CONTEMPO TILE STUDIO

Splash of the Week: It’s Spring Again!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:53:00 +0000

Want a fun and fresh way to complete your kitchen re-do? You got it!

These beauties are but one example of the amazing craftsmanship of the artisans at Stardust Glass! These guys are on a mission, and it’s not just to make fabulous tile. Get the dirty details in this week’s Artisan Spotlight, or check out their website right now!

Artisan Spotlight: Tilevera Handpainted Tile & Stone

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:23:00 +0000

Based in Sausalito, California and owned by one Ms. Deborah Osborne, you’ve probably seen some of Tilevera’s amazing products featured in the likes of Dwell magazine or House Beautiful.

Featuring designs inspired by great works of art and ancient motifs…

and contemporary, sometimes whimsical themes. There is something for everyone!

Not only are these delicacies handpainted, but each piece of tile first has its design hand drawn by one of the more than 500 artists in the guild that is Tilevera. Following in the footsteps of the Spanish artisans of the Talavera region, no two tiles are alike!

I am infatuated with the MEDLEY/COLLAGE series, especially the Modern (still can’t decide if I’m Bold or Light). This is why I love tile!

There is sooooooooo much more to see at tilevera.com, including an installation gallery and a palette of what seems like hundreds of colors in the San Simeon Collection. While you’re there, try the WORK(SHOP) design tool and create your own collage or a custom design from scratch!

Please continue to support the tile arts and ask for Tilevera product by name at your local tile showroom and/or interior design professional.

All pics courtesy Tilevera.

Splash of the Week: Red Hot!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:14:00 +0000

This recreation room kitchenette was designed and installed by Sullivan Conard Architects in Seattle. As the secondary kitchen space in the basement, their clients wanted to have a bit more fun! The fingerprint resistant stainless cabinets are magnificent, but that backsplash steals the show!

The poinsettia red glass tiles from Ann Sacks completely surround the upper cabinets and add a touch of glam! Love it!

Pictures courtesy of houzz!

Artisan Spotlight: Donna Marie Collection

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Not very long after Donna and her husband David Bartley started selling tile out their Washington, DC showroom, Bartley Tile Concepts, Inc., they realized that offering a wide range of tile options from around the world to their upscale clientele was simply not enough. These people wanted hand-painted, handcrafted, custom works of tile art for their homes (crazy, huh?) - and it was up to the Bartleys to deliver. And deliver they did!

Bartley Tile’s Donna Marie Collection features an amazing series of handcrafted delicacies almost good enough to eat! My favorite is the Architectural Series for its clean lines and many, many glaze color options. 180 glaze color options to be exact!

The Handmold Series is exactly that, offering the same 180 glaze color options on handmade tiles available in an assortment of field sizes and a plethora of trims.

Love on the detail in the Fleur and the beautiful brushstrokes on the fields! Yummy!

If that’s not enough, the Watercolor Series should quench your thirst! With both Traditional and Whimsical hand-painted themes on either the Architectural or Handmold Series’ of tile to choose from, you’re sure to fall in love! I did……and I don’t even like fish……

……but these fields look like little square pools of water begging for me to dive in!

Support the tile arts and visit Bartley’s Tile Concepts’ website and the showroom/studio while in the DC area! All pictures courtesy donnamariecollection.com.

Splash of the Week: Stunning Stainless Stones!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Stainless is found in most modern kitchens today, usually in the form of appliances, ventilation hoods, and cabinetry hardware. With Solistone’s Freeform series, select from seven different metal finishes to add some organic sex appeal to your kitchen space.

Featured in Astro with a black grout, this splash is like the icing on a cool contemporary cake (baked in a stainless steel oven, of course).

Brushed for textural interest and to prevent fingerprinting. Mesh-mounted for ease of installation. So much more fabulousness (I know that’s not a word) to see at Solistone’s website and tile dealers across the country!

Artisan Spotlight: The Nadeau Collection

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Okay, so Crystal Nadeau doesn’t make the stone (we can all thank the Good Lord for that – beauty that random cannot be claimed by any man) tile used in her mosaic masterpieces, but her show-stopping collection simply cannot be mentioned without squeezing the word art in there somewhere.

