Sensi by Matteo Thun

Sensi by Matteo Thun is a tactile porcelain collection with subtle, natural tones.

The collaboration between Italian architecture firm Matteo Thun & Partners and renowned tile manufacturer Florim, has produced a collection that combines nature with the power of innovation.

Sensi Lithos White by Matteo Thun

Nature and Innovation Unite

Developed with consideration to its environmental impact, this collection is made of natural raw materials and 60% of recycled materials - the result of up to 100% sustainable production process, both in terms of water consumption and self-generated electricity.

Decorative mosaics also feature in the Sensi collection, and are made from the recycled glass screens of TV’s and PC’s. The handmade nature of the mosaics means every single chip is different, creating a dynamic surface.

Sensi is available in 5 organic tones, 4 beautiful textures - Dust & Fossil (Matte), Lithos (Textured), Sand (Exterior) - and multiple sizes. Lead times apply on some tiles.

Visit us today to experience the tactile wonder that is the Sensi collection.

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White Dust

White Fossil

White Lithos

White Sand

White Mosaic

Ivory Dust

Ivory Fossil

Ivory Lithos

Ivory Sand

Ivory Mosaic

Grey Dust

Grey Fossil

Grey Lithos

Grey Sand

Grey Mosaic

Taupe Dust

Taupe Fossil

Taupe Lithos

Taupe Sand

Taupe Mosaic

Brown Dust

Brown Fossil

Brown Lithos

Brown Sand

Brown Mosaic

Trend Report | Cersaie 2021

For what has felt like a lifetime between exhibitions, the 38th International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, Cersaie, finally had the opportunity to open its doors and welcome visitors and exhibitors in person since 2019. The exhibition ran over five days from 27 September to 1 October, and saw a total of 623 companies showcasing their new collections to a total of 62,943 visitors.

As much as I wish I were one of the 24,019 international visitors present this year, I was more than happy to scroll through Instagram daily to catch a glimpse of the hottest trends from the tile and bathware world. While I’m not sure which of these beautiful products we’ll be privy to here in Australia, I wanted to take you through some of the standout themes to keep an eye out for.

Imagine by La Fabricca Image: Courtesy of FAP Ceramiche

Floral motifs

There’s nothing inherently new about tiles with floral motifs. However, each year, tile manufacturers take designs to the next level, and a pandemic wasn’t going to dim the light on their brilliance.

One of my favourite expressions of floral design showcased at Cersaie is ‘Imagine’ by La Fabrica. Each design features a variation of exotic plants in different colours and textures on thin slabs of porcelain for a dramatic effect. With this collection, La Fabrica has achieved wallpaper-like aesthetics with the durability of porcelain.

Mystic by Ceramica Sant’Agostino Image: Courtesy of Ceramica Sant’Agostino

Stone interpretations

Another constant in the tile design realm is natural stone-look porcelain. I can’t even begin to describe how many times my jaw hit the floor when I saw some of the collections. Some interpretations looked so real; it was hard to believe they were porcelain tiles.

‘Mystic’ by Ceramica Sant’Agostino caught my eye, and it was love at first sight. Inspired by the essence of marble, each graphic face of Mystic is a piece of art and captures the beauty and intricacies of natural stone.

Infinite Majesty by Masquespacio x Roca Tile Image: Gregory Abbate

Decorative features      

Cersaie also highlighted the versatility of porcelain, with many manufacturers showcasing bathware and decorative pieces constructed entirely of porcelain stoneware. Spain’s Roca Tiles took three of their stunning tile collections and transformed them into a sculptural masterpiece.

Through a collaboration with creative studio, Masquespacio, they created a collection of small sculptural and furniture pieces as part of their installation. Aptly named ‘Infinite Majesty’, the collection features polychromatic spheres, cylinders, cones, and prisms. But most importantly, the installation reminds us that porcelain can go beyond its traditional applications on floors and walls.

Cersaie 2021 was certainly a success (in my eyes anyway). Now, please help me manifest a world where these collections land in our showroom soon!

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 16 October 2021

What’s the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?

Deciding between porcelain and ceramic tiles looms over every customer when it’s time to redo their bathroom, kitchen, splashback, or tile any other room in the home. However, to most consumers, porcelain and ceramic mean virtually the same thing. While they technically are, there are some elements that separate them from each other. So, allow us to guide you through the real differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles.

High-quality Italian porcelain tiles Product: 600x1200 Opulence Eccentric

Why do People Confuse Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?

Like with everything in the industry, building materials are constantly evolving and improving with technological advancements; and the treatment of porcelain and ceramic tiles has been no different.

For many years, ceramic tiles were the preferred option for tiling floors for their easy installation. But as tile manufacturing advanced, people were introduced to porcelain tiles, the alternative material with a much higher price tag. This left people wondering (and still does); if porcelain and ceramic tiles are used for the same applications and installed with the same methods, why should I pay more for porcelain?

Ceramic floor tile Product: 450x450 Lexicon White

How They’re Made

The major differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles boil down to the process of making them. Porcelain tiles are made with a special, high-density clay, fired at a high temperature, and glazed with a liquified glass coating. Ceramic tiles are made with a coarser clay fired at a lower temperature and then glazed.

Due to the differences in density, porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles – making them the preferable option for high-traffic commercial applications.

