Tile is still in vogue, especially as decoration

Tiling often is associated only with bathrooms and kitchens, but why not living room, dining rooms and hallways? Throughout the Mediterranean, tiles have been used for decoration since before the time of Christ. Across North Africa and the rest of Western Europe, the walls of homes and palaces were adorned in tiles to keep the interiors from getting too hot during the middle of the day. Tiles were available in several materials from stone to glass and even marble. Brightly colored and patterned tile created a backdrop for lavish decorations and finely carved furniture. Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and even the Netherlands have a history and tradition of tiling.

Tiles can be selected and installed in solid colors, mottled colors and a variation of colors. They can also be installed in different patterns, with a vertical, horizontal and even a diagonal orientation. Tile can also be architectural and be blocked out with borders to emulate a dado. The style can express traditional design or contemporary design. Tile, while very versatile, is often considered common. However, with new finishes and even new materials, tiles are about to get a complete makeover.

Tiles are available in ceramic, porcelain, glass, recycled glass, exotic materials such as mother of pearl, horn and bone and metals such as copper and aluminum, and warmer materials such as cork, and even wood. There is a tile that is perfect for almost any application you may need. Creativity can be found in tiles that have a relief or additional design that can be used to accentuate or feature a specific area of your floor or wall.

While in recent years we have seen subway-style tiles take the world by storm, larger format tiles are starting to become very popular. Manufacturers have taken special notice of this and created larger format tiles with 1/8-inch thickness to allow the tile to be installed vertically without all the weight. So don't be surprised if you see an elevator clad in porcelain tiles.

Almost any project can be done with tiles. Why stop at kitchens, bathrooms and walls? As designers are looking to have sleeker designs, tiles have become more resistant to breakage. This translates to furniture now being designed out of tile. For example, benches or sofas and even cabinetry can be veneered out of tile for an integrated look without the fear of it breaking apart.

The next time a designer mentions tile, don't be so quick to discard the idea. If your project is traditional, there are plenty of examples as a point of inspiration. And if you are designing within a contemporary lexicon, you might be setting the trend. Don't be afraid to be original!

• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla.

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