Unique and Uncommon Looks in Tile & Stone
to Debut at Coverings 2006

The tile and stone industry is in high-octane mode as Coverings 2006 quickly approaches. More than 1,200 exhibitors from all corners of the world are readying and perfecting their lineup of product innovations and concepts for debut April 4-7 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. The show will play host to an anticipated 32,000 tile and stone professionals from more than 56 countries. It’s no wonder Coverings is referred to as the ultimate showplace for the newest, the latest and the most important developments in tile, natural stone and machinery. It is also is valued as a portal to new and increased business opportunities for every segment of the industry—architects, designers, installers, distributors, retailers, contractors, fabricators and manufacturers.

“It’s industry consensus that Coverings is unlike any other show and the only ‘must attend’ event for tile and stone industry professionals,” said Tamara Christian, president, National Trade Productions and Coverings show director. “This is where design trends and technology breakthroughs emerge, buyer-seller relationships are forged, and education and learning are imparted—all in equal measure and in a lively atmosphere. It’s an impressive and exhilarating experience which has a lasting impact on anyone who attends.”

When the doors to the show floor open this year, what can attendees expect to see? Here is just a sampling of some highlights of the unique and uncommon products that are due to debut.

Miles and Miles of Ceramic Tile…
The sheer number of tile resources at Coverings—from major name manufacturers to boutique artisans—is astounding, and most will be taking the wraps off new, seen-here-first styles. A common denominator for many of the introductions is the fusion of cutting-edge technologies with a design aesthetic that yields inventive new forms, colors, textures and
finishes.

Artflor, Inc. (Booth A6) will showcase a hybrid-concrete tile line with textures, inlays and color effects never before seen in the industry. The new collection reflects the company’s expertise in pioneering the architectural concrete industry and its engineering of groundbreaking tile technology. www.artflor.net.

Azuvi (Booth 1914), a Spanish manufacturer of glazed porcelain tiles, will showcase its newest series Shape, part of the Performance collection. It is ideal for exterior facade applications. www.azuvi.com.

Cerdomus (Booth 5025) will be launching Sculpture, an imaginative design from renowned Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The collection's corrugated surface can be laid vertically or horizontally on interior or exterior walls, resulting in a dramatic visual effect. www.cerodomus.com.

Clay Décor, LLC (Booth A9), an artisan company that creates distinctive works of art for elegant home décor, will introduce a new line of elliptical-shaped tiles at the show. The Aurelia collection promises to deliver big design impact in both scale and shape unique to the tile industry. The tiles, available in all of Clay Décor’s 12 distinct finish colors, will feature an elaborate leaf-like center design surrounded by graceful curved elements that complement the elliptical curve of the tile itself. www.clay-décor.com.

Coem/Fioranese (Booth 5430) will showcase the Chiaroscuro collection. From damask patterns to Asian-inspired floral motifs, the patterns in this line play with the contrast between light and dark. www.coem.it.

Cotto D'Este (Booth 5420) will be exhibiting a revolutionary collection called Kerlite, enriched with Zirconium particles which allow the piece to radiate in the light. Available in six colors - sand, lake, snow, steel, smoke and night, and three sizes, the line offers a wide range of possibilities. www.cottodeste.it.

Crossville, Inc. (Booth 2800) will feature two new series at Coverings including Journey and NOW. Available in three earthen tones, Journey combines the best of nature with the most advanced Porcelain Stone® manufacturing technologies to create a level of realism never before offered. The NOW Series mimics nature’s own handiwork with the most advanced double-press porcelain tile manufacturing techniques, resulting in a crisply refined stone look perfect for minimalist designs. www.crossvilleinc.com.

Dunis Studios (Booths 3042, 3143) will be exhibiting several notable new collections. Authentic Spanish Tile is a series of imported decorative tiles and murals from Seville, Spain. Hand-Glazed Bricks is a beautiful Arts and Crafts-inspired group in 63 hand-applied colors. Industrial building supplies influenced the creation of Modern Surfaces, an ultra-modern style. Dichroic Fused Glass is the epitome of high-tech: glass tiles coated with micro-thin layers of titanium, silicon and magnesium which result in a iridescent finish. www.dunisstudios.com.

Eco Ceramica (Booth 5438) will introduce New Liberty, a marriage of color, pattern and Celtic-inspired designs. www.ecoceramiche.com.

El Barco (Booth 2336) is bringing several designs from Spain that will have their debut. The Earth Collection features two distinctively rustic patterns, Vulcano and Provenza that are available in six different colorways and three sizes, both with companion hand-cut mosaic trims. The ceramic tiles can be used in wall, floor and countertop installations for kitchen or bath. www.elbarco.com.

Etruria Design (Booth 4716) will debut two new designs at Coverings. The Optical collection features beveled wall tiles, while the Haring collection is reminiscent of the designs of 80's pop art icon Keith Haring. These additions join an exciting repertoire of over 16,000 designs. www.eturiadesign.com.

Emilceramica (Booth 4418) takes its cues from the runway this season, debuting the Fashion collection at Coverings. The chromatic range includes four colors ¬— light, soft, smart and minimal. Also to be shown are decorative strips and a complete range of trim pieces. The Madison distinctive black and white pattern depicting blooming botanicals. www.emilceramic.it.

