Tile Trends: Combination Mosaics

Mosaics have been extremely popular throughout history. We are seeing an increase in a blending of materials lately.

The most popular combination mosaic is a mix of 1"x1" stone and glass. Several other shapes are also on the market such as rectangles and circles but Tile Market has the most variety in the square shape. Often used to include a small amount of color or texture change these mosaics work great as accent walls, backsplashes, and even shower floors.

Although glass and stone is the most prevelant combination mosaic we also see ceramic and stone, glass and metal, and ceramic and glass. As design trends continue blending traditional and contemporary (transitional) these mosaics will prosper as well.

Tile Market of San Marco has the combination mosaic to fit your needs.

Tile Trends: Backsplashes

The space above the counter top is referred to as the backsplash. Sometimes a 4" piece of counter material is used as the only backsplash. This look is commonly used in bathrooms while more decorative tile is used in kitchens. Varying in size and design, backsplashes typically require lots of planning.

In kitchens, the standard backsplash runs from the counter to the bottom of the upper cabinets in a space that averages about 18" high. Many times there is a larger space above the cooktop or sink. The kitchen,called the heart of the home, can showcase the backsplash as art.

More modern designs may run a single tile throughout the entire space. Whereas, a more traditional look may use the larger space above the cooktop as a focal point by adding more decorative elements. With the smaller scale of this project, one may choose to spend more per square foot on tiles.

With backsplash design the possibilities are endless. Tile Market can easily help narrow down the choices. Shopping for tile after your counter is selected may also help to speed up the process. Tile Market is sure to have the backsplash for your home.

Tile Trends: Trim Pieces

The perfect trim piece can make a tile job look fantastic. There are many different types of trim and they have several different names. Trimming out a border, capping off a wainscotting or finishing a wall with crown can all be accomplished with the right trim piece. Available in stone, glass, ceramic, porcelain and sometimes in metal, it should not be difficult to find a trim to coordinate with your needs.

There are four basic types of trim moulding and thousands of variations of each. The most popular is the pencil trim. A simple rounded piece that slightly protrudes is commonly used for framing borders, focal points and sometimes acts as the top of wainscotting. Its simple shape tends to make it less costly and fit with most decors. Next is the chair rail. A chair rail is used for, as its name implies, the top of wainscotting. However, a chair rail may also be used alone or in conjunction with the pencil in framing decorative tile as well. The last two pieces are the base and crown moulding. These pieces are key elements in achieving a high-end tiled wall. The base, used at the bottom of a wall, differentiates the wall and floor tiles. The crown, a more elaborate version of the chair rail, sits at the top of a wall next tto the ceiling. The crown is usually much larger than the chair rail so it has visual weight on a tall wall. Occasionally crown act as chair rail as well.

Tile Market has the trim moulding to work for your next project. Stop be to see all of the variations.

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If you have any suggestions on either site please let us know. We would love to post your completed projects or profile your design. We appreciate your interest in our showroom and look forward to assisting on your next project.

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Tile Trends: Mosaics

Mosaics are an art form that has been prevalent throughout history. Today mosaics can be made of any type of tile. Traditionally stone and ceramic tiles were used but now many vendors offer glass, porcelain, and metal as options.

Greater material options and improved technology have expanded mosaics in the tile industry. One way to set apart your project is by creating a custom mosaic. Custom mosaics can be simple, such as varying a color on a standard pattern, or complex. Several companies now have the ability to create complex custom mosaics. If you are looking for a monogram inlaid in your foyer or a backsplash to coordinate with your wallpaper it can be made. Custom mosaics can also be used in pools, bathrooms, and hung on your wall like artwork.

The staff at Tile Market is very familiar with all types of custom mosaics and can help assist in creating your dream design. For options, as well as examples, please visit our showroom.

Tile Trends: Metallic Tile

Metal tiles have long been used in design. Bronze, aluminum, and stainless steel make up the majority of metal used in tiles. Occasionally gold, silver, and platinum encased in glass or on their own create stunning accents.

Metal tiles, not suitable for wet applications, typically appear in backsplashes or on floors. From traditional bronze accents, such as a compass rose in a floor medallion, to contemporary stainless plank tiles, metal tiles fit into most decors. Sometimes used to reflect light with a high luster the tiles are available in a large spectrum of colors and finishes. Brushed aluminum tiles are becoming increasingly popular as it coordinates nicely with brushed nickel hardware finishes and ties in the color of the stainless appliances.

