Marazzi glazed tiles informed by Italian ceramics feature on Dezeen Showroom

The British tile company Casa Ceramica has implemented an optical illusion in a section of its showroom, specifically designed to capture visitors' attention and alter their walking pace. This innovative flooring, located at the showroom's entrance, presents a visual distortion where the black-and-white tiles appear to dip significantly below the surface, creating an illusion of an enormous dent. This effect is not actual, but rather a meticulously crafted visual trick. The designers' intention behind this installation was twofold: to make people more conscious of their movement within the space and to challenge conventional perceptions of how tiles can be utilized in design. The illusion is achieved through the custom design and precise installation of approximately 400 ceramic tiles. These tiles are arranged in such a way that the optical effect is only discernible when entering the building, providing a unique and impactful first impression. The project highlights the potential of architectural elements to engage with occupants on a psychological level, influencing their experience and interaction with a built environment. By creating a visually arresting floor, Casa Ceramica not only showcases its product but also demonstrates the creative and functional possibilities of tile design beyond mere surface covering. This design choice serves as a practical application of optical illusions in architecture, transforming a mundane element into a captivating feature that encourages closer inspection and interaction. The illusion acts as a subtle, yet effective, mechanism for crowd control, prompting individuals to slow down and observe their surroundings more carefully. The company shared a video demonstrating how to navigate the floor, emphasizing the playful and intriguing nature of the design. This initiative positions Casa Ceramica as a forward-thinking entity, capable of pushing boundaries in tile application and design innovation. #TileDesign #OpticalIllusion #ShowroomDesign #InteriorArchitecture #CeramicTiles #ArchitecturalInnovation #ExperientialDesign

Michael Hummel, the owner of Just Tile & Marble, has dedicated the past 35 years to exploring the latest styles and trends in tile, marble, and glass. His extensive knowledge and unique offerings have established him as a prominent figure in the industry. Just Tile & Marble provides an exclusive selection of imported porcelain slabs, various natural stones, and distinct glass and metallic tiles sourced globally. Hummel's approach involves treating every project, regardless of its size—from 3,000 to 30,000 square feet—as if it were his own home, focusing on creating an environment that clients will appreciate living in. The company specializes in the application of porcelain slabs for exterior cladding, primary flooring, and bathroom installations. These slabs can also be used to create striking kitchen backsplashes or dramatic feature walls, with numerous styles of book-matched slabs available to add a luxurious touch to any design. Hummel's commitment to offering exclusive products is evident, as 85 percent of Just Tile & Marble's imports come from top Italian factories, including the renowned Sicis Art Mosaic Factory in Revenna. This focus ensures that clients receive unique and high-quality materials not commonly found elsewhere. Just Tile & Marble distinguishes itself by providing boutique-quality service while maintaining wholesale pricing, making high-end materials more accessible. Michael Hummel collaborates closely with clients and their designers, demonstrating meticulous diligence to achieve tailored and exceptional custom spaces. This collaborative effort ensures that each project reflects the client's vision and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property. Serving as South Florida’s leading supplier, Just Tile & Marble caters to designers, builders, and developers who seek superior quality materials for their projects. The company's commitment to excellence, exclusive product range, and client-focused service underscore its reputation in the home design and construction sectors. This profile highlights Michael Hummel's significant contributions to the tile and marble industry, emphasizing his role in bringing sophisticated and exclusive materials to the South Florida market. #ItalianTile #MarbleDesign #JustTileAndMarble #MichaelHummel #PorcelainSlabs #LuxuryHomeDesign #SouthFloridaDesign #TileTrends #InteriorFinishes

