Porcelain stoneware flooring: an elegant, functional solution for contract/retail settings

Porcelain stoneware flooring: an elegant, functional solution for contract/retail settings

Contract and retail settings cover a wide range of spaces used for hospitality and commercial purposes, including not only bars and restaurants, but also shops, hotels, offices, wellness centres and exhibition spaces. Since they are designed to accommodate the public, floors for these settings must be resistant, hygienic and attractively designed. The choice of floor coverings plays a key role in interior design, influencing both the appearance and the safety and functionality of settings. 

With this in mind, materials such as porcelain stoneware are ideal, offering both extraordinarily versatile style options and superior technical performance. Resistant to foot traffic, easy to maintain and available in a wide variety of finishes, they can be used to create unique, functional settings suitable for all types of contract and retail spaces. So choosing the right flooring is an important strategic decision when it comes to making the most of the setting and guaranteeing a positive experience for both customers and visitors.

White stone effect porcelain stoneware tiles in a chic fashion boutique.
Chorus White
chorus white
Copper metal effect tiles in a contemporary art gallery setting.
Plate Copper
Plate Copper
Elegant white marble effect tiles in a sophisticated interior design setting.
Interno 4 Calacatta San Babila
Interno4 calacatta san babila

Flooring for concept stores: innovation and style for retail spaces

A porcelain stoneware floor can radically transform the atmosphere of a clothes shop, a concept store or a designer boutique, acting as a canvas for the brand’s identity. For example, a luxury clothes shop might opt for tiles reminiscent of polished marble, to enhance the elegant look of the collections on display. Similarly, a concept store seeking to attract a young, trendy clientèle might choose a concrete-effect porcelain stoneware finish, or tiles with colourful geometric patterns, to create a dynamic, stimulating setting. Alternatively, a designer boutique looking to convey the unique, artisan nature of its products might prefer a warm wood-effect or terracotta solution, with a sophisticated, elegant atmosphere in mind.  

In all these scenarios, porcelain stoneware not only highlights the style and values of the brand, but also offers a resistant, easy-to-clean option.

Grey resin effect flooring in a modern restaurant with chic decor.
Heritage Grey
Heritage Grey
White resin effect flooring in a modern restaurant with chic decor.
Elements Design White
Elements Design White
Marble effect stoneware wall with mosaic design from the 9cento collection in a stylish restaurant setting.
9Cento Mosaico Palm Mix
Spacious restaurant interior with large windows and black resin effect tile flooring.
Elements Design Black
Elements Design Black

Elevating hospitality: porcelain stoneware floors for bars, restaurants and hotels

Porcelain stoneware is a popular choice in the hospitality sector, because it combines an elegant appearance with exceptional resistance, making it a versatile solution suitable for bars, restaurants and hotels. Advanced manufacturing technologies enable the creation of floors that faithfully mimic the textures and colours of natural materials such as wood, stone and marble, for venues with an inviting, prestigious appearance that is also practical and functional. This combination guarantees a unique atmosphere, able to improve the guest experience and reflect brand identity.

The versatility of porcelain stoneware extends beyond the areas open to the public, and it’s also ideal for use in utility areas, such as specially equipped restaurant kitchens, which need to stand up well to wear and tear and be easy to clean. Porcelain stoneware ensures hygiene and safety in the kitchen, and is resistant to heat and stains, making it suitable not only for flooring but as a covering material (for kitchen worktops, washbasins, etc.).

Luxurious gelato shop interior with walls and counter in Calacatta white marble effect stoneware.
Elements Lux - Calacatta
Elements Lux calacatta
Close-up of Calacatta marble effect porcelain stoneware with light reflections.
Elements Lux - Calacatta
Elements Lux calacatta
Cozy pastry shop interior with stone effect porcelain stoneware flooring.
Moov - Moka
moov moka
Modern cafe design with beige stone effect porcelain stoneware flooring.
Moov - Beige
moov beige

Floors for food shops: hygiene first

In a bakery, take-away pizza place or food shop, where hygiene and easy cleaning are essential, flooring choices must be able to reflect the importance of these aspects, while maintaining an inviting appearance. Non-porous and easy to clean, porcelain stoneware surfaces are ideal: resistant to frequent foot traffic and stains, they’re able to keep hygiene standards high. Whether it’s a no-frills stone-effect finish for a store selling organic produce, or warm, welcoming wood-effect tiles for an artisan bakery, porcelain stoneware offers a variety of styles that can be customised to enhance the sensory experiences the products on sale seek to offer. 

The decorative features of the covering materials, such as floral or geometric motifs, can turn a food shop from a simple store into an authentic design experience. These artistic details not only bring a vibrant touch to the setting, but can also become a distinctive brand element that helps customers associate quality products with a carefully designed and maintained environment.

Refined outdoor terrace with stone effect porcelain stoneware flooring and wall.
Limes Porfido Warm
Limes Porfido Warm

Ideas for outdoors? Discover the solutions for outdoor commercial areas

Porcelain stoneware is not only suitable for interiors; durable, aesthetically appealing and safe, it’s also an ideal solution for the outdoor areas of hotels, shops and commercial premises. Outdoors, where the elements put materials to the test every day, porcelain stoneware offers extraordinary resistance to temperature changes, frost and direct sunlight. It does not absorb humidity, which protects it from mould and fading, maintaining the original beauty of the flooring unaltered over the years.

Anti-slip porcelain stoneware finishes are essential for areas such as terraces, gardens or pool edges, where safety is a top priority. These surfaces are safe to walk on even barefoot or with wet footwear, reducing the risk of slipping and falls. 

Functional porcelain stoneware solutions offer a wide variety of finishes that can blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, or highlight them with innovative colour or texture contrasts. This versatile material can be used to create elegant paths, welcoming lounge areas and inviting dining spaces outdoors, enriching their appearance and encouraging guests to linger longer. With its ability to reflect brand identity and enhance the customer experience, porcelain stoneware is an ideal choice for the outdoor areas of hotels, shops and other businesses, offering a winning combination of beauty, safety and durability. This impressive adaptability makes it an excellent investment for all kinds of commercial activities, guaranteeing outdoor areas that are not only attractive to look at, but that are also functional and hard-wearing.

Discover the perfect design for your setting with MatchApp

Inject life into your settings with MatchApp and the Keope collections. Use the app to upload a photo of your setting and see how the various textures and styles of porcelain stoneware can transform or renew it. With MatchApp, your next step towards a new look is just a click away.

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