(ARA) - Once relegated to floors and countertops, ceramic tile has evolved into a fresh and exciting way to decorate a home and give it a touch of true panache. In fact, the artistic DNA of tile, which traces its roots back to ancient eras, is emerging anew to rival the practicality and functionality of the material as interior designers and homeowners discover untold uses for it in their decorating projects.
"Homeowners increasingly are finding creative ways to use tile in their homes," says Tamara Christian, CEO of National Trade Productions (NTP), the company that manages Coverings, the premier international trade show and conference dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone.
According to Christian and the trends she's observed at Coverings over the past few years, the style and innovations that manufacturers from Italy, Spain and here in the U.S., among others, are bringing to tile is tantamount to an artistic renaissance.
"The extraordinary new concepts being introduced in tile are breathtaking," she said. "The material is inspiring architects, designers, builders and homeowners to fashion spaces and décor that are works of art. The tiles, themselves, are works of art."
With the scorecards for tile reading win-win for both beauty and performance, the possibilities for using it in any room of the home and in unconventional ways now are limitless. Every surface is a potential canvas for creativity. Here are just a few ideas.
|
Kitchen
Thanks to tile's durability and easy clean-up, it's ideally suited to a variety of kitchen applications: backsplashes for stove and sink, edging under cabinets, walls under breakfast bars, or whole countertops. Even cabinet doors can beautifully display a tile motif.
|
The Pedrables herringbone tile pattern, by Tisca,
a Tile of Spain branded manufacturer, creates a visually dynamic façade for the family room side of a kitchen bar
and adds contrast to the large square format floor tiles.
|
Bathroom
A water-themed mural -- such as a colorful seascape or serene beach scene -- is just one option that can transform the bath and spruce up a staid daily routine.
|
Inlaid and three-dimensional underwater scenes,
created with tile from Michelle Griffoul Studios of Buelton, CA,
fill the room with life and artistic expression.
|
Artwork
Recreate a favorite painting as a tile mural, or convert a family photograph into photo tiles for a fresh, enduring take on a beloved keepsake.
|
Italy’s Refin Tiles has given contemporary art a new twist with its Pareti d’Autore series that is imitative of an original modern masterpiece.
|
Fireplace
Ceramic tile is a perfect -- and perfectly practical -- option for fireplace surrounds, given its durability and flame resistance. Even without a crackling fire, tile creates visual interest around the hearth.
|
|
Grapevine-themed tiles from Meredith Art Tile of Canton, OH,
brings added character and depth to the fireplace.
|
Ceiling
Throughout history, tile has crowned the magnificent domes of basilicas and mosques around the world. Why not replicate the same idea in the home? Use tile to turn a ceiling into a canvas -- or replace crown molding with a tile border for a finished look that's truly special.
|
Still life floral images on tiles, from the Stripes collection by
Ragno of Italy, can bring a dramatic touch of art to any room.
|
Outside
Whether it's hand-painted, glazed, metallic, carved or inlaid, tile can artfully frame doors, windows or even delineate walkways, or connect the pool with the deck in unusual and exciting ways.
|
Bright, bold colorful tile from Onix Mosaico, a Tile of Spain
branded manufacturer, forms a floor to ceiling portrait
depicting towering human figures.
|
About Coverings
Coverings, the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone, has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind. Coverings features 1,200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and attracts more than 33,000 distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and growing industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative products in the world related to tile and stone. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days.
For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP at .
|
