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Stone & Tile Trends

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From the

Editor

In the last issue of Contemporary Stone & Tile Design, I mentioned how we

were heading into “trade show” season. Unfortunately, that was short lived

this year due to the unforeseen worldwide pandemic that slowly crept in and

then ignited into a state of emergency that no one could have predicted. The

Covid-19 virus has forced many exhibitions, such as NeoCon and Cover-

ings to cancel their 2020 events and reschedule for next year, and others such as the

American Institute of Architects (AIA) show to postpone their dates with the inten-

tion of still holding something in 2020.

While we are certainly in unprecedented times with “social distancing” and the

“stay at home” action put in place by many state governments, it is important that we

stay optimistic and continue to press on with our daily routine and work. At the time

I am writing this, the near future is still unclear in regards to when life will return to

“normal.” But that doesn’t mean that we can’t create and be inspired by new products

that are still being introduced to the marketplace. If anything, this period is allowing

us to slow down a bit and gives us more time to think about new design ideas and

research product introductions.

It seems most stone and tile manufacturers are continuing production to main-

tain a steady flow of product launches. And while you might not be able to physi-

cally view them at the various trade shows that usually take place, you can still

view them on each manufacturer’s websites, as well as www.cstdmag.com and our

social media platforms.

Springtime is often associated with freshness and liveliness, so it is appropriate

that this edition of Contemporary Stone & Tile Design leads off with a focus on

stone and tile trends. Flip through our extensive product roundup, starting on

page 10, and read the feature article, “What’s in store for 2020 designs?,” which

begins on page 14. Several marketing experts from leading stone and tile compa-

nies share similar predictions on popular colors, shapes, sizes and textures that

are trending in 2020.

We hope that the following pages can be a bright spot in these difficult times and

help to get the creative juices flowing, so to speak. Myself and our staff are continuing

to work each day to bring you the latest updates and stone and tile trends to assist you

in your latest design endeavors.

JENNIFER RICHINELLI

CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER DARRELL DAL POZZO

HUMAN RESOURCES & INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR RITA M. FOUMIA

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR VINCENT M. MICONI

FINANCE DIRECTOR LISA L. PAULUS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR MICHAEL T. POWELL

CLEAR SEAS RESEARCH DIRECTOR BETH A. SUROWIEC

CHIEF EVENT OFFICER SCOTT WOLTERS

CORPORATE

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Contents4 FROM THE EDITOR

8 CALENDAR

10 STONE & TILE TRENDS

14 WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2020 DESIGNS?

Bold colors, playful patterns, textured finishes and

geometric shapes are among the trending stone and

tile products that are meeting the requests of a myriad

of applications

22 A PERFECT MARRIAGE

Neolith proves suitable for the countertops of a wine

bar and televised commercial kitchen at The Studio by

Feast it Forward in Napa, CA

28 AN IMMERSIVE DESIGN

A sleek glamorous gallery of porcelain slabs was created

for Moderno Porcelain Works — presenting customers

with the ultimate shopping experience

34 REVIVING THE CAMPUS CASTLE

Boston University’s castle, which is constructed of

sandstone, was renovated and cleaned to bring the

building back to its original splendor

38 A CASE OF TILE AND ERROR

With tile formats continuing to increase, it is critical

to choose a spacing + leveling system that will ensure

a successful installation

ON THE COVER:

Stone and tile continue to play an important role in both resi-

dential and commercial applications. With such an assortment

of sizes, colors, shapes and textures, these highly sought-after

products meet the requirements for both form and function in

all types of design styles. And to ensure that a stone or tile de-

sign looks exquisite, a successful installation is crucial. Using a

proper spacing and leveling system is important. To learn more

about what proper steps need to be taken in an installation,

turn to page 38. Photo courtesy of Rust-Oleum.

www.cstdmag.com // Spring 2020 Volume 27 No. 2

14

3428


Slabs & Countertops Porcelain & Ceramic Luxury Vinyl TileHardscapesNatural Stone Decorative Accents

MSISURFACES.COM

TRENDING UPMSI has traveled the world to curate 2020’s Top 5 Trends.

Introducing- Modern Farmhouse, Bold Oasis, Moody Blues, Worry Proof

Wonders, and Sun-Washed Chic. These styles are ready to shake up the

surfaces industry and are perfect for all lifestyles, trends, and budgets.

MODERN FARMHOUSE

MOODY BLUES

BOLD OASIS

SUN-WASHED CHIC

WORRY-PROOF WONDERS


Upcoming Events For a more complete calendar of stone industry events, visit www.cstdmag.com

May 14 to 16, 2020

(POSTPONED – NEW DATES TBA)

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Con-

ference on Architecture

Los Angeles, CA

www.aia.org

September 28 to October 2, 2020

Cersaie

Bologna, Italy

www.cersaie.it

September 30 to October 3, 2020

Marmomac

Verona, Italy

www.marmomac.com

January 26 to 28, 2021

January 25 (Eduction begins)

The International Surface Event

www.theinternationalsurfaceevent.com

February 8 to 12, 2021

Cevisama

Valencia, Spain

www.cevisama.feriavalencia.com

February 9 to 11, 2021

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

Orange County Convention Center

Orlando, FL

www.kbis.com

April 13 to 16, 2021

Coverings

Orange County

Convention Center

Orlando, FL

www.coverings.com

May 2021

(EXACT DATES TBA)

The International Contemporary

Furniture Fair

Javits Center

New York, NY

www.icff.com

May 4 to 6, 2021

HD Expo + Conference

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Las Vegas, NV

www.hdexpo.com

June 14 to 16, 2021

NeoCon

The Mart

Chicago, IL

www.neocon.com

Due to the worldwide pandemic of Covid-19, many upcoming industry events have been cancelled or

rescheduled. Many already have dates for next year. Visit www.cstdmag.com for regular updates.

to the FREE CSTDeNewsletter today!

