Architectural Record
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Subscribe
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Architectural Record
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Awards
    • Interviews
    • Obituaries
    • Podcasts
      • Design:Ed Podcast
      • Sponsored Podcasts
  • OPINION
    • Book Reviews / Excerpts
    • Exhibition Reviews
    • Forum
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Videos
    • Design Vanguard
    • Top 300 Firms
    • Sponsored Content
    • Sponsored eBooks
    • From the Archives
  • CONTINUING ED
    • Editorial Continuing Ed
    • CE Center
    • CE Academies
  • PROJECTS
    • Buildings By Type
    • Reuse & Renovation
    • Museums & Arts Centers
    • Colleges & Universities
    • Multifamily Housing
    • Interiors
    • Lighting
    • Kitchen & Bath
  • HOUSES
    • Record Houses
    • House of the Month
    • Featured Houses
  • PRODUCTS
    • Products by Category
    • Record Products of the Year
    • Latest Products
  • EVENTS
    • Dates & Events
    • Record on the Road
    • Innovation Conference
    • Sustainability in Practice
    • Women In Architecture
    • Webinars
    • Ad Excellence Awards
    • Submit an Event
  • CONNECT
    • Ask RECORD AI
    • Newsletters
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Store
    • Customer Service
  • SUBMIT
    • Submission Guidelines
    • RECORD Competitions
  • MAGAZINE
    • Subscribe
    • My Account
    • Digital Edition
    • Current Issue
    • Firm Pass
    • Historic Archive
Architecture NewsArchitecture ProductsTile & Stone

Top Trends from Coverings 2021

By Kara Mavros
Coverings 2021 trends

Grupo Lamosa is the largest ceramic manufacturer in the world and won the "Overall Best in Show" Best Booth Award this year.

Photo © Architectural Record

July 12, 2021
✕
Image in modal.

After a Covid-induced hiatus last year, Coverings returned to Orlando on July 7–9 for its 2021 edition. The annual tile and stone exhibition, though smaller than in years past, hosted over 325 exhibitors and nearly 10,000 attendees. According to the Tile Council of North America, U.S. ceramic tile consumption in 2020 was down 3.5% from 2019, mostly due to changes in imports from China, but that figure is trending upward in 2021, and Spain has replaced China as the largest importer of ceramic product to the U.S.  

On the show floor, manufacturers and distributors unveiled myriad new formats and patterns inspired by the soothing effects of nature, setting the trends for a post-pandemic world, many of which overlap. 


Green tile trend.

Metallica by Viva (Color: Green Lux) / Ceramics of Italy

Green
Green is back in a big way. Everything from saturated emerald to softer mint and sage hues were showcased in ways that made them seem like neutrals. Color trends cycle in and out over the years, but this one seems like it will be evergreen.  


Soft tile textures.

D'Autore by Natucer / Tile of Spain

Soft textures 
3D tiles, with texture and dimension, have been popular for some time now, but muted textures in soft colors create a calming effect. Manufacturers have noticed consumers’ desire to create sanctuary-like environments—especially in kitchens and bathrooms—and have given them plenty of tactile surfaces in neutral shades to choose from.


flecked effect trend.

The new Argillae collection by APE Grupo is designed by architect Luigi Romanelli.

Photo © Architectural Record

Flecked effect
As one of the bolder trends, flecked, terrazzo-like tiles—composites of natural materials pressed into the porcelain—create a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. This reinterpretation of the classic, more labor-intensive material looks especially sleek in larger format applications on floors and countertops.


XL tile trend.

Plane 2.0 by StonepeakCeramics / Tile Council of North America

XL
As with most trends, tile sizes have cycled in and out of style throughout the years. Right now, large-format porcelain panels on walls, floors, and countertops are popular for the clean, stone-like feel and continuity they provide with far fewer maintenance issues. On the trade show floor, we saw slabs measuring up to 15 feet in length.


Biophilia trend.

Berlin collection by Dune / Tile of Spain

Biophilia
In an effort to design interiors that connect with natural elements—especially after the 15 months we all spent in our homes—we’re seeing a surge in biophilia-inspired wall and flooring tiles. Wood look porcelain maintains its popularity—as it is less expensive, easier to care for, and more durable than traditional wood flooring—as well as organic shapes, textures, and variegated colors. 
 

Looking for quick answers on architecture and design topics?
Try Ask RECORD, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask RECORD →

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Kara Mavros is a former associate editor at Architectural Record.

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Subscription Center
  • Create an Account
  • Start a Subscription
  • Manage My Account
  • Sign Up for Newsletters
  • Visit Customer Service
  • Update Preferences

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Architectural Record audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Architectural Record or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • cold storage facility
    Sponsored byCarlisle SynTec Systems

    How Architects Can Design More Continuous Cold Storage Envelopes

  • TAMLYN XtremeTrim Exterior Trim
    Sponsored byTamlyn

    Designing Cleaner Panel Facades: Why Exterior Trim Details Matter

  • Building with Vapor Barriers
    Sponsored byReef Industries, Inc.

    Vapor Barriers Help Control Moisture in Tighter Building Designs

DESIGN:ED Podcast
Listen to Architectural Record’s DESIGN:ED Podcast

Events

June 18, 2026

Rebooting the Aging Office Building

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 ICC CEU; 1 PDH

Explore façade retrofit strategies and award-winning design concepts that can transform aging office buildings into healthier, higher-performing workplaces for today’s hybrid workforce.

June 23, 2026

Enhancing Fire Resistance with Advanced PVC Solutions

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 ICC CEU; 1 IIBEC CEH

Evaluate advanced PVC solutions that improve fire resistance, support WUI compliance, and enhance resilience in residential and commercial building design.

View All Submit An Event

Products

2026 Architect's Square Foot Costbook

2026 Architect's Square Foot Costbook

See More Products

Popular Stories

SanDiegoAirport

Top 300 Architecture Firms of 2026

Coronado Bridge

The Architect’s Guide to San Diego

Lorcan O' Herilhy

California Architect Lorcan O’Herlihy Has Died, Age 66

CCA, Studio Gang

The Winners of the AIA’s 2026 Architecture Award Range from Collegiate Rowing Hubs to Housing for the Homeless

Dusk House

Design Vanguard 2026: ONO

Rebooting the Aging Office Building - Free Webinar - June 18, 2026

Related Articles

  • Coverings 2024 Products

    Coverings 2024: New Trends in Tile and Stone

    See More
  • Coverings Trade Show 2026 Products

    Highlights from the 2026 Edition of Coverings in Las Vegas

    See More
  • Coverings 2023 Highlights from the Global Tile and Stone Show

    Coverings 2023: Highlights from the Global Tile and Stone Show

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • GlobalData_logo_blue_header.png

    Construction in the US - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2023

See More Products
×

The latest news and information

#1 Source for Architectural Design, News and Products

SUBSCRIBE
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Submit
    • Store
  • ACCOUNT CENTER
    • Create an Account
    • Start a Subscription
    • Manage My Account
    • Sign Up for Newsletters
    • Visit Customer Service
    • Update Preferences
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing