The EDIDA 2013 award was won by the Deco series, a new addition to the RAKO 2014 collection, by the author Marek Vráblík

What is in ceramic tiles? At international fairs, it is clear at first glance that, apart from imitations, retro style remains popular. Domestic and foreign creators of new collections are returning to history, searching for elements in urban architecture or in the styles of world metropolises. The Czech brand Rako celebrated its one hundred and thirtieth anniversary last year and added the new "Deco" to the market. The inspiration for the series was geometric and floral decorations that adorned the pavements of old patios, later staircases and corridors of first-republic apartment buildings. “We discovered interesting original motifs that are decades old for the design of the Deco series in the Rako archive, and some made it to the final selection. Certain imperfections and wear are therefore intentional in the products,” explains Marek Vráblík, the designer of the Deco series.

“The most prominent trend in ceramic tiles influenced by improved manufacturing technologies, specifically digital printing, is material imitations – primarily wood, natural stone, concrete, or the surface of cement plaster. The advantage is that digital printing allows any high-resolution decor to be transferred onto the smooth, even relief surface of tiles and floors, producing the Deco series as well. Imitations and a wide range of designs open up greater space for creativity and unusual solutions for architects and consumers,” adds Marek Vráblík.



Deco are decorated calibrated tiles measuring 60 x 60 cm, 45 x 45 cm, and borders 15 x 60 cm and 15 x 45 cm, available in up to 24 design variants with captivating colors for the most perfect final effect. The Deco series stands out in combination with waves of neutral greys and earthy tones, which currently prevail in the floor series Trend and Cemento. There are many variations on how to apply the Deco series. Either by using traditional elements – borders or attractive full floor tiling, and when you decide to cover an entire wall, you hit the trends and also add an unusual artistic solitary to your interior.

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