A eNewsletter with highly

targeted editorial to give stone

fabrication shops and suppliers

practical knowledge they can

use in their everyday business.

SUBSCRIBE

www.stoneworld.com/enewsletters


Stone & Tile Trends

Cambria, a manufacturer of Amer-

ican-made natural quartz surfaces,

has launched 20 groundbreaking

new designs to coincide with Cam-

bria’s 20th anniversary and 20th

design launch at the beginning of

2020. Graceful and flowing, Clovelly

displays a creamy background with

copper and brown swooping veins

and white lightning-like veins

that rise and fall across a surface

interspersed with delicately latticed

threads and black accents.

www.cambriausa.com

A

B

C

D

Turning away from language but

perhaps deeper into mathematics,

Alison conceived the second prod-

uct in her collaboration with Artistic

Tile, Zephyr, as a deconstruction

of the lemniscate — the symbol for

infinity. An 8- x 16-inch dimensional

tile with a topographical ribbon of

golden brass inlaid into an undulat-

ing ridge line of carved deep black

marble, Zephyr is a show-stopping

design with incredible detail and

richness, opening up a multitude of

design possibilities.

www.artistictile.com

A

The Bryson Valley by American

Olean collection offers an ultra-

realistic barn wood visual with

authentic hardwood texture. The

rich warmth of real wood floors is

presented in an 8- x 48-inch porce-

lain tile, appealing to designers and

homeowners who prefer longer and

wider planks. Incorporating Reveal

Imaging to provide stunning realism

and TruEdge technology for tighter

grout joints, Bryson Valley is the pin-

nacle of an authentic wood-look tile.

www.americanolean.com

B

Caesarstone has launched a

brand-new category of outdoor

quartz. This is a first for the com-

pany. The Solaris Collection offers

three colors — Palm Shade, Mid-

day and Clearskies — all of which

are UV protected and have been

tested in temperatures from 125F

to -30F, so they will withstand any

climate across the country. Ad-

ditionally, the product will not fade

or crack and the surfaces come

with a 10-year warranty.

www.caesarstone.com

C D

SPRING 2020 // CONTEMPORARY STONE & TILE DESIGN 11

Daltile’s new RevoTile is a game-

changer for the residential building

industry. It is a revolutionary,

patented, porcelain tile floating floor

system that installs twice as fast

than traditional tile – saving builders

time and money. RevoTile installs in

just three easy steps, which include

placing underlayment – no mortar

required, clicking tiles together and

grouting immediately – no wait time.

RevoTile is a genuine Daltile porce-

lain tile offered in 26 marble, wood,

stone and concrete looks.

www.daltile.com

E

F

G

H

The Let It Bee product line from

Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola

features curvy patterns that are

a throwback to Carnaby Street

and the style of Swinging London

during the 1970s. Presented in five

explosive shades and two variants,

Let It Bee transmits a new desire

to transgress, combined with the

need to set trends. The range is

enhanced by a panel depicting a

group of faceless silhouettes that

merge with vertical bands colored in

the same brilliant tones.

www.imolaceramica.com

E

Cotto d’Este offers its Blustyle

Collection, which extends the idea

of living spaces to the outdoors. Tile

in this product line are offered in 12

and 20 mm thicknesses. A strong

aesthetic value, an immense and

original variety of tones – coupled

with the extensive modularity of

formats – means that the outdoors

exudes elegance and versatility,

transforming all outdoor areas into

living spaces.

www.cottodeste.com

F

Crossville, Inc. has launched the

Cursive porcelain wall tile collection,

which is suitable for interior walls in

commercial and residential settings.

This unique product line is notable

for its range of eclectic shapes and

vibrant color offerings. Tiles are

available in 3- x 6- and 3- x 12-inch

rectangles, 6-inch squares and tri-

angles, as well as 4-inch circles and

2-inch demilunes. Cursive features

nine color options: Iris, Goldenrod,

Rose Gold, Ghost, Smoke, Charcoal,

Soft Teal, Old Denim and Oxblood.

Each hue is interpreted with a hand-

made appearance and watercolor

effect around the edges.

www.crossvilleinc.com

G H

Stone & Tile Trends


Stone & Tile Trends

MSI’s Rockmount Stacked Stone

Panel Collection includes full-sized

6- x 24-inch panels, as well as

smaller 4.5- x 16-inch M-Series

Stacked Stone Panels. Both ledger

panel lines come in an inspirational

array of looks and finishes — refined

rustic to contemporary chic, split-

faced to 3D honed — in stones

such as marble, slate, travertine

and quartzite. A natural choice

for outdoor applications, these

from-the-Earth beauties are equally

enchanting indoors. In addition, all

Rockmount stacked stone panels

are modular in design, which allow

for groutless seamless installation.

www.msisurfaces.com

I

J

K

L

Hollywood fuses Old World glamour

with contemporary rustic tones for

a distinct wood-look tile in Emser

Tile’s new Hollywood series. Beige

and Oak colorations recall the

classic warm look of aged wood,

while Blue and Taupe feature cool

undertones. The glazed 8- x 47-inch

porcelain planks can be installed

in a myriad of formats, altered to fit

each designer’s individual aesthetic.

Install them in a traditional offset

pattern to maintain the timeless

wood look or in a herringbone com-

pilation to add a touch of modernity.

www.emser.com

I

Marazzi offers the Crogiolo Col-

lection, which a homage to both

the authentic beauty of ceramics

hand-shaped by craftsmen and the

expression of the latest porcelain

stoneware process technologies.

