s scorching weather drives us indoors to escape the heat. But hey, what better time to revamp your home and create a living space that reflects your unique style? Incorporating ceramic tiles into your design is an easy and effective way to achieve this. With their immense versatility, wide range of colours and patterns, Spanish ceramics are the perfect addition to any space this summer. Here are four hot trends you can incorporate using ceramics this summer.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Well-being is the name of the game this year! As awareness grows about the importance of physical and mental health, architects and interior designers are looking to extend this care into homes.

Transforming our homes to reflect the outside world is not only aesthetically stunning but also positively impacts our health. While adding plants is the obvious choice, this trend takes it a step further. Let natural light cascade into the rooms while the soothing flow of water in fountains or aquariums echo. Implement earth tones with a fresh coat of paint or furniture in shades of greens and browns. For those looking to elevate this immersive experience, an easy solution is incorporating ceramic tiles. Spanish ceramics come in a variety of colours, patterns, textures, formats and finishes, inspiring you to create unique compositions that replicate the diverse elements found outdoors. Add flooring that mimics marble for a luxurious aesthetic or wood to truly step into nature. Bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home with tiles in blue and emerald tones, vibrant greens or warm shades of orange and terracotta to implement scenic elements like water, clouds or forests. Ceramics are highly durable and maintaining them is a breeze. They require minimal repair and in a home filled with heavy plant pots that will be dragged and watered, ceramic flooring is the best choice as they are both scratch and water resistant.

Wellness Focused

We spend the majority of our lives indoors, making it important to create a space that nurtures overall well-being. The design of our homes can significantly influence our mental and physical health. Dedicate a specific area in your home for an activity of your liking such as a cosy reading nook or a gaming zone. Personalise it by designing it in a way that reflects your personality and turn it into a space where you can truly unwind. Did you know that just looking at art can reduce stress levels? Why not dedicate a wall to display your favourite paintings or, even better, piece together a breathtaking mural with ceramic tiles?

Imagine walking into a cluttered room – instant mood killer, right? It’s important to create a space with proper natural light and fresh air flow. Given the UAE’s intense heat, we’re all about closing windows and cranking up the AC, which makes indoor air quality even more crucial. Unlike synthetic materials, Spanish ceramic tiles are non-toxic and don’t emit harmful chemicals. They’re hypoallergenic, don’t collect dust, and are germ-resistant. Healthy living, here we come!

The Dopamine Decor

Step into a room and let your mind soar. Named after the “happy hormone”, this decor is a celebration of colours. The best part of this trend is there is no right or wrong way to do it, lean into what brings you the most joy and express them through bold colours and unique patterns and playful textures. Colours have the power to evoke specific emotions, with warm hues create a feeling of energy and excitement, while cool tones induce calmness and relaxation. Each design in this trend is one of a kind, as it offers limitless creative freedom to craft a space that expresses your unique personality.

Although it might seem simple, executing this decor requires a thoughtful approach in deciding the placement of each element and ensuring they all harmonise to provide an aesthetically pleasing result. Spanish ceramics offer unmatched versatility, making them the perfect additions for this trend. Experiment with colour mixing by combining brightly coloured tiles to achieve a striking effect. Consider incorporating tiles adorned with eye-catching graphics or patterns that reflect your unique personality. If you are looking for a more refined look, opt for colour blocking a wall with uniformly placed ceramic tiles of the same colour. For some added fun, include tiles with tactile textures using raised patterns or 3D effects to create hands-on interactions, bringing in a sense of playfulness to the design.

Green Living

Dubai’s Wasl Tower is set to be the most sustainable tower in the city, highlighting UAE’s perseverance in developing urban planning policies that preserve the environment.This symbol of sustainability is adorned in elegant ceramic features, making it the tallest ceramic facades in the world. The use of ceramics in this tower not only adds to its overall aesthetic, but also shades and illuminates the tower’s interiors with natural light.

Our well-being is only as good as the environment we live in. Sustainability is not only a trend but the need of the hour. However, this design not only supports the environment but also improves our state of living. Sustainability in design is characterised by the principles of creating environmentally responsible and aesthetically pleasing spaces. This decor can be achieved by using renewable, recyclable and biodegradable materials. Spanish ceramic tiles are 100% natural, made from abundantly available raw materials like clay and water. Incorporating them into designs elevates the aesthetics of the living space while promoting the usage of long-lasting recyclable materials.

As we navigate our busy lives, self-care and mental wellness often take a back seat. So, let’s prioritise these aspects by creating environments that enhance our health and well-being. Embrace these trends and make your home a haven of style and tranquillity this summer!