Thursday, April 23, 2009

As seen in "Signature Kitchens & Bath" magazine

We just happened to pick up a magazine for kitchen/bath ideas, and right there on page 84, we noticed a kitchen that looked familiar. No wonder, we actually did the work! So, now, I can advertise our work; "as seen in "Signature Kitchens & Bath" Winter 2009 Edition. The beautiful specialty tile in backsplash is hand-made from the Botanical Collection by Pratt & Larson. This beautiful kitchen is a collaboration of CarMike Kitchen and Karen Keysar of Keysar Interiors both of LaPlata, MD.

From Tile Art of Fredericksburg

We've Joined the CoDesign of Fredericksburg!


Celebrating with a "Wine & Design" event on April 17th, we kicked off the beginning of CoDesign in downtown historic Fredericksburg.

The CoDesign is a coworking studio for residential and commercial specialists in building and design products and services. A working studio with a public showroom, private sample library, and private offices, our members have converged to nurture new ideas, build better relationships, and provide a customer experience like no other.



Tile Art is excited to join the CoDesign in Fredericksburg, with specialty ceramics, glass and mosaics, artisan handmade tile as well as beautiful products in stone, porcelains and travertines.
The studio provides a great place to meet and design your space together with some of the most unique stone, glass and marble products available today. Call for a free consultation today. 540-226-5216.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

A Little REAL Tile Art!






























I first saw this bathroom wall while visiting friends almost 20 years ago and actually got dizzy. Our friend Rick simply used tile he had around the house to create this whimsical mural of a long and winding corridor. It really IS a flat wall as difficult as it is to believe. He said when Grizwald, the neighbor's dog smashed his nose into the wall...he knew he had something.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Going Natural!!




Years ago, my husband sent me to choose tile for our kitchen. So I picked out what I liked; porcelain tile with a wood-grain texture. “Are you kidding?” Why bother tiling if you want it to look like wood? He asked. I couldn’t answer him then, other than I simply liked it. However, it seems the presence of these faux textures is gaining popularity rapidly. Why? Because places where the beauty of wood and other materials, as attractive as they are, were not very practical or durable in high-traffic areas abused by wear or places that tend to gather moisture. Of course, again, these are kitchens and baths!

Today there are exciting tile products that compel the beholder to touch as well as simply look, curious to know if really is suede or yes, even leather! Textures in tiles that imitate the elements are not only interesting but practical. In fact, the rugged and earthy look of wood can now at long-last be used on a bathroom floor where moisture tends to warp and destroy quickly. The colorful veining of marble or the natural grain in granites still offer timeless beauty and ageless elegance, but…when decorating with natural textures, there is no limit to creating a unique space with a statement that reflects our vast differences in tastes and styles.

Got questions? Call Tile Art today! Check out our website at www.tileart.us

To Tile or Not to Tile

In today’s economy, more and more people are deciding to remodel, not only adding more value to the home, but perhaps even making it a reflection of their own unique style and personality. Decorating with tile today offers the homeowner overwhelming choices as the industry continues turning out a vast array of textures, colors and materials in ceramic, stone and marble products. So where do you begin?

What is the project you’re considering?

Although tile can be used anywhere in the home, (foyers, fireplaces, living rooms, family rooms, basements and sunrooms), remodeling usually begins in the two busiest rooms of the house; the kitchen and bath. These two rooms are normally the first to show signs of wear and tear, and because you spend so much time in them every single day, you'll want something you can live with for a while, since tile is not easily removed, so choosing the right material is important.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Ultimately, only you can make the final decision when considering redecorating your space, so, the first question to ask yourself might be this; what is my idea of the perfect kitchen or bath? Esthetics or function, which is more important to you? If indeed you do spend a considerable amount of time in these rooms, maybe choosing golden, sunny colors and earthy textures will help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Or perhaps decorating with glass will inspire a sense of rejuvenation with cool tones of blues and aquas, inviting the calming power of waterfalls and oceans right into your home.
Do I want to create a tranquil escape or a functional, playful living space reflecting the reality of kids, pets, cooking and entertaining? There is everything in between of course, but in the end, only you know your own lifestyle how much you want your personality to be reflected in your home.





The Bottom Line

No matter what your preference, there is a product for every taste and budget. However, it’s particularly helpful to know what that budget is. It’s disappointing to choose the perfect design and product for your bath or kitchen only to realize that installing it over extends your remodeling budget. The challenge for most companies in today’s highly competitive market is to meet the needs of the client while still offering affordable choices. A clear idea of the project’s budget is important. A knowledgeable and helpful salesperson will guide you in asking the right questions; How much can I comfortably spend on both material and installation, while getting the look I want, using the product I love…AND….having that product installed properly? These are the first steps in making satisfying decisions about your project which may include bringing the durable, long-lasting and timeless beauty tile adds to your home.


Got questions? Check out our website or call Tile Art today at 540-226-5216 for a free estimate!

Welcome!


Welcome to our new blog; a forum for thoughts, discussion and questions about decorating your space with tile. Our purpose is to provide practical tips and useful information concerning ceramic tile and marble products and installation. With an ever-growing industry constantly turning out new products and ideas, we'd be thrilled if we can help with the overwhelming process of choosing the right materials for your next tile project.