Headquartered in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona, The Nadeau Collection is one that must be considered before any tile design decisions are made for your project. A perfect combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship, Nadeau is available at luxury tile boutiques and studios across the nation. Offering a gorgeous selection of geometric and exotic shapes……

with what seems to be an unlimited amount of colors……

and patterns! I can’t decide which I love most. Oh yeah, in case you don’t see exactly what you want, The Nadeau Collection does custom!

Not just custom, I mean CUSTOM, honey! The folks at Nadeau are stepping out on innovation with their newly unveiled Design Lab. Sign up, sign in, and play!

Support the tile arts and visit The Nadeau Collection website. All pictures courtesy thenadeaucollection.com.

Splash of the Week: Marvelous Modern!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:03:00 +0000

Often times, the backsplash is an afterthought. It is usually the last consideration in the kitchen space, and rightly so. Because there are so many options available, finding a splash that coordinates with the larger investments in the kitchen (cabinetry, countertops, appliances, etc.) only makes good sense.

This fabulously bold splash choice is obviously the driving force behind the design of this modern kitchen space, and I’m going along for the ride! More that just a splash, this classic custom repeating pattern from Hakatai serves as wallpaper for the entire room!

Marvelous!

Artisan Spotlight: Red Rock Tileworks

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:14:00 +0000

Lindsay McLean is a tile Wonder Woman! As Production Manager at Newsome Ceramic Tile Design, and Partner at both M.E. Tile and Red Rock Tileworks, she’s busy at the very least! Together with her parents (both architects) and her husband, they produce “functional art” for your bathroom walls - and anywhere else you wanna put it.

Though I appreciate the creative gems featured by all three companies, there’s a special place in my heart for Red Rock! Here’s why………

Handcrafted in Central Illinois by a team of dedicated artisans, most pieces are designed by Lindsay herself.

With so many lovely options, rich with color and distinctive textures, who could pick just one?

Available at boutique tile showrooms nationwide and in Canada!

Please support the tile arts and visit Red Rock Tileworks website now! All pictures courtesy RedRockTileworks.com and Red Rock Tileworks Facebook page.

Splash of the Week: Got the Monday blues?

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:42:00 +0000

I do! This sleek kitchen space is the definition of modernity, with the splash serving as the icing on the cake!

I just love how this baby blue blend of gloss and matte finishes plays with the light. Add some under-cabinet lighting to highlight and watch the show as you move around the room!

This is only the tip of a Canadian iceberg called Interstyle Ceramic & Glass. With field tiles and mosaics in dozens of sizes and practically every color known to man, it’s impossible not to find the contemporary look you want for your space.

Artisan Spotlight: Heath Ceramics

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:23:00 +0000

You look up the word artisan in the dictionary (who does that anymore) and I bet you’ll find a picture of Edith Heath. A true pioneer in both stoneware and business, this lady was nothing if not an artist! Get to know her better here. The company she founded, Heath Ceramics, has had new owners since 2003, but Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey are working hard to keep Edith’s Sausalito dream alive!

Renowned for their tableware, it is, of course, the tile series that I dream about! Each tile seems to have it’s own personality. With pieces from the very warm and textured………

……to the very bright and modern, the folks at Heath know how to make some tile!

They’ve only been doing it since the mid-forties. Not porcelain or ceramic, these stoneware beauties are vitreous making them tough enough to be used outdoors!

And dinnerware to match my backsplash? Pure genius!

Buy at the Sausalito Factory & Store, the new Los Angeles Studio & Store, or online.

Please support the tile arts and visit Heath Ceramics website! All photos courtesy Heath Ceramics.

Splash of the Week: Beyond Beautiful!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:03:00 +0000

Absorb the beautiful results of an encounter with New Ravenna Mosaics! What a fabulously ornate, but simply gorgeous way to personalize your kitchen space - and start your week!

The folks at New Ravenna (founded and lead by Sara Baldwin) are mosaic magicians, developing works of art with a talented team of designers and artisans. From Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the world………

………but alas, another luxurious line of tile jewels not readily available in the Saint Louis area! (Don’t worry! I’m working on it.) In the meantime, check out New Ravenna’s website as well as Sara’s blog! There is so much more to see, including the new Precision Jewel Glass and Marble Water Jet Collections. It’s enough to bring a tile lover to tears………anybody have a Kleenex?

