It's time to break free from the mundane and embrace the vibrant world of handmade tiles. From artisanal craftsmanship to personalized customization, we're diving into the reasons why handmade tiles are not just tiles – they're an expression of creativity and a burst of joy for your home or business.
1. Artisanal Craftsmanship
Handmade tiles are a testament to artisanal craftsmanship, where skilled artisans use their hands and expertise to create unique pieces. This personal touch imparts a sense of authenticity and individuality to each tile, making them more than just functional elements but pieces of art in their own right. We love telling our clients that each tile tells a story. From the very first moment it's hand cut from a slab of clay to the moment it's shipped to your door, this single tile is likely touched by 8 pairs of human hands working towards the same purpose: to redefine your expectations of what tile is and how it can transform a space.
We'd love to invite you to take a look at our process and learn about our story.
2. Distinctive Designs and Customizations
customization. Unlike machine-made tiles that often repeat the same pattern, handmade tiles offer an array of distinctive designs and variations. Creativity is unleashed, resulting in tiles that can be customized to suit specific preferences, allowing homeowners and designers to create truly one-of-a-kind spaces. The project below is the perfect example of tile customization. Sitting on the waterfront of Jersey City, the luxury apartments of Vantage offer sophisticated and vibrant living. Located in their first floor lobby is the gorgeous nature-inspired tiled mural for everyone to see upon entering. We loved working with the designers of this project to create the perfect ombre pattern of greens and blues inspired by the nearby waterfront of Liberty State Park. This custom mosaic was mesh mounted on easy-to-install-sheets and sent off to Jersey City with an assembly map to ensure a smooth installation. Have a custom design is mind but can't quite put your finger on it? Our expert tile designers are here to help!
Schedule a virtual or in-person design consultation to get the ball rolling on your next project!
3”x3” Subway Tile - 214 Coastal Breeze, 1065 Mint Julep, 1017E Sea Mist, 75 Emerald, Custom Color
Interior Design - Vantage Collection
3. A Personalized Touch
Whether local or international, our designers work closely with clients to create bespoke designs, colors, and sizes that perfectly align with the vision for a particular space. This level of personalization is a luxury that machine-made tiles often cannot provide. For example, we had the pleasure to work with Gregory Zamfotis who started the chain of Gregorys Coffee shops first popping up in 2006. Gregorys Coffee is a specialty coffee, lifestyle and wellness brand based in Manhattan, New York. With a strong focus on quality, innovative products and world class service, they see coffee differently. Not unlike their approach to coffee, Gregory saw that our artisan tile was anything but regular and thus became the backdrop of a unique experience for their “Gregulars”. Working one-on-one with Gregory himself, a custom blend of colors was dreamt up to create an extension of the iconic brand for multiple of his shops.
Have a design or palette in mind but not sure where to start? Start by gathering some inspiration from our Custom Tile Gallery.
Front of Bar: Medium Diamonds - 366 Satin Black, 613 Black, 24 Dandelion
Back of Bar: Large Diamonds - 11 Deco White, 301 Marshmallow, 366 Satin Black, 24 Dandelion
Photography from Gregorys Coffee
4. Artful Sustainability
Handmade tile production is often more environmentally sustainable than mass-produced alternatives. We use locally sourced materials and traditional firing methods that reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Plus, this past year we've been on a mission to make the old, new again with our revival tile initiative. We've been hard at work creating one-of-a-kind, artfully sustainable Wall Art and curating gorgeous batches of Overstock Tile ready to ship out the door. Plus, Mosaic Candy Shop, our new sister brand, has entered the sustainability chat! These DIY mosaic kits made from our "reject" tile are now available to scratch your creative itch at home.
5. Longevity and Durability
Our handmade tiles are crafted with a commitment to quality and durability. The attention to detail in their creation often results in tiles that can withstand the test of time, both in terms of physical wear and changing design trends. In our specific manufacturing process, each tile is heated up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit over an 8 hour period. All that heat creates great strength for a timeless product. Plus they are easy to clean!
Small Hexagons - 815W Light Grey, Custom Colors.
Photography by Chelsie Lopez Production
Installation by Kinetic Design Build
In the age of mass production, handmade tiles stand out as a beacon of craftsmanship and individuality. The allure of these tiles lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in the stories they tell and the connection they forge between artisans and homeowners, architects, or designers. As you embark on your next home design project, consider the timeless beauty and authenticity that handmade tiles bring to the table.
Order tile samples to see, touch, and fall in love with our handmade tiles in person. We would also love to hear what inspires you! Tell us more about your future project and get the ball rolling.
The post The Artistry of Handmade Tiles: A Timeless Craft That Surpasses Machine-Made Alternatives appeared first on Artisan Tile Company: Handmade Ceramic Tiles by Mercury Mosaics.
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