Telling Stories With Tile: In Conversation With Emily Pueringer

Twin Cities interior designer Emily Pueringer views tile not merely as a decorative finish but as a medium for storytelling, a perspective she developed from a young age. Her childhood home's red tile countertops and Mexican Saltillo floors, which even featured tiny kitty paw prints, instilled in her an early appreciation for the imperfections and unique character that can be embedded in a home's design. This early exposure to the soul and story within architectural elements continues to influence her design philosophy today. Pueringer's professional journey further solidified her expertise and passion for tile. After college, she worked at a high-end plumbing and tile showroom in Denver, immersing herself in a world of exquisite tiles. This experience was followed by a role at Mercury Mosaics in Minneapolis, where she gained a deeper understanding of the artistic and manufacturing processes behind handmade tiles. Subsequently, a position at Kohler enhanced her technical knowledge, providing her with a comprehensive appreciation that blends both artistic and practical aspects of tile design. Currently, tile is a significant component in almost all her projects, and it remains one of the most enjoyable aspects of her work. In an interview, Pueringer elaborated on her enthusiasm for tile, describing it as the convergence of art and utility. She highlights its tactile, enduring, and expressive qualities, emphasizing its potential to convey a narrative. This narrative can be personal, such as a handpainted motif that holds special meaning for a client, or contextual, like a color palette that reflects the surrounding natural environment. For Pueringer, thoughtfully selected tile becomes an integral part of the home's architecture, weaving a story into its very fabric. Her approach to using tile has evolved from purely decorative to one that treats it as an heirloom—a timeless element that appears to have always belonged and will continue to endure. She is particularly drawn to tiles with imperfect edges, painterly glazes, and artisanal craftsmanship, favoring selections that are quieter yet richer in texture and depth. Her current focus is on evoking a sense of feeling and patina rather than relying solely on patterns. While she generally avoids fleeting trends, she appreciates the current resurgence of textured, earthy, handmade tiles, and a preference for muted, natural palettes and materials that feel grounded and storied. This aligns perfectly with her design philosophy of creating soulful spaces. For homeowners looking to make a statement with tile, Pueringer advises starting by defining the desired mood for the space—whether it's grounded, romantic, playful, or old-world. She stresses that tile's impact goes beyond color or shape; it's about the emotion it evokes. She also encourages embracing irregularity, noting that the 'wabi-sabi' charm of handmade tiles brings a warmth and authenticity that machine-made alternatives cannot replicate. For those unsure where to begin, she suggests starting with a small area, such as a powder room backsplash, a hearth, or a pantry wall, and allowing the design to expand organically from there. Pueringer also emphasizes the collaborative nature of tile work, involving the designer, maker, and installer, considering it a magical process when all three elements are harmoniously aligned. She views tile as a timeless way to infuse beauty and permanence into a home. #EmilyPueringerDesignStudio #InteriorDesign #TileDesign #HandmadeTile #HomeDecor #DesignPhilosophy #ArtisanCraftsmanship #EmilyPueringerDesignStudio #InteriorDesign #TileDesign #HandmadeTile #HomeDecor #DesignPhilosophy #ArtisanCraftsmanship

17 hours ago

Read Full Article