Artisan Spotlight: Mercury Mosaics

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:31:00 +0000

Sorry about last week! I know that my readers look forward to learning more about America’s innovative tile makers and the mouth-watering lovelies that they create! Well, savor this……

Mercedes Austin will go down in tile history as the Mistress of Magnificent Mosaics! Okay, maybe not……but the field tiles and mosaics that she and her musician husband Michael design and manufacture are simply out of this world! Funky and fun, I can’t decide which I like best!

Mercury Mosaics’ humble beginnings in Mercedes’ Minneapolis apartment has given way to a thriving custom tile business creating kitchen, bath, and commercial projects across the nation with 10 studio employees. Not just tile makers, use MM’s cool ceramic switch plates to finish your next tile job!

I can hardly wait to start specifying!

Please support the tile arts and visit Mercury Mosaics’ website right now! All pictures courtesy Mercury Mosaics.

Splash of the Week: A Touch of Mod Class!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:56:00 +0000

Don’t break the budget covering the entire backsplash with glass mosaics! Get the look by highlighting the focal point, as was done here using Modwalls’ Lush 1x2 blend in Stockholm.

When combined with Modwalls’ Lush 4x4 field tile in Dune, pull the eye around the entire space by adding touches of mosaics throughout! Fabulous!

Modwalls does tile mid-century style. But that’s not all they do! If you are on the lookout for clean mosaics in glass, ceramic, stainless, or even cork………look no further! Because the folks at Modwalls offer some of the coolest tile available, stay tuned for more pics of their products in action!

Take a sunny shower……

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:31:00 +0000

or bathe under the stars in this fun bathroom filled with sky blues, grassy greens, and cloudy whites!

With a fabulously simple layout (found in almost every home in America) this is how a tub/shower combination gets done with style!

Pics courtesy Hakatai.com!

Splash of the Week: Traditional and Timeless!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:16:00 +0000

Me? I’m a colorful contemporary girl. My design dictionary defines neutral as “safe” and/or “the last resort”. But neutral most certainly does not mean boring, as this beautiful backsplash in a traditionally styled kitchen exemplifies!

Using a blend of Sonoma Tilemakers products, including Sonoma Reserve plant-ons and MoSuprema 1x1’s to create a focal point is a good start, but why stop there? I simply love the detail of the pattern in the side splash area!

Nothing “safe” here!

Artisan Spotlight: Encore Ceramics

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:20:00 +0000

When Debbie and Barry Russell began to produce tiles out of a 2-car garage, it wasn’t about making money, it was about creating art. I must say that they have done just that! From their very humble beginnings (which includes a Cuisinart and a pizza cutter), these folks, who were joined early on by Rita Bourbon and Michael Campbell, have grown Encore Ceramics right out of that garage in Oregon and into homes across the country.

Offering six artistically crafted series’ from which to choose, Encore products are both aesthetically innovative and environmentally responsible. My favorite is San Marco, but Vecchio comes in at a very close second.

Let’s all join them in their tile revolution!

Please support the (tile) arts and visit Encore Ceramics website. All photos courtesy Encore Ceramics.

Splash of the Week: Retro Chic!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:34:00 +0000

The classically cool mix of white and black makes for the perfect back drop for this fun and funky splash. If the cheerful color combo doesn’t get you, the random geometry of the pattern will! Complete with stainless appliances and a gorgeous farm sink, this kitchen represents retro modern done very well!

Photos courtesy Chotda’s photostream!

Artisan Spotlight: ModCraft, A Modern Craftworks

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:13:00 +0000

Another product of New York (see this week’s Splash of the Week) and headed by David Clark, Modcraft started small in Brooklyn in 1999. Now, from their headquarters in Beacon, New York, these folks are spitting out modern works of stoneware art the likes of which you’ve never seen……unless, of course you’ve been to the company website already.

Not just tile, the ModCraft artisans create high-relief beauties with a contemporary slickness that makes them cool, not cold. See for yourself:

Select from five styles and oodles of colors/finishes. And yes, you can go custom. Use your imagination. Think bathrooms………

……backsplashes……

……and lighting?!

Please continue to support the (tile) arts and visit ModCraft’s website. All pictures courtesy Mod-Craft.com and ModCraft’s Facebook page.

A cool pool!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Tile edging on natural stone., originally uploaded by stileedge.

