Annie Selke for The Tile Shop

Studio McGee has announced a new tile collaboration with Ann Sacks, a leading name in the tile industry. This partnership aims to create a versatile tile collection that reflects Studio McGee's aesthetic, which is rooted in neutrals with subdued accent colors and organic warmth. Shea McGee emphasizes that the collection was designed to be timeless and age gracefully with the homeowner, becoming an heirloom feature within a home. The collaboration features three distinct collections: Canyon Lake, Willow Heights, and Novah. The Canyon Lake Collection draws inspiration from old-world tile textures and movements, while being designed for modern everyday living. It is available in various colors, two sizes, and two finishes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications such as kitchen backsplashes, mudroom floors, or outdoor spaces. The tiles are designed for easy mixing and matching to achieve a collected look, and different colorways can be combined to create bold statements through accent stripes, soldier courses, or checkerboard patterns. The color palette, including shades like Antique White, Dusty Rose, Midnight, Mist, Sea Salt, and Stone, is inspired by natural elements to ensure longevity and organic warmth. The Willow Heights Collection is inspired by the classic elegance of parquet flooring. It is offered in three marble combinations, each featuring a Calacatta marble base with neutral accents. This collection is intended for spaces like bathrooms or entryway floors, and its sophisticated, understated palette is designed to withstand the test of time and complement a wide variety of decor styles. Finally, the Novah Collection is a dry-press porcelain collection inspired by the organic, well-worn beauty of tumbled limestone. It offers durability and easy maintenance, making it suitable for both large and small applications, including outdoor use. The collection's design allows for pairing different colorways to create diamond, checker, or bordered patterns. While primarily envisioned for floors, it is also suitable for walls and is highly transitional between different design styles. Shea McGee specifically sought to create a porcelain limestone with subtle variations, authentic texture, and versatile color options that were previously difficult to find, ensuring it hits all the right notes for a natural and timeless look. #AnnSacks #StudioMcGee #TileCollection #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CanyonLakeCollection #WillowHeightsCollection #NovahCollection #TimelessAesthetic

This article highlights a curated list of exceptional tilers in New York, catering to various design needs and project complexities. It serves as a guide for individuals and professionals seeking high-quality tiling services, detailing specific projects and the unique skills of each recommended tiler. The first featured tiler is David Floricic from Pro Design, a Queens-based company known for its meticulous work on high-profile projects, including installations for designers like Jesse Carrier and architects such as James Wagman. Pro Design's expertise is exemplified by their careful removal of old tiles and precise installation of new ceramic subway tiles, even around challenging electrical fixtures. They also demonstrated exceptional skill in handling specialty Italian Carrara marble tiles for a 3,400-square-foot duplex, meticulously following design drawings for a stunning Art Deco-inspired bathroom. The article then introduces Corey Seropian of Ararat Tile & Stone, praised for his efficiency and problem-solving abilities. Woodworker Will Glaser initially planned to tile his Bed-Stuy townhouse bathrooms himself but encountered difficulties due to unusual existing renovations. Seropian successfully transformed two bathrooms, installing a black-and-white patterned floor and white subway tile backsplash within two weeks, despite the need for extensive custom cuts to fit the room's constraints. His ability to create a clean and effortless look in challenging spaces made him a highly recommended professional. For projects in complex structures like supertall buildings, SilverLining Inc. is presented as the go-to expert. Josh Wiener of SilverLining Inc. explains the specialized techniques required for tiling in buildings that sway several inches, likening it to an expansion joint on a bridge. Their engineered approach ensures tiles hold up over time, and they have worked in numerous high-rise buildings on Billionaires’ Row, including nine apartments in 432 Park Avenue. Gregory Dufner of Dufner Heighes design firm attests to SilverLining's impeccable work, particularly their custom stone patterns created using water-jet cutting and installed with remarkable flatness and precise alignment of grout lines. Erica Padgett of Decorum Design Build is highlighted for her architectural background and design input. Katherine Lewin, owner of the dinner-party shop Big Night, enlisted Padgett not only for tile installation but also for design guidance. Padgett helped Lewin select and arrange green, blue, and white ceramic tiles for a ’60s-inspired backsplash and suggested using inexpensive vinyl composition tiles (VCT) for the floor, creatively arranging them to achieve a vibrant yet balanced checkerboard pattern. Finally, Philip Mondello is recognized for his exceptional skill in executing challenging curved tiling projects. Architect Nina Edwards Anker initially had a negative experience with a tiler for her Long Island Cocoon House, which features distinctive rounded walls. Mondello, despite his initial reluctance towards curved surfaces, meticulously installed large, handmade California tiles in a rounded shower, ensuring seamless joins and no gaps, showcasing his dedication to craftsmanship and ability to meet deadlines. Each tiler highlighted in the article demonstrates a unique specialization and commitment to quality, making them valuable resources for various tiling needs in New York. #TilersNewYork #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #TileInstallation #LuxuryHomes #ResidentialTiling #CommercialTiling #DesignHunting #NewYorkMagazine

Shea McGee, the interior designer and star of "Dream Home Makeover," has launched her latest ceramic tile collection for Ann Sacks, named Ashton Meadows by Studio McGee. The collection is deeply inspired by nostalgia, aiming to evoke the romantic and playful moments of the past. It features an array of earthy colors and varied shapes, with a particular highlight being the whimsical scallop edge finish. McGee drew inspiration for this unique detail from the rippled edge of a vintage letterpress postcard, intending to infuse the tiles with the same charm as a handwritten note. One of the key design lessons from McGee's collection is the art of mixing and matching. She advocates for combining different tiles in a cohesive manner, either by maintaining a consistent shape or a unified colorway. An example is her kitchen design, where deep red and creamy white tiles are paired to create a color-blocking effect. Here, flat tiles are used above the stove for a classic look, while scalloped tiles in the pantry introduce a playful twist, creating a distinct moment. The addition of a check-pattern skirt under the sink in the butler's pantry further enhances the vintage aesthetic, showcasing how varied elements can be harmoniously integrated. The second lesson emphasizes highlighting architectural features, particularly archways. McGee suggests utilizing archways, whether rounded or squared, as opportunities to create focal points by framing them with tile. This approach introduces texture and dimension, elevating the overall design and allowing for a custom, unique appearance without significant expense. Tiled archways are also a powerful way to establish a historical tone, invoking a sense of history and charm while softening the space's aesthetic. This can be seen in her application of fully tiled arches in kitchens or pairing them with molding in bathrooms for added contrast. The third design lesson centers on intentional grout selection. McGee advises against defaulting to white grout, especially with white tiles, and instead encourages forward-thinking about how a space will age. Pure white grout can appear stark and may not perform well in high-traffic or high-moisture areas like showers. In a green and white tiled bathroom, she opted for a cream-colored grout, which not only conceals dirt more effectively than crisp white but also softens the cool tones of the color palette. The choice of grout color also significantly impacts the visual outcome: a contrasting grout color accentuates the tile's shape, while a monochromatic grout-tile combination results in a more seamless backdrop. These principles demonstrate how careful consideration of grout can profoundly influence a space's longevity and aesthetic appeal. #SheaMcGee #AnnSacks #TileCollection #NostalgicDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalFeatures #GroutSelection #KitchenDesign

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

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