We realized a long time ago that the readers ofContemporary Stone & Tile Design like to learn aboutnew products. It makes sense, given the fact that many of you are in the architecture and design community, and are continually looking for new materials that will drive inspiration for new and exciting designs. Many of our other readers are kitchen and bath dealers and distributors, who are also interested to learn about the newest stone and tile introductions that they can market to the trade.

For this reason, we make an effort to include a product roundup in every issue. Usually, it features the latest developments that were on display at one of the industry trade exhibitions — as is the case in this issue, where you can find our Coverings 2013 product showcase beginning on page 8. Our staff was in Atlanta, GA, this spring to attend Coverings, which is the largest stone and tile exhibition in the U.S. The show floor was filled with seemingly endless displays of new stone and tile collections.

Attending stone and tile exhibitions such as this one is just one way for us to view the latest products and report back to our readers.

As you will see as you flip through the pages of the summer issue, we have included even more products than usual. Starting on page 32, you will find an extensive
illustration of the newest lines in decorative, glass and handcrafted tile. Putting this feature together is always fun for me because there are so many glitzy and unique tiles that can be used to create accent walls or even artwork. In addition to the roundup, we have also included a series of feature articles that each focus on a project that utilized decorative or glass tile in its design.

And while advances in technology are certainly credited for the dazzling and eye-catching tile designs with texture and depth, the art of making handcrafted tile is also still alive. While at Coverings, myself and our staff visited the booths of some of these talented artisans, who truly are devoted to their craft.

Artisan tiles are not only being employed for their unique and decorative elements, but they are often used to create a period-style design. One of our features, which begins on page 18, explains how a couple was in search of tile that would make their bathroom look like it was from the 1940s — the year that their Sears Catalog house was built. After thoroughly researching their options, the homeowners decided on custom handcrafted tile from Mercury Mosaics.

Another featured story, beginning on page 22, discusses how owners of a residence in Pennsylvania desired to renovate their kitchen with local materials that reflect the period style of the home. In the end, they chose to use handcrafted tile from Lilywork Tiles throughout the space, including for a one-of-a-kind piece of art above the range.

This issue is chock full of products as well as applications illustrating a variety of their uses. Look for more to come in our next edition as well as on our Web site at:
www.cstdmag.com.