Florida Tile Industries, Inc. (Booth 3100) is adding several newcomers to its portfolio including Horizon, a fine glazed porcelain floor tile with stunning visual appeal reminiscent of the Nepalese landscape. Pinecrest is a glazed porcelain with the look and feel of natural sandstone. Stonehenge is a rustic glazed porcelain with slightly chiseled edges and distressed surface area.
www.floridatile.com.

Graniti Fiandre (Booth 418) will be introducing GeoDiamond Textured, a tile embedded with tiny, sparkling metal embellishments. NewGround, a superior alternative to stained concrete, can be used on interior and exterior floors and walls without the need for stains, waxes, sealants, or coatings. NewStone employs a new technology that allows slabs to be formed into right angle curves without seams or grout lines. www.granitifiandreusa.com.

Impronta Italgraniti (Booth 5042) is adding the Rhus Le Leche collection to its existing line of exquisite designs. The series, reminiscent of woodblock art from the Edo period, is available in four colors with names that pay homage to imperial dynasties - Han (white), Song (black) and Tang (red). www.improntaitalgraniti.com.

Inalco (Booth 2616) will debut the Oppalo series, available in such fresh colors as Naranja (orange), Verde (green), Frambuesa (raspberry) and Azul (blue). Each color features a lighter and darker version, which mix nicely with its complementary lines of crystal borders. Also new at Coverings is Maderas, a line of beautiful, wood-grained tiles. www.inalco.es.

Iris Group (Booth 3205) will be launching MA.DE (Materials and Design), a contemporary series that includes three distinct textures: a three-dimensional waffle-grid structure; a rattan pattern; and, a smooth sleek metallic. Deluxe also is one to watch, representing a successful marriage of porcelain manufacturing, cutting edge technologies and contemporary Italian design. Also on display will be four designs from Fabbrica Marmi E Graniti (FMG). www.irisus.com.

Lea Ceramiche (Booth 4640) is adding the Studies line to its extensive portfolio. Developed by Diego Grandi, Elle Decor Italia's Young Designer of the Year, Studies is sandblased tile. Included in the series are such fresh patterns as Scratch, Seed, Route, Knit, Plan, Grid and Outline. www.ceramichelea.it.

Mediterranea (Meeting Suite 4) will show several of its new artistic tile creations including Indian Trace, a glazed porcelain produced in Argentina which emulates the look of real stone. Cottage, a wood look, is reminiscent of a weathered beach cottage. The Vatican Collection features both unique shading and color found in timeless Renaissance works of art. Affresco pays tribute to the original hues found in the frescos of Venice (beige), Florence (grey), Verona (gold) and Rome (terracotta). www.mediterranea-usa.com.

Oceanside Glass Tile (Booth 3222), a world leader in the design and production of handcrafted luxury glass tile, will debut Facets.™ This sparkling new line of intricately detailed borders and field tile patterns features gem-like mini glass tiles as small as 1/2-inch square. www.glasstile.com.

Florim Cermiche S.P.A. (Booth 5006) will showcase the Ma Touche Collection. This line of fine porcelain stoneware is offered in four faux textures imitating leather, elephant and crocodile skin, and three colorways: Ivoire, Tabac and Charbon. www.rex-cerart.it.

Roca (Booth 1035) will feature the Norway series at Coverings 2006. This porcelain tile, available in six colorways, can be combined to create unique effects. A wide range of decorative inserts also are part of the collection. www.roca-tile.com.

Venus (Booth 2400) will introduce Medusa to its existing Scandal Touch Collection. The leopard-inspired tile, available in Red Amour, Brown Hypnotic and Blue Feeling, complements other lines in the existing Venus collection, including Decor, Idol and Oh La La. www.venusceramica.com.

Impressive Entries in Stone…
Stone exhibitors who are headed to Coverings are armed with new and highly innovative products. There’s a significant amount of “wow” factor in their arsenal, with unexpected color options plus styles for interiors, exteriors—and even for the fabrication of furniture.

Antolini Luigi & C. (Booth 4185) is coming from Italy with a North American introduction of its Semiprecious and Gemstone Collections—the look of Lapis Lazuli, Green Malachite and other rare and special stones in slab format. In the Lifestyle section of its display, its stone (the company carries over 850 different types) will be fashioned into furniture. www.antolini.it.

Mosaico Italiano (Booth 2440) will feature its new Luxor Granite Mosaic. With over 40 granite mosaic materials to choose from, this product line provides a refreshing alternative to kitchen and bar backsplashes, by offering granite mosaics to match today’s most popular granite countertops. www.mosaicitaliano.com.

Sandrarra Mosaics/Alexander Imports International (Booth 254) will debut a number of exciting new products. Combinations include stone and metal, stone and glass, and metal and glass. A collection of glass mosaic floor medallions suitable for residential applications will be spotlighted. Also look for lightweight composite tiles made from a process fusing marble and granite tiles with a thin substrate. www.sandrarramosaics.com.

StoneImpressions (Booth 4245), a manufacturer of fine murals, borders, accents and trims, specializes in hand-printed, high-quality images on natural stone. New at Coverings will be a line called Deco Wash Accents, featuring colors such as auburn, grass, orchid, terra cotta, bark, dijon, azure and ocean. www.stoneimpressions.com.

For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP at 703.683.8500.