Featuring the glossiest of glazes,

vibrant textures and colors, irregular

brush strokes and old-fashioned

decorative motifs, the tiles genuinely

look handmade but are actually

the product of a sophisticated

technology. This genetic make-up

is shared by all the latest additions

to the Crogiolo Collection, with dif-

ferent stylistic inputs but the same

narrative strength: D_Segni Blend,

Scenario, Lume and Zellige.

www.marazziusa.com

J

Mediterranea has fused these two

essential designer colors — basic

black and elegant white — in a

unique and creative way to create

a stunning new porcelain tile col-

lection, Inkwell. Working with these

two core colors, Mediterranea has

leveraged its Dynamic HD Imaging

technology to vividly display black-

and-white stone graphics on a 6- x

36-inch porcelain tile. The result is

a carefully blended look found only

in the rarest of stones — perfect for

designer-oriented floors and walls

in any commercial or residential

setting.

www.mediterranea-usa.com/

inkwell.html

K L


Biseau by Walker Zanger is in-

spired by the rich decorative effect

of French Art Deco. It combines

deep rich colors with an accent of

mirrored finish. The back bevel with

the mirror finish gives the illusion of

dimension on a flat surface, creat-

ing a beguiling play of light, color

and shapes.

www.walkerzanger.com

M

N

O

P

Nemo Tile+Stone’s new Stellar

collection of whitebody wall tiles are

available in three different colors:

Solid White, Blue and Black. Of-

fered in a glazed finish, these tiles

are intricately designed to create

a linear pattern. The collection

includes five patterns that use

simplistic linear curvatures to craft a

larger design narrative. Amongst the

designs are star, diamond, frame,

circle and cross options. The collec-

tion is modern in aesthetic, bringing

a rich visual palette to residential,

commercial and hospitality spaces.

www.nemotile.com

M

Calacatta Luxe combines striations

of dark grays, inky blues, tobacco

browns and subtle golds for a mes-

merizing vein, contrasting against a

bright white background. Capturing

the magic and refinement of Italian

marble, Calacatta Luxe embodies

all the super-resistant, high-perfor-

mance and ultra-hygienic qualities

inherent in all of Neolith’s surfaces.

The surface is offered in polished

and ultrasoft finishes, in 6 and 12

mm thicknesses and is available in

3,200 mm x 1,600 mm and 3,200

mm x 1,500 mm formats.

www.neolith.com

N

Mimicking the natural appearance

of oak wood, SomerTile’s Tribeka

Hex Brown 8 5/8- x 9 7/8-inch por-

celain floor and wall tile emulates

rustic beauty with an abstract

twist. This hexagon-shaped tile

transforms any space into a work

of art through triangular patterns

that intertwine to create captivating

designs reminiscent of Art Deco

style. The tiles feature a gentle relief

texture, lending warmth and natural

realism to surfaces. Also available in

gray, this tile offers a one-of-a-kind

geometric look.

www.somertile.com

O P

Stone & Tile Trends


Stone & TileTrends

Photo courtesy of Marazzi/Coastal Effects Collection

Bold colors, playful patterns, textured finishes


and geometric shapes are among the trending

stone and tile products that are meeting the

requests of a myriad of applications

Bold colors, playful patterns, textured finishes

What’s in storefor 2020 designs?

by Jennifer Richinelli


Photo courtesy of Crossville, Inc./Cursive Collection

Warm neutral shades with subtle designs work well as accent walls in spaces such as bathrooms.

Rose Gold and geometric shapes are among favorites in today’s tile choices.


From residential to commercial

design, stone and tile remain a

top contender when it comes to

material choice. No matter the

desired style, whether it be tradi-

tional, avant-garde or shabby chic, there are

a plethora of stone and tile options on the

market today to meet any sought-after look.

While white, gray and beige have not faded

in popularity, industry professionals are pre-

dicting that more saturated colors and bold

patterns will come into play, as well as fun

shapes and larger formats. And while por-

celain and other alternative stone materials

seem to be at the forefront of many designs

today, it is believed that natural stone still

ranks high – especially for exterior uses such

as the facades of homes and buildings, pool

patios, retaining walls and for any applica-

tions needing to exude texture or to make a

bold statement.

“Move over neutral ceramic and stone,”

said Kristina Panzera, senior buyer of Ciot.

“The year ahead will see trendy homes

outfitted with tiles and slabs that feature

bold colors, luxurious patterns, surprising

textures, unique shapes, metallic and lac-

quered finishes, richer veining and floor-

to-ceiling wrapping.

“No longer are ceramic and stone prod-

ucts solely about functionality and durabil-

ity, but rather, they have become fashion

statements in themselves, elevating any

decor with unprecedented character and

elegance,” Panzera went on to say, adding

that today’s products deliver a mix of natural

elements with ultra-stylish looks — a com-

bination consumers are after. “The result is

nothing short of a masterpiece, creating an

artful, one-of-a-kind look in any room that

will stand the test of time.”

Panzera confirms that color, texture, pat-

tern and size are all the rage when it comes

to tile selections. “From pale pinks and

minty greens, to punches of indigo blue,

forest green, burgundy and black, 2020 will

be all about color,” she said. “Stronger tones

add character to any room while warmer

pastels remain popular for a more neutral,

muted decor.”

Ciot is also seeing that imitation cement

tiles boasting colorful patterns are growing a

fan base for their ability to add visual interest

in the home. At the same time, more conser-

vative tone-on-tone textures will increasingly

be popular for floor tiles — used to uplift a de-

cor without weighing it down. Bright, glossy

tiles resembling a lacquered finish in which

you can “feel” the brush strokes are also tak-

ing center stage, according to Panzera.

