Creating Serene Spaces with Nature’s Pebble Tile
By Claudio Caselli
A large percentage of people now live in a concrete jungle, where a glimpse of nature is cherished. Humans have been known to recharge through exposure to the outdoors — fresh air, water and stunning views. According to one leading medical facility, nature is proven to combat stress and boost creativity and memory in as little as five minutes.
In a time when urbanization can drown out the beauty of the natural world, the need to marry the outdoors with design manifests in pebble tile. Pebble tiles have always been very popular but in the last two years, there has been growth in their demand throughout the construction and design industries. These tiles are made from natural stones arranged to resemble the landscape of a riverbed or beach front terrain. Embodying the perfect imperfection of Earth, pebble tile intentionally captures the splendour of the world’s scenery.
Versatile and timeless — two words that embody the essence of pebble tile. It is clear upon entrance to any room that the inclusion of pebble tile adds an organic feel to the space that transcends today’s modern time period. By altering the placement and colour patterns of the pebbles, this medium adds visual interest and elevates a room’s style. Its versatility allows it to be included in a myriad of spaces, both residential and commercial.
The range of mosaic options are endless and unique in their execution because of the differentiation of pieces that make up the final look. Pebble tile also finds its variety in the spatial placement of its parts, with some designs being more compacted while others have a sparser layout. Extra dimension is added through the diversity of rock sizes.
The element of contrast in these tiles is heightened through designs that play with the colour difference between the pebbles themselves and the surrounding area. Some designs have a darker background with lighter pebbles to create a different tone. Others may have less contrast for more of an uninterrupted look.
Pebble tile can be utilized in a variety of interior designs. A rustic-styled room can be easily supplemented with the natural colour palette of the stones, complementing the rough and woodsy approach brought out through other decor. A minimalistic space can be enhanced through the texture of a subtle monochromatic pebble. Despite the contrast of an eclectic room, pebble tile can be a strong supportive base to the colourful array of design.
There is not simply one location that pebble tile shines, but many. In business settings, pebble tile can be used in outdoor restaurant patios, public fountains and statement mosaic walls. Pebble tile is also a great addition to places where slipping is possible like pool side ledges and bathroom showers. It can be showcased as a border to fireplaces, bars and building entrances to add contrast to flooring, enhancing the visual interest.
Natural stone is durable and reliable to support any vigorous lifestyle. Water-centric spaces benefit from pebble tile because it requires little to no maintenance. Pebble tile is not only a pragmatic choice but it also enhances any design style.
In addition to the option of natural stone tile, pebble tile visuals are widely available in a porcelain tile format. Porcelain tiles are made from natural materials, such as water, clay, sand, feldspar and other minerals. They are beautiful representations of pebble designs and feature the attributes of durability and low maintenance; however, always confirm the slip resistance of a porcelain tile before using as an interior or exterior floor. Modern technology is so advanced that it can often be virtually impossible to tell the difference between a porcelain tile design and the natural pebbles it is replicating. Merging porcelain with pebble tile visuals creates a long-lasting product that can withstand the test of time while maintaining all the design attributes of its natural counterpart.
Walking along a riverbank is not a reality in daily urban life; however, the inclusion of pebble designs acts as a looking glass to the outside world, grounding people with biophilic elements in their own indoor bubbles. The refreshing comfort provided by this natural visual is a necessity to combat the rapid industrialization of the world today — gifting feelings of peacefulness, rest and rejuvenation.
Claudio Caselli is senior vice-president of research and development at Dal-Tile LLC, a division of Mohawk Industries. Dal-Tile is the largest manufacturer and marketer of tile, natural stone, and countertop products used in residential and commercial spaces across North America. Its brands include Daltile, Marazzi and American Olean.