Graphic Lovers, Meet the Mater Tile Collection by Patricia Urquiola

The Mater tile collection is a graphic lover’s dream come true. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Mutina, the bold yet organic design is inspired by graphics from the 1950s and the artisanal ceramics of Vietri. Mater, a name derived from “matter,” is a nod to the earth used to create the tile’s neutral base.

“The collection started from the floor of the Mutina meeting room. Massimo and I strongly wanted to reinterpret that handcrafted tile. So we started this empathetic journey, made up of a lot of research and discoveries,” shared Urquiola. “In fact, inside Mater there is technology, experimentation, visual craftsmanship.”

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The collection offers a selection of tactile surfaces that bring with them a strong visual impact, with glossy enamel playing a main role. An innovative VOC-free glazing technique is used to apply it that achieves the effect of a pleasant touch and striking color. Once finished, Mater’s geometric, saturated tiles are ready to cover residential and commercial environments – both inside and out.Mater is produced in three size formats, 15x60cm, 60×60 cm, and 120×120 cm. Available in a basic version with neutral background in Uni Beige and Uni Moka, the two styles are able to develop into six with the Segno pattern. In Uni Beige it gives rise to the Segno Bianco, Segno Blue, and Segno Terra variants. Using Uni Moka it gives life to Segno Nero, Segno Verde, and Segno Ocra. The double finish and range of colors of the Mater collection gives you plenty of room to experiment, until you get the combination just right.

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To learn more about the Mater tile collection, visit mutina.it.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.