Stockholm 2016: German designer Konstantin Grcic's debut range of tiles for ceramics brand Mutina feature embossed patterns, and contrasting matte and gloss surfaces (+ slideshow).
The Numi cement tiles feature partially glazed surfaces, decorated with a range of geometric and rounded shapes that create larger patterns when placed together. The tiles are available in six different shades, and in two different sizes.
"Numi is made of signs, handmade signs, specific signs, imperfect signs which become black strokes and geometries, sublimated through delicate contrasts and interpreted on a 'soft' cement with natural and dusty pigments," said Mutina. The company has previously partnered with the Bouroullec brothers on a range of textured designs and Inga Sempé on a mix-and-match collection.
Grcic's Numini range offers a smaller square tile in porcelain stoneware, and features six different embossed patterns on a matte surface.
The tiles can be placed together to form a grid, with each section holding a repeated shape such as a stylised teardrop shape, a square, or a quartered circle.
The tiles are delivered in sheets, to ensure each geometric shape is set in the same way to "emphasise the light and shadows".
"Working at my very first collection for Mutina, I've come to value the beauty of this simple and ancient material," said Grcic, who has designed everything from a prefab cabin for Muji to a racing yacht for Hugo Boss.
"A lump of clay that becomes floor coating," he added. "The idea of matter as something composed of so many units, is really fundamental. A philosophical concept as much as a biological fact.
"The ceramic tile simply represents this: a small unit which, once multiplied, turns into something larger than the sum of its parts."
British product designer Lindsey Lang has also created a set of embossed patterned tiles, based on motifs from the history of London's transport network, while Studio Job partnered with Bisazza to release a collection of skeleton-themed mosaic designs.
Grcic's tiles will be presented at Stockholm Furniture Fair, taking place from 9 to 13 February 2016.
Also set to be on show are mirrors with indented leather frames, rugs designed for a Texas art gallery and carpets that feature patterns based on London's textures.