From architecturally inspired textural tiles to innovative use of materials, here are the current essential tile and bathroom trends, as seen at Expo Revestir 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil.
WORDS & PHOTOS Gina Dionisio
Brazil is celebrated for its vibrant design scene and its deep-rooted connection to both tradition and innovation. This was on full display at Expo Revestir 2025, the largest tile, surfaces, and sanitary ware trade fair in South America. Held in São Paulo – a hub for creativity and business in Brazil – the event showcased the latest trends and eco-conscious innovations by leading Brazilian brands. This marks our second year attending the event, and it didn’t disappoint. From stunning textures and bold patterns to sustainable materials, here are some of the highlights from the show.
IT’S ALL ABOUT TEXTURE
Think tactile tiles and three-dimensional architectural panels.
Ceusa’s Lapa tile stood out with its sophisticated 3D undulations, while Castelatto’s Poente Etrusco Colours tile, with its rippled surface, offered a divine dynamic yet subtle texture (it reminded me of ripples in an ice cream sundae).
At Portobello, the Território range – designed by Brazilian architect Rodrigo Fagá – presents a three-dimensional reinterpretation of traditional ceramic mosaics. However, the brand’s most striking textured collection was the Fita. This range draws inspiration from modernist architecture, particularly the principles of Le Corbusier, and is crafted using sururu shell waste, a mollusc native to Alagoas, Brazil.
The Basalt Decor Curve and Basalt Decor Line tiles from Portinari embrace a Brutalist aesthetic with their sharp, angular lines and bold, commanding presence.
PATTERN PARTY
From mosaics and geometric designs to brushstroke-inspired prints – patterns were indeed everywhere.
The pastel pastilhas aka mosaics display at Strufaldi Revestimentos Cerâmicos stopped me in my tracks. Their Renaissance collection is fully customisable with endless colour and pattern combinations.
At Embramaco Cerâmica, a range of striking designs in muted tones featured geometric patterns, while Karina paid homage to retro tiles with their Ducale range, which includes a delectable on-trend Mocha shade. Meanwhile, Aylla’s Calore range stood out thanks to its linear patterns and subtly “etched” geometrical details.
ViaRosa Porcelanato‘s porcelain Metropole Organic tile, with its abstract watercolour-esque pattern, was another highlight. The tile was a Best in Show 2025 finalist.
The Scuba collection at Portobello was visually striking. Characterised by its interplay between glossy areas and matte surfaces, the collection evokes the fluidity and movement of water, drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of the ocean. Another visually interesting range at Portobello was the Haptic collection – a collaboration with Brazilian visual artist Vik Muniz – which explores the different characteristics of paper and the subtle nuances of watercolour.
BLOCKS ARE BIG
Cobogós (aka Breeze Blocks) come in a variety of interesting shapes, sizes and finishes.
It’s no secret that we love Breeze Blocks at VISI (we’ve run features on them in the past), and these blocks are big business in Brazil. Manufatti Revestimentos had the most extensive range of decorative blocks on display. Their glazed Esmaltado line – inspired by the concept of the Rhizome – was particularly eye-catching.
At DeRosso geometric-shaped cobogós took centre stage. Their Quada, Cubo and Grid block (another Best in Show 2025 finalist) draw inspiration from modernism and industrial aesthetics.
Portobello displayed their glossy Aquarelle cobogós (also part of the Haptic collection mentioned above). Available in various colours, such as Natural, Green, Yellow, Blue, Red, and White, these blocks offer a unique aesthetic.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
There were several brands doing interesting things with reclaimed materials.
Lepri, a brand known for championing eco-friendly materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and innovative design, showcased their Olaria Índigo collection. Sustainably produced, the Olaria Índigo tiles are made from recycled denim fibres. Developed in LepriLab, in collaboration with a local denim manufacturer, the collection aims to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry by transforming waste into design.
The brand also highlighted its Bio Colore tiles, which are made in limited batches with a special glaze created by LepriLab using ashes from a wood-fired oven. This approach repurposes natural waste materials, reducing environmental impact. The result? A collection of three soft hues (cremma, pistacchio, and cielo) which celebrate the philosophy of “slow ceramics”.
The Nagomi Collection, a collaboration between Mirage and architect-designer Hadi Teherana, is a harmonious blend of aesthetics and environmental responsibility. The tiles are made with recycled materials, specifically the crushed glass from cathode ray tubes of old monitors and televisions.
Among Palazzo Revestimentos‘ new releases was Loop – a truly captivating terrazzo-like tile that incorporates discarded button waste from the textile industry.
COLOUR-DRENCHED BATHROOMS
Colourful grouting? Check. Fixtures in primary hues? Yes. Basins in bold shades? Why not. Colourful bathrooms are fun and I’m a fan.
Roca’s collaboration with Studio Inma Bermúdez on the Nu Collection – a striking collection of taps – is playful and bold. Available in six glossy colours (green, blue, yellow, black, white, and chrome), the collection has already won numerous international design awards since its launch.
Axell Banheiras e SPAs, known for their high-quality bathtubs and spas, showcased a vibrant collection of basins in an array of striking colours. These basins are crafted from the brand’s waste materials, including recycled acrylic from their bathtubs.
Colourful grouting might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Ceramfix‘s display made a compelling case for it. It’s a great way to add a dose of colour to a bathroom, especially if you want to experiment with bold hues without committing to a wall of colourful tiles. | en.exporevestir.com.br
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