After spending August traveling and attempting to get some kids back in school, tile news was the last thing on my mind. However, there were some fun tile stories that were kindly brought to my attention-
From The Decorating Diva-
Pachamama tiles really stretch the notion of leather and tile. Apparently stretching the notion of leather is the specialty of Priante PelleItaliana SRL. And if you've been watching tile trends over the past few years you know that leather tile made a strong debut. Its progress has been impeded by installation questions and durability in a standard tile setting- but in the right setting ( media rooms, entry walls, elevators, decorative wall features, etc) it can be just right.
I've got a good case of Tile Envy for Argentinian Jorge Simes's glass tiles. Using a pre-Roman glass technique called eglomise, Simes manages to turn glass into shimmering silk, velvet and linen glass "textiles". Be sure to click on Joann Loctov's Decorating Diva article to read more about these gilded beauties.
Trend USA is known for their glass mosaic Wallpaper collection, but recently added their new customizing feature offering their expert assistance with tile mosaic projects requiring tailored colors and effects. As the current "age of individuality" is upon us in a big way- the ability to create custom features is currently one of the fastest growing design options.
KARIM RASHID, again!
I first noted designers lending their abilities (and their names) to our industry a while ago when Versace decided to try his hand in the tile world. That was obviously a while back. I can't recall that it was a soaring success in the US, but well-known designers are continuing to offer their sensibilities and signatures to tiles. Now it would appear that Karid Rashim is just getting started. He recently launched his series of metallic mosaics featured in Tile Salon January 2010, and now he's bringing his signature pink (and others) palette and modern design forms to large format ceramics.
From Trendir.com-
(ambra tiles from artistic tile)
Trendir's post featuring Artistic Tiles new Ambra series was not my first glance at these amazing tiles. Spotting them recently in a showroom, tactile doesn't begin to describe how touchy-feely one can be when in the presence of the giant 3-dimensionally bountiful tiles. Perfect for exterior and interior walls, Ambra tiles feature surfaces that can be further enhanced by the right lighting (oh can't we call!). I highly recommend having a one-on-one with these tiles as the pictures just don't do them justice.