Tag Archives: materials

Materials: Stone in the Foyer

November 18, 2014

Another beautiful example of a traditional black and white floor. It is crisp and appropriate.Slideshow

For years I have been extolling the beauty of stone for the bath. It is a natural material that comes in a huge range of sizes and colors with multiple opportunities for different surface textures. It is durable, timeless, refined and only improves with age. Clearly, I love stone. Not only is it the perfect material for the bath, but it is perfect for the entry or foyer of the house.

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Ceramic Tile Tutorial

November 14, 2014

This diagram provides the most accurate illustration of specialized ceramic tile trimmers that I have seen. Using the right trimmer makes the installation look so much better.Slideshow

I certainly do not know how to install tile. However, I do know a really good installation when I see one. I look for tight grout joints, carefully calculated and pre-planned cuts so there are no unsightly shapes in the grid and finally, in the case of ceramic tile, the use of correct trimmers. This edition of The Perfect Bath is about the very special tile pieces that are available to create an impeccable installation.

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Stone: Perfect for Every Room

November 9, 2014

A custom sink for the garden room. This format provides a drain board, backsplash and place for a wall mount faucet. This is a honed material. Sealing is required once a year for correct maintenance.Slideshow

I simply love stone. From counters in the kitchen to fireplaces in the living room, stone is the perfect material for nearly every room of the house. Its beauty lies in its variation and imperfections, its organic range of shades and tones and its environmental qualities. It is available in countless modules from 1″squares to large 4′ x 7′ slabs. It can have straight or ‘antiqued’ chiseled edges and textured surfaces. It is durable, versatile and easy to maintain. Like a chameleon it can blend in with its surroundings; it can be sleek and modern or rustic and traditional. And, while this post extols its praises for all manner of residential installations, you will find stone in airports, hotels and commercial spaces.

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Travels: The Bauhaus in Tel Aviv

November 7, 2014

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On my recent trip to Israel I planned some extra time to see just a few of the thousand or so Bauhaus stucco buildings that still exist in Tel Aviv. They are not hard to find or identify. Their distinctive features–from balconies, vertical glass stairwells, horizontal bands and rounded forms to the unmistakable stucco exteriors–are dotted all over the city. Clearly, some have had sensitive renovations and others are in a complete state of disrepair.

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