Keep It Simple with Tile Too

Modernism is founded on simplicity and clean lines, so what types of ceramic tiles would you expect designers to recommend in a mid-century modern home: ornate and busy, or classic and simple?

The answer is easy. In a modern home, tile can bring a smile, but the style should never rile.

"For stone in general with a mid-century modern home, I'm going to go for something quiet," says Lucile Glessner of Lucile Glessner Design, an Eichler owner and one of three experts consulted for 'Tile with Style' (sneak-previewed right here) in the new Spring '16 issue of the Eichler Network's CA-Modern magazine.

In the story Tanja Kern, our Home Improvement Editor, talks tile with two Silicon Valley interior decorators, Glessner and Severine Secret, and the creative and marketing director of Lunada Bay Tile in Los Angeles, Feras Irikat. The trio offers varying advice and priorities regarding the use of tile in modern homes.

In our follow-up interview, Glessner said many homeowners "are overwhelmed by the number of tiles they look at."

"Most of the time we'll pick the tile based on the cabinets and the style of the house," she concedes, reiterating that modern design calls for 'quiet' tile.

"I would stay away from the Moroccan and Spanish patterns that are in vogue, along with anything Mediterranean in tone or style, along with non-geometrical and flowery patterns," Glessner says in the story.

Likewise with stone countertops in modern homes, Glessner prefers white marble, black granite, and others that are "not too veiny," adding, "I don't recommend travertine or anything like that."

"When using tile in a mid-century modern home," says creative director Irikat, "it's about taking inspiration from the space and not making a 100-percent replica of the period."

Secret, owner of Go2 Design Studio, agrees: "Honestly, the architectural nature of the homes is so simple and pure that anything will go, but I would say stay away from the colors of the sixties, like pink and avocado green that will make your home feel in a time capsule instead of a fresh remodel."