What a colorfully fun mix of natural sandstone and ceramic tile squares! Now, honey, I don't swim, but with a pool like this I'm awfully tempted to take a dip!

Splash of the Week: Fresh and Fabulous!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:55:00 +0000

What a great way to wake up an otherwise non-descript kitchen space! Fresh flowers always make a fabulous accessory, but these beauties won’t wilt!

This work of art was created by Lori Desormeaux, a multi-talented decorative artist straight out of Buffalo, New York! By multi, I mean wall finishes, murals, frescoes, marbleizing, faux finishing, AND glass and tile mosaics. This lady is good and Lori’s website is a must see!

Photos courtesy of Lori of Lori Desormeaux Decorative Arts.

Sweet dreams!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:19:00 +0000

Circulos and Multi-Sided Listels Project, originally uploaded by GranitiFiandre S.p.A.

Yes, you can use tile in the bedroom (and not just on the floor)! Love this installation using porcelain tile from GranitiFiandre S.p.A.

Artisan Spotlight: BonTon Handmade Ceramic Tile

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Founded by Mary Anderson, a self described tile industry vet and Kurt Anderson, V. P. of Sales and Marketing, the master sculptors at BonTon Designs create handmade ceramic works of art. More than unique, the finished installations are simply beautiful. See for yourself.

Men’s room featuring BonTon’s Signature Diamond in Veruca Red

Ladies’ room featuring BonTon’s Poppies

Select from the many “designs inspired by Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and the Arts and Crafts movements” or go custom! Just imagine……

……so many shapes, so many colors……

……and girls, they make handbags, too! I saw some of these cuties at Coverings in Chicago. Love ‘em!

Please support the (tile) arts and visit BonTon’s website. All photos courtesy BonTonDesigns.com or BonTon’s Facebook page.

When you think tile, your mind may automatically go to the likes of American Olean, Florida Tile, Crossville, or Dal. The well-known, super-manufacturers/importers of ceramics, porcelains, glass, stone, and more offer consumers a wealth of product options at affordable prices, while not sacrificing quality. They have also done a fabulous job, over time, of building a reputation and marketing it to their target very well. Although I often feature their products here, let’s face it, they don’t need any help from me! Anybody that knows me knows that I am passionate about tile, so for my own selfish reasons, each week I will feature an artisan tile manufacturer to promote their business and recognize their labor for the love of tile!

Simply stunning!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Beautiful Glass Fireplace 2, originally uploaded by greg_fordham.

The fireplace is already the focal point of any space, so why not make it fabulous? Greg Fordham of Fordham Building and Design did just that with this clear glass running bond (or brick lay) installation on his client's woodburner! I love the lines of the mantle, and the slate hearth keeps the remodel from being too modern, while giving the design some weight.

Splash of the Week: A Knock-Out!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:55:00 +0000

I thought it would be fun to start the week (and every week from now on) with a splash! After watching HGTV’s Showdown, selecting the first “Splash of the Week” was easy!

You’ve seen the show, I’m sure. It’s when HGTV celebrity hosts (some of them really are designers and/or architects) compete in teams of two to create a successful makeover of a space for one lucky homeowner. This all must be done on set within 4 hours, cameras rolling! The homeowner(s) must select the best design and their reward is to have the winning design completed in their home. It is truly fun to watch!

This week: Vern Yip vs. Angelo Surmelis in the kitchen! I knew that Vern was going to win. Vern always wins. His team created a clean transitional space with room for a family. He listened to his client and added warmth with the color palette and the cabinetry, but made it funky with what? You guessed it………the backsplash!

The client’s kitchen/mudroom space before.

Vern Yip’s winning design.

The black & white Italian mosaics that dealt the knock-out blow!

Click to see Angelo’s design and more on HGTV’s Showdown! All photos courtesy of HGTV.com.

A model kitchen combo!

noreply@blogger.com (ARDRA) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Don’t miss tonight’s episode of TVLand’s modeling competition for women over the age of 35! With only six contestants left, the ladies battle it out in a “working mom” photo shoot featuring two kids, a dog, and a fun backsplash/floor tile combination!

I’m loving how the simple splash design was livened-up with a mix of bright color! Bringing that same color into the floor with a few clipped corners keeps it from completely blending into the cabinetry without distracting too much attention from the real “star” of the show!