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RAK, that is manufacturing these in that Gulf nation. Another interesting technical ad - vance was showcased in COI brand Del Conca's Murales and Cantina series of brick tile for both inside and outside corners. Another COI member, ABK, showed of its new Auto-Leveling series at the show. These tiles can be installed grout- free as a foating foor or on top of existing fooring. With grout, they can go into a bathroom or be used for outdoor applications. (A YouTube search for ABK and Auto-Leveling will show more.) A few years ago, we started see- ing book-matching being offered in marble-look porcelain tile. That trend continues to expand in ever- more-realistic stone-look slabs, ofering designers more choices with each year. LAST WORDS Interestingly, one of the most re- vealing trends at Coverings was not driven by style or technology. Global economics has meant competition from upstart competitors ofering savings as their primary beneft, while they mimic popular trends. This has resulted in some estab- lished players ofering afordable series to win over price-sensitive clients. (They're often the ones with the largest projects and budgets.) Crossville and Vitromex were two large brands showing off their budget lines. Expect to see more in 2016 and beyond, and more signage warning against unauthor- ized booth photography. Imitation is not always the sincerest form of fattery; sometimes it's copyright infringement. Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS is an indepen- dent designer in San Diego, the author of New Kitchen Ideas That Work and upcoming New Bathroom Idea Book (Taunton Press), and a blogger, design journalist, seminar developer and in- dustry consultant. May 2015 | ForResidentialPros.com | 29 I 20th Century artist Keith Haring's works were licensed for this tile series. J The Arabesque trend is shown here in an artistic pop series. K Classic stones in matte and polished fnish have gotten even more realistic. L The popular brick trend gets corner technology. M A stylish new Auto-Leveling Tile line from Italy simplifes installation. Photo: Ceramics of Italy member brand Ascot Photo: Ceramics of Italy member brand Florim Photo: Street & Smith Photo: Ceramics of Italy member brand Del Conca Photo: Ceramics of Italy brand member ABK Group I J K L M Circle No. 18 on Product Card