Founded just over two years ago, Decobella has become one of the leading go-to companies when searching for décor tiles. As European decorative tile specialists they distribute products through a chain of reputable merchants in Africa and neighbouring countries.

 

 

Decobella finds inspiration by attending the latest tile fairs, engaging with factories about launching new products and ensuring market research remains up to date.

 

 

 

 

The latest international trends promise a revolutionary and fascinating year for the flooring industry. Trends that Decobella identifies include:

  • Modernised marble

Porcelain tiles that emulate a marble finish and offer the authentic look and feel without the maintenance or price tag associated with marble.

  • Industrial tiles

Concrete- or stone-look finishes remain a popular choice for modern spaces, loft apartments or commercial applications.

  • Encaustic pattern tiles

Pattern tiles have made a massive comeback and homeowners often make use of bold or contrasting pattern tiles that accentuate a feature wall, splashback or flooring space.

  • Large-format tiles

Flooring without grouting joints has always been desirable, and technology allows Decobella to be one step closer every year. They predict that this trend will be indefinite and on top of the list, every year.

  • Authentic geometric designs

Factories are producing additional size formats, and this allows for fresh design layouts. Some of these, like the Rhombus shape, offers versatility and designers can combine colours within a pattern to create an authentic design.

  • Metro Tiles (yep – these aren’t going anywhere)

The metro tile has been around riding huge popularity for over a century, with its predecessor more commonly known as the subway tile. It’s arguable whether this trend really went away to make a comeback, or in our view, it’s merely ‘an evolution’ of the metro tile.

 

 

 

 

 

The once basic white, bevelled-edged tile has evolved into iconic pieces available in a rainbow of colours, with an array of finishes and edgings, in a host of oblong sizes. The versatility of metro tiles is another consideration. Nowadays, there are options suitable for the use of interior and exterior transformations on both walls and floors.

 

 

 

Decobella is one of the first companies in South Africa to bring these new, multi-application tiles into the country.

 

 

2020 is the year of unique patterns and unconventional widths when it comes to tiling. With more colour options and sizes available in the metro tile selection, it’s no surprise that their popularity is on the rise. Whether you use a single colour, multiple colours in a pattern or at random, contrasting or matching grout, a brick-like pattern or herringbone layout – your home will be your playground when making use of Decobella’s new range of metro tiles.

 

 

 

The first 3″ x 6″ (75mm x 150mm) rectangular subway tiles were installed by designers George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge, back in 1904 in the first New York subway station.

 

 

These white, brick-shaped glossy tiles with their bevelled edges provided the perfect coverage for the walls in the underground subways as they were able to brighten these subterranean areas and proved easy to clean.

 

After their use in the US subways, they made their way to the French metros. State-owned buildings, including hospitals, started installing subway tiles – they were stain-resistant, easy to clean and light-reflective. Because of these desirable properties, the use of subway tiles spilled over into the everyday kitchens and bathrooms and became a timeless trend.

 

 

 

Metro tiles are taking on a new layout for 2020. Using them in a variety of basket-weave layouts, 45-degree herringbone and vertical patterns will make a room feel modern and fresh.

Trending is also the move to make use of multiple colours of the metro tiles inside an attractive pattern layout to create a focal wall or backsplash. You are primarily using your tiles to create a unique piece of art.

 

 

Traditionally subway tiles were only used on walls, whether a full wall application or splashbacks; however, Pinterest has shown a surge in using subway tiles on bathroom floors. The smaller version of this much-loved tile, in particular, can create a retro style in a bathroom paired with the perfect accessories. The use of more grout on a floor using smaller tiles allows for more grip, providing both style and safety, particularly useful in showers for instance.

While Decobella introduced their metro tile range with a 75 x 300mm tile, a size that remains the most popular in SA today, they have also introduced smaller sizes to speak to this ‘tiny trend’.

  • Both Le Lacche’s and Oxyd’s ranges are suitable for wall and floor use and come sized 61 x 370mm.
  • The Hamptons is a 65 x 130mm subway tile with a reverse bevel.
  • The Village selection boasts vibrant colours in an irregular edge metro flat version also sized 65 x 130mm.
  • A bigger bathroom often requires bigger tiles, so if you are in love with the subway trend having a range of sizes available to choose from provides the luxury of creating the same vision on a larger scale.
  • When it comes to the modern (or not so modern) metro tile, using one or multiple variations of these tiles can create a chic, contemporary look with a timeless appeal.

 

 

Metro tiles would be a classic example of timeless. Homeowners and designers often prefer this range and will experiment with layout design or different sizes. The result remains timeless and is a safe option for many.

Decobella’s newly launched Rhombus range is one of the most sought-after ranges launched this year. While some say it’s risky for their requirement, others cannot wait to have a unique and original design in their application. Will the Rhombus range become timeless? Time will tell.

Like many, Decobella was uncertain about the future of the company when the lockdown in South Africa was in full force; becoming hopeful when the government lifted some of the restrictions and business enquiries started to come through again. The company intensified our online marketing during that period, and it appears to have been the right decision.

 

 

A specialist should advise on the suitability of the tiles for your application before installation. Some points to consider before selecting a tile include:

a) Will the tile be in contact with water?

b) How much foot traffic will there be?

c) Will weather element impact the tile?

d) Does the tile require cutting, and is there sufficient space for movement?

e) Will the tile be readily available should you need more?

Tiles are rated by international standards, and tests determine how well the tile performs. The common tests include:

a) Anti-slip ( R rating )

b) Hardness and durability ( PEI rating )

c) Scratch and abrasion resistance ( MOHS Rating )

*Porcelain tiles are the safest tile choice for floor applications

 

 

Decobella is aligned with the world’s leading pattern tile design houses, which allows them access to a bespoke range of porcelain and ceramic tiles at reasonable prices.