Blending historic charm with modern convenience at home

by | Apr 2, 2012 | 2, 3, Articles

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Blending historic charm with modern convenience at home</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">(ARA) – Easily distinguishable from their contemporary counterparts, most older homes hold a notable grace and provenance. They have a look so inspiring that many of today’s home owners are attempting to capture this essence of the Old World when building new or remodeling their current home. The "latest revivals" trend seamlessly blends history with modern conveniences.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Many newer homes are infused with architectural details from the past. Good traditional design is about creating a home with heritage and character while incorporating elements that have proven to stand the test of time," says Nancy E. Berry of New Old House magazine.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">One way to capture the look of classic architecture is to work with ceramic tile, which offers supreme durability, sustainability and timeless beauty. Versatility in design, size, format and texture also allows it to be applied in some unexpected ways. Advanced technology allows for replicate finishes virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. You can achieve the look of wallpaper, wainscoting, wood, stone and textiles but with the durability and property advantages of tile. Both flooring and wall tiles do not show wear and do not require heavy cleaning.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/12b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/12b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Once installed, ceramic tile will not require costly replacement and repair. It offers supreme durability, directly related to the impervious glazed surface, and a longer lifespan than most floor and wall coverings. Unlike wood that rots and needs refinishing, or carpeting that loses its pile and shows wear, ceramic tile lasts up to four times longer. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Additionally, ceramic tile is chemically inert, so there is no mold or mildew buildup or chance of damage from outside sources. It’s frost-resistant and fire-resistant as it will not burn, give off smoke or toxic fumes.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">You can achieve a classic style with easy maintenance and sustainable characteristics. Warm water and neutral cleaners are the only cleaning products required. Ceramic tile does not contribute to the level of toxic cleaning products being flushed into our ecosystem by materials that recommend the use of chemicals, soaps, shampoos, waxes, strippers, and solvents.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For example, Tile of Spain-branded manufacturers produce ceramic tile that can easily pass for marble but is more cost effective, resilient and easier to maintain. Peronda reinvents marble with the Clays and Symphony Collections. Clays raises a solid concept where neutral colors define bases. Symphony shows the beauty of stones such as Calacata marble, Daino travertine, Onice Ambar and Marquina to inspire a sophisticated environment with classic Greco-Roman style. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Terra cotta is a natural choice for spaces attempting to reflect bygone eras. This material is also the cornerstone of production for Ceramica Decorativa which recently introduced Terracota Colors — chocolate-colored floor tile — and the Tao series which features long ribs of terra cotta arranged in different patterns in a 10-inch by 10-inch format. Natucer’s new Tierras Ibericas collection offers three series showcasing the charm of terra cotta.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Adex has nine different series in a wide range of styles including Antigua, Barroca and Artisan. Some recover the splendor of Valencian tiles and some reflect ceramic tradition, carefully adapted and redesigned for contemporary decorations.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more about tile produced in Spain, call (305) 446-4387 or visit <a href="http://www.spaintiles.info" target="_blank">www.spaintiles.info</a> .</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>