Now that
the holiday season is over, many people are busy making their New Year’s
resolutions.  One suggestion for architects and
designers in 2009 would be to take advantage of the diverse continuing
educational opportunities that are available -- particularly those offered by
professionals in the stone and tile industries.
The options
for interior stone and tile applications continue to be limitless, and now
architects and designers are continually finding creative ways to use these
materials to enhance all
facets of a space.
The
latest trends in stone production and tile manufacturing can bring the most
original statement to any design. Below is just a sampling of some of the
recent collections available on today’s market:
Even during the recent
economic downturn, stone and tile continue to remain popular material choices
when designing various spaces, especially in the residential sector. While
these materials create an aesthetically pleasing setting, they also have the
ability to increase value to one’s home, which is important for long-term
investment.
Mosaics have been adorning classic building
interiors for centuries, and when surveying many of today’s applications, it is
evident that they still hold their aesthetic value in contemporary design. And
with the broad range of materials, colors, sizes and finishes found in the
marketplace today, these tiny pieces are highly visible in a range of
residential and commercial applications.
Considered
to be a pioneer of the post-modernism architectural movement, Michael Graves,
FAIA, has been creating signature buildings around the world for decades. His
meticulous attention to detail and appreciation for natural building materials
are evident in all of his designs.
At
Villa della Torre di Fumane, a 16th-century structure outside of Verona, Italy,
the tranquil settings of the courtyard and garden spaces lie in stark contrast
to the “story” being told by the architecture. The space, which uses local
stone in a range of different applications, represents a tale of Biblical
proportions - at least according to some historians.
In July, an article appeared in The New York Times that connected granite countertops with high levels of radon -- causing quite a stir among the general public.
In speaking with Dick Clark, principal of Dick Clark Architecture in Austin, TX, it is clear that the architect has developed an interest in finding new and innovative applications in stone, while still being inspired by historical uses of the material. Clark's work has included multi-family housing and developments, interior design and more than 150 private residences, and he is perhaps best known for his award-winning restaurants and entertainment venues in Austin's downtown Warehouse District and throughout Texas.
While stone and tile have been known to create a certain feel for a space, the use of innovative decorative tile products offer architects and designers the opportunity to really incorporate material that truly reflects the setting in which they are creating. Whether designing a residence to reflect the hobbies of the homeowner, or using interesting materials to capture the allure of a commercial setting, the decorative tile and mosaic options in today's market provide endless choices.
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