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The Leonardo mosaic has been featured in the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle (outbound link to http://blog.atlantahomesmag.com/tags/gnosis/) in our chocolate combination (outbound link to http://www.gnosis-mosaics.com/stone-mosaics/chocolate/) using a dark background of Emperador Dark and with the feature lines in a degradation from Botticino to Chira marbles.

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It has also been used by designer Michael Habachy (outbound link to http://www.habachydesigns.com/categories/residential/project_5/) in this master bath to create a dramatic feel.

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Lacanche (Outbound link to http://www.frenchranges.com/) went more custom by adding a rooster to the center of this colorful mosaic backsplash. The mosaic is made with a Cremo Bello background and a degradation from Rosa Portogallo to Terracotta in the design lines.

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This Leonardo in Calacatta marble background and a degradation from Basalte to Repen Clasico was used a mosaic panel in a bathroom niche.

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Here the Leonardo mosaic was used in a curved bathroom wall, with Botticino marble for the background and a degradation from Bardiglio Light to Bardiglio Dark for the lines.

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Probably the most unusual colors used in this mosaic design, where the designer used Onyx for the background and Verde Laguna for the lines. He added some touches of Terracotta from time to time. This Leonardo was used as a kitchen backsplash.

Any one of those color combinations that you particularly like?

This design is very versatile: You can use a different stone for the background and you get a completely different feel than if you decide to go with a one color background and soft lines.
Take a look:

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The Hadrian mosaic medallion modified into a rectangular shape, in our chocolate combination (link to color combination/chocolate) with Cremo Bello, Emperador and a some accents in Terracotta, installed as a carpet in the elevator area.

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A less neutral combination was used in this mosaic, where the designer added a touch of Blue Quartz, and used an alternation of light and darker stone for the background.

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Finally, an explosion of colors in this mosaic. We almost used all the colors available in our palette. The use of different color for each one of the 3 backgrounds, gives a very interesting touch to this mosaic.

How extravagant would you go about using this mosaic design?

Below are some pictures of this mosaic design in different color combinations.
These are not professional mosaic pictures. They were taken at our workshop with our shop camera. The only purpose was to keep an inventory of what we have made, but we thought it will be nice to share.

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The bamboo mosaic in our angelical color combination (link to http://www.gnosis-mosaics.com/stone-mosaics/premium-mosaics-color-combinations-angelic/) with Afyoun White and Cremo Bello stones. Installed as a concept panel in a powder room, the bamboo gave the organic feel that the client was looking for.

This Thassos White and Bianco Carrara version of the Bamboo mosaic was used as a shower wall in a modern bathroom. Very muted colors blended really well in that environment.

A more dramatic bamboo in Crema Marfil and Emperador Dark marbles, wrapping around all the walls of a circular shower. An impressive application!

How would you use our bamboo mosaic design?

Wolfgang Spa Backsplash:
This wolfgang Spa Backcplash was made using Bianco P marble for the background and a combination of bardiglio light and dark for the design lines. It was installed on the wall behind a calacatta bathtub.

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This Wolfgang Spa Backsplash in our chocolate combination has a mix of cremo bello and galala in the background and chira and emperador dark in the mosaic design lines.

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Another interesting Wolfgang Spa Backsplash used as a shower wall, had a mix of 4 stones in the background: cremo bello, galala, giallo oro and giallo nuvolato and the lines in a mix of emperador dark-light brown and emperador dark-terracotta.

Wolfgang Medallion
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This Wolfgang medallion is was installed in the foyer of a custom home, with large format grey marble tiles. The mosaic was made with afyoun white for the bsckground and design lines in bardiglio dark and chira.

Wolfgang Carpet
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The Wolfgang carpet in mix of bianco P and bianco carrara in the background and design lines in bardiglio light, bardiglio dark for the design lines. This mosaic design was applied as a wall accent in a maser bath.

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Another Wolfgang Carpet in our classic color combination, (http://www.gnosis-mosaics.com/stone-mosaics/premium-mosaics-color-combinations-classic/) was used as a floor application in a master bath, surrounded by 24”x24” cream marble tiles. The design lines of this mosaic are made with giallo oro, terracotta, empress green and rosa tea.

