Kit-Kat tiles by Dune Ceramica

The article highlights actress Diane Keaton's unique kitchen island, which she has transformed into a focal point using colorful mosaic tiles. This design choice is lauded by experts as an inventive use of tiling, combining Mexican charm with Californian style. Keaton's Los Angeles kitchen features a large island adorned with various tile patterns and hues, moving away from traditional monochromatic kitchen designs. The mosaic work extends beyond the island, incorporating elements like patterned tile countertops and backsplash, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic. The article points out that while many opt for solid surfaces or neutral tones for kitchen islands, Keaton's approach introduces artistic expression and personality into the space, making it a conversation starter. The design also incorporates open shelving, allowing for the display of an eclectic mix of dinnerware and decorative items, further enhancing the personalized and artistic feel of the kitchen. Design experts consulted in the article emphasize the impact of such a bold design choice. They suggest that the use of mosaic tiles on a kitchen island serves not just as a functional surface but as a significant artistic statement, akin to a piece of furniture or a large sculpture. This approach is noted for its ability to infuse warmth, character, and a sense of handcrafted authenticity into a contemporary kitchen. The integration of colors and textures from the mosaics is described as creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The article also touches upon the practicality of mosaic tiles, noting their durability and ease of maintenance, which are important considerations for kitchen surfaces. The overall aesthetic is portrayed as a successful blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities, resonating with those who seek to personalize their living spaces beyond conventional trends. Furthermore, the article provides context on Keaton's established reputation for distinctive home decor, citing her previous design ventures and her role in popularizing unique interior design trends. Her collaboration with renowned interior designer Stephen Shadley is mentioned, indicating that the mosaic island is part of a larger, carefully curated design vision. The design choice is framed as an inspiration for homeowners to explore creative tiling options and inject personal style into their kitchens, moving away from minimalist or purely functional designs. The mosaic island is presented as an example of how a single design element can redefine the entire ambiance of a room, transforming a utilitarian space into an expressive and inviting environment. The article suggests that this specific application of mosaic tiles can inspire others to view kitchen surfaces as canvases for artistic expression, rather than merely practical necessities, advocating for a more personalized and art-infused approach to interior design. Several complementary product suggestions are offered, including salad plates and small vases from Anthropologie and Wayfair, which are presented as items that align with the colorful and eclectic aesthetic of Keaton's kitchen. These product placements serve as practical examples for readers looking to integrate similar design elements or add a touch of artistic flair to their own homes. The emphasis is on items that can contribute to a layered and vibrant look, mirroring the artisanal quality of the mosaic island. This curation of products reinforces the article's theme of incorporating unique and colorful pieces to create a distinctive home environment. The article concludes by reinforcing the idea that thoughtful and unique design choices, such as Keaton's mosaic island, can transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones, making a strong case for embracing creativity in home decor. #DianeKeaton #KitchenIsland #MosaicTiles #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CelebrityStyle #KitchenDesign #ArtisticExpression

The article 'Tile Style' showcases four distinct home renovation projects in New Orleans, each born out of the necessity and opportunity presented by Hurricane Katrina's devastation. The first project details the Terry family's Lakeview home, which suffered over 6 feet of flooding. Instead of a simple renovation, they opted for a complete redesign to create their dream home, prioritizing a comfortable and attractive space for cooking and entertaining. Interior designer Susan Scheinuk, in collaboration with Henry Simon of Top’s Appliances & Cabinetry, transformed their kitchen with high-end appliances, honed limestone countertops, black-and-tan backsplashes from Stafford Tile & Stone, and travertine marble floors, complemented by contemporary natural wood elements and floor-to-ceiling storage. This redesign reflects the family's active lifestyle and Scheinuk's vision for a sleek, modern, yet functional space, representing a significant accomplishment in rebuilding after such widespread destruction. The second project features the Fabacher family’s kitchen in Old Metairie, rebuilt on a higher elevation after Katrina. Their design was inspired by the renowned Southern architect A. Hays Town, incorporating Spanish, French, and Creole influences. The kitchen boasts antique French lanterns, old cypress interior doors, and brick and pine flooring, achieving a truly Southern architectural feel. Susan Scheinuk also assisted the Fabachers, who were deeply involved in the design process, ensuring the kitchen was centrally located with easy access to the backyard, outdoor kitchen, sitting area, and family room. Key features include custom cabinets from Marchand Creative Kitchens, a Kohler French cast-iron sink, granite countertops from Intrepid Stone, and a custom-built cypress-molded hood over a Wolf range. The design emphasizes a flowing, comfortable, and inviting space, culminating in a home that the Fabachers describe as fabulous. The third section highlights interior designer Natasha Shah's sophisticated bathroom makeover. Motivated by a necessary plumbing overhaul, Shah transformed her 1960s-era bathroom into a timeless sanctuary using a black-and-white color scheme, drawing inspiration from famous New Orleans restaurants. The design blends traditional New Orleans architecture, such as an exposed brick wall, with contemporary elements. An oval black-and-white footed tub serves as a focal point, complemented by silver fixtures from Kohler and black tile from Ann Sacks Tile & Stone for the stand-up shower. Black marble countertops from Tuscan Stone Imports complete the clean, sleek aesthetic, with a minimal pop of color from yellow flowers. Shah’s design emphasizes balance in materials, fixtures, and space planning, creating a sophisticated and relaxing environment. Finally, the article presents Andree Batt’s master bathroom, conceptualized as an 'everyday luxury' spa-like oasis in Lakewood South. After their previous home was flooded, the Batts built a new house, and with architect Tim Terrell, created an open-space master bathroom. Batt custom-designed the room with a unique pebble flooring extending throughout the space, aiming for a tranquil, spa-like feel. The color palette is inspired by sea and sky hues, incorporating natural-colored stone and green tile accents in the large walk-in shower and over the sink, with assistance from close friend Beth Kohnke of Beth Kohnke Designs. Furnishings from Hazelnut, co-owned by Jay Batt’s brother, Bryan Batt, were carefully selected to enhance the peaceful and calming atmosphere, culminating in a truly tranquil space. #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #NewOrleansHomes #PostKatrinaRebuild #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyle #LuxuryHomes