The other difference to understand is the way in which they’re finished. Porcelain tiles have straight, rectified edges which means they can be installed with tighter grout lines to create the illusion of a seamless surface. Ceramic tiles come with cushion or rolled edge which requires larger grout lines between tiles.

Similarly, high-quality porcelain tiles feature more intricate and realistic prints to replicate natural stone and concrete surfaces, while ceramic tiles are manufactured with basic glazing patterns with less variation.

Italian-made travertine-look tiles with a rectified edge Product: 600x1200 Reverso Beige

Factors to Consider When Selecting Tiles

When you’re selecting tiles for your next bathroom, kitchen, or renovation project, you should firstly consider the scale of your project, aesthetic, and budget.

Most entry-level builder’s selections will allow a budget for ceramic tiles for their affordability and easy installation. If you’re building your dream home and want to invest a little more into your finishes, porcelain tiles are the perfect solution.

Concrete-look porcelain tiles Product: 600x600 Trust Grey

Doing the Best for Your Project

 There you have it, friends; the real difference between porcelain vs. ceramic tiles explained. Geelong Tiles & Bathware has a huge selection of porcelain and ceramic designer tiles that will elevate the look of your new space. Book in a selection with our designers, who will take the time to understand your needs and find the best material and tile design for your project.

The Beauty of Parquetry

An art that dates back to 16th century France, parquetry flooring has been described by some as the superior flooring choice. Versatile, timeless, and equally contemporary, parquetry flooring pays homage to history and creates a sense of grandeur with every application.

Seen in various patterns and forms, traditional parquetry flooring was formed with individual wood blocks in varying sizes and colours laid in different geometric patterns. Although mostly featured in grand European palaces and chateaux, more and more people are opting to add personality to their homes with parquetry flooring.   

Timeless design

From parquet de Versailles, to chevron and herringbone patterns, the timelessness of parquetry flooring makes it suitable for any style of home. From elaborate estates, to minimalist apartments, and country farmhouses, parquetry has the ability to elevate any space, bringing with it beauty and a sense of warmth.

Arguably one of the most popular parquetry designs today, the herringbone pattern creates a real statement. Our customers love our Everwood European Oak Provincial Parquetry herringbone flooring range, and it has brought us so much joy to see this timeless art form feature in their homes.

Everwood European Oak Provincial Parquetry in ‘Hickory’

Parquetry through the eyes of new technology

While natural timber is the preferred source for parquetry flooring, advances in technology have allowed for tile manufacturers to explore the beauty of the craft by creating tiled alternatives. And boy have they nailed it.

With the appearance and texture of genuine timber, you would be mistaken thinking these creations are the real deal. What makes porcelain parquetry-look tiles even more incredible, is the durability they will serve in your home or commercial fitout. You won’t need to worry about scratching, staining, or the need to sand-back – they’re porcelain and basically maintenance free.

Chevron porcelain parquetry tiles

The right parquetry for you

Whether you want to keep it traditional and natural, or low-maintenance and porcelain, we have the right style of parquetry flooring to suit you and your project. Visit our showroom for more inspiration and guidance – we’re here to make your design dreams a reality.

Keeping Ancient Traditions Alive Through Tiles

History has a great way of repeating itself through art, and never has this been more apparent than in the design and creation of porcelain tiles. With new technologies and talented creatives at the helm, these tiles continue to push the boundaries by reintroducing ancient practices into the 21st century.

We’re pretty lucky here at GT&B to have access to some of the world’s most daring, innovative, and timeless tile collections from around the world. And to think we can take a piece of ancient European history and place it in our contemporary homes on the other side of the world is incredible – and we love it.

Pulling from the brilliant minds of craftspeople before us, today’s tile designers have the ability to take us back into the heart of these places, allowing us to experience the grandeur of what once was (and likely still is).

A tribute to the timeless beauty of Venetian floors 

Inspired by an art practiced since ancient times, NEWDECÒ celebrates the beauty of Venice’s terrazzo-laden floors. An emblem of elegance and refined design, NEWDECÒ gives a glimpse into high society and noble Venetian palaces, embodying all the traditions of timeless design. Now if you’re anything like us, you’re already transporting yourself into one of these palaces, marvelling in the beauty…and sipping on a prosecco.

Available in both natural and polished finishes, the six body colours are faithful to the tradition of Venetian laying and range from light, grey, orange, and dark variants. Two décor designs complement the body tiles and can be laid on the floor or wall to create a striking feature.

The large and chunky coloured fragments that make up the décor tile’s terrazzo pattern are a real-life dream. The creative combinations are not only sophisticated, but they make a scenic impact and would make anyone ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at first glance. You should have seen us when the samples arrived in the showroom!

Maintenance-free application

You can have these glorious maintenance-free tiles in your home without the hassle of needing to seal them. Unlike natural stone or terrazzo, NEWDECÒ is surface resistant to wear from foot traffic, stains, and light – making it the perfect material for applications in the home, commercial spaces, or hospitality venues.

We don’t know about you, but these tiles are our newest obsession and we invite you to check them out with your own eyes by visiting our showroom. NEWDECÒ is not a stocked item and must be ordered in from Italy, so lead-times will apply to this range – but we think it’s worth the wait.