Erika Egede-Nissen, director of marketing

at Walker Zanger, agrees with Panzera’s ob-

servations. “We’re seeing a few different col-

or trends for both stone and tile products,”

she said. “Warm pastels are a celebration of

blue, green, pink and gray through a warmer

lens. Colors found in nature and found in

a late summer sunset, as well as organic

tones that are inspired by nature and a so-

cietal calling for warm relaxing spaces [are

also popular]. You can expect to see warmer

whites, soft beige and even tan make their

way back into mainstream design. And you

will also see a punch of color — that mo-

ment of celebration and spark of joy that

Wood-look plank tile formats remain desirable for both wall and floor applications.

Photo courtesy of Azteca/Akila Collection


brings energy to our space. There’s an un-

expected moment of happiness we receive

from color. Clients are looking to create an

area that brings them a spark of happiness.

This could be a powder room, child’s bath,

wet bar, or statement wall of stone or tile.”

Why are these color choices on the rise?

“In terms of color, the warm pastels and

organic tones celebrate the colors found in

nature and allow for a calm approach to de-

sign,” explained Egede-Nissen. “They create

moments of rest and allow for retreat. We

are seeing tranquil trends across interior

and exterior spaces. Society is looking to

celebrate comfort and welcome a reprieve

from screens and our busy lives with warm

and organic tones.”

Both Egede-Nissen and Panzera believe

the use of geometric shapes in designs are

on the rise. “Triangles, squares, large rect-

angles, and no doubt about it, square tiles

are back,” said Egede-Nissen.

“Compelling shapes — from fish scales

to diamonds and hexagons — are gaining

traction as a fun free-spirited way to elevate

a room,” said Panzera. “Computer-generated

3D effects will also create complex tile de-

signs that play with light and shadows for

futuristic decor palettes.”

Panzera also cites that metal finishes will

be increasingly stylish, with natural gold,

copper and brass highlights creating one-

of-a-kind shiny, reflective surfaces that glis-

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Imitation cement tiles boasting colorful patterns are growing a fan base for their

ability to stir visual interest in a home.

Strong vibrant colors, such as lime green, can bring character to a space.

Ph

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Mixing surface textures is another way to create variation and visual interest in a design.

Photo courtesy of Lunada Bay/Sonaré Collection


ten in natural light. “Primarily used as wall

coverings, deep metallic finishes exude

a raw organic feel,” she said. “Underfoot,

neutral-toned metal finishes for floors will

continue trending.”

Moreover, Panzera sees distressed looks be-

ing big in today’s designs. “What’s old is new

again as distressed looks continue to hold ap-

peal for both floors and walls, imitating the

look of old marble floors worn by years of

foot traffic, and creating an air of old-warm

charm and craftsmanship,” she said.

As for sizes, it is evident that larger for-

mats are growing in popularity. “Although

the consumer was slow to pick up on it, we

are currently seeing more movement toward

large-format tiles because people are becom-

ing more comfortable working with it,” said

Katie Micheal-Battaglia, design director for

Nemo+Tile. “It’s still taking time for the

consumer to adjust to it, but now that there

are a variety of large-format sizes and thick-

nesses available, which work for an array of

surface types from countertop to tabletop,

consumers are reacting positively to its ver-

satility. The large-format tiles are able to

create a more cohesive ‘one material’ look,

similar to the look of using a slab, which is

appealing. Something consumers are remiss

to think about with larger format tiles are

the delivery logistics. Does it fit in the eleva-

tor? Is there a place to store it if needed?”

“When it comes to tiles in 2020, bigger

is better,” said Panzera. “The new standard

is 24 by 24 inches, with large rectangular

tiles – measuring 24 by 48 inches – gaining

traction for upscale looks,” she said. “Lon-

ger wider planks will steal the spotlight for

flooring, and used on walls, they create a

sleek modern vibe.”

And what are some driving factors be-

hind the continued growth of larger tile

formats? “With regards to large-format

tiles, they’ve become popular because of

new capabilities through technology and

the minimal amount of grout needed for

installation,” said Micheal-Battaglia. “The

more grout required, the more mainte-

nance required. With large-format tiles you

are not only minimizing the time spent on

upkeep, but you’re also increasing the sur-

face’s longevity.”

STONE

Warm whites are no longer monotone

and flat, but rather, contain lively textures

in hints of gray or gold, when it comes to

Waterfall countertops provide a dramatic effect in kitchen designs.

Photo courtesy of UGM/Ascale porcelain


natural stone, according to Panzera. “Rosé,

burgundy, jade green and icy blue return in

2020 as light and colorful choices suitable

for all rooms. Black will also increasingly

be in vogue, particularly with white and

gold veining that is mysterious, deep and

ultra-chic.”

Panzera points out that Ciot’s customers

are also seeking classic white marble with

light gray veining, stronger marble colors

with active veins of wine red, emerald green

and bright blue are starting to steal the show.

“Rather than hanging expensive artwork,

these surfaces are works of art themselves,”

said Panzera, adding that the outdoors con-

tinues to move indoors in 2020, with the rise

of honed surfaces and finishes that resemble

raw materials and radiate the richness of

nature. Additionally, leathered marble, ter-

razzo and concrete looks are becoming in-

creasingly popular for their moody gray vibe.

According to Micheal-Battaglia, mosaics

have made a comeback. “For stone, we’ve

seen a lot more mosaics,” she said. “People

also want to see the single and multi-colored

marble, more reds and greens — colors you

would see in a European cathedral.”

According to Egede-Nissen, Walker

Zanger is not seeing a decline in natural

stone slabs. “We are, however, seeing more

and more requests for premium marble and

quartzite,” she said. “Clients want the per-

fect veining and slab. We are seeing green

and pink marble and quartzite make a move

back into design. Dark soapstone is also a

popular request.

