What is it that begins the inspiration process when we set out to decorate our homes?
It can be a new (or old) home we've just purchased, a change in lifestyle, or a new member of the family. The ubiquitous changing of the seasons often invigorates us and switches our outlook.
There's another big factor that spurs me toward a new look, and that's a new product I can't resist. When a new material or fabric arrives on the scene that has a combination of visual punch and clever, earth-friendly design, I've got to have it.
At a recent home show, I checked out a display of wall surfaces that was drawing a crowd. They included a barnwood wall -- not new, but the wood had been recycled and fashioned into tiles with a fabric backing.
The tiles come in a variety of designs and as square or rectangular tiles running horizontal or diagonal, locking together for easy installation. They're protected with a low-VOC ceramic finish.
The barnwood wall tiles shown here on a family room wall have a rich variety of natural colours and textures that combine to make a more refined rustic backdrop for comfortable furniture and relaxed living. These tiles can be used to make tables, wall art and a backsplash as well as a feature wall.
Along with reclaiming barnwood, Surface Innovation produces a line of stone veneers that belie the very character of stone -- they are flexible! This is accomplished by cutting the stone very thin and applying it to a flexible backing. Slate, granite and sandstone veneers are cut into tiles or panels that can be cut to any shape and wrap around curves. The lightweight stone veneers can be applied over most existing surfaces.
More new products from Surface Innovation caught my eye. Natureflex tiles are made from two interesting sources: Pearlamina and Prisma are made from hand-laid Capiz shells, and their sparkle is beautiful in a bathroom. Natura tiles and panels are made from water-hyacinth plants, an organic design for headboards and lamp shades, as well as wall features.
The combination of flexibility and natural sourcing of the base materials makes these tiles and panels an exciting addition to the decorating market. With flexibility comes a host of new ways to show off and live with nature's beautiful stones, woods and grasses.
Now it's your turn to come up with a scenario that will give your rooms an update that sizzles. Here's a great solution for updating a fireplace. The variety of tiles makes excellent choices for both traditional and modern applications. Revert a kitchen or dining-room tabletop to a fabulous conversation piece with a granite or sandstone finish. One new project will inject captivating character to your home.
Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbie's new website, www.debbietravis.com.
