Moulding Tradition by Forma Fantasma
September 5, 2009
Moulding Tradition is Forma Fantasma’s latest thought-provoking project, to be shown during Dutch Design Week at Design Academy Eindhoven in late October. Based on traditional Sicilian ceramics that are now becoming less carefully crafted, the collection of objects reflects the state of non-European immigration to Italy. From Moor invasions to present-day clandestine arrivals by boat, elements of Italian history and reality serve to embellish the majolica pieces. The themes in this project are plenty: craft’s role in keeping the past alive, attitudes towards immigration, the effects of allowing history to repeat itself. The collection by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin consists of 2 bowls, a vase, a wine bottle and a flask.
This Week At Art MoCo
September 5, 2009
Turf One’s recent works are made up of a sideshow of colourful characters. Shown above are just one or two: the Gipsy Midget with Holy Ghost. See the rest of the week at Art MoCo after the jump.
A Ceramic Tile Backsplash Can Add Style and Flair to Any Kitchen
September 5, 2009
Photo courtesy of Elliott-Stroud Homes
Have you ever cooked spaghetti sauce on your stove, only to discover crusty splashes of sauce all over the wall behind the range afterward? Then, when you try to clean the sauce off of the wall, you discover that it has left nasty orange splotches all over your paint. A ceramic tile backsplash can keep the walls behind your range, sink, and counters from being stained with food and water. When you have a ceramic tile backsplash, the splashes that land on the walls clean up easily and quickly, without leaving any stains.
Ceramic tile backsplash offers you a huge range of colors, designs, shapes, sizes and textures that makes matching your backsplash with the rest of the kitchen décor easy.
Installation of ceramic tile backsplash
A ceramic tile backsplash is easy to install. Tile is laid into a backsplash the same way it is laid into the floor, by gluing it in. You simply have to apply the adhesive, line up the tiles, and then let it dry. It takes a little extra effort than simply leaving the walls painted or wallpapered, but it will save you time and money in the end because ceramic backsplash can be cleaned and will not need to be replaced often like stained paint or paper. However, the average homeowner who has never laid tile before may want to consider hiring a professional to help with the project. You can pay the store where you bought it or a contractor to install it for you for a minimal labor charge. Many people may prefer this option for installing their ceramic tile backsplashes if they are not familiar with how to lay tile.
Knowing where your layout is going is also important and the size and placing of the cuts are crucial to the look and strength of the finished backsplash.
Pricing of ceramic tile backsplash
A ceramic tile backsplash is generally affordable, since ceramic tile is cheaper than some of the other materials that a tile backsplash can be made from. Prices start at around $3 per square foot, but vary greatly depending on the maker, style and design. There are ceramic tiles available that look very similar to natural stone.
Buying tips for ceramic tile backsplash
Before you purchase tile for your ceramic backsplash, make sure to accurately measure the space that the tile is to cover. Don’t forget to include partial tiles in your count, and make sure you buy extra tiles, because it is very common for the occasional tile to break when it has to be cut to fit an edge or a smaller spot at the end of a row. If you do not buy extra tile, you run the risk of the tile you used being discontinued before you finish your project, and then it will be hard or almost impossible for you to finish your project.
If you need some ideas for picking out a color and style of your tile, take a look at your kitchen décor first. Bold colors will distract from your countertops and flooring, but tiles that are too bland will blend in and look dull. Pick out a tile that matches the room without overwhelming the existing color scheme. A good rule, if you already have a tile floor or countertop, is to match the style and color of your existing tile. Mosaics with interchanging colors also look nice when you incorporate the same tiles already in the room here and there.
Think about what kind of look you want. The texture of your tiles can add a lot to your kitchen. Do you want rugged, casual, rough-surfaced tiles, or would you prefer the classy look of shiny and sophisticated tiles? Your ceramic tile backsplash can be made from antiqued tiles to give your kitchen a homespun, rustic look, or you can look into standard black and white checkerboard pattern for a retro 1950’s soda shop look. Lighter shades will add more light to hidden, dark areas of the kitchen. If you have a very large, open kitchen, consider a dark color to minimize the space and make it feel closer and homier. A simple design with large tiles and smaller accent tiles can help a small kitchen look bigger. There are millions of decoration options to optimize your space with a ceramic tile backsplash, and there are thousands of styles, colors, and textures. If you look, you are sure to find the style and pattern that fits your lifestyle. You can even add small tiles together to create a mosaic or a mural for something unique and creative.
Maintenance of ceramic tile backsplash
Maintaining your ceramic tile backsplash is easy and requires very little upkeep. Tiles should be wiped down every day with a damp cloth, and cleaned with a non-scratching cleaner and sponge when soiled. It takes very little effort to keep your ceramic tile clean, but it can add a large amount of style and flair to any kitchen.
Unglazed ceramic tiles are porous and will need to be resealed on a regular basis. Sealing prevents water and other liquids from entering the pores, as this can lead to staining or roughening of the surface.
How-To Videos
How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash
How to Cut Ceramic Tile
2 (or 3 …) Questions for Nicolas Bovesse
September 4, 2009
When we saw work by Belgian designer Nicolas Bovesse recently, we were struck by what a difference the change of an angle, literally and figuratively, can make. Cut flowers are not placed right in water, but stand beside it to be “fed” as needed. A right-angled mirror set within glass that is “off” leads to a tilt of the head. The thought behind his designs and the upfront aesthetics are a combination that makes work by Nicolas Bovesse so intriguing.
This Week from Tokyo
September 4, 2009
+ Kisa Kawakami designs the transforming Kisawings lamp for Yamagiwa (above), new D-Bros 2010 calendars and Ceramic Pendant Lamps by Hironori Inada…
Bookmark II by Propaganda
September 2, 2009
For those who still read books Bookmark II is a colorful rubber band that wraps around a book with an indicator arrow that shows you the last line you were reading (nice line choice BTW)…
Russula.MGX Light by Arik Levy
September 2, 2009
The Russula.MGX light “takes its name and shape from a mushroom - one of nature’s most fascinating creations; fast growing and delicate, with both architectural and structural qualities, it reveals the most beautiful intricacies when sliced”…
Landmark Lights Series by Sylvain Willenz
September 1, 2009
Lights inspired by outdoor functional devices designed to be seen from the sky. The Landmark Roof light by road side signs and the Landmark Cone light by a windsock, used to indicate wind direction…
Bizarre Ceramics by Fabrica
September 1, 2009
Fabrica, Benetton’s communication research center, will be participating in ExperimentaDesign the international Biennale of design creativity and culture in Lisbon later this month. They’ll be showing Bizarre, souvenirs inherited from the past, a collection of ceramics designed by Sam Baron and Fabrica for Sisley…
Border Control House by Yves & Bert
August 30, 2009
Graphic designers Yves & Bert of Kaartjeshuis have renovated a century old border control house in Belgium…