“Care seems to be the top concern,”

Egede-Nissen went on to say. “Polished and

honed and glass surfaces are perfect for our

busy homes and hospitality environments.

Quartzite is a natural stone that more and

more folks are paying attention to. It is vir-

tually indestructible, colors like Perla Vena-

ta, Taj Mahal and White Mountain.”

Photo by Jake Holt/Design by McKinney York Architects

Stone applications, such as this rough-textured

limestone wall, can add an element of depth to

a living space.


FINISHES

“Interestingly, I think that with stone

and marble looks, the material tends to

look best with a glossy polished finish,” said

Micheal-Battaglia. “However, these finishes

don’t pass the slippery system testing when

applied to the floor, especially in a commer-

cial application. That’s why it’s important to

offer products that are available in multiple

finishes. We’ve also found that offering mul-

tiple finishes has been in the interest of con-

sumers who wish to mix and match finishes

— creating variation within a surface, as

well as depth and visual interest. Addition-

ally, we’re seeing people play with finishes

more, including moving toward tiles with a

lappato or semi-polished finish, which pro-

vides a smooth, yet glossy finish.

“For surfaces, [the finish] depends on what

sector we’re referring to,” Micheal-Battaglia

continued. “Sometimes, with wall tiles,

people want to have more fun with their

selections and leave the floor as a simple

neutral palette. Other times, people wish to

have more fun with the flooring and go for

porcelain collections with muted washed-out

neutral color, but features bold geometric pat-

terns. I wouldn’t say one surface application is

more popular than the other overall however.

You can compare it to getting photos printed,

do you want to have a gloss finish or a matte

finish? It all comes down to point of view and

what you prefer, but we are currently seeing

polished finishes being favored on marble-

look porcelains.”

APPLICATIONS

So where are stone and tile products be-

ing applied most these days? “Elegant and

sophisticated stone slabs will envelope en-

tire rooms as consumers experiment with

all surfaces for an inviting one-of-a-kind

décor,” said Panzera. “From floor-to-ceiling

stone slabs on walls, to kitchen islands, to

stairways and floors, stone delivers a strik-

ing, cocooning ambience.”

“In the west, south and southeast, we are

continuing to see a desire for products that

can be used inside and out,” said Egede-Nis-

sen. “Designers are creating spaces that are

cohesive and want stone and tile that can

safely function in all areas.”

“I see uses for tile and stone in just

about anything,” said Micheal-Battaglia.

“We see tile in smaller formats used more

creatively, like on the front of desks for a

textural detail or on a fireplace or feature

wall. One popular misconception with

tile is that it has to be installed in a wet

area. This is not the case, especially with

the availability of a vast amount of colors,

shapes, sizes and dimensions. Tile is ver-

satile and can be applied in a variety of

settings, whether that be hospitality or in

a residence.

“In terms of large format and panels, I

think that buildings or landmarks designed

by architects will still include natural stone

because it has more variation, richness and

no two pieces are ever alike,” continued Mi-

cheal-Battaglia. “More and more people are

becoming more daring in their stone choic-

es, opting to add more attitude and drama

through their patterns and finishes. This

is especially true in the hospitality sphere,

where designers will use rare or unique stone

to make statement pieces, such as feature

walls or reception desks.” cstd

Natural stone used for the exterior of a residence can create a sense of presence and enhance the richness of a design.

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While working in various local wineries after graduating from college,

businesswoman, Katie Hamilton Shaffer, co-founded a charitable orga-

nization named “Erika’s Dream” to honor a friend’s daughter who was

diagnosed with Rett Syndrome — a rare genetic neurological disorder.

She then became involved in a variety of other projects that united

her culinary background with her passion for helping others. In 2011, Hamilton Shaffer founded

Feast it Forward, an online food and lifestyle network with a philanthropic backbone. After

growing in popularity and filming around the country for several years, the brand took the major

step of expanding into a studio in 2018.

Hamilton Shaffer decided it was time to build a space that the network’s growing view-

ership could visit. Nestled among a variety of trendy wine stores in downtown Napa, The

Studio by Feast it Forward is the network’s home. Building the property from the ground up,

Hamilton Shaffer knew she needed the right décor and products to help tell the company’s

story and represent its values.

SINTERED STONE STUDIO

Hamilton Shaffer had a very specific creative vision for the venue. An eclectic mix of

urban chic and Valley “street,” The Studio by Feast it Forward is a “feast for the eyes.”

Throughout the studio, a range of non-competing partner brands carefully selected

by Hamilton Shaffer invite guests to engage with the space and the Feast it Forward

CommercialDesign

Neolith proves suitable for

the countertops of a wine bar

and televised commercial

kitchen at The Studio by Feast

it Forward in Napa, CA

A perfect marriage


An array of Neolith products were selected

for applications throughout the design of

The Studio by Feast it Forward in Napa, CA,

for both its aesthetic value and practicality.

The upstairs kitchen island features textured

Aspen Grey alongside a Nieve Silk countertop.


The walls in the kitchen are clad in patinated Iron Moss, embodying vineyard sophistication.

Neolith Iron Frost Satin was specified for the ground-level wine bar island, allowing the wines’ hues to be fully appreciated against a bright neutral background. The

back bar is fabricated from Neolith’s Calacatta and complementing the elegant marble effect, one of the kitchen walls features Iron Grey Satin.


lifestyle. From cookware and appliances

to flooring and other surfaces, each is a

leader in its market.

Both the wine bar and the upstairs stu-

dio needed countertops which could endure

heavy use. Drawn to its durable qualities

and wide variety of hyper-realistic patterns,

Hamilton Shaffer specified Neolith, a lead-

ing brand of sintered stone, for the majority

of the studio’s surfaces.

