23 March, 2009

Tile Inspires

For me every project starts in the same place and in a different place. The client is always the center, the core but then something else will lead to the "aha" moment in each project which takes it to a new level. It can be a comment from the client, their hobby, their values, or it can be a material, pattern or color that strikes me as just right for this client, for this home, for this architecture, for this time.
Lately, I have been thinking about tile in a new way. Thinking about new applications, new places to use tile and thinking about how a simple tile can become extraordinary by the way it is laid out. Tile is an interesting material and too often it is relegated to a utilitarian role...poor tile. Perhaps we could create a new role for tile...maybe it could be a star or the center attraction.

These images show tiles being used at fireplaces, on entry walls, and on curved walls. I am thinking about how tile adds texture, beauty and is a practical long lasting material. Tile showrooms are great resources for gaining inspiration and many resources can be found on the web as well.

www.annsacks.com

www.rex-cerart.it

http://www.ceramichecapri.it/

There are also local resources for tile, installation and mosiac art which I also find inspiring.

www.claysquared.com

www.mercurymosaics.com

www.sheryltuorila.com

As a designer, I know that having the best materials is only the start the inspiration from which to build the three dimensional composition that becomes a space that supports, inspires, and embraces it' occupants. By having the vision to use materials in new ways we can provoke new ideas about space, texture, and lasting choices.

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