Tiles [Hardcover]

Olivia Buehl (Author), Lisl Dennis (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 12, 1996

Endlessly varied, virtually indestructible, and practically maintenance free, ceramic tiles are the perfect solution to a myriad of decorating challenges. Whether indoors or out, even a modest application of tiles can enliven an environment with vibrant color, graphic interest, and a rich textural element, making them one of a homeowners savviest design investments.

Tiles offers a comprehensive introduction to the exciting world of ceramic tiles, whether you're planning to work with a tile contractor or designer or do it yourself, with dozens of innovative tile designs sure to spark your own creativity. Beginning with a survey of the vast array of tile products on the market today and  an explanation of the difference between various glazes and manufacturing processes, Tiles provides invaluable  guidance on selecting tiles for kitchens, bathrooms, floors, other rooms, and outdoor usage. Stunning color photographs of exceptional tile installations both here and abroad show that tiles can be equally effective used in small doses or in full-dress, floor-to-ceiling treatments.

Also included is a unique design workbook that acquaints the reader with the rudiments of tile installation and care, and offers professional insights into designing beautiful and durable tile treatments. Reproducible design grids and suggestions for tile motifs and patterns show the infinite possibilities of this versatile medium.

From picking the perfect tile to creating custom installations and keeping them in peak condition, Tiles is an inspiring window into the infinite possibilities of ceramic tiles.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Endlessly varied, virtually indestructible, and practically maintenance free, ceramic tiles are the perfect solution to a myriad of decorating challenges. Whether indoors or out, even a modest application of tiles can enliven an environment with vibrant color, graphic interest, and a rich textural element, making them one of a homeowners savviest design investments.

Tiles offers a comprehensive introduction to the exciting world of ceramic tiles, whether you're planning to work with a tile contractor or designer or do it yourself, with dozens of innovative tile designs sure to spark your own creativity. Beginning with a survey of the vast array of tile products on the market today and an explanation of the difference between various glazes and manufacturing processes, Tiles provides invaluable guidance on selecting tiles for kitchens, bathrooms, floors, other rooms, and outdoor usage. Stunning color photographs of exceptional tile installations both here and abroad show that tiles can be equally effective used in small doses or in full-dress, floor-to-ceiling treatments.

Also included is a unique design workbook that acquaints the reader with the rudiments of tile installation and care, and offers professional insights into designing beautiful and durable tile treatments. Reproducible design grids and suggestions for tile motifs and patterns show the infinite possibilities of this versatile medium.

From picking the perfect tile to creating custom installations and keeping them in peak condition, Tiles is an inspiring window into the infinite possibilities of ceramic tiles.

About the Author

Olivia Bell Buehl is the former editor-in-chief of Home and Decorating and Remodeling magazines and has written extensively on architecture and design. She contributes to numerous magazines, including Bob Vila's American Home and Home. She lives in Mt. Kisco, New York.

Lisl Dennis is a contributing editor to Outdoor Photographer magazine and the author of The Traveler's Eye and coauthor of Morocco: Design from Casablanca to Marrakesh, Martha's Vineyard: Houses and Gardens, and Behind Adobe Walls, among others. Her work has appeared in such magazines as House Beautiful, Town and Country, Architectural Digest, Country Living, and Travel and Leisure. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter; 1 edition (November 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517799766
• ISBN-13: 978-0517799765
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,434,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A simple, appealing approach to the use/design of all tiles., June 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Tiles (Hardcover)

If taste and smell can make you run for good food at all hours of the day/night, then the colors and textures of ceramics tiles - as displayed in this book - will haunt you until you have tracked down the perfect tiles for your job. If you're not expecting to tile anytime soon, but simply enjoy the art of graphic design, the book is a feast for your eyes, also. Beware, though, that the elegant yet simple writing style of the authors/editors leads you to the path of your favorite tile store. There is plently of insight into all areas of tiling, (including pool design)with local and foreign design photos included. For example: industry standards and categories are explained and revealed. Now you can do one, (or all) of three things after this magnificent read: (1) you can simply pick your photo and tell your designer, "do this"; (2) you can design your own patterns, or even tiles, and tell you contractor to install them "this way"; or, (3) you can acquire the knowledge offered by the authors and do it all yourself. This book is a must for those who deem quality of time and money the starting point for all jobs in which you take pride. (note: as so noted in the book, the authors specifically do not approach the technicalities of laying all ceramic tile.)

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, May 16, 2010

By 

M. Roer (Mojave Desert) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tiles (Hardcover)

Anybody who is planning to do any tilework in and around their house should get this book. Tiles can enhance any room or yard and there are some wonderful ideas in this book.I own the book now for years but I regularly take it out and look through it again.