Reflecting on the design concept, Hamilton

Shaffer commented, “The idea was to create a

beautiful design-savvy space that comes to life

with each visit. After researching a number of

different products and speaking with friends,

I came across Neolith — a material which

combines practicality with exquisite aesthetic

qualities, and that looks just as great today as

when I first installed it. Neolith encompasses

the Feast it Forward brand perfectly, and I

haven’t looked back since.”

BOTTOMS UP

The ground floor wine bar is home to the

vintages of 15 different wineries. Here, Neo-

lith Iron Frost was specified for the island,

allowing the wines’ hues to be fully appre-

ciated against a bright neutral background.

While bars are often subject to damage by

broken glass and red wine stains, Neolith is

resistant to both of these.

Neolith’s Calacatta was specified for the

back bar, allowing the white island in front

to truly pop for a dramatic effect. Comple-

menting the elegant marble effect, one of

the kitchen walls features Iron Grey satin,

a perfect background for the venue’s light-

hearted décor.

In the bathroom, industrial Beton

lines the lower half of the walls, bringing

a subdued look to the space. On the plain

white upper half of the walls, guests are

encouraged to write positive affirmations

and ask one another questions.

TO TOP IT OFF

The upstairs area of the studio plays host

to 10 cooking shows, some of which have

starred iconic chefs Jacques Pépin and Rick

Moonen, alongside Hollywood actor, Kevin

Bacon. Profits from the tickets sold to attend

the live filming are donated to the talents’

charities of choice.

Used regularly for filming, it was cru-

cial for the studio to have surfaces which

would translate well on camera. For the

kitchen island, textured Aspen Grey was

applied, alongside a Nieve Silk counter-

top. The walls in the kitchen are clad in

patinated Iron Moss, embodying vine-

yard sophistication, while those in the

lounge are covered with warm chocolate-

colored Barro.

In the spacious upstairs bathroom, the

flowing striations of Strata Argentum in a

riverwashed finish contrasts beautifully with

a stylish navy blue. Even the service trailer

outside features the sintered stone with Neo-

lith’s elegant Calacatta countertops.

Save

The Date

Orlando April 13–162021For more information visit Coverings.com


[email protected]

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31.25" x 20" x 9"

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Bathroom Sink

In the bathroom, industrial Beton lines the lower half of the walls — bringing a subdued look to the space.

On the plain white upper half of the walls, guests are encouraged to write positive affirmations and ask one

another questions.

FANTASTIC FABRICATION

The fabrication process was smooth from

start to finish. Feast it Forward’s official fab-

ricator, North Coast Tile & Stone, donated

its time for the fabrication and installation

— applying 739 square feet of Neolith.

“Normally, when you think of renovat-

ing a large space, you think of all the things

that could go wrong,” said Hamilton Shaf-

fer. “However, I looked forward to the day of

installation, as I know Neolith is extremely

durable and wouldn’t break, and that the

slabs were in safe hands.”

North Coast Tile & Stone also assisted

in the installation of the studio’s applianc-

es and décor. ctsd

Stay up to date with valuable training materials for stone industry professionals from Stone World

A. Natural Stone Gallery - $105.00This oversized hard-cover book features 480 marbles, granites, travertines, onyx,

& quartzite stones, plus technical data (metric measurements) on each stone. The

stone pictures are beautifully showcased–this book is perfect for your showroom

and/or office coffee table.

B. Cosmic Dance in Stone - $60.00Cosmic Dance in Stone is largely a collection of photographs and illustrations

that show how the creations of the builders of Mahabalipuram, Ellora, Elephanta,

Angkor Wat, Badami, and Hampi have been devised to transcend space and time. It

is an attempt to discover how the designers of the past envisaged structures that

could link us to the stars and help us realise the nature of our existence.

C. Chemicals and Methods for Conservation and Restoration - $195.00This book focuses on the chemicals used for conservation and restoration of

various artefacts in artwork and archaeology, as well as special applications of

these materials. Also the methods used, both methods for cleaning, conservation

and restoration, as well as methods for the analysis of the state of the

respective artefacts.

D. Viewing Stones of North America A Contemporary Perspective - $50.00This is the first book devoted to outstanding North American viewing stones

from private and institutional collections, featuring 120 stones selected by

a jury of experts from over 275 professional photographs submitted by over

50 individuals and institutions for consideration. This book demonstrates the

richness and diversity of the continent’s geological resources as well as the

vibrancy and enthusiasm of the North American collecting community.

Contact Katie to order: 248-244-1275 or [email protected] shop online at www.stoneworld.com/books

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CommercialDesign

A sleek glamorous gallery of

porcelain slabs was created for

Moderno Porcelain Works —

presenting customers with the

ultimate shopping experience

A sleek glamorous gallery of

porcelain slabs was created for

Moderno Porcelain Works —

presenting customers with the

ultimate shopping experience

Animmersivedesign


Upon entering the sumptuous lobby of Moderno Porcelain

Works’ Houston, TX-based showroom, visitors are greeted

with a stunning reception desk built from porcelain slabs.


A tunnel-like entryway was created with porcelain slabs for the new showroom.


Offering an exclusive line of

resilient and eye-catching

porcelain kitchen coun-

tertops, shower walls,

bathroom vanities, fire-

places and more, Moderno Porcelain Works

is excited to join forces with interior design

maven, Nina Magon of Contour Interior

Design. The brand selected Magon and her

incredible design aesthetics to design its new

Houston, TX, showroom with an array of

modern and sleek details and a sophisticated

luxurious appeal. The showroom boasts a va-

riety of timeless designs, including desirable

white-veined and dark marble looks, so cus-

tomers can find the perfect fit for any project.

