HBL Analysis: Prints on hard surfaces

Thursday 22 December 2011

551 FL Bianco Carrara Lucidato by Q-BO, image via Strata Tiles
An increased desire for mixes of patterns within our homes has led to a trend in motifs being applied in new ways to hard surfaces such as glass, metal, wood and concrete. WGSN-homebuildlife documents some of the most interesting trends in hard patterns today.

Ceramic tiles for floor and wall coverings use both silk-screen and digital printing to create an array of surface designs that vary from simple graphic florals to digitally printed photo-real scenes.

Screen-printed wood flooring by Cathy Hoste; image via Betty's Revenge
Printed wood is not as commonplace for walls or floors, yet some companies and designers are experimenting with printing on to wood veneers and on to specific objects, such as chairs and lampshades.

Screen-printed concrete by Timorous Beasties at Graphic Relief
Silk-screen printed concrete remains mostly confined to recreating traditional Victorian tile patterns, yet some companies are experimenting with bare concrete surfaces and using different techniques. Graphic Relief has recreated Timorous Beasties' iconic textile prints in a dark and subtle tonal quality, alongside more pop art-inspired concrete tiles.

Subscribers can read the full report here.