How do we make sure we’re giving our customers the best that’s out there here at Picasso Tile? Well, for one thing, we keep our ear to the ground and are always ready to take a good look at new ideas in terms of style, technique and new technology.

We also made it our mission to check out what was happening across the industry at this year’s Stone Expo 2014. Here’s what you can expect to see more of in stone and tile design in 2014.

Granite Goes Digital (we’ve already got it covered)

The big story for 2014 is digital technology is changing the landscape. The main reason we went to this year’s Stone Expo show was to check out the latest fabrication equipment. We walked the aisles – and we came back satisfied we already have world-beating technology in the form of cutting-edge equipment from Park Industries.

When it comes to design and fabrication trends, digital technology makes life so much better for everyone concerned. If you're looking for someone to take care of your kitchen tile redesign in 2014 and that company’s not making full use of what’s out there, you're losing out!

Here at Picasso Tile, we're pleased to be able to use the latest modeling tools to let our clients see what proposed designs look like – before a single tile is cut. You can work closer with your tiler than ever before – helping you to achieve exactly what you've got in mind. It’s convenient too: computer imagery means you can view proposed designs from wherever you happen to be.

So far as tile design in 2014 is concerned, digital fabrication techniques mean the world is your oyster. Sure, there are certain trends that are dominant, but if you have an idea for a variation on one of these themes – or if your idea’s completely different, don't be afraid to ask. A combination of skill and increased capability in terms of what can be achieved with the finer details means we're almost certainly going to be able to accommodate what you've got in mind.

A word of warning though: digital wizardry does not make an expert tile installer. To be on the safe side, make sure you choose someone with a proven reputation when it comes to craftsmanship and technique. After all, 3D imaging is fine, but the work needs to look amazing on your kitchen wall – and not just on paper!

Think 2014, Think Porcelain

It’s a case of new technology combining with a tried and tested material. It proves to be the ideal material for shaping realistic wood and stone-effect designs. It also turns out to be pretty much the best material out there for taking advantage of the latest HD printing processes that are coming of age in 2014. It helps, of course, that porcelain is tried and tested when it comes to durability. Great quality porcelain tiles will last you a lifetime.

Pick a Pattern – Any Pattern

Whether you're browsing ideas over the Internet or flicking through home interior magazines, you'll soon see that patterned tiles are everywhere in 2014. Whether you like the idea of elemental floral motifs to complex eastern-style displays, you have free rein to let your creative side shine through. Make a feature out of a backsplash or give your kitchen floor a whole new lease on life; the choice is yours.

Recreating the Wood Look

It’s back to technology again. Wood-effect porcelain tiles have been with us for a while. The difference is that in 2014 they look stunning. It’s now possible to successfully mimic the traditional aesthetic of natural wood grain, but in a modern, easy to maintain form. Designers have certainly been making the most of it and this trend looks set to continue well into 2014 and beyond. This proves to be ideal for lots of very different styles: whether you’re going for traditional South Western – right through to modern Scandinavian, you're sure to find a wood look that fits right in with your plan.

Gray for a Simple Modern Look

There’s something about a warm gray hue that works wonderfully in the kitchen. It’s modern without being too stark: simple without being bland. It works equally well on the floor or wall and has the added effect of adding depth to even the smallest of kitchen spaces. Try breaking things up a little by adding a feature wall – perhaps incorporating a monochrome design in black and white.

Undulating Surfaces

Those gently curved tiles that give the appearance of movement are guaranteed to lend your kitchen the instant “wow” factor. Whether you like the idea of a gentle ripple, a sweeping wave or perhaps even a woven fabric type effect, look out for textured tiles for a look that’s dramatic, on-trend and guaranteed to add character to your room.