Metallic looks are also very popular. Ceramic tile glazed with metallic colors or glass finished to mimic metal are a great way to use the look in wet areas, such as a shower. Sometimes, they are also a more affordable alternative to solid cast metals.

Tile Market carries a large selection of both metal tiles as well as metallic looks. Please visit our showroom for the tile to suit your project.

Tile Trends: Glass tile

Glass tile is very versatile and continues to grow in the marketplace. It is available in an array of colors, textures, and sizes. Glass, a non-porous, impervious material, is suitable for many applications including swimming pools, showers, and backsplashes. Due to the chameleon-like nature of this material, many designers are using glass in display niches, as flooring accents, or even as focal walls.

Glass tile can be contemporary with solid colors and crisp straight edges, rustic with muddled colors and chipped edges, or traditional with the soft edges of tumbled beach glass. It comes in clear and matte finishes and is typically very "green". Many companies produce their glass tile using recycled materials.

For an extensive selection of glass tiles please visit our showroom.

Tile Trends: Rectangles

Tile keeps growing in many different ways and a popular trend of late is rectangles. Rectangular shapes are not new to tile but the sizes and formats are changing. Traditionally rectangular tile was used in a "subway" pattern of which the most popular version is a 3"x6" white tile installed in a running bond or brick pattern. Rectangles have been used in floor patterns but were usually mixed with squares such as in the Versailles or basketweave patterns.

In many contemporary designs we are seeing rectangles used in new ways. Long skinny tiles or planks are gaining popularity with newer introductions in wood-look tiles. Glass and stone are just two of the materials that are now offered in many rectangular mosaics. Accent tiles, often used in backsplashes or in bathrooms, are offered in a variety of elongated rectangles. A popular look is a mix of several different rectangles to create a modular design.

Traditional materials such as marble and limestone are now available in newer contemporary sizes. These tiles are suitable for many applications and are a great way to mix traditional and contemporary designs. Whatever look you desire in rectangles, Tile Market is sure to have the tile for you.

Tile Trends: Green

Tile is a very "green" material. With the current focus on being environmentally conscious, many tile companies are now defining what makes their material "green." Properly installed and well maintained tile often outlasts the building in which it is installed.

There is not one single group that certifies tile as green due in part to tile production taking place in many countries. The most popular is LEED certification (sponsored by USGBC.) Even if the tile has not been certified there are many elements that make tiles "green."

Clay and minerals used in producing most ceramic and porcelain tiles are very abundant in nature. Traditional terracotta and satillo tiles are dried in the sun while several manufacturers use kilns heated by the energy generated in other aspects of the plant (such as production). Wind and solar energy as well as natural light often power plants, save money and create environmentally friendly tiles. Pre consumer waste such as defective or broken tile bisques are often reincorporated into tiles. Post consumer waste such as old glass bottles is another way recycled materials are used in tile production. Stone is often quarried and blocks are cut using air compressors and manual labor in lieu of petroleum based machinery. Transportation of materials from afar typically ship via cargo ships. The ordering in bulk helps to cut down on fuel usage.

Tile Market has a binder containing our vendors information on their "Green" material.

Please visit our showroom to see our vast selection of environmentally friendly material.

Welcome to Tile Market

Tile Market of San Marco, a locally owned and operated business, is located in the heart of San Marco. Tile Market boasts a large and exciting selection of tile in a beautifully decorated showroom. Constantly changing front windows hint at our array of choices. We carry stone, porcelain, glass, ceramic, metal and even leather tiles. Many of our tile lines can be customized to suit your design needs. Custom options include colors, patterns and trim pieces. If you want to design a stone mosaic to match your wallpaper or have your ceramic tile match your paint color we can assist you.

Tile Market offers a knowledgeable staff well versed in tile designs. They can easily aid in making your designs flow.

Tile Market has in stock a wide selection of stone and porcelain in both traditional and contemporary designs. Because we import directly from the factory, we are able to pass on great quality and pricing to our customers. We also stock stone pavers and coping.

We pride ourselves on customer service and selection. Please stop by and visit our ever changing showroom.