Archive for June, 2011

On holiday, we’ve all experienced the inconvenience of transport delays and hours spent queuing in airports and public service stations before finally boarding a plane, train or coach to your chosen destination. At such times your mind is often somewhere else, as the lure of the beach, pool, or bar can be a big distraction when embarking on your trip. Even on the return leg, the desire for home comforts and the time spent waiting around leaves you in a passive and disinterested mood. In addition to your somewhat distant mindset the tedious acts of checking-in, checking-out and passport checks etc can result in you being totally oblivious to your surroundings. However, if you’re lucky enough to be on holiday, or just passing through Orlando or Porto this summer, anxiousness and anxiety could be replaced by total peace of mind as you fill in your time by taking in the splendour of tile art.

A stunningly aesthetic tile mosaic floor was incorporated in to the design and renovation of Orlando Airport in 1981. There are over 3 million individual pieces in the tile mosaic floor (pictured) with the bright colours and intricate designs creating a beautiful display that really captures the imagination. The mosaic floor is a magnificent feature of polished stone and vitreous ceramic which is extremely practical in such a high traffic area as well as being something to admire.

The Sao Bento Train Station in Portugal’s capital, Porto, is something of a national treasure. The painted wall tiles (pictured) in the vestibule are not just admired by passing commuters but tourists flock in numbers every day to admire the beauty of this spectacular tile art. The panels depict landscapes and historical events throughout Portugal’s history and were painted by Jorge Colaco between 1905 and 1916. 20,000 painted ceramic tiles make up this magnificent display of wall art, which may even make missing your train a little more bearable!

Tile combinations can add a new dimension to your living space. Varying colours, designs and patterns can aesthetically enhance your kitchen or bathroom and help you to create a certain ambiance. Up to three or four different types of tiles are often commonly used to gain the acquired look. Different tiles can be used in the same room for walls, floors, worktops and borders, with stunning results.

Understanding what tiles work together is imperative with regards to the look and function of your chosen room. Natural stone and engineered tiles can combine in producing a practical and extremely beautiful outcome but it is also just as feasible to use combinations of the same types of tile. It is important to research the properties of the tiles you are planning to use. For example this will ensure that you don’t combine a durable, hard wearing tile with a tile that will deteriorate quickly and lose its aesthetic appeal, for this will result in an unbalanced look and composition.

Using a combination of tiles and designs in your kitchen and bathroom is a great way of fulfilling all your aspirations for that room. There may be certain qualities in a specific kind of tile which you wish to incorporate in your design and combining tiles will give you the creative freedom to do that. It will allow you to design a look that is completely unique to your tastes and preferences and is more exciting than merely choosing a formatted design from a catalogue.

The two examples pictured below, illustrate the exceptional look that combining tiles brings to a room. A lot of thought with regards to colour combinations, patterns and styles has obviously gone in to the design of the bathroom. Themes are apparent with mixed marble mosaic utilized as an elegant border tile, floor pattern and wall design. The light stone travertine walls and floors provide a subtle and neutral backdrop that complements the Tan Brown granite worktop outstandingly well. The Emperador mixed mosaic tiles in the shower area accentuate aesthetic prowess as well as being practical for use in a wet room as marble surfaces are durable and sealed with a water-resistant coat when installed. This kitchen emphasise the intricate and subtle details that tile combinations can add to a room.

Unlike the featured bathroom which only uses natural stones, the kitchen pictured below expertly combines natural and engineered tiles to create a slick, contemporary look. The white walls and low lights draw attention to the Sapphire Blue quartz worktop and the Absolute Black granite floor in this dazzling modern kitchen. This is a bold combination that makes a real statement by using just two different types of tiles, giving the kitchen immense style and character.

It is almost impossible to predict the future of the tile industry. A few years ago not many would have foreseen the current demand for natural stone tiles like travertine. People are continuously looking for new and innovative ways to design their homes, and trends in the industry determine what particular vogue is relevant at that time.

