Please join us at Historic Seattle’s Preservation Fair

True Subway tile now available at Norberry Tile

http://www.historicseattle.org/events/brf_default.aspx

Cool Tile Installations

Tile From Around the Globe Adds Out-of-This-World Panache

Houzz - Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More  »

Home Design

and Decorating Ideas- For Example:

Hall Designs

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Gym Designs

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Wine Cellar Designs

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Basement Designs

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Storage & Closets Designs

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Staircase Designs

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Home Office Designs

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Bathroom Designs

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Visit Us At Historic Seattle’s Bungalow Fair

Please join us at Town Hall this weekend for Historic Seattle’s Bungalow Fair. Norberry Tile has supported and participated the event from its conception 13 years ago. Vendors will come from all over the United States to promote the organic Arts and Crafts style. It’s a celebration of handmade product and beautiful craftsmanship that Americans are gifted with.

I personally styled my 1924 cottage with period Arts and Crafts features and colors. I found it instantly drops my blood pressure upon entering because it is such an inviting environment. Think subdued colors, warm lighting, lots of wood and few right angles. If you have ever visited the Gamble House in Pasadena you know what it is like to be lovingly embraced by a home.

A New Season

Value is in the details.

September is an exciting time in the tile industry as summer-time construction completes. With walls up and the roof on, finish surfaces are the next items to check off.  It is more important than ever to invest in your home. Installing quality surfaces will create environments you want to live in over time, which in turn adds value. Using cheap materials often proves to be  false economy, as they are more commonly ripped out and replaced. Quality surfaces are timeless and enduring.

By working with Norberry Tile you can be assured of beautiful and appropriate surfaces for your style of home.  Bring a designer in with you for a third opinion.  Our goal is to have you install the tile once and be happy with it for your entire life in the home.  That’s adding value!

Another Season for Green Roof

Green Roof or Living Art?

Probably the most satisfying detail of my remodel is the green roof outside the kitchen.  It is simply a living piece of art!  Every other week it has a new appearance.  The Summer display going on now is chock full of color from flowers to succulent leaves.  The roof is composed of drought tolerant sedums, and they are growing on less than 4″ of soil.  It was installed as 12″ x 24″ living tiles.  The biggest contrast is the winter foliage when the roof turns burgundy red.

Favorite at Coverings

Coverings 2010 was held in Orlando, Florida.  The size of the show itself was down regarding space filled in previous years, and research and development generally appeared scaled back.  There were two outfits that brought something notable to the table, Rookwood and Tabarka Studios.

I can only note that Rookwood is on the verge of releasing a tile line.  What exactly will be available is not clear yet, nor the distribution channel.  However, I can mention that they are very close in reproducing original colors without the benefit of lead.  Also,  they have copies of original molds to reproduce the fabulous Rookwood decorative tile.  I will forward images as I receive them.

Tabarka Studios is sticking with their soft glazes and adding to their traditional European decorative patterns.  I gave Tabarka my vote as “the most beautiful booth at Coverings award”, I’m still working on a trophy though.  In the meantime enjoy a little eye candy.

Metaphor Bronze Includes Detail & Sustainability

One surface that ages like a fine bottle of red wine is exposed metal.  Metal exposed to the Northwest climate, develops a deeper, darker patina; especially tile made from recycled nickle, bronze, or sterling silver.  A shiny new look can be maintained with an occasional application of clear shoe wax.

One favorite metallic tile line is Metaphor Bronze developed by Jay Gibson, a talented artisan and Pratt Institute graduate. The Timberline Series are realistic impressions of pinecones and oak leaves possessing leathery detail. For those who desire simple accents of metal, effective in tying fixtures and fittings into overall design, might favor moldings to frame out or terminate edges of plain field tile.  Metal tile looks especially beautiful paired with natural stone and rustic ceramic tile.  Visit Norberry Tile to experience and feel these beautiful finishes.