Brick by Brick: Tile is a Triumph

Left: Zellige square tiles. Photo by Germán Saíz Right: Mosaïque Surface’s Bryant Square Petite Signature tiles. Both are available at International Materials of Design.

Tile has a special place in any home project, and the current finish choices have become more interesting as they take on more organic textures and forms. Certainly, marble and soapstone are still strong players in the floor game, but terracotta and porcelain have maintained a solid foundation.

Tile is one area where the breadth of selection is a delight. Moroccan and delft tiles provide updated looks that have long histories. Three dimensional elements and organic textures create interest without needing to overwhelm. And I’m still enamored with  zellige tiles. They have been around a while, but they still feel fresh with their jagged edges, wavy surfaces, and with the perfect dash of glossy finish.

While solid fields fare well, creating custom patterns—stripes, frames, and diagonals—keeps rooms fresh and personal. One of my favorite current looks is solid tiles embellished with metallics. A wink of flash seems great for a powder-room floor or home-bar backsplash. Why not go for the gold?