Even recently, the authentic, rustic style has been replaced in many homes by a more futuristic approach, and this has been typified by the emergence of the sparkly engineered quartz tiles. If this trend is to continue then it is reasonable to suggest that both glass and metallic tiles will rise in popularity over the coming years.

Glass tiles can be used as a great design effect and they create a vision of spaciousness as well as being able to work aesthetically with almost any interior decor. The elegance and versatility in terms of colour and design make glass tiles extremely desirable so it is no surprise that they are becoming a popular choice in today’s market.

Both metallic gloss tiles and genuine stainless steel tiles offer a very polished look and are particularly popular among young professionals, looking to create a modern, urban effect in their homes. There are metallic gloss tiles in ceramic, porcelain, granite and quartz on the market as well as genuine stainless steel tiles, which have a ceramic backing.

It is possible to make your home that little bit special by adding unique features that will enable it to stand out and make a real statement. Defining aesthetic beauty that captures the imagination can transform your home in to a regal palace of salubrious quality. Small details that make a big difference can give your home a wow factor so it’s a worthwhile investment if you wish to be at the cutting edge of design.

This is where crystalstone quartz mirrors – exclusive to tiles porcelain – come in to the equation. They have sparked a revolution in contemporary design and will give your home a stunningly unique composition. In four different styles and six colours these mirrors will add glamour and prestige to any home.

Something else that is worth considering when giving your home a makeover is border tiles. In recent years border tiles have appeared in innovative and contemporary designs that would give any home a definitive look and ambiance. Glass border tiles are elegant and stylish with the Dartmoor Naturals Mosaic Beige Glass Balls border tiles from tiles porcelain providing a degree of beauty and sophistication. Also available from tiles porcelain is the Erin Glass Border Tile from the reputable Laura Ashley range. This border tile is a contemporary masterpiece that will light up any room.

Many of the natural stones used to make our tiles at tiles porcelain have been used to construct some of the most innovatively, and architecturally revered and admired buildings and landmarks throughout history.

The Marble Arch is made from white Carrara-marble and stands majestically in London’s Hyde Park. It was designed by John Nash and built in 1828 as the chief entrance to Buckingham Palace. When the palace was extended in 1851 the arch was moved to its current location. By tradition only members of the royal family are allowed to pass through the arch in ceremonial procession. When lit up at night the truly outstanding elegance and beauty of the marble is exemplified. Tiles porcelain provides a range of high quality tiles in this highly desirable natural stone marble.

World renowned, but not only as a significant location in world politics, The White House is also structurally admired and marvelled at by architects and construction specialists alike. It was built using Aquia Creek sandstone which was painted white to give the building its uniquely prestigious look. Sandstone is a popular option for the exterior of building’s, and tiles porcelain have a range of sandstone tiles including the mint fossil sandstone tile, rough sandstone tile, and teak sandstone tile to fulfil all your requirements in outdoor tiling.

Limestone is a light natural stone, noted for its durable qualities and ability to last for a long time. This longevity is particularly evident when taking into consideration The Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World, and is made almost entirely of limestone. Tiles porcelain offers a range of limestone tiles that are recommended in terms of their adaptability in relation to suitability on both walls and floors in homes and offices.

You will probably be aware of ‘The Colosseum’ in Rome once being the scene of epic gladiatorial contests, but what you may not know is this amphitheatre was built almost entirely of travertine stone. Travertine is a form of limestone and is particularly popular amongst Italian architects, hence its use in the construction of ‘The Colosseum.’ Travertine tiles are available at tiles porcelain for competitive prices and its stunning beauty can be utilized throughout a bathroom, on both walls and floors.

Granite is a tough natural stone and this is probably the reason behind cobbled granite stones being used on the St Louis riverfront in the US because they will not corrode despite mass exposure to water. Tiles porcelain offers a wide selection of quality granite tiles that are ideal for flooring, walls, conservatories and bathrooms.

