May 2023

Designing with exposed building elements can be fun! Brick walls, wooden beams, and dark pipes are all part of the Industrial look that make this design style a favorite. These structural details are all key elements to giving your space urban chic vibes. Using a white subway tile like Tongue in Chic’s - You Don’t Snow Me is a great backdrop to a mix of cabinets and open shelving. It also complements nicely with a wall of exposed brick. The Totally in Zinc pulls inspiration form metal pipes and is a thrilling accent for a counter face or coffee/wet bar backsplash. Creating a flowing design will bring a sense of cohesiveness to your open floor plan. Don’t be afraid to try something different! Using the Carbone porcelain plank in a herringbone would help define a bar, pantry, or bathroom floor from the traditional cement or wood floors in the common areas of the loft. Selecting a stone like Vanity’s - White Carrara 6x12 for shower walls keeps the bathroom space light and open. The honed finished creates a sense of rawness and carries the “unfinished" look into the additional space. Round out the design with rustic wood pieces, Edison light bulbs, and neutral colors to give your loft the perfect mix of exposed building elements and urban vibes. 

Clean simple lines and timeless charm are the key to designing your dream Craftsman inspired space. Built in elements like bookcases are a signature of the Craftsman interior. In a bathroom, consider adding little appeal by tiling the back of the built in shelves. Here we selected the Rock Glamorous Animate 2" x 6" to complement the same marble selected in the tone on tone octagon for the bathroom floor. A stained glass window is a great way to show old school artistry. To add a centuries old flair with a modern twist, try incorporating a stained glass mosaic like Gigi’s Groovy Stix as a kitchen backsplash or a shower wall feature. The beauty of the Craftsman style is that it showcases the craftsmanship of artists through the simplicity of natural materials. Straight lined wide trims such as wood molding showcase the workmanship and are often used throughout this style. You can also achieve this by layering natural stone moldings like the the Anamite cornice, which can be used as a base or crown. The beautiful rippled texture of Abitare La Terra’s wall tile makes it a great selection for shower walls or a kitchen backsplash, and provides texture to your space. A fireplace is a living rooms' central feature in a Craftsman style home. Create visual interest by using a carved stone like the Suave Due Canapa on the face of the fireplace. The subtle detail of the linear lines are beautiful on their own or incased in a wood surrounding. Round out your design by adding some greenery to enhance the earth tones. The Craftsman style stands the test of time, simple and timeless, yet full of endless detail.

The French country style may seem out of date... but think luxurious farmhouse; soft and rustic, elegant yet casual. You will be quickly swept away to the French countryside where lavender fills the air and things get better with time like fine wine. The use of natural materials, like stone, is a key element in this style. When choosing a floor, consider a stone with soft tumbled edges, like the Lynx from the Suave Due collection. The tumbled finish evokes a time worn look when compared to the more modern look of a stone with straight edges. When selecting the perfect white, opt for an earthier tone as opposed to a stark bright white. The off-white tone of Tongue in Chic’s Don’t Be A Shell Out makes it a great selection for a backsplash or shower walls. If you prefer the look of natural stone, our Rock Glamorous Aegean Cream is a creamy marble with light veins creating visual interest with a variation of hues. Be mindful of your selections. Choosing a porcelain like Manganese from the Abitare La Terra collection might not be a traditional choice, however the scraped plaster effect on the surface of the body shows details and craftsmanship not normally associated with this type of product. Select finishes, even if they are new, that look and feel like they have history. The hand cut mosaic, Louvre-ly Reflections, from the Mon Ami Paris collection make it a fitting selection for a powder room floor or feature wall. The imperfections of this artisanal product are what make it so ideal. Round out your space with aged metals, distressed woods, and cozy linens to keep your design steeped in tradition. Now it's time to inspire, create, and design something fabulous. Grab a glass, relax, and envision la belle vie!

There is a certain charm to island life with shingle sided houses surrounded by bountiful hydrangeas, cobblestone streets, and the fresh ocean air. The Nantucket style is formal but doesn't sacrifice comfort. When choosing colors stick to a crisp palette of coastal blues and whites. Selecting tile such as Basic B provides a traditional white washed wood-look great for smaller spaces like entry ways, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and patios. With durability and easy care, the sand and sun will be no challenge for this porcelain plank. The Half Baked blocks are a great selection for a kitchen backsplash, fireplace surround, or shower walls, and can be left on the mesh or removed to create different patterns. To add the perfect shade of blue as an accent strip in the shower or unexpected butlers pantry floor, try the Genziana from our Abitare La Terra Collection! Sticking with the hues of blues… the range of shades in the 4x16 stained glass offer the perfect splash of color reminiscent of the ocean. Fun to use as the backsplash in a wet bar or a feature wall in a powder bath, the unique blend of each piece will have your imagination sailing away. Tailored furnishings and symmetrical layouts are keys to Nantucket style living. Furniture with straight lines, striped accent rugs, and patterned pillows can help bring your space together. Accent your space with subtle coastal pieces. A white chain setting on a coffee table and sea shells in a bowl or on the top of a stack of books are perfect nautical touches. Design your perfect seaside villa on the eastern seaboard with AlysEdwards Tile & Stone.  

Does your design bring you joy? Get rid of the clutter and opt for a minimalist design. Minimalism thrives on simplicity. The design is meant to visually pleasing and functional. Implementing products like Terra Dolce’s 2” x 2” Mosaic and 12” x 24” field tile provide a durable natural stone look that is green friendly and commercially rated. It’s great to use as a main floor or in a shower, this porcelain will have easy maintenance. Keep things airy and bright with Bianco from the Abitare La Terra Collection, it’s rippled effect adds nice texture to your space. Meanwhile, Tongue in Chic’s Pebble without a cause brings forth a subtle color without being overwhelming. Used together or separate, these wall tiles are a great option for backsplashes, shower, and feature walls. Clear your mind and clear your clutter by keeping your design light and simple with our AlysEdwards building blocks.