If walls could talk, they might say that paint and wall coverings are great – but why not think tile?!
Tile is a wonderful, wide, multi-use product that is the durable hero of backsplashes and bathrooms. But tile can also be right at home in the finest, most elegant rooms in your home.
Lately I’ve been noticing tile applications in very unusual, creative settings. The first encounter I had with some amazing tile work, recently, was at the Driehaus Museum when I visited the Dressing Downton costume exhibit. There, on the first floor, was a magnificent salon/reception room filled with heavily carved, deep teal art tiles used instead of paint or paper or cloth above the wainscoting.
Apparently, this was the Victorian approach to elegant appointments. And the whole concept seems to be in vogue again.
Twice in the last week I’ve spoken with clients who want something different for their fireplaces – not just for the surround, but for the entire fireplace box to the ceiling. And tile appears to be winning over stone choices.
Many new restaurants, I’ve noticed, are featuring beautiful tile work – everywhere. Either as wainscoting or as entire walls.
I’m dazzled by the array of types, and colors of tile available – stone, ceramic, porcelain, cement, wood, glass. Photos tell the tale – at The Merchandise Mart, on the street, in fully-tiled bathrooms – so many ways tile serves to create an exciting wall, backdrop or graphic design.
