Surrealist imagination and optical art captured in matter. This is the promise of our SU.REAL collection, where surrealist motifs take center stage. Choosing a tile from the SU.REAL collection by Maison Carocim is not simply opting for a design; it's inviting into your home over 40 years of French craftsmanship, a history of intense pigments, and a rare authenticity. Far from industrial uniformity, our surrealist motifs resonate with a unique poetry. Conceived by Marta Pignol for Carocim®, the SU.REAL collection transforms space into a "refuge imbued with imagination." It invites you to leave the harshness of the real world and take refuge in the gentleness of the imaginary. Following in the footsteps of the great masters who shaped surrealism, this collection questions visual perception and encourages us to transcend it to find the answers within ourselves. For a bold floor that tells a story or a kitchen backsplash that catches the eye, the SU.REAL collection is a decorative signature that awakens the senses. At Carocim, each piece in the SU.REAL collection tells a story. The story of our artisans, based on the precision of their craftsmanship, and the story of your projects, which we passionately support from our headquarters in Aix-en-Provence.
The audacity of surrealist motifs: a signature of the SU.REAL collection
A cement tile from the SU.REAL collection is more than just a covering. It's an aesthetic statement, a choice for art and boldness. In its surrealist patterned version, the cement tile becomes an "optical library." The SU.REAL collection comprises imagery (Symbols, Animals, Flavors, etc.) that allows for the weaving of unique visual narratives. The intensity of these surrealist patterns stems directly from our handcrafted production. We use only natural pigments, mixed with marble powder and cement. This mixture, which forms the color layer (a wear layer of approximately 5 mm), gives the tile its characteristic matte and velvety finish. This chromatic depth is the result of our expertise. Maison Carocim, renowned for its collaborations with celebrated designers and its involvement in exceptional projects (hotels, museums, luxury homes), applies the same exacting standards of quality to the SU.REAL collection. These surreal motifs benefit from the same rich pigmentation as our most complex decorations.
Craftsmanship at the service of the imagination
The unique vibrancy of a SU.REAL collection cement tile lies in its handcrafted nature. The production steps have remained unchanged, perpetuating a complex art that demands exceptional skill. It is this artisanal expertise that allows us to create surreal patterns of such exquisite detail. In our Moroccan workshops, everything begins with the divider. This is the centerpiece of a patterned tile: an intricate metal grid that precisely replicates the design's contour. Our artisans, with their time-honored precision, blend the colors. For a SU.REAL collection pattern like "The Eye," the artisan fills each square of the divider by hand. This step is crucial: it determines the sharpness of the surreal motifs. The divider is then removed with a swift and confident movement before the colors can blend. The tile is then pressed, never fired. This handcrafted process ensures that each cement tile in the SU.REAL collection is subtly unique. This guarantees an authentic coating.
The depth of the pigments: the secret of surreal patterns
The secret of the SU.REAL collection lies in the quality of its pigments. At Carocim, we favor natural oxides and earths. Unlike printed ceramic tiles, the cement tiles in the SU.REAL collection are colored throughout. The color of the surreal patterns is an integral part of the material, embedded in a 5 mm wear layer. This gives it not only unparalleled depth but also exceptional durability. Over time, the tile will only develop a patina, adding to its charm without ever altering its surreal motifs.
Two thicknesses for all your SU.REAL projects
Because each decoration project has its own constraints, we offer our SU.REAL collection in two thicknesses:
- The 16 mm format (for floors): This is the traditional thickness, designed for exceptional durability. Perfect for living room floors, hallways, or kitchens. A 16 mm floor with a surrealist pattern is a lasting investment.
- The 10 mm format (for the wall): Lighter in weight, this version is ideal for wall applications. It allows you to create a spectacular kitchen backsplash or an accent wall in a bathroom with the surreal patterns of the SU.REAL collection.
How to incorporate surrealist motifs into your decor?
The SU.REAL collection is a fantastic decorating tool. Its surreal motifs, classified as "Pop" and "Contemporary", bring an artistic touch to any interior.
A touch of Pop in the kitchen and bathroom
In the kitchen, the surreal patterns of the SU.REAL collection work wonders as a backsplash. A single tile like "The Eye" or "The Pink Alga" creates an artistic focal point. In the bathroom, a wall of surreal patterns (10mm format) creates a unique, gallery-like atmosphere. The SU.REAL collection is an invitation to think outside the box.
Energizing soil: the art of composition
Using the SU.REAL collection for flooring is a bold choice. You can use the surreal patterns in a random patchwork or in a carefully considered composition to create a contemporary "rug." The architects we work with particularly appreciate the surreal patterns of the SU.REAL collection for their interplay with our plain cement tiles, which soften the effect and highlight the design.
Carocim: The excellence of exclusive design
Choosing Carocim means placing your trust in a company dedicated to design creation and production. Located near Aix-en-Provence, we are proud to uphold this tradition of excellence. Our expertise extends beyond handcrafted production. It is also reflected in our collaborations with designers for exclusive collections, such as the SU.REAL collection. This research and development is what fuels the quality of all our products, including these surrealist patterns. This commitment to excellence has opened doors to the most prestigious French luxury brands. By choosing a cement tile from our SU.REAL collection, you benefit from this same level of excellence.
Installation and care instructions for your SU.REAL collection
The cement tile from the SU.REAL collection is a living material, porous by nature. To preserve the beauty of its surreal patterns for years to come, it is essential to treat it. After installation (using a flexible adhesive) and once the grout has completely dried, your SU.REAL collection tiles must be protected. We recommend applying a pore sealer, followed by a water- and oil-repellent treatment. For routine maintenance, a mild soap (such as Marseille soap or black soap) and clean water are sufficient. Acidic detergents should be avoided. Well-installed and properly treated SU.REAL collection cement tiles will develop a sublime natural patina over time.
The authenticity of handmade for your project
Choosing a cement tile from Maison Carocim's SU.REAL collection means choosing a surface covering with soul. It means preferring the subtle vibrancy of a handcrafted piece to the coldness of an industrial product. It means opting for a durable mineral material and surreal patterns achieved through natural pigments and unique artisanal expertise. Whether your project is modern or eclectic, the SU.REAL collection will bring that extra touch of character and boldness that makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions about the SU.Real collection
