If These Walls Could Talk

March 30, 2016

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.

Salon/Reception Room, Driehaus MuseumArt tiles in luscious colorsDriehaus art tilesSurrounding the mantle

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.

Bedroom transitional-bedroom
Photo by Bruce Johnson & Associates Interior Design. See more transitional bedroom designs

A friend's fireplace wall

Christoffersen contemporary-living-room
Photo by John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA. See more contemporary living room designs
Moraga Residence midcentury-living-room
Photo by Jennifer Weiss Architecture. See more mid-century modern living room designs

Many new restaurants, I’ve noticed, are featuring beautiful tile work – everywhere.  Either as wainscoting or as entire walls.Swift and Sons RestaurantReception area - Swift and Sons

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.

Inhabit Facet Wall Flats, Set of 12 scandinavian-wall-panels
Photo by Inhabit. See more scandinavian wall panels designs

 

 

Donghia Showroom, Merchandise Mart

Master Bathroom contemporary-bathroom
Photo by Brian Watford Interiors. See more contemporary bathroom designs
Rosehill craftsman-living-room
Photo by Seavey Builders, Inc.. See more craftsman living room designs
High end residential project at Marine drive. contemporary-bathroom
Photo by Sonali shah. See more contemporary bathroom designs
Italian Modern contemporary-bathroom
Photo by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction. See more contemporary bathroom designs
Queen Anne Contemporary Home - Foyer traditional-entry
Photo by Mohler Design, LLC. See more traditional entry designs
Contemporary Bathroom contemporary-bathroom
See more contemporary bathroom designs
Prisme Couleur eclectic-patio
Photo by Reginald C. Adams LLC. See more eclectic patio designs

With its variety, durability and arty good looks, I think we can safely say that tile has found a home in almost every room in the home.

 

 

You Might Also Like

No Comments

Leave a Reply