With 7 generations in the biz, here’s why this Italian man says Alabama marble is unique

Artistic Tile recently hosted a design-focused journey through Northern Italy for a select group of guests, offering an exclusive look into the origins of their renowned stone materials. This trip, which took place shortly before Salone del Mobile in Milan, provided participants with an immersive experience, showcasing the quarries and factories where Artistic Tile sources its high-quality stone. The initiative was led by Artistic Tile's Zach Epstein, Lauren Cherkas, and Michael Epstein. The journey commenced at the Cornalita quarry, celebrated for its Arabescato Orobico marble. Here, guests were given firsthand insight into the meticulous process of cultivating stone, from its raw extraction to its transformation into large, heavy cubelike pieces. The family-owned brand emphasized the regional significance of their sourcing, allowing designers to witness the sheer scale and effort involved in quarrying. Following an al fresco dinner within the quarry, attendees visited a gallery displaying finished marble slabs before traveling to Verona to appreciate its historic architecture. Next, the group was given a private tour of Santamargherita, a factory located in Valpolicella. This facility specializes in creating modern interpretations of Italian terrazzo by blending marble chips with resin. The tour highlighted how various sizes and colors of marble are combined to produce diverse styles, including Artistic Tile’s exclusive Veronese Nero, Crema, and Multi Colore. The cultural and culinary aspects of Italy were also integrated into the trip, with a visit to Caseificio Montecoppe, where participants learned about the traditional production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The tour then proceeded to the Carrara region, a historically significant area for marble extraction. Designers explored another distinct quarry, established by the Fabbricotti family in 1722, known for yielding unique varieties such as Zebrino Macchia Vecchia and Manhattan Dark. The culmination of the quarry visits was the Piastraio quarry, situated at an elevation of 5,000 feet in the Apuan Alps. This high-altitude location is the source of heavily brecciated ivory and grey Arabescato Corchia marble. After tracing the marble’s journey from excavation, designers visited the Savema headquarters. Here, they observed the intricate processes of cutting, finishing, and crating the stone, completing their understanding of the material's transformation from natural resource to finished product. Claus Rademacher, founder of Claus Rademacher Architects, remarked on the trip, calling it an “incredible experience” that will be long remembered, underscoring the comprehensive and memorable nature of the itinerary provided by Artistic Tile. #ArtisticTile #NorthernItaly #MarbleQuarries #StoneSourcing #ItalianDesign #DesignTrip #SaloneDelMobile #Terrazzo #CarraraMarble

This article features an interview with Mr. Zaher Samir, the founder of Original Antique, a company specializing in the ancient Damascene craft of inlaying wood with shells. The tradition, dating back two centuries, originated in Damascus and was initially reserved for monarchs, sultans, and affluent families due to the intricate and labor-intensive manufacturing process. This craft involves the ornamental mounting of genuine seashells, each approximately one centimeter in size, meticulously placed into carved wood. Damascus is identified as the sole global center for this unique and challenging handicraft. Mr. Samir’s family has a long history with this craft. His father inherited "The House of Oriental Antiques" from his own father in 1911 and established Original Antique in 1961, making Zaher Samir part of the third generation to practice this art. Growing up immersed in his father's workshop, Mr. Samir developed a profound passion for the craft. He observed during his summer holidays in Damascus that this handicraft, despite its beauty and complexity, lacked the global recognition of other international art forms like Italian pieces. This observation fueled his ambition to develop and popularize it. His academic background in interior design significantly influenced his approach. He leveraged his expertise to introduce modern touches and sensibilities to the traditional craft, ensuring its relevance and harmony with contemporary global decoration trends. This integration of ancient artistry with modern design principles allowed Original Antique to evolve from a local Damascene store into a global exporter of high-end furniture. The company has already established a branch in the Netherlands and is planning to open another in the United States, signifying its international expansion. Original Antique maintains its prestigious reputation through an unwavering commitment to product quality, which has fostered customer trust. A distinguishing characteristic of their products is their entirely handmade nature. This craft is one of the few remaining industries where every stage, from carving to inlaying, is performed manually, even in an era of advanced industrialization. Each piece requires a considerable amount of time, often several months, to complete. This manual process is a key differentiator from mosaic art, where shells are glued rather than inlaid into carved wood. The primary export market for Original Antique is the Arabian Gulf, where the craft is well-known. While the demand in non-Arab markets like Europe and America is less established, there is a notable appreciation among consumers in these regions for the handmade quality and uniqueness of the products. Mr. Samir acknowledges that finding skilled artisans for this craft is a continuous challenge, as it requires inherent talent that can then be honed through creative instruction, unlike industrial processes that rely on machines. To preserve and promote this art, Mr. Samir actively teaches classes and creates instructional videos, especially for younger generations. He believes that such initiatives are crucial for the global dissemination and expansion of this historical legacy, ensuring its survival and universal recognition. His vision is for the handicraft to achieve global reach and be recognized on par with luxurious Italian products in terms of quality and durability. He advises aspiring artisans to uphold the traditional, handmade methods, warning against the trap of industrial shortcuts, such as laser machines, which he believes would strip the craft of its soul. He emphasizes that an artisan's passion is vital for innovation and success. #ZaherSamir #Damascus #WoodInlay #ShellInlay #Handicraft #OriginalAntique #InteriorDesign #CulturalHeritage #FurnitureDesign #SyrianCrafts

