February 12, 2004

Mosaic tiles are turning up in homes, schools, parks

Photo by Dipika Kohli Craig Norberg shows an example of a mosaic pattern based on a Pompeii design.

Ancient Greeks perfected the craft of fitting small tiles into patterns, embellishing public spaces, baths, villas and temples with pictorial or geometric motifs.

Durable and stylish, the art mosaic technique was adopted by the Romans, Moors and Europeans. Today, decorators again are turning to mosaics for inspiration, while artists are trying new technologies to create them.

"I've been reading and hearing more and more about glass tiles for the past two or three years ... it's gotta be a national trend," said Gary Milici of Coastline Construction in Seattle, who recently used mosaic tile to remodel a master bathroom in a Green Lake area home.

"Just from my experience, I think more design-conscious people are using it," Milici said. "These are people who are likely to have read some of the interior design magazines and are struck by things that seem to be current and hip."

Shiny, iridescent glass tiles are particularly in vogue, he said. "They're just beautiful. It seems like they have a light within them."

Although mosaic has always been more expensive than traditional tile, Milici said more people have been asking for price quotes. Fine materials such as gold, marble, vitreous glass, ceramic and the richly colored glass known as smalti, are sourced from around the globe and are not cheap. Installation time, too, can add considerably to the costs. But certainly clients are entertaining the idea.

"Even if people aren't going with it, they're asking about it," Milici said.

Becky Kelleran, of Showplace Design & Remodeling, said her designers have done a number of tile mosaics using metal, glass, porcelain and stone, mostly for kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms.

Craig Norberg, drawing upon 11 years' experience as owner of Norberry Tile in Seattle, said, "It can be a little intimidating, as the price is dear, but those who go for it really love it."

He said enhancing a room with a distinct pattern complements the architectural styles of Seattle's elegant period buildings.

Examples of mosaics can be found locally at schools, where kids have done the artwork, or at Maple Leaf Park, where decorative posts are covered with tile glass mosaics.

"And if you want to see some really nice work," said Marc Deranleau of Art Tile in Seattle, "head to King County Jail."

He agrees that the trend is going towards glass. "Not transparent, but glass that's recycled glass." To date, the majority of clients Deranleau has met have been hobbyists. "Mostly I see people who want to get their hands dirty and want to do something. One lady rummaged through stores to buy inexpensive plates, which she then broke up to use for patterns. You can use marbles, buttons, stones, slates, granites, any kind of material you can break into small pieces. It's just wide open."

Software is available to help people design mosaics. Computer programs allow users to import unique images and manipulate pallettes.

George Fishman, of the American Society of Mosaic Artists, said, "I have the highest respect for the ancient techniques: hand quarrying stone, casting glass, shaping each piece ... but I rely on contemporary technology for my own work. High-tech nippers, clear film face-mounting (and) latex-enhanced thinset all greatly facilitate the fabrication and installation processes."

Because mosaics require a lot of time and effort, software technology can give artists the means to try out a few options before taking ideas to production. Do-it-yourselfers can now design a mosaic pattern on their computers, pick out the trendiest glass tiles, and look to Athens for a bit of inspiration.

Previous columns:

• Steel fabricator cuts a niche with a laser, 02-05-2004
• Community hub jells in Mill Creek, 01-29-2004
• CDL grinder takes a load off the Dumpster, 01-22-2004
• Contractors grapple over workers' comp, 01-15-2004
• Ugly duck Capitol Hill park becomes a swan, 01-08-2004
• Do you know where your equipment is?, 12-18-2003
• Laser technology simplifies site plans, 12-11-2003
• Cities, paper plant team up on pipeline, 12-04-2003