With the yearly introduction of new technology, colors and sizes, it’s fair to say that something new is always happening in the world of tile. This year is no different.
Our design consultants, featuring Marni Redmond and Jennifer Kurtz feel an important part of their job is staying up with the latest trends, technologies, styles and colors currently affecting the industry. Through attending trade shows around the country including the Coverings Show held annually in Orlando, Florida, they are able to keep up with the latest and hottest trends from shows in New York City, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada. This lends our clients the opportunity to have the newest styles and materials.
“We will be bringing in new colors and textures for 2008. The ‘hot’ colors this year are expected to reflect the trend of globalization. Asian reds, Indian gold’s and deep Oriental purples are some good examples Turkish coppers, cobalt blues, middle eastern clay browns and khaki are also expected to set the trends this year.”
Both agree the browns are the most versatile colors of the palette, not only because they pair well with natural materials such as wood, metal, leather and stone, but they can also be used as a compliment to almost every color combination as well as with stronger saturated colors. Reds which are found in every major culture are also hot this year.
Our in-house construction specialist is available during the planning process to answer questions on preparation and tile setting technique. With years of experience he also offers design ideas from the application side. “We pride ourselves on doing first-rate work. Every installation team we have has been involved in upscale and custom projects. We enjoy a challenge and welcome new concepts that put our abilities to the test.”
Interesting Product Lines: Some of our new lines, Northern Lights and Watercolors, use a new manufacturing process, which enables these glass tiles to change hues and colors dynamically, responding to applied heat similar to ‘mood’ rings. They are waterproof, available in eight colors and reverse themselves to their original color after cooling.
Living Art, yet another line can be used to create landscapes, pictorials or custom images. Pieces are one of a kind and are brought to life by artists from the around the world.
We also offer a new line that is available in colors and textures that can simulate leather or wood paneling. We are proud to be the exclusive distributor of these special products in the Knoxville area. Says Marni, “This tile has an oriental feel to it and seems to come to life on your wall.” It comes in larger sizes for use in covering larger spaces, as well as a variety of colors.
Yet another line we offer called Metal Fusion reflects the trend of tile taking on the look of other popular interior decorating styles using a metal look finish. It is available in several sizes up to 24”x24” as well as up to three feet long. While the line is actually porcelain, the metal surfaces are imitated by using particles of metal in the tile. Examples of appearances are steel, zinc oxide and bronzed copper.
A recommended line this year is Artisan Heritage. The style is handcrafted in the tradition of the arts and crafts period of the early 1900’s. Being handmade, the slight irregularities due to the hand made process offer more character and create the impression of truly custom work. The three dimensional patterns contained in the tiles replicate a wide variety of flowers, animals, fruits, vegetables and other images that can be mixed and matched or used repeatedly in a theme that is perfect for kitchens and baths. With a wide variety of matching moldings borders and dots, you are able to create one a of a kind pattern that will come to life on your walls.
Call or stop to set an appointment and see Marni or Jennifer, your design consultants. Together with you they will help make your dream project a reality.