It is always useful to know what tiles to purchase when fulfilling a specific need. Certain tiles will be better suited to varying circumstances around the home or office. When choosing a wall tile it is important to take these factors in to consideration. Tiles such as porcelain, marble, quartz and granite have always been considered an excellent tile for your flooring requirements but what is possibly less appreciated, is they also have outstanding qualities as a wall tile as well.

Manufactured porcelain tiles are indistinguishable from natural stone tiles as their aesthetic adaptability can be tailored to your every need. Porcelain tiles can be inspired by metals, poured concrete, fabrics, leather and wood. The primary advantage of porcelain as a wall tile is that nothing can penetrate the surface, which ensures that the wall it is installed on remains free of damp. This is particularly advantageous in bathrooms and kitchens.

The natural stone marble is becoming an increasingly popular wall tile. Its natural beauty really captures the imagination and oozes class and sophistication in equal measure. As a shower wall tile, marble can give this area incomparable excellence and style. They are also a particularly sought after tile for exterior walls.

The mystical brilliance of quartz make quartz tiles stand out in spectacular fashion on walls in both residential and commercial properties. Builders and architects find these tiles irresistible as the elegance and glistening beauty of quartz is an undeniable wow factor for any prospective buyer.

Granite has become a modern-day phenomenon around homes and workplaces. Its long lasting durability along with its naturally classy look allows it to endure the test of time. Its range of colours ensures you will have a great deal of choice when deciding on a look for your walls.

For those requiring a specific wall tile, ceramic tiles from the Laura Ashley range is the number one choice of many. Tiles porcelain has a large selection of Laura Ashley tiles, with the floral isadore a particularly popular option in kitchens.

Summer has arrived, which means you will be spending a lot more time in your garden and outdoor space now. This time of year evokes memories of parties and gatherings amongst friends and family where both the barbeque and conversation lives long in to the night. The tiles porcelain range of outdoor tiles will provide you with the perfect setting for these unforgettable occasions.

Slate tiles are a popular choice as they are well suited to outdoor areas because they are naturally dark and therefore hide dirt well. Slate tiles are not consistent in appearance, giving them a naturally rustic look which is highly compatible with the great outdoors. The great British summer is typically unpredictable as far as weather is concerned but slate tiles are durable and capable of withstanding the elements – even the harshest of conditions in winter. Slate is also heat and slip resistant, does not easily stain or scratch, and requires little maintenance. Tiles porcelain offer an affordable selection of slate tiles in colours such as grey black, multi slate and green.

Another form of tile which is regularly recommended for outdoor use is travertine. Its natural beauty and ruggedness make it an ideal choice for patios and pathways. This sedimentary rock is one of the most popular natural stones available, and its unique characteristics set it apart from other tiles on the market. There are three different forms of travertine tiles – all available at tiles porcelain – these are; tumbled travertine, chiselled and brushed travertine, and honed and filled travertine. The differing styles of travertine on offer at tiles porcelain include the light stone travertine tile, the honed filled light medium stone travertine and the ivory polished travertine.

Formed by small grains of quartz which are naturally cemented together, sandstone tiles have an elegance and durability which make them an ideal choice for outdoor areas. Architects and builders regularly use sandstone because of its versatility as it can be used for a wide range of purposes, including; floors, wall, paving, coping, cladding, pillars and landscaping. With its slip resistant qualities, sandstone is perfect as paving around ponds, water features and even swimming pools. Its varying stone colours mean that sandstone tiles add genuine character to any outdoor space. Varieties of sandstone tiles available at tiles porcelain include mint fossil sandstone, rough sandstone and teak sandstone.

Another natural stone which has the required qualities for outdoor use is limestone. A key feature of limestone is that it reflects heat so it remains cool even on hot summer days. As it is made up of tiny shells and micro-skeletons deposited on the sea bed the appearance of very small fossils on limestone tiles is quite common. Limestone is much loved around the world and has been used on such buildings as the pentagon and the white house. Tiles porcelain offer a quality range of limestone tiles, including the Antalyia white limestone, the Moleanos beige limestone and the Applestone limestone.