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The Wolfgang carpet applied as a shower wall in our chocolate color combination (http://www.gnosis-mosaics.com/stone-mosaics/chocolate/). A border of the Wolfgang Step Riser was added to the design.

Wolfgang Backsplash II (link to http://www.gnosis-mosaics.com/stone-mosaics/mosaic-floor-tile-lifestyle-collection-wolfgang-backsplash-ii-2/)

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An interesting color scheme: the background is a mix of cremo bello and galala and the design lines are made with terracotta and tala maron. Used as a focal kitchen backsplash.

Wolfgang Border (Link to http://www.gnosis-mosaics.com/stone-mosaics/mosaic-floor-tile-lifestyle-collection-wolfgang-borderiv/)

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This Wolfgang 6” border was installed on the walls of a bathroom. The mosaic was custom drawn so the design flows all around the room, without having to be cut in the middle of an accent.

These are not professional mosaic pictures. They were taken at our workshop with an in-house camera. The only purpose was to keep an inventory of what we have made, but we thought it will be nice to share.

The problem of color control in custom mosaics is 3-prone:

Staff knowledge about the properties of the stone materials. Stone is a product of nature, and color variation is to be expected. Sure. However, if you are basing your color selection on small stone swatches, it’s sometimes difficult to show the full range of variation in the stone.
Ask your mosaic purveyor about the materials properties, they should be knowledgeable about them: are they somewhat consistent or do they have a lot of variation? Are they suitable for floors? What are some of the care precautions you should take?

Control of materials at the shop.

This is the simplest one of the variables to control. Just store the material in a way that the Turkish marble Afyon does not mix up with the Italian Bianco Calacatta. And also work with the craftsmen, don’t improvise; a color has been already specified. There is other free mosaic making time where craftsmen can make whatever comes to mind; because, what do you think our craftsmen do in their free time after and crafting mosaics all day? They go and make some more mosaic art!

Control of materials at the source.

Even if the above protocols are followed it’s difficult if the material source is not up to par. In the case of Gnosis, the owners of the company travel overseas to make materials selections personally and stock up the shops. There is a certain look for the material that will ensure a controlled variation in some stones like Bianco Carrara, Calacatta,Botticino, and Crema Marfil. Some others like the Breccias, the more variation in a block, the best. Some other ones like the Bardiglio are split into 2 different tonalities: a dark and a light.

This material selection journey occurs at least twice per year, and this is how the color set we present now has become highly reliable.

And this is how when specifying a mosaic from Gnosis you can expect to look like you intended.

We learned a lot from this period, not only about the mosaic designs, but about how figures ought to be crafted.  How can you shape a figure using even only 1 color and make the viewer understand the shape and follow its movement.  We learned that the way you craft the piece has actually more to do with its final effect than the design itself or the color selection.  The tessellation makes all the difference, it makes the mosaic acquire dimension.

Artists first, mosaic artists second

All of our work begins with the inspiration of an idea.  First, there has to be admiration for the beauty of a design and the movement of its lines.   From this movement, we hope to be inspired to create the essence of the piece, whether it is a historical recreation or a modern concept.

From the inception, regardless of research, all the designs are hand drawn. They must be created on paper.   We refuse to consider computer use for the first steps in the process of creating mosaic designs.  Simply, the hand drawings allow the piece to come to life on the paper.  Free flowing lines are a necessary part of allowing the movement of the mosaic to truly be captured.  The first several iterations are very rough, done with #2 pencils or even charcoal sticks.

We trace the design may times, tracing over the previous sketch, and trying to define more details and refine the lines.  In this process we start to consider what lines should be thickened, for better emphasis in the design; we start considering what materials should be used and what scale would be appropriate; how easy can the mosaic pieces be cut to accommodate the design?  Can the design actually be crafted the way it is drawn?

Once the mosaic designs are finally considered functional they will be scanned into a computer.  It’s important to note the computer is not typically for design purposes.  The computer is mainly used to correct minor sketching errors and to assist with coloring the design.

