Once the providence only of rich pharaohs, sultans and emperors, tile is now a thoroughly modern and democratic material. It is hard to believe we have only recently learned to appreciate this hard-working material. It was not until the 1990s that we began using tile at the same rate as the Europeans.
What Americans love most of all are the glorious natural stone offerings from around the world. The elegant classic looks provide a sense of permanence and a connection to the earth, both concepts that are especially appreciated by a relatively young country in the midst of a technology revolution. Stone adds patina and age and that’s desirable for the large estate homes and desired in new construction - helping to create a welcome sense of the past.
However new looks and concepts in ceramics, glass, porcelain and even concrete are coming on fast and furiously, and they are bound to fascinate designers and clients. The Italians are experimenting with tiles that combine metal, glass and ceramic. They add stainless steel and copper traces to glass, and float glass particles in ceramic glazes to produce effects worthy of a new millennium. At Italy’s Cersaie show, for example, one saw rectangular tiles in vastly exaggerated lengths, mesh-mounted porcelain pebbles in medallion and border designs, and tiles that mimicked the texture and looks of textiles, including Venetian lace and the sun-struck geometric fabrics of Moroccan bazaars.
Yes America loves brand new homes with the latest technology and conveniences but, at the same time, they admire the time-anchored manors of the Loire Valley and the country houses of England - tile and stone can help achieve a satisfying blend.
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