Product of the Week: Tessera Alaskan View

Tiles of mixed textures and finishes have always been popular, but on glass tiles the light plays in such a way that the variety truly pops.  These variations are what make glass mosaic tile so much fun: you really can get any look you want by getting the right colors, choosing the right texture, and placing them in the right light.

Our Tessera Alaskan View is proof positive of that.  Shades of ice blue and deeper blue complement each other while the various finishes add dimension. Just in one sheet, you’ll find frosted glass, smooth glass, and glass rippled like drops of water.  Bright white matte tumbled stone throws a snowy element into the mix, accomplishing a chilly, soothing look.

I took this with my cell phone to give an idea of the textures:

The ripples look like droplets of water. How cool is that?

And here’s a professional photo to reflect the wonderful color variety in this mesh-mounted mosaic:

The variety of color and finishes makes the Alaskan View a great choice.

If you’re hesitant to use such a seemingly bold tile in your space, consider the palette: it’s been discussed before that blue and shades of it are versatile and soothing, and the Alaskan View is no exception.

Here it is as an accent in a shower niche.  It breaks up the pattern in the wall and works really well with the glass wall enclosing the shower!

 

Bathroom by Fairfax Design-Build Firms Summit Design Remodeling, LLC

If you’re looking for a large expanse of glittery, textured beauty, take a look at some examples.

Modern Bathroom by Sacramento Interior Designers & Decorators Kerrie L. Kelly

This tile is quite similar to the Alaskan View, and when used as a main wall installation, the other fixtures (plumbing, cabinetry, et cetera) either tie into the tile or directly contrast it. The dark cabinets look so striking in this bathroom!

And let’s not forget the fantastic potential it has as an accent. Though this is not the Alaskan View, it has a similar palette. It’s in an unusual location (the face of the stairs) which is why it’s so captivating- it’s difficult to realize what a focal point stairs are until they look absolutely marvelous, like these do. The Alaskan View could certainly fill this purpose!

Tropical Staircase by Jacksonville Home Builders Glenn Layton Homes

Finally, they make a lovely accent for a pool.  The intensified light coming off of the water really unlocks the mosaic’s potential with how it works with light.  Here is a customer-submitted photo of an installation:

That glittery accent underneath the edge of the pool? That’s Alaskan View!

Its chilly palette and sparkly qualities add up to a captivating mosaic, and for that, the Tessera Alaskan View is this week’s Product of the Week. Use it as an accent or a main focal point, and wow everyone who passes by!

For Your Consideration: Picking a Tile for Outdoor Installation

It’s no secret: as the weather gets warmer, outdoor home improvement projects dreamed up in the dark recesses of winter start to take shape and become a reality.  Gardens are almost in bloom, lawns begin to grow, and outdoor entertaining becomes an option.  A patio becomes so much more welcoming when it’s given custom touches to make it feel more like a home and less like an appendage onto the house.  Tile is a perfect choice for an outdoor space, as many varieties are durable, frost proof, and slip-resistant.

Durable tile comes in so many designs that it’s easy to get that perfect look.  But what factors should determine whether a tile is suitable for a patio?  Here are some tips on picking the right product.

Make sure it’s suitable to your climate. As previously discussed, ceramic and porcelain tiles differ in the amount of harsh weather they can stand.  In milder climates, either ceramic or porcelain will do- it’s entirely dependent on your taste.  In extreme climes, however, porcelain is denser and more impervious, making it frost resistant.  When choosing the flooring for your space, think carefully about where it will be installed and the weather it will be exposed to.  Your design options are not limited, as both materials offer a wide range of looks.

Farmhouse Porch by Portland Architects & Building Designers Whitten Architects

Check for a high PEI rating. A tile’s PEI rating determines how well the glaze will stand up to dirt and wear.  The higher the rating, the more scratch-resistant the tile.  For patio installations that will be getting foot traffic, we recommend a tile with a PEI rating no lower than IV- this is a good way to ensure it can withstand the dirt and foot traffic standard (consider the possibility of pets, kids, and guests) for an outdoor application.

Mediterranean Patio by Austin Architects & Building Designers chas architects

Research slip resistance. Depending on where this tile will be installed, slip resistance can be a huge factor in your decision. Assuming there will be slippery conditions outside (rain, a pool, spilled margaritas), it’s important that you set up a space that’s safe for you and your guests. You can find slip resistance information on the product overview section of any given item on the Home Depot website. See the below screenshot from the Home Depot page for Attica Gris indicating the location of whether an item is slip resistant or not:

Pick one that suits your style! Are you going for a rustic or natural look? Or something sleek and modern? Through tile, any look is possible. Whether you’re building an outdoor retaining wall, lining a pool, or using this as a major focal point and social center for your home, loving your tile is of utmost importance!  Tile lasts a long time (possibly centuries) so if you’re not absolutely positive it’s for you, keep looking.  It’s imperative to love your home- from the ground up.

 

Sources: here, here, and our resident experts.

 

Product of the Week: Attica Beige

Flagstone is a classic look for patios and other outdoor spaces.  It has the rugged feel of natural stone but has been sufficiently tamed to function as a usable surface for a rustic space.  It’s a tasteful and welcoming look.

Mediterranean Patio by San Francisco Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Arterra LLP Landscape Architects

There are, however, down sides to using actual flagstone. Laying them requires patience- the stones are natural and thus all different shapes and sizes, so arranging them to fit together can take a while. This guide from the DIY network refers to it, quite rightly, as “basically like assembling a big, heavy puzzle.”  Another challenge is making sure all the stones are even, since it only takes one that’s lower or higher than the rest to tilt a table or trip someone.  Finally, there’s the price tag: it tends to be a bit more expensive than other materials.

Enter our Attica Beige tile, which gives you the look of flagstone without the fuss.  It’s a ceramic floor and wall tile inspired by flagstone that with a high PEI rating for work in residential and high-traffic commercial settings. If you’re concerned about it looking natural, the edges of the tile are wavy so they fit together in a way that’s a little less restrictive than regular tile squares:

 

Attica Beige is available through the Home Depot.

It’s a ceramic tile, which means it’s perfectly suitable for a patio in milder climates but not great for outdoor installation in places that see extreme cold. Just look at the way flagstone looks outside. It definitely lends a rustic look to this classic home style:

Traditional Patio by Baltimore Architects & Designers Penza Bailey Architects

It also looks great installed indoors, pulling elements of nature into your home. Here’s an actual customer application of the Attica Beige. Look how well it lightens up the room and complements the beautiful view outside! It’ll look great through all seasons: it’ll make a lovely accompaniment to the autumn leaves, and will certainly bring a warm look to the room in the dead of winter. Altogether, this is a great application for this product!

This is a customer installation of Attica Beige, available at the Home Depot.

A customer installation of Attica Beige.

For having all the durability, quality, and versatility of a ceramic tile, and for providing a fantastic low-cost, easier-to-install flagstone alternative to homes all over America, the Attica Beige is our product of the week.