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best tile manufacturers and brands, balancing style, price, convenience, and quality. It delves into the diverse offerings of 23 prominent companies, ranging from small artisan producers to large-scale distributors, to assist consumers in selecting the ideal tiles for their home improvement projects, specifically for bathrooms, kitchens, and general flooring. Ann Sacks, founded in 1980, offers unique and sophisticated tile designs, having expanded from the Pacific Northwest to numerous metropolitan areas across the United States. Susan Jablon, established in 2000, specializes in custom mosaic glass tiles, providing distinctive options for various home areas. Arizona Tile, founded in 1977, is known for its wide range of unique porcelain, glass, and natural stone tiles, including granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate, and onyx, serving primarily the Western United States. Florida Tile, Inc., with headquarters in Kentucky, has been manufacturing porcelain and ceramic tiles, along with natural stone, decorative glass, and metal tiles for half a century. Pavé Tile, Wood & Stone, Inc., a Massachusetts-based company started in 2000, imports premium handmade terra-cotta tiles from France, Italy, Belgium, and Spain. Hakatai, in business since 1997, specializes in importing and distributing glass tiles, including recycled options, and has expanded to include stone and metal tiles. Clayhaus Ceramics, a Portland, Oregon-based studio, focuses on uncommon and thoughtfully designed ceramic tiles. Bedrosians Tile & Stone, a manufacturer and distributor with over half a century of experience, offers a wide selection of tiles through its showrooms across many states and a robust online store. Modwalls, an online-only company from Aptos, California, designs and manufactures ceramic and porcelain tiles with a modern aesthetic, featuring colorful subway tiles, glass, and unusual shapes. Bisazza, headquartered in Italy, is renowned for its architect-quality mosaic tiles and collaborations with internationally known designers. Mercury Mosaics, based in Minneapolis, creates artistic mosaic tiles with inventive shapes and rich colors, offering sample packs for customer evaluation. Del Conca, an Italian company with a factory in Tennessee, introduces innovations like the Del Conca Fast Collection for grout-free porcelain stoneware plank installation, alongside a wide array of Euro-style tiles. Mission Stone & Tile operates online, providing unique tile offerings such as scallop-shaped and hexagonal white tiles with free shipping on most items. Nemo Tile + Stone, originating in New York, presents a broad selection of porcelain, ceramic, stone, and engineered flooring surfaces through its showrooms in several East Coast states. Marazzi, an Italian-rooted company, supplies various porcelain and ceramic tiles for commercial and residential applications, distributing through independent retailers and large home improvement centers. Florim USA, an American subsidiary of Italy's Florim Group, combines Italian craftsmanship with modern production, notably being among the first U.S. companies to adopt HDG technology for tile manufacturing. StonePeak, an Italian company with a U.S. presence, provides high-end ceramic and porcelain tiles and was the first U.S. manufacturer of large-format tiles. Oceanside Glass & Tile, established in 1992, focuses exclusively on glass tiles, including art glass, for high-profile projects. Villagio Tile & Stone, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, features luxurious tumbled stone and travertine. American Olean, a subsidiary of Mohawk Industries, offers cost-effective tile options for various home areas and is a popular brand at Lowe's. Daltile, manufacturing in the U.S. and Mexico, offers a vast range of glazed, unglazed, ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles, widely available at dedicated sales centers, Lowe's, and Home Depot. Eleganza Tiles, a California-based company with branches in other states, specializes in floor, wall, medallion, natural stone, and resin borders, and innovative prefabricated porcelain tile countertops. Merola Tile acts as a wholesale distributor of porcelain and natural stone tiles, with many of its products available at Home Depot. #TileManufacturers #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #Flooring #KitchenDesign #BathroomRenovation #MosaicTiles #NaturalStone #CeramicTiles