If you’re curious about the craftsmanship of a historical design, some consider it a surgical extraction.  Mosaics inspired from 2,000 year old pieces undergo the same process of hand sketching with a final computer detailing.  Sousse (http://www.gnosis-mosaics.com/stone-mosaics/mosaic-floor-tile-lifestyle-collection-sousse-backsplash/) and Ostie (http://www.gnosis-mosaics.com/mosaic-bathroom-tiles/ostie-mosaic-design/) are good examples of a historically inspired piece.  You’ll see the history interwoven with the careful hand detail of our designers.

The quality of a mosaic is 50% attributed to the way it was thought through by the artist; the other 50% is the way the mosaic is constructed.  The process of creating a mosaic design must start with the correct conception.  It’s the artist’s passion, naturally, that makes them so mesmerizing.

Hand finishing is rarely offered by stone mosaic makers, because most are made with pre-finished stones: if you are looking for a polished finish in your mosaic, crafters often start with cutting polished stone. If you would like a matte finish, crafters often start with cutting honed stone. Gnosis thinks differently: we start with unfinished stone, then we craft the mosaic, and then we apply the finishing to the mosaic once it’s already crafted, and before installation.

There are multiple reasons why the Gnosis technique stands out:
• Visually, hand-finishing gives the surface of the mosaic a beautiful silky texture without the machine-made reflective look of machine polishing or the predictable dull effect given by tumbling. Hand-finishing gives off a nice patina effect that is more organic/ time-worn looking than what any machine can produce. A great natural patina finish is something you would see in mosaics such as the ones at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or at the Chicago Cultural Center, where mosaic surfaces have been walked on by thousands of visitors over many years. The erosion and wear on these stone mosaics creates a wavy surface that only Gnosis can reproduce before installation.
• From a tactile standpoint, hand-finishing allows you to appreciate the complete elimination of sharp edges, while giving off its own romantic handmade feel. This effect would be quite apparent on the floor of a bathroom where your bare feet can attest to the silky finish of hand-finished mosaics.
• Gnosis can also reproduce a distressed mosaic surface, similar to the texture of really ancient mosaics. If you were to compare one of Gnosis’ aged hand-finished stone mosaics to a genuine antique mosaic in a museum or an archeological site, you would find striking similarities. Ancient mosaics have been exposed to the elements for thousands of years; for example the mosaics of Pompeii, where some of the surfaces still installed in those ancient homes have been shaped by nature. Their unique finish is a direct result of age, wind erosion, and acid exposure. When Gnosis hand-finishes a new mosaic, the finish that is created emulates these natural effects better than any machine-finished piece ever could.
•From a technical standpoint, the hand-finishing techniques are also noticeably superior. One of the many benefits is that you can create this handmade look while avoiding a complete mess on the job site: If you wanted to have traditional mosaics hand-finished, you would have to re-finish them after they are installed, which would create large amounts of dust and debris. Also, hiring a refinisher for on-site finishing will end up costing you an additional $15/sq.ft.

If you are looking to do something very classic, organic, and natural, the Gnosis hand-finished stone mosaics are a great alternative. Even if you were to have one of our designs manufactured by someone else (something we wouldn’t be happy about J ), the difference would be immediately apparent. The way the stone is cut, and the way the surface feels would be completely different; if you were to run your hand over the surface of other mosaics, you would be able to feel the edges of each one of the tesserae, whereas if you did the same on a hand-finished mosaic, you would feel a smooth and silky surface.

Gnosis stone mosaics are not as cold as the pieces of stone that form them, they breathe life. The end result of our hand-finishing techniques is a mosaic that is organic and naturally beautiful. It is something you will hardly find in mosaics crafted with traditional hand-cutting techniques.

Backsplash options come in numerous different varieties and styles that it can be a hard decision to make, especially when you’re nearing the end of a very long journey of designing a kitchen. Here are some backsplash options for you to consider as well as some design tips to help you make the right decision.

