Cersaie product review 2008.

The 26th edition of Cersaie, the international exhibition of ceramic tiles and bathroom furnishings, recently took place in Bologna, Italy. Although the event timeframe was pressed against a world financial crisis, attendance figures did not disappoint nor did the efforts brought forth by those exhibiting.

When touring the halls, very little evidence gave way that the turnout this year was at 84,537, an 8% decrease from its more than 90,000 visitors in 2007. In fact, the exhibit space was increased by approximately 215,000 square feet to a record total of almost 1.9 million square feet. According to show organizers, "not only was this additional space fully booked several months in advance; it also allowed for participation by a record 1,074 exhibitors from 34 different countries, including 230 from abroad." Additionally, international presence rose to 25,675, which accounted for more than 30% of the total professional attendees--a first for the show.

It was clear that manufacturers were hard at work, eloquently showcasing their latest products. From handmade tiles to ones developed through the most advanced technology, a broad range of styles could be found at this year's show--suitable for any market.

Below is just a sampling of the many new product lines that were featured at Cersaie 2008:

A PixALL, a new collection from Sicis--in its colorful, numberless decorative and chromatic varieties, takes life on a computer screen. At the click of a mouse, graphic software and a healthy dose of creativity define textures using mosaic tesserae at the place of pixels--the tiny dots composing the video images, according to the manufacturer. PixALL is a representation of the fragmentation of digital surfaces: motifs and decors propose the jagged effect typical of the video art, when seen at close-up. Its themes are the huge flowers, the stripes and the geometries of the Murano, Glimmer, Iridium and Colibri collections. The new decors result from the combination of square elements 11.6 inches wide, composed by schemes of 4, 9, 12, 16, 25 and 36 square modules. Circle No. 95

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B Palladio from TAU is a polished porcelain tile, which has been created by means of a complex technical process. Austere, elegant, with a classic yet very avant-garde style, Palladio is an exclusive product, ideal for refined, impeccably sophisticated atmospheres, reports the manufacturer. Tiles in the Palladio collection have a distinctive marbled nature, although their aesthetic finish is the result of the technical and artistic treatment of fossilized stone, which in this case has served as its source of inspiration. Likewise, the surface of each piece has thousands of fine gold inlays, which sparkle with golden highlights in the light's reflection. The result is a smooth balanced blend of natural veins, contrasts, tones and ever-changing chromatic shades. Palladio has been developed in six colors, which can all be combined with each other, hence multiplying the finish options. Circle No. 96