Diane Keaton, renowned actress and design enthusiast, has transformed her kitchen island into a unique work of art using colorful mosaic tiles, a design choice that is attracting significant attention from interior design experts. Her Los Angeles kitchen, a space she designed herself with the help of architect Stephen Shadley, reflects a distinctive blend of Mexican-inspired charm and Californian modernism. Keaton's approach to kitchen design is characterized by a maximalist aesthetic, featuring an eclectic mix of textures, patterns, and vibrant colors. The centerpiece of her kitchen is the island, which is covered in a striking mosaic of multi-colored tiles. This elaborate tile work extends beyond the island to the adjacent countertop, creating a cohesive and visually impactful statement. The mosaic is composed of small, irregular pieces of tile in a diverse palette of colors, including blue, red, green, yellow, and white. This artistic application of mosaic tiles deviates from traditional kitchen island designs, which typically feature solid stone or wood surfaces, offering a fresh perspective on kitchen decor. Design professionals and enthusiasts alike are praising Keaton's bold choice. Many highlight how the mosaic tiles elevate the kitchen island from a functional element to a captivating artistic installation. The use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns injects personality and warmth into the space, making it a focal point that draws the eye and sparks conversation. This design not only showcases Keaton's creative vision but also challenges conventional interior design norms. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mosaic tile design serves practical purposes. Tiles are known for their durability and ease of maintenance, making them a suitable material for a high-traffic area like a kitchen island. The varied colors and patterns also have the advantage of camouflaging minor imperfections or spills, contributing to the longevity and pristine appearance of the surface. Furthermore, the tactile nature of the mosaic adds a unique sensory dimension to the kitchen. Keaton's distinctive design style is not confined to her kitchen. Her entire home is celebrated for its individuality and artistic expression. She is known for incorporating elements that tell a story and evoke a sense of authenticity. The mosaic kitchen island, therefore, is a prime example of her broader design philosophy, where functionality meets artistic innovation, creating spaces that are both livable and visually stimulating. This specific project emphasizes the potential of mosaic tiles to become a major design trend, offering homeowners an opportunity to infuse personal artistry into their living spaces. The article suggests that this approach could inspire others to explore more adventurous and personalized design choices in their own homes. #DianeKeaton #KitchenIsland #MosaicTiles #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CelebrityStyle #LAKitchen #KitchenCounter #StephenShadley

Toronto offers a diverse array of kitchen and bathroom tile stores, catering to various tastes, budgets, and project requirements. From basic, affordable options to high-end, exclusive materials, the city's tile retailers provide a comprehensive selection for both residential and commercial applications. The market is characterized by a mix of large suppliers with extensive stock and specialized boutiques offering unique imports and custom designs. Many of these establishments are conveniently located within the Castlefield Design District, simplifying the search process for consumers. Olympia Tile stands out for its extensive inventory of basic to mid-range options, including replica tiles that mimic natural materials like marble, concrete, wood, and slate using porcelain. Their large stock often allows for immediate availability, reducing waiting times for customers. Saltillo, a smaller and more specialized store, focuses on mosaics and provides a user-friendly shopping experience with pull-off samples and knowledgeable staff, some of whom have design backgrounds. For those seeking cutting-edge and luxurious options, Stone Tile is positioned as a leader, known for introducing revolutionary products to the Canadian market. They were the first to offer laminam, a large-format, thin porcelain sheet tile suitable for floors, walls, and exteriors, with impressive 10-foot pieces displayed in their art gallery-like showroom. Ciot caters to the upscale market, specializing in marble and exclusive imports from Italy. They also feature a clearance room, providing opportunities for significant discounts on premium items. The Tile Store offers a more casual and unpretentious environment with a range of choices, including their exclusive Aparici porcelain tiles from Spain. Centura Tile boasts a large, modern showroom designed with natural light to aid in sample selection. Their staff comprises qualified designers who offer consultation services, and they maintain a separate department for contractors, stocking necessary installation tools. Antica, with over 25 years of experience, imports natural stone and custom products, operating an on-site production facility for cutting and meshing tiles, from standard patterns to intricate custom designs. Deco Tile, a family-run business celebrating its 20th year, imports much of its porcelain and hand-cut glass from Italy and Spain, primarily serving the art and design industry and commercial clients. Creekside Tile, a newer addition to Toronto from Vancouver, specializes in warm, rustic concrete tiles exclusive to their store, alongside unique hand-glazed tiles from the UK. Keramin offers a broad selection of porcelain and mosaic tiles, in addition to countertops, fireplace stone, and exterior stone. They primarily serve retail businesses and contractors, providing free delivery and frequent promotions. The diversity among these stores ensures that customers can find the perfect tiles to suit any design aesthetic and functional need, from robust flooring to intricate backsplashes. #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #TileStores #Toronto #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CeramicTiles #PorcelainTiles #NaturalStone