The ‘MOSA Scenes’ tile collection, developed by Dutch ceramic specialists MOSA, offers bespoke wall and floor gradations designed to introduce depth and richness to various interior surfaces. This collection features eight new color groups, evenly split between four cool and four warm palettes, with tiles measuring 15x15 cm. Each color group is available in four distinct textures: clay, grain, grit, and sand. The design philosophy behind ‘MOSA Scenes’ emphasizes uniqueness; no two tiles are identical, each possessing its own individual tonal consistency and patterns. This inherent variability allows for the creation of sophisticated and varied effects, suitable for both small and large applications. The versatility of ‘MOSA Scenes’ extends across a broad spectrum of interior spaces, ranging from private residential areas like bathrooms to larger commercial projects such as hospitality venues and retail environments. The tiles are engineered to be applied on both vertical wall surfaces and horizontal flooring, ensuring a cohesive and integrated aesthetic throughout a space. The diverse finishes available cater to a wide array of design preferences, from the soft, powdery feel of the clay texture to the more abrasive characteristics of the sandy and rough grain options. These textures are influenced by natural elements, allowing for the creation of patinas that contribute to a timeless design aesthetic. In addition to the smooth finish, an anti-slip micro-relief (MR) surface is also offered for certain textures, enhancing the practicality and safety of the tiles, particularly in areas prone to moisture. This technical consideration makes the collection suitable for demanding environments, including wet areas. The adaptability of ‘MOSA Scenes’ ensures that designers and architects have extensive creative freedom, enabling them to realize interiors that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional, durable, and cost-effective. MOSA's commitment to flexibility and originality is clearly demonstrated through this collection. The unique variations in tone, pattern, and texture across individual tiles contribute to an overall sense of depth and character within any room. This design approach allows for the creation of dynamic and engaging interior landscapes, where surfaces become integral to the spatial experience rather than mere backdrops. The hardwearing nature of these tiles further underscores their suitability for a variety of demanding applications, confirming their utility in both private and commercial contexts. The ‘MOSA Scenes’ collection represents a comprehensive solution for interior surfacing, blending aesthetic sophistication with practical considerations. Its ability to create effortless visual scenes, coupled with its durability and range of textures, makes it a valuable resource for contemporary interior design. The integration of natural influences into its design ensures that the tiles can evolve gracefully over time, maintaining their appeal and contributing to enduring interior schemes. This collection offers a compelling blend of artistic expression and robust performance, allowing for highly individualized and impactful interior transformations. #MOSAScenes #CeramicTiles #InteriorDesign #WallCoverings #FloorCoverings #ColorGradations #ArchitecturalMaterials #HomeDecoration #SurfaceDesign

This blog post highlights a series of significant design events and new collections launching in September, showcasing innovative approaches to home furnishings and decor. The article begins by acknowledging the end of summer but emphasizes the exciting influx of new design works and happenings, including major exhibitions and collaborations. It delves into five distinct areas of design innovation, starting with Piet Hein Eek's exhibition at The Future Perfect. Eek, a Dutch designer, transforms repurposed industrial pipes and reclaimed materials into functional and aesthetically complex furniture, such as a chaise longue made from stripped pipes. His collection, developed over three years, features items like a metal tube chandelier and a coffee table crafted from numerous wood layers, demonstrating meticulous craftsmanship that transcends the perceived simplicity of recycled materials. The article praises Eek's ability to create refined textures and a "pretty-gritty dichotomy" from sustainable resources, making the environmental aspect almost secondary to the artistic merit. Next, the article covers R & Company’s triennial exhibition, “Objects: USA,” which presents 100 works from 55 artists working across various mediums. Guest curators Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy and Kellie Riggs organized the pieces into “seven archetypes of objecthood,” including categories like _Truthsayers_ and _Codebreakers_. The exhibition features maximalist ceramic pieces by artists like Jolie Ngo, Katie Stout, and Roxanne Jackson, alongside genre-bending works by Misha Kahn and alien-in-motion sculptures by Ryan Decker. The article draws a parallel to the original 1969 “Objects: USA” exhibition, noting its challenge to the distinction between crafts and fine arts, a sentiment echoed in the current collection. The third section focuses on Bloomingdale’s “From Italy, With Love” campaign, a two-month celebration of Italian design and culture. Launched during New York Fashion Week, this initiative includes exclusive products from renowned Italian brands like Max Mara and Valentino, as well as unique collaborations such as Kartell and Missoni, and an unexpected pairing of Lucali pizza with Rag & Bone. In-store events at the 59th Street location feature a market and a design installation showcasing classic and new Italian furniture from brands like Gessi and Porro. Panels on Italian design, led by figures from Milan’s Salone del Mobile fair, are scheduled throughout September, offering insights from industry leaders and designers. The article then shifts to a specific exhibition by artist Maura Wright, titled “[A Taste of Something Special](https://www.instagram.com/p/C_Ni8AbxyxC/),” at ZAK+FOX’s showroom in collaboration with AGO Projects. Wright’s coil-built ceramic vessels blend various styles, including classic French porcelain, American folk art, and Rococo decadence. Her standout pieces, like Grecian vases with metallic silver glazes and delicately stitched amphorae, highlight the versatile potential of clay through a high-low aesthetic. Finally, the blog post introduces the new collaboration between Design Within Reach and Botswana-based Mabeo Studio. Mabeo Studio’s “Lesire collection,” named after the Tswana word for _wedding veil_, features six pieces—mirrors, tables, and a bench—crafted from scalloped hardwood, specifically dark panga panga wood native to East and Southeast Africa. The design subtly references the crochet techniques of lace veils, resulting in solid yet soft-edged and curved forms. The article notes Mabeo’s previous collaborations with other prominent design entities and mentions a temporary discount available on DWR’s website for this collection. #DesignExhibitions #FurnitureDesign #CeramicArt #ItalianDesign #SustainableDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #NewCollections #ArtisticCraftsmanship

