From Brazil with Boldness: Stiles Explores the Future of Tile Design

Stiles CEO Stevie Joubert shares his takeaways from Expo Revestir 2025, Latin America’s premier tile and surface design trade fair.

In March 2025, Stiles CEO Stevie Joubert travelled to the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, to attend Expo Revestir — the most important tile and surface fair in Latin America, often referred to as the & Fashion Week of Architecture and Construction.

“Brazil has emerged as a global leader in design and innovation” says Stevie. The country’s vibrant arts scene, fearless use of colour and texture and strong sense of cultural identity make it a hotbed for pioneering design.

As a guest of the Brazilian government, Stevie’s mission was to explore opportunities for collaboration and to scout the latest tile and surface trends that could translate to the South African market. “Stiles’ customers are design savvy and culturally diverse. They want to make bold statements in their homes. Brazil felt like the perfect place to look for that kind of energy.

Tactile Innovation & Surface Texture

One of the standout trends from Expo Revestir was the rise of three-dimensional and tactile surfaces. Tiles are designed not just to be seen but felt — with ribbed, pebbled and undulating textures that evoke a sensory experience. One of the most impressive innovations Stevie saw was an outdoor tile that mimics a loose stone-chip floor. Visually, it looked like gravel, but underfoot, it was smooth and solid. That kind of visual trickery is exciting.

Earthy Colours & Retro Revival

The colour palette at the expo leaned into earthy tones: terracotta, ochre, warm browns and dusty pinks, often offset with deep black accents for contrast. There was also a strong nod to retro influences. Think playful shapes, tribal patterns and design references that nod to the rebellious 70s.

The Breeze Block is Back

Another standout trend was the revival of the breeze block. “In South Africa, we’re starting to see breeze blocks used again, and in Brazil, they’ve taken it to the next level,” Stevie notes. At the expo, they appeared in dozens of shapes, colours and patterns — used as space dividers, ventilation screens, and creative architectural features. They’re ideal for our South African climate,” Stevie adds. You get privacy, airflow, and a design statement all in one.

Beyond Bathrooms: Tiles as Design Tools

One of the biggest takeaways? Tiles are no longer just for bathrooms and kitchens. “I saw tiles used in TV rooms, home offices, bedrooms and even outdoor braai areas.” says Stevie. They’re being used to define spaces, add character, and blur the boundaries between form and function.

The trip reinforced Stiles commitment to curating trend-forward, globally-inspired tile collections for the South African market. Design is constantly evolving, and as a brand, Stiles wants to stay at the forefront of that evolution. “Our customers deserve nothing less,” explains Stevie.

Stiles is a leading tile and sanitaryware specialist in South Africa, with 11 showrooms nationwide.
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