In an effort to complement the offerings

within the showroom, which is just over

7,500 square feet, Magon selected bold and

clean design elements, including modern

furnishings, strong accent patterns and crisp

contrasting colors throughout. As creative

director of Contour Interior Design, Ma-

gon seeks to first create a vision and then

execute it for each client, designing one-

of-a-kind environments — each tailored to

the client’s unique taste, with an emphasis

on skillfully executed flawless detail. The

newly designed Moderno showroom is the

latest example of integration of design inno-

vation, construction expertise and business

acumen from Contour Interior Design.

“Our goal with the space was to enhance

the Moderno brand and its impeccable

craftsmanship through complementary de-

sign elements,” explained Magon. “We chose

to emphasize the modern, sleek and refined

look that Moderno’s porcelain can bring

to any space. From the curved furnishings

Designer Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design of Houston, TX, chose bold and clean design elements to complement the showroom’s product offerings. These

included modern furnishings, strong accent patterns and crisp contrasting colors throughout.


and statement lighting to the rust-colored

pillows and organic-shaped ottomans, we

wanted to ensure that the space felt luxuri-

ous in its feel yet comfortable and elevated at

the same time.”

Moderno Porcelain Works is introducing

a new era of large-format porcelain slabs for

the commercial and residential industry.

The Moderno team has come together to

bring their knowledge and expertise of the

stone surfacing industry to help showcase

the potential of any renovation or new con-

struction project. The opulent lobby and

showroom have the feel of a luxury design

studio — offering unlimited variations and

uses of large-format porcelain slabs. The lat-

est showroom design from Magon allows for

a truly immersive design experience.

Magon explained that designing a show-

room such as this was a first for her. “We

really wanted to make the material stand

out, so we had to look into how we could

not only put the material on display, but

also create custom pieces with the material

to show the versatility of the application and

colors of the product,” she said. “We chose

to emphasize the porcelain slabs in the

space by featuring them in a very modern

and sleek way with the feel of a luxury de-

sign studio — showing the many variations

The new showroom design was set-up to promote Moderno Porcelain Works’ new era of large-format porcelain slabs for the commercial and residential sector.


and uses of large-format porcelain slabs. We

created a tunnel-like entryway in porcelain,

a custom reception desk in porcelain, swivel

frames that can be rotated to show different

material color variations and featured the

many variations of material options in an

art gallery way with slanted frames that can

be switched out.

“The most memorable part of the de-

sign was creating the tunnel-like entry-

way into the showroom and designing

the custom reception desk,” Magon went

on to say. “It was really fun creating this

hotel-like atmosphere right when you

walk in. Our goal with the space was to

enhance the Moderno brand and its im-

peccable craftsmanship through comple-

mentary design elements.”

In total, the creation of the Moderno

showroom was completed in approximate-

ly six months. “We are thrilled with the

final product of the showroom,” said Mike

Boucher, Moderno’s general manager, “As

quality and craftsmanship are a main pri-

ority for our products and brand, we want-

ed to bring in a surrounding environment

that felt strong and elevated in its feel.

Nina’s incredible and cutting-edge design

expertise provided the ultimate finishing

touch to the space.” cstd

Contemporary and chic details were

incorporated into the design to develop

a sophisticated luxurious appeal.

“We really wanted to make the material stand out, so we had to look into how we could not only put the

material on display, but also create custom pieces with the material to show the versatility of the application

and colors of the product,” said Magon.


CommercialDesign

campus castleReviving the

by Heather Fiore

campus castleBoston University’s castle, which is constructed of

sandstone, was renovated and cleaned to bring the

building back to its original splendor


Boston University’s renowned castle, which

was built in 1915, was recently restored and

transformed into the Dahod Family Alumni Center,

which serves BU’s 300,000-plus graduates.

Photos courtesy of Raj Das Photography

Boston-based architectural firm,

Finegold Alexander Archi-

tects, recently transformed

Boston University’s (BU) his-

toric Tudor Revival-style castle

into the new Dahod Family Alumni Cen-

ter. The 15,371-square-foot gathering place,

which serves BU’s 300,000-plus graduates,

features original sandstone masonry on the

exterior that was carefully cleaned, repointed

and patched to restore the building back to

its original grandeur.

The castle, which is part of Boston’s Bay

State Road Historic District, was originally

built in 1915 as a family home and donated

to BU in 1939 to be used as the residence

of BU’s presidents. Since 1967, it had been

used mainly for official functions, weddings

and a myriad of University events.

“The primary goal of this project was to

put alumni literally and figuratively at the

heart of the Charles River campus, while ren-

ovating, restoring and preserving the remark-

able building,” said Rebecca Berry, president

of Finegold Alexander Architects, Inc.

More than 100 years of wear-and-tear was

removed, as the sandstone exterior was care-

fully cleaned, repointed and patched. “The

castle is constructed of sandstone, which

at the outset of the project was very heav-

ily soiled with carbon,” Berry explained.

“This made it difficult in initial surveys to

determine the extent and number of stones

previously patched, complicating the de-

velopment of accurate quantities for stone

repair or replacement. Once the building

was cleaned, additional patches and defects

became obvious and we were able to deter-

mine repairs or replacement on a stone-by-

stone basis. This resulted in an increase in

general masonry scope. To assist the owner


with these added costs, areas for patching

and replacement were prioritized based on

proximity to building users and passersby as

well as the extent of stone erosion – e.g., aes-

thetic versus structural.”

Approximately 9,500 square feet of sand-

stone was restored on the exterior. For the

areas that needed repairing and replace-

ments, Berea Sandstone from Cleveland

Quarries in Vermilion, OH, was utilized.

