Cover image: wood-effect flooring from the Raver collection by Caesar
The charm of tactile materials in interior design
Let’s begin with the concept of tactile material. Some materials visually appear tactile but are, in reality, flat prints. Then there is a productive segment, particularly in the world of porcelain stoneware, that creates materials for wall coverings that truly possess this tactile characteristic.
Traditionally, tactile materials are those that engage the sense of touch, offering a unique sensory experience through their texture and consistency. Examples in interior design include velvet, a soft, plush fabric that feels luxurious to the touch; stone, with split finishes and minimal polishing, offering a raw and authentic sensation; wood, with its warm and natural touch in both smooth and rough finishes; and leather, a smooth and supple material often used in furniture like sofas and armchairs.
Using tactile materials in interior design can enrich spaces with sensory depth and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Technology and materiality: porcelain stoneware as a bridge between senses and aesthetics
These tactile inspirations are increasingly embraced and innovated through advanced technology by leading manufacturers of modern materials such as porcelain stoneware.
Porcelain stoneware stands out for its ability to emulate various tactile materials, offering aesthetic and practical solutions for interior spaces.
Wood-look porcelain stoneware: natural warmth, minimal maintenance
Wood-effect porcelain stoneware is designed to faithfully replicate the texture and grain of natural wood, maintaining its warmth and welcoming feel without the maintenance challenges of real wood.
This type of stoneware is easy to clean thanks to its non-porous surface, which resists stains and moisture, and can be maintained with mild detergents and water.
Stone-look porcelain: authenticity and strength for solid environments
Stone-effect porcelain stoneware reproduces the distinctive features of natural stone, such as roughness and color variation, creating a robust and authentic surface that gives rooms a solid and natural look.
Here too, maintenance is easy: stone-effect porcelain is impact- and stain-resistant, and can be cleaned with non-abrasive detergents and soft cloths, avoiding products that might damage the surface.
Fabric-look porcelain: elegance and visual comfort
Fabric-effect porcelain stoneware imitates the weave and softness of fine textiles like velvet and linen, adding a touch of elegance and comfort that enhances sophistication and coziness in interiors.
This kind of stoneware is also easy to maintain: its surface is stain-resistant and does not absorb dirt, allowing quick cleaning with neutral detergents and a sponge or mop.
The FineArt collection by Ceramica Sant’Agostino offers a highly realistic fabric effect, reproducing the softness and consistency of fine textiles such as velvet and linen.
Signature collections: style and practicality without compromise
Using porcelain stoneware inspired by tactile materials allows for the desired aesthetic without sacrificing durability or practicality. This type of tile offers a wide range of finishes and textures, combined with remarkable resistance to impact and staining, which few materials can match.
Thanks to these characteristics, spaces can be enriched with tactile details that make them not only more beautiful but also more functional and easy to maintain.
Casalgrande Padana, with its Granito collection, exemplifies how porcelain stoneware can capture the essence of natural stone while offering practical and aesthetic benefits.
Let yourself be inspired by tactile materials and transform your interiors with stylish, beautiful, and practical coverings.