Two Main Types of Kitchen Backsplashes

You will need to decide between a focal backsplash and a full backsplash when you’re using mosaic tile in your kitchen. A focal backsplash has a featured design only under the hood, while a full backsplash design flows across the entire splash area in the kitchen. .

A focal backsplash will work best for your kitchen if you have side backsplashes that separate the area under the hood from the rest of the wall. If you go this direction, you might consider using a featured design in the center surrounded by field tiles, or a border. Using a focal backsplash will give your kitchen a beautiful focal point.

Neo backsplash Mosaic

A full backsplash extends the mosaic tile design all over the kitchen backsplash, so it’s best to use a repeating pattern or a free flowing image. If done right, a full backsplash can visually enlarge the kitchen by drawing your eye up and around the full size of the walls.

Kitchen with the Leonardo Mosaic, Designed by Cornerstone Craftsmen, Atlanta

Kitchen Design Style

Think about the kitchen’s style – is it classical or contemporary? The backsplash design should complement the feel of the kitchen. A focal backsplash with an ornate design in the middle with borders would look nice for a Tuscan kitchen, while a free-flowing full kitchen backsplash design can balance out the crisp, clean-lined cabinets in a modern kitchen.

Custom Mosaic Backsplash Designed by Design Galleria, Atlanta

Think of the kitchen backsplash as the finishing touch to your kitchen – the perfect pair of shoes to go with your outfit or the final flourish of paint on a beautiful piece of art. A well-designed backsplash can elevate an ordinary kitchen to an exceptional one. Create a beautiful kitchen that you will enjoy everyday with the help of a backsplash with mosaic tile. Be creative and fearless with your decisions on backsplash options.

When deciding how to incorporate mosaic tiles into your bathroom design, consider your taste and the feeling you’d like to evoke. A bathroom can be a tranquil retreat from the world, and should also give the sense of being fresh and clean. Just because it’s a room that has such utility doesn’t mean you can’t make it enjoyable. In fact, it’s all the more reason to make this room pleasing to the eye. Consider the day-to-day pleasure you will derive from being surrounded by a sense of beauty and peace, and know that investing in your bathroom is a gift to yourself and your guests to be enjoyed for years to come.

Ostia Antica was a harbour city in the Roman times, located at the mouth of the river Tiber, around 19 miles to the West of Rome. The oldest settlements found date of Early Iron Age (1000-700 BC).

There was a center place in Ostia that was like a mall, with shops on both sides of a main alley, where all the traders would sell their goods. At the entrance of each shop, there was a mosaic related to what they sell: you will find a lot of mosaics with water themes. All of those mosaics are bi-dimensional with somewhat gross designs.

Discovery of the Ostie Design 

And then, at one of the boundaries of the city, the Caseggiato di Bacco e Arianna House, believed to be the house a priest, you will find 2 main mosaics: one of them depicting Roman Gods and the other one in the center of a bedroom surrounded by mosaic field.This last one is nothing else than the most exquisitely crafted mosaic of Ostia Antica. We extracted the center piece and called it the “Ostie” mosaic.

The original mosaic has a winged Medusa in its center, and is made in monochromatic black and white marbles, which situates it around Early Roman 1st AD, where this kind of mosaics where very popular. It is a pretty large piece, crafted using the on-site direct method, that is why you can see some irregularities from one set of pattern to the next repeating.

It is one of the most delicate mosaics of the site, but it still has large tesserae cuts of around 1.2 cm and the finer tesseraes are half of that.

Ostie revived by Gnosis Mosaics

This mosaic has a higher level of details than any other mosaic in the city. It is very harmonically ornated without being invasive. You can tell because of the way the shapes are done, that it is a very early Roman mosaic, but it’s still very delicate: The acanthus accents in the design are very stylized, which was uncommon in these times. The wing figures and birds add some freshness to the mosaic.

Gnosis made a bit more perfect and refined the lines and tessellation. Its 2 color design, bi-dimensional (no 3D effect), makes it perfect for today’s ornate accent. Our favorite combination today is grey and white, tone on tone: It gives it a very peaceful feel