Stylish and Affordable Tile Trends for 2008

Newcastle, 1 February 2008: Specialist tile company Earp Bros is excited to reveal the unique new tile trends for 2008.

Dazzling silvers, textured charcols and coppers, strong, moving colour palettes and glazed tiles reminiscent of translucent glass. These are the dominating new tile trends, which are leading the charge toward differentiation in the Australian ceramic market.

This year will see the increased availibilty of brightly coloured and metallic feature tiles, giving consumers more of an opportunity to experiment and add personality and flair to their spaces. According to Richard Earp, Joint Managing Director of Earp Bros, “In terms of colour, many features of the 70's are coming back. The Earp Bros range will include feature tiles with a strong, bright colour palette consisting of red, green, orange and blue.” It is not only the colour trends that are changing in the Australian market; the way feature tiles are used is also shifting. Entire walls and large panels behind vanities are being covered with feature tiles, rather than the horizonatal and vertical tile strips that have been popular in the past. In terms of textured tile products, momentum is growing in the Australian market and the extent of what is available has increased exponentially.

From tiles that look like wallpaper and stone to eco-friendly timber tiles, coconut mosaics and leather look wall tiles, consumers are faced with a bigger choice than ever. “The demand in Australia is definitely strongest for subtle embossed patterns and modern metallic textures,” commented Mr Earp. “The call for more organic products such as the Earp Bros eco friendly range of timber look tiles willl also increase throughout 2008.” Another important tile trend for this year is 'the bigger the better', with large format tiles only getting larger again this year.

The Earp Bros range will soon include tiles in sizes such as 80cm x 80cm and 120cm x 60cm. According to Mr Earp, “large format tiles can be used to give smaller areas the illusion of space and when layed will show less grout for a more streamlined and contemporary look.” While neutral colours and polished porcelains will continue to be a feature of the Australian market for some time to come, the increased availability of textured and colourful tile products are having a significant influence on the trends for 2008.

About Earp Bros Earp Bros is proud to be a leading Australian supplier of quality ceramic products. They operate in areas of retail, distribution, specification and installation for commercial, retail and artchitectural customers. Established for over 120 years, Earp Bros offer specialised solutions to suit all budgets and lifestyles, exceptional service and uncompromising quality.

For assistance with any media enquiry please or to arrange samples,

contact: Renee Howells Marketing Manager Earp Bros Tiles
Phone: +612 4925 4565
Email: reneeh@earp.com.au