Digital Tiles- Ceramic Art for Walls [Mar 2012]

Spaces reflect lifestyle and walls play a vital role in accentuating the appeal of a space; residential or commercial. Wall decor can have a great impact on home interiors. Tiles are now playing an increasingly important role in defining the look of homes; not just on bathroom floors, but even on walls in living area, facade etc. The usage of tiles today is not only restricted to kitchen and bathroom but it is now used in non-conventional places like your living rooms, bedrooms, restaurants, pubs, malls, offices etc.
Trends in home interiors designing has been constantly evolving and people are ready to reinvent as well. Changing the concept of tiles as it existed; digitally printed tiles are very much in vogue as they give a unique look to the walls by transforming a dull painted wall into stunning artwork. With unlimited designs possibilities, sharper finishes and high resolution printing; Digital Tiles is now becoming ceramic art for the walls. Created based on principles and procedures similar to those used in graphic art work, digitally printed tiles offer photo like high resolution impressions on ceramic tiles.
Digital tiles are now seen to come with greater definition, richer colours and almost inimitable designs. Today’s customer is more experimental and industry players are taking a lot more risk. Bright, vibrant and cheerful designs on digitally printed tiles are now being used in living rooms, bedrooms & conference spaces as wall focal pieces, moving away from being used in the regular kitchen and bathroom area.
The use of High Definition printing on curves & edges capturing detailing on every molecule of the tile surface creates a virtually seamless digital canvas in almost any size or shape. The Digital Concept is an innovative digital printing technology for ceramic surfaces, which is based on principles and procedures similar to those used in graphic work. With a photo like finish, Digital Tiles create an astounding effect on walls, and are appropriate for use in any and all spaces for a spectacular visual. The tiles can be customised also as per the choices. Few people want their faces on tiles or the impressions of their hand or feet on the tiles. It can be done through transfer printing technology.
According to Sanjeev Ranjan, Dy G.M. – Marketing at Somany Ceramics Limited, “With consumer priorities changing, tile finishes and aesthetics have climbed up in criteria for choosing the product”. For instance, the technology of capturing the visual essence like wood and stone of natural aesthetics, and duplicating their effects is the hottest trend. Tiles with the natural finish of marble and wood are most sought after. Tiles with metallic textures and patterns embossed in gold, silver, bronze, copper or steel are hot in high-end luxury homes that prefer an opulent look.
“Depending on what the customer is looking for, tiles are optimal wall and floor solutions. They enhance more than spaces, they accentuate lifestyle”, Mr. Ranjan concludes.

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