As we enter the season of light when many are celebrating the warmth of family gatherings, we may find ourselves cozy around a fireplace or hanging our stockings by the chimney with care. More than any other time of the year, the fireplace takes prominence as we display decorations and greetings from friends and family — our hearth becomes the heart of our home.
The traditional brick or stone fireplace now has innovative and upscale cousins, designed with ceramic tile. Within the North American pavilion at Coverings 2019, you will discover contemporary fireplace facings with large format gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs, as well as artisan and glass tiles that showcase one-of-a-kind installation opportunities.
The durability and fire-resistance of ceramic tile make it an ideal design surface for all types of fireplaces. Additionally, frost resistant ceramic tile options allow for exterior fireplace designs (as well as pizza ovens, barbecues, and fire pits!) in outdoor living spaces that withstand all climates and temperatures. So, while we may cocoon inside by the fireplace on a snowy evening, an exterior fireplace extends the seasons for enjoying an outdoor living area.
As texture continues to be a strong design trend, Coverings 2019 will offer over nine miles of ceramic tile options in surface texture as varied as wood-looks to linen, and layout inspiration from mosaics to the latest in large formats. Consumers that are building or renovating will seek designers and architects who can take these innovations and create a custom reflection of their personal style that will also add value to their property. Likewise, commercial properties are experiencing a rise in demand for distinguishing features such as fireplaces that create home environments for units in multi-family properties and also fireplaces used in community gathering areas, inside and out.
The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicts steady growth in remodeling projects for 2019. As existing homes are refreshed, the fireplace offers a focal point for a room’s design (multiple rooms in an open floor plan) and influences the design of gathering spaces for the entire home. Because the fireplace hearth and surround may have a relatively small surface area, it can be a place to splurge with materials and/or innovation to coordinate with a larger renovation plan. Or, as a focal point, a fireplace upgrade can serve as a solitary project that becomes an economical renovation with a big design punch.
Coverings 2019 attendees have the unique opportunity to see hundreds of installation designs throughout show. Moreover, the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation will present four Installation & Design Experience vignettes in the North American Pavilion that give insight to understanding the ceramic tile application process, which is key to inspiring unlimited possibilities.
Explore WhyTile.com’s Fireplace Application Tool for the benefits of ceramic tile in a fireplace installation and light the fire of your imagination with ideas you can pursue at Coverings 2019 in Orlando, Florida, April 9-12. It’s a *hot* ticket; just register at coverings.com for your FREE entrance.