Zellige tiles, characterized by their glossy finish, rich texture, and handcrafted imperfections, have transitioned from a trend to a timeless design element, offering a unique depth and character that machine-made tiles cannot replicate. While traditionally favored for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls, designers are now exploring innovative applications throughout the home. This article showcases ten creative ideas for integrating zellige tiles, demonstrating their versatility and enduring appeal. One approach involves creating playful stripes in a shower, as exemplified by Nicky Mudie of Violet & George. In an eaves bathroom with a challenging layout, a soft blue glaze was combined with contrasting chocolate brown and oxblood tiles to introduce a bold, graphic element. This vertical stripe design transforms the shower into a statement, adding drama, character, and an unexpected touch of fun to the space. For rooms requiring a focal point, zellige tiles can be used to frame a fireplace. Amy Dublin-Nash of Lisa & Leroy utilized zellige to anchor a narrow room, highlighting its handmade feel and the way light reflects off its glossy surface, creating visual dimension. This application offers warmth and texture without the bulk of a traditional mantel, resulting in an elegant and intriguing focal point. Jennifer Acito of Dama & Wood rethought the classic subway tile backsplash by opting for zellige. She desired a traditional yet elevated look to complement pink millwork. The handmade tile's uneven lines and tonal variations provided warmth and texture, grounding the kitchen with a backdrop that is both timeless and modern. The subtle imperfections balanced the playful color palette, adding a layer of sophistication. Color-blocking with zellige tiles in a shower, as conceived by the Brownstone Boys, turns a functional area into a focal point. By using shifts in color and texture, architectural intention is brought to the space, counteracting narrow proportions and drawing the eye. Jordan Slocum notes that the color block creates visual drama without feeling overly busy, thanks to the tile's restrained palette, clean lines, and subtle tonal variations that interact beautifully with light. Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau extended zellige tile beyond the backsplash in a Seattle kitchen, covering entire walls in rich green. This full-coverage approach used the tile's texture and warmth to soften the overall look and introduce a handcrafted element. By wrapping the walls, the zellige cohesively ties together countertops, cabinetry, and wood finishes, creating a modern, polished, yet warm and personal kitchen. In a bathroom, Erika Marini of Fixe Design House used a deep zig-zag zellige design behind the vanity to achieve a playful balance between minimal and maximal. This graphic pattern complements the home’s Mediterranean-coastal aesthetic, creating a layered and lively yet refined space suitable for both children and adult lounges. Abbie Naber of a.Naber Design utilized cobalt blue zellige to line floating shelves in a color-drenched kitchen. This bold feature stands out against the untiled walls, connecting to a tiled bar top and contributing to a monochrome, hacienda-inspired feel. The deliberate choice to limit wall tiling ensures the shelving detail remains a distinct and stylish focal point. Ashley Chavis of Grant & Little introduced a playful checkerboard border using zellige tiles in a shower. This approach added a whimsical touch without overwhelming the 14-foot walls, maintaining a textured, organic, and timeless aesthetic. The checkerboard pattern, a signature of their work, integrated seamlessly into the client's space. In a Madrid primary bathroom, Richy Almond of Lind + Almond created a dramatic tone-on-tone effect with custom zellige tiles developed with ZIA. The subtle variations in size, tone, and texture of each tile make the surface appear alive and tactile, resulting in a rich, warm, and modern space that respects traditional craftsmanship. Finally, Vaughan Design and Development reimagined the traditional checkerboard for a kitchen backsplash by cutting zellige tiles into irregular shapes to create a dynamic zig-zag effect. The glossy, handcrafted surface enhances movement. Holly Vaughan explains that soft greens and off-whites were chosen to balance the bold pattern and complement the apple-colored cabinetry and pink-paneled walls, achieving a cohesive and striking design. These diverse applications underscore the enduring appeal and adaptability of zellige tiles in contemporary interior design. The tiles' inherent imperfections and light-reflecting qualities contribute to their unique ability to add character, warmth, and visual interest to various spaces, ensuring their continued popularity in interior design projects. #ZelligeTiles #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #TileDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #FireplaceDesign #AccentWalls #HandcraftedTiles #TimelessDesign