Category: Wall Tile

April 20, 2021

GIO Looks at Modern Subway Tile Styles

When we first wrote about subway tile on our blog (seven years ago!), GIO offered two tile collections that fit in this category. Then, four years ago, we revisited the topic, as we had added some really cool new takes on the look to our subway lineup. In subsequent years, we began to hear rumblings about the fate of subway tile. Some designers were beginning to suggest subway tile might be going out of style, that its days were numbered, etc. But the truth is, that never happened, and today, the subway tile trend is as hot as ever.

Subway tile is a rare combination of both classic and trendy. Classics really don’t ever go out of style. This means the iconic white 3 x 6 tiles (the size and color originally used in actual subways) are still relevant in many applications today, both residential and commercial. But as with many classics, its subway tile’s design evolution that’s kept the iconic tile so on-trend in recent years. Tile designers continue to put new twists on the “expected,” allowing subway tile to not only endure but to remain at the forefront of tile design. The latest on-trend colors, unique finishes, unconventional installation patterns, and dimensional designs are some of the modern iterations that are keeping this classic so current.

Now in 2021, GIO now offers a baker’s dozen unique subway tile lines, each with an array of sizes, colors, and finishes to choose from. Here’s a look at them.

Our newest subway to join the lineup is PASTEL, and this one isn’t just for walls. The shiny, saturated palette of this versatile subway tile is comprised of ten fabulous hues. The glossy finished tiles are a long, narrow size, 2 x 10 inches.

PASTEL by GIO in Aqua Glossy

ARGILLE offers the look of hand-hewn clay glazed to peak sophistication. The big, glossy 5 x10 tiles are offered in an eight-color palette of stunning neutrals.

ARGILLE by GIO in Anthracite

Chic meets antique in our HANDMADE. These artisan-inspired subway tiles converge old-world style with fashion-forward finishes (bright, crackle, and metallic) and are available in 3 x 6, 3 x 12, plus a 7-inch hex.

HANDMADE by GIO in Silver Metallic

LUSTRO is a richly shaded, hand-molded subway tile with nuanced hues, elongated dimensions, and just the right amount of luster. The 3 x 12 tiles are available in four on-trend hues.

LUSTRO by GIO in Taupe & Light Grey

PIGMENT blends “handmade” and “modern age” with six modern hues and a long, lean 2 x 14 format.

PIGMENT by GIO in Navy

Named simply “SUBWAY,” this classic line is offered in a range of sizes from the traditional 3 x 6 up to a stylish 8 x 24 and is offered in both bright and matte finishes in six popular hues.

SUBWAY by GIO in Grey Bright

This unique wall tile collection offers a tactile spin on the classic subway. RIVEL comes in a glossy finish and two shapes in four fresh hues.

RIVEL by GIO in Bianco

BRICK_MOOD is a trendy porcelain subway line featuring a handmade effect and stacked with options: 2×10 tiles, five must-use hues, and a duo of finishes: a glazed-look glossy and a matte.

Brick Mood by GIO in Black Matte & Glossy

MODA has been around for a while, but this wall tile eye candy in a range of vibrant colors is a perennial favorite. The oversized 5 x 13 tiles glossy-finished and are also available in dimensional decorative pieces.

MODA by GIO in Red, Orange, Pink, & White, Bright and Decoria finishes

MODA by GIO in Dark Blue & White Decoria

One of our first Subway tile collections, FREESTYLE wall tile is still going strong. The 5 x7 tiles are available in ten fashion-forward hues and 22 decorative patterns in bright and matte finishes.

FREESTYLE by GIO in Violet Bright & Decoria

Another one of our original subway collections, RETRO is available in a range of modular sizes ideal for creating custom patterns. The line comes in three color groupings, thirteen hues, from versatile neutrals to eye-catching, vibrant colors.

RETRO by GIO in 4” x 16″ Bone Matte

ARTÉ dimensional subway tiles are a daring and dramatic twist on the classic rectangle. These innovative 3D tiles will easily transform walls into works of art. The 5 x 12 tiles can be arranged in a variety of patterns, making this line versatile and fun to work with.

ARTÉ by GIO in Cream

Thanks to creative innovations in tile design and the ingenuity of interior designers to seek new and interesting ways to take subway tile installations to new levels, there is no doubt that subway tiles are here to stay!

GIO is your gateway to beautifully designed, strategically selected collections of floor and wall tile sure to fit your demanding specification requirements and unique style. We look forward to working with you!

October 25, 2020

GIO Looks at Commercial Tile Trends for Walls

As one of the most sanitary surfacing choices available, ceramic tiles—including the exceptionally high-performing porcelain tile category—are the unequivocally right choice in a post-COVID world, especially in a commercial environment. When it comes to commercial surfacing, tile is truly a no-brainer for floors, and it should be for walls as well. The advantages of tile over paint, wallpaper, wood, brick, and many other materials for walls in commercial settings are many.

Aside from being hygienic, porcelain tiles are extremely durable, easy to clean and maintain, fireproof, and resistant to fading, moisture, and odors. Tile is also environmentally friendly because it emits no VOCs, doesn’t require the use of caustic cleaners, and doesn’t require the destruction of other natural resources like wood or plant material.

