Used widely in recent years, especially in literary criticism, the term ‘maximalism’ has also recently been adopted to identify the search for “aesthetic implementation” contained in the new decorative languages of design and interior design. This distinction from the traditional minimalism of monochrome surfaces and neutral colours characterised, for example, the atmosphere of Cersaie 2018.
Taking inspiration from a range of glazes designed by Ettore Sottsass for Cedit, the Cromatica collection by Formafantasma Studio combines various technologies to achieve new tonalities and nuances. In a similar way, Lines by Ceramica Bardelli highlights the use of special no reflex glazes, that generate a sharp contrast between the rough surface of cement and the more refined one of metal. Relate by Caesar also plays on variations of brushed effects (Brush) and colours (Flame), while Tube, by Imola Ceramic, provides metallic vibrations that conjure up metropolitan landscapes.
The heightened use of material decoration also characterises three proposals that work around the aesthetics of cement: Moon by Leonardo and Even by Panaria propose surfaces with a soft appearance that has a pleasant feel, while Hyper, by Flaviker, is inspired by blocks of industrial concrete, digitally reproducing a particular 3D graphic characterization.
Alongside the “material decoration’ there is an area of research that works instead on design and rhythm. Sospiri by Vallelunga, for example, uses delicate colours of Nero and Avio, that bring a strong contrast to the embroidered patterns of the surfaces. Other proposals accentuate the decorative potential of digital printing: My Decor by Ceramica Sant’Agostino exploits a technological development that makes it possible to go beyond the repetition of traditional production techniques; while the ‘cold” technology adopted for Liquida by Ceramica Fioranese achieves original results in terms of the resolution and colours of the patterns. Ceramica Fondovalle plays on the theme with oneiric gradations and the large format tiles of Dream weave together the pattern of linen and suggestions of natural landscapes, interpreting a fine-looking linen with a fine texture in three pastel colors. Finally, taking inspiration from watercolours, Acquerello Made+39 brings to porcelain stoneware the delicacy and richness of colour typical of paintings.