The castle’s interior finishes were also

renovated. A new, full-service commercial

kitchen was added to the Pub, as well as

a 1,000-square-foot addition; new equip-

ment replaced outdated appliances in the

catering kitchen; a food lift was added

from the ground floor commercial kitchen

for better access; and updates were made

to BU’s Alumni Relations office on the

second and third floors.

During the exterior stone restoration

process, weekly onsite visits from Finegold

Alexander Architects and the project’s

historic preservation consultant, Building

Conservation Associates Inc. (BCA) in

Newtown Centre, MA, were crucial to en-

sure that everything went according to plan.

“Replacement stones had to be selected and

mock-ups approved,” said Berry. “Mock-ups

consisted of tooling samples (hand tooling

The 15,371-square-foot structure is clad in sandstone, which was carefully cleaned, repointed and patched to restore the building back to its original grandeur.


Replacement stones made of Berea

Sandstone were provided from Cleveland

Quarries in Vermilion, OH.

In total, approximately 9,500 square feet of sandstone was restored on the exterior of the castle.

Boston University’s Dahod

Family Alumni Center

Boston, MA

ARCHITECT: Finegold Alexander Archi-

tects Inc., Boston, MA

HISTORIC PRESERVATION CON-

SULTANT: Building Conservation

Associates, Inc., Newton Centre, MA

STONE SUPPLIER: Cleveland Quarries,

Vermilion, OH

of the stone was done onsite). The castle

had quite a variety of tooling patterns and

each replacement stone had to be tooled

to match the adjacent stones. Dutchman

installations and stone patching were re-

viewed and approved at each location. BCA

was the reviewer and ultimate approver for

all these items.

“Due to the interaction between the cas-

tellation stones and gable capstones with

the roofing systems, Finegold Alexander

oversaw the mock-up process for the variety

of details where copper roof flashing was

tied into these stones,” the architect went

on to say. “All castellation stones and gable

capstones were initially removed and num-

bered for reinstallation during the restora-

tion process.”

Altogether, the project took around one

year to complete, and has since been award-

ed a Preservation Achievement Award from

the Boston Preservation Alliance. “The

reaction has been quite positive and com-

plimentary, particularly from professionals

in the preservation community,” said Berry.

“The restoration of the castle to its present

appearance is quite dramatic — bringing it

back to its original appearance and reveal-

ing detailing previously hidden beneath

decades of urban pollution and its resulting

damage.” cstd


A Case of tileand error

With tile formats continuing

to increase, it is critical to

choose a spacing + leveling

system that will ensure a

successful installation

by Katie Kraus, brand manager,

Tile & Stone at Rust-Oleum Corporation


Larger tile sizes continue to grow in popularity, and

along with them come new installation challenges.


One of the curses of being

in the tile industry is be-

ing able to spot that one

tile in a set that is mis-

aligned or not level. In my

20-year-old main master bath, which some-

day I’ll get to fixing, I have a tile at eye level

with a lippage problem that haunts me every

morning — and it’s only 12 x 12 inches!

Bigger, higher, faster, stronger — that’s

our world today and tile’s no exception.

Manufacturers have taken it beyond the

typical 12- x 12-inch and it’s (literally) a

growing design trend. Tiles that are two

feet across, even four or five feet at least one

way or another, have been inching their

way into the home and commercial market.

Along with them come new installation

challenges. If you have a small tile with a

problem, it’s relatively easy to step over. A

bigger tile that suffers from a spacing or lip-

page issue is more noticeable — and you do

not want tripping over lipping.

Spacers with leveling has grown in need

as tile increases in size. The market is flood-

ed with so many choices – wedges, clips and

caps. To tension tool or not to tension tool


— that is a question. Is it worth it? With so

many spacer systems on the market, it can

be hard to decide which to use. Let me break

down a few considerations when deciding

which spacing + leveling system is right for

your project.

Homeowners are going to notice issues

as they pop up, so make sure the spacing

+ leveling system allows for tight bonds at

the corners of the mortar and tiles. The

best systems have spacers with wide holes

in the base to prevent tile cracking or sep-

aration. Secondly, consider how the sec-

ond leveling component of the system in-

teracts with the tile. Wedges may scratch

softer tile as they're slid in. Screw systems

could shift tile with any rotation. Systems

that use caps, however, are pushed straight

down, limiting the potential for tile to

shift or scratch.

To tension tool or not to tension tool?

I look at it this way, your installer could

avoid using a rubber mallet on install, but

their palm will likely get sore. In lippage

control, the tension tool is designed to do

that adjusting for you. When looking at

the system, consider if the tension tool is

sturdy and easy to clean. Consider how

much force it takes to lock in the ten-

sion, as the best systems allow installers

to customize that force. I know of one sys-

tem that takes the squeeze force of only

a finger and thumb with a couple audible

clicks to lock in.

How much more per square foot? When

you add the benefit of leveling, it will

cost more per component than the dinky

dime-a-dozen (or less) spacers. However,

you gain time and get better results. The

strongest consideration in this case is

how many components are needed per

tile installed. If only one top and bottom

component per tile is needed, it could be

faster and cheaper in total cost than sys-

tems that use four or more top and bottom

components per installed tile.

With their growth in popularity, it’s

safe to say that larger tiles are here to stay.

That said, it’s important your best laid

plans include the best spacing and level-

ing system. cstd

A spacing + leveling system should allow for tight

bonds at the corners of the mortar and tiles to prevent

tile cracking and separation.

Points of consideration when looking at a system are to evaluate if the tension tool is sturdy and easy to

clean and how much force it takes to lock in the tension, as the best systems allow installers to customize

that force.

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