And as for the cost compared to these other materials? When you consider the life cycle, long-term performance, durability, and easy maintenance of tile over paint, wallpaper, and the like, tile is actually very cost-effective in the long haul. So what’s not love about tile for walls? Tile design has come a very long way from the bland commercial looks of the old days. When you factor in the extraordinary array of colors, patterns, and designs available that rival the detail of many traditional wall covering materials, there is absolutely nothing not to love about tile for walls.

Here’s a look at some of our tile styles for achieving fashion-forward looks with the performance characteristics your commercial design projects demand.

Rich, Indulgent Colors

Make a statement on a wall or any vertical surface with vibrant, bold hues, like these selections from m our Rombo, Hex_Leonis, Moda, and Retro, collections.

ROMBO by GIO in Cobalt

HEX_LEONIS by GIO in Blue

MODA by GIO in Red, Orange, Pink, & White in standard bright finish and Decoria finish.

RETRO by GIO in Turquoise

Subway Tiles with a Twist

There’s no denying that subway tile is still a classic. But as with many classics, it’s often a new twist given to the “expected” that makes the designs endure. Here’s a look at some of our fun and exciting takes on subway tile: Arté, Rivel, Pigment, Barista, Handmade, and Argille.

ARTÉ in Bianco

ARTÉ in Cobalt installation at Pin & Proper, Atlanta, designed by Place Maker Design.

RIVEL by GIO in Bianco

PIGMENT by GIO in Navy

BARISTA by GIO in Ivory and Dove Grey

HANDMADE by GIO in Bronze

HANDMADE installation at Focus Deisgn

ARGILLE by GIO in Anthracite

3D ILLUSIONS

Thanks to the Art Deco revival going on now, this three-dimensional geometric surface trend has resurfaced. This form of trompe l’oeil is not new — it’s been around since Greek and Roman times — but it has experienced waves of popularity throughout history. Our Canvas collection in Cube or Polygon mosaics and our Rombo collection answer to this trend to create big wow factors in both retro and modern design schemes.

Canvas by GIO in Polygon Dark Mix

CANVAS installation at Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, designed by Occupied Renovations

ROMBO by GIO in Sky

ROMBO by GIO in Grigio

ROMBO by GIO installation

Rombo by GIO installation in Cobalt

“Artsy” Wood Looks

Wood-look tiles have become so realistic since they first arrived on the scene that even touching them often does not reveal their porcelain secret. And while we still love a traditional wood look, tile designers are reimagining and designing new wood looks to bring us artful, edgy renditions that offer the back-to-nature warmth we crave with something new and unexpected. Here’s a look at our Harmony, Char, and Neolith collections that go beyond the realistic and traditional.

HARMONY by GIO in Blue

CHAR by GIO in Auburn

NELOTH by GIO in Argent

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at some of our commercial-grade tile products for walls! Click here to see all our collections suitable for vertical surfaces. Samples for these lines, in addition to all our tile collections, are available free to the trade. Contact us anytime – we’re here to work with you!

May 19, 2020

A Look at GIO’s Latest and Greatest!

In normal times, spring is the season for major trade shows that introduce to the design world the latest and greatest in flooring and surfacing solutions. These are certainly not normal times, but that hasn’t prevented us from finding new and exciting tile collections for your commercial designs. Trade shows have gone virtual, digital presentations are fast becoming the norm, and in spite of everything that’s changed the past few months due to the coronavirus, we’re excited to be able to bring you innovative new floor and wall tile collections. Always assessing our offerings to ensure we’re bringing you the best of the best, we’ve retired a few lines to make way for fresh options that are sure to inspire upcoming specifications.
Here’s a look at what’s new and now:

Hex_Leonis packs a punch with geometric inkjet decorations on hexagonal shapes. This customizably cool collection for floors and walls is available in four versatile hues.

HEX_LEONIS in Blue 7×8

We’ve added a new workhorse tile to our lineup. Absolute for commercial floors and walls is a color body, unglazed tile offered in all the necessary neutrals and a range of sizes including mosaic, bullnose, and cove base in addition to the field tiles.

ABSOLUTE in Marrone 12×24 Rectified

Wood-look porcelain goes minimal for maximum style with Atelier for floors and walls. The result is flawless Norwegian chic in four lightly grained hues, available in both standard or chevron planks.

ATELIER in Grey 8×40

Indulgently large size options and a six-color spectrum of sophisticated neutrals make Tribeca stand out from the crowd. Stacked mosaic and bullnose complement the rectified field tiles.

TRIBECA in Charcoal 24×48 Rectified

Handmade and meets modern with Pigment, available in six on-trend hues and a lean 2″ x 14″ format. Recommended for all walls and light floor use.

PIGMENT in Navy 2×14.

The look of hand-hewn clay is glazed to peak sophistication with Argille for walls. The result is a glossy, bossy, oversized 5x 10″ subway tile in a stunning 8-color palette.

ARGILLE in Anthracite 5″ x 10″

GIO is your gateway to beautifully designed, strategically selected collections of floor and wall tile sure to fit your demanding specification requirements and unique style. We’re here to help you stay on top of your design projects during these unusual times with digital resources, free sample delivery, and virtual presentations. We look forward to working with you!