In Gardena, California, a family-owned business called B&W Tile Co. has been manufacturing tiles since 1947. The company's vibrant purple building stands out near the freeway, attracting builders, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts. Inside, a team of 15 operates a showroom displaying a wide array of tiles, which are the same colors and styles the company has produced for decades. Beyond the showroom, the manufacturing process unfolds in a clay-filled environment, utilizing kilns and large machinery to create each tile from start to finish. Alex Vassaux, the head of operations, attributes the company's longevity to the passion and dedication of its employees and their commitment to preserving historical craftsmanship. The tile bisque and glazes are made from scratch, with most processes handled by personnel. Despite using machinery, the operations are not automated or computerized, relying on staff for control and operation. B&W Tile has faced significant challenges, including a factory fire last year that destroyed critical equipment, impacting production timelines. The company is actively working to recover from these setbacks, with production currently running six days a week to compensate for the damage. New kilns are expected to arrive within three months, which should help normalize production. The resilience of B&W Tile mirrors the durability of its products. The commitment to traditional tile-making by B&W Tile aligns with a broader resurgence of interest in vintage tiles. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have played a crucial role in fostering online communities dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of vintage tiling. An Instagram account, @vintagebathroomlove, curated by an individual without professional ties to the tile industry, exemplifies this passion. The curator's appreciation for vintage tiles began in their mid-20s, sparked by a studio apartment with original hex mosaic floor tile, a pedestal sink, and a tub. They were impressed by the enduring quality of these neglected installations. Vintage Bathroom Love considers tiles to be an accessible form of art, functional, approachable, and relatively affordable. Elaborate tiled bathrooms are viewed as museum-quality art pieces, highlighting the skill of past tile setters. The visual appeal of vintage tiles, especially colorful ones, is well-suited for platforms like Instagram, where bright, eye-catching imagery thrives. This visual emphasis has contributed to a shift in design culture, moving away from monochrome aesthetics towards more vibrant and unique elements. Evidence of this trend can be seen in mainstream advertisements from companies like Geico and Target incorporating vintage bathroom aesthetics. Nostalgia also contributes to the rising popularity of vintage tiles. Vassaux notes that classic designs are always appreciated across generations. Vintage Bathroom Love adds that people often gravitate towards familiar elements from the past during challenging times. Many individuals grew up in homes with colored tiles and retain fond memories of these designs, leading them to incorporate similar elements into their own living spaces. This cultural phenomenon reflects a desire for comfort and familiarity in home design. #VintageTiles #TileManufacturing #HistoricCraftsmanship #DesignCulture #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesignTrends #SocialMediaInfluence #ArchitecturalPreservation

Antolini, an Italian stone brand, has expanded its Exclusive Collection by introducing two new natural quartz materials: Cristallo Vitrum and Patagonia Vitrum. The Exclusive Collection is characterized by its selection of premium stones sourced from Antolini's global quarries, which the brand describes as "Mother Nature's most desired and recognisable masterpieces." Cristallo Vitrum is one of the new additions, designed to evoke the appearance of glacial ice. It features distinctive dark amber veins and translucent areas, which allow glimpses of the surrounding environment when the stone is utilized as a panel. Antolini suggests versatile applications for Cristallo Vitrum, including tabletops and washstands, highlighting its potential to enhance the aesthetic appeal of homes, offices, and retail spaces. The second new material is Patagonia Vitrum, which offers a unique variation of Antolini's existing Patagonia Original stone. This new quartz is characterized by large, pale-colored patches that draw inspiration from moss- or lichen-covered rocks found in mountainous regions. This design element provides a natural and earthy aesthetic. According to Antolini, the introduction of Cristallo Vitrum and Patagonia Vitrum reinforces the brand's commitment to delivering unique and desirable materials to its clientele. The brand emphasizes that these additions push the boundaries of both beauty and functionality within the field of interior design. These new offerings aim to provide designers and consumers with innovative options for incorporating natural stone into various architectural and interior projects. Antolini's strategic expansion of its Exclusive Collection underscores its focus on sourcing and presenting high-quality, aesthetically distinctive natural stones. The brand aims to cater to evolving design preferences by offering materials that are not only visually striking but also versatile in their application, contributing to the creation of inspiring and sophisticated interior environments. The integration of such natural elements is intended to bring a sense of organic beauty and unique character to modern spaces. #Antolini #ExclusiveCollection #NaturalStone #Quartz #CristalloVitrum #PatagoniaVitrum #InteriorDesign #StoneSurfaces #DesignMaterials