Maison de Tunisie Vintage Terra Cotta Tile Collection

There is something appealing when one stumbles across authenticity.  I can remember when François and I first started Pavé and we were showing at Coverings.  Men with their little black cameras taking pictures of our products just to return from where they came across the sea, to copy all our hard work and originality.  I say to those men with this collection - good luck.

Pavé's Maison de Tunisie Vintage Wall Tile Collection takes 10 steps to achieve what we believe, a comparable tile to a real antique.  Ten steps.  Yes...we are crazy.  But we would never create something we did not believe in ourselves.  So ten steps later and two years later, we are have arrived to this point of authenticity.

Authenticity of what?  We certainly did not recreate the wheel...these Tunisian, Moresque designs have been done and redone for over 3000 years!  But...how flattering to recreate these same motifs for over 3000 years...why not Pavé?  Pavé is picky.  We will not create a new collection that does not exude who we are authentically.  François's father being a professor for a time in Tunisia, he and his siblings lived in Carthage, Tunisia.  He grew up among the Jasmin and palm trees, ate dates from the trees in their family's gardens and learned Arabic, writing the letters carefully with ink and plume.  Here is in fact a picture of François (on the right, standing up) with his younger brother Emmanuel and sister Anne in their gardens.

But I digress.  Whether one is French, Tunisian or American, there is something about these Moresque motifs that appeal to all our senses.  Sometimes I ponder this.  Why these designs?  I, as well as François, like "chunky" designs, designs one can grab and hold with the eye.  I am not pleased with over ornate motifs...they in fact make me dizzy.

Why 10 steps?  The first few is simply making hand made European terra cotta tile - high fired and glorious, a quality without compare.  From there, in our studios we do 8 more steps...and voilà!  We have 19 different motifs that come in 8 different colors.  This is where I step in...the American francophone.  As a former French high school teacher, lived in France, married a French guy and our daughter's first language is French - I am still very much American.  I get us.  I know, without generalizing...but in general, most American decors welcome pattern...but not too much.  Most American decors like color...but not too much!  A touch, a splash.  Thank goodness beige has been replaced probably by white - or by gray - but with an added zing, maybe paired with apricot or chartreuse.  So in this collection, we were very aware of color.  The colors still must seem authentic to Tunisia but translated ever so slightly for the American color palette.

Texture.  Of course through a computer screen - you could not possibly know the surface texture of this collection.  I will define it for you.  It's like a patina glass.  The decorative seems to be floating just underneath vintage glass with a slight crackle.  And yes, crackle is overdone in the tile market - but this tile called for it.  Period.  The crackle is done elegantly and adds to the authenticity of this collection.

Another fun part of creating an authentic Tunisian terra cotta tile collection is in the names.  I love naming my designs and colors.  I fully believe a name for a certain motif and a name for a certain color is a necessity when trying to translate how I feel and view about our products.  For me, our collections must speak to my soul or I will not have a passion for them.  I have names like Femme Berber and Tunisian Wedding to Souk and Place Victoire.  I have colors like oxblood, sky and sea mist.  I envision myself in this country and using the right word - my mind almost believes I am there.  I feel an openness - a big clear sky, a dark marine sea, a sea mist raised by winds, the sand beneath my feet, café one drinks that is rich and bitter...

This is just a sampling of the Maison de Tunisie Vintage Terra Cotta Tile Collection. If you would like to view the entire collection as well as all the names, colors and motifs, please click here.

So much is going on at Pavé...I have been quiet for awhile...but it's simply because François and I have been creating.  Next up is a collection close to my heart, The Montmartre European Terra Cotta Flooring Collection.  I added more designs and glaze colors.  I will be in my studio photographing the lovely boards François has made for me.  Look for that soon in the next blog and on our site.  And something so exciting will be On The Road to Florence Wall Collection - Florentine elegance and color inspired from the 16th century with my little American twist.

We hope you enjoy our hard work and authenticity!  Kudos to François,  for without his incredible hard work and meticulousness, Pavé would just be pretty designs on pieces of paper.  It is he who has tamed hand made European terra cotta tile. Period.

A bientot,
Emmi Micallef
Pavé Tile & Stone, Inc.

Farmhouse Provençal European Terra Cotta Tile Flooring - The Yellows

Perhaps you are as obsessed as François and I when it comes to hand made European terra cotta tile...or perhaps not.  But if you were...you would understand why these 3 simple photographs I will show you in this blog are the achievements of our lifetime.  (Not really - that would be our  7 year old daughter.)

However, If  I could take you behind the scenes - the back story on how we finally achieved this feat - well...it would take 13 years.  The number of years we yearned, pleaded, tested and screamed for this clay.  And suddenly...we finally got it.  Alas...you would like to know how we achieved this remarkable achievement because, the reality is that Mother Earth does not like to produce yellow clay too often, but we cannot tell you :)

What we can tell you is that the photographs I have taken are just the beginning.  Waiting for this stock is like waiting on a shipment of truffles.   When the stock arrives - and a few boards are made - I will show you the beauty of this clay.  As hand made terra cotta tile connoisseurs - François and I are oh so picky.  We want the perfect texture, the satin patina, just the right aging for the edges not to be too this or that...and the colors...these are wheats and they are straws.  Colors that are warm and neutral - something designers have been craving.

 

The Farmhouse Provencal Terra Cotta Tile Collection will be more than a collection reminiscent of the warm days in Provence - it will speak of the warmth of everyday living - the cleanness when mixed with whites - the modern edge when mixed with grays.  It will hold a room hostage in beauty - it will be elegant, subtle, old and already story-filled. 

We will stock in two classic Provencal shapes and sizes - the 8" x 14" x 3/4" parefeuille and the 7" tomette.

Sadly, I don't have anything more to add.  But in the months to come - you can be sure I will be humming to Charles Trent as I photograph this tile properly.  This is just a hint of what's to come.

A Bientôt!

Emmi Micallef

Pavé Tile & Stone, Inc.

Villa Raffinato Italian Glazed Wall Tile

Although it's been a while since I last wrote, this does not mean François and I are not creating at Pavé.  In fact, this Winter we have been working overtime in developing new tile lines and improving on the ones we have already produced.  This brings me to Villa Raffinato Italian Glazed Wall Tile Collection.

By the name, one would think this is a tile that we simply import from Italy.  But that is only half true.  We do import this tile from Italy - hand made and fired following centuries old techniques.  It arrives as a bisque - where François and I marvel at what we can create with such a blank canvas.  That is how we feel about each of our terra cotta tiles from various European countries.  Whether it be from France, Italy, Spain and soon Portugal...each clay brings to us a flurry of ideas - and apprehensions.  What works on one clay from one specific region in Europe will simply not work on another.  The testing and developing of glazes to work with the various compositions of each clay is mind-boggling. 

This comes to mind another thought.  Home building, home decor, home renovation etc. is a highly competitive business.  There are so many companies out there competing for the buyer who will purchase and install their product.  It's at a point where the buyer at times begins to take for granted what is presented before them.  They can quickly compare tiles, prices, ETA's...but Francois and I know that they are not comparing apples to apples.  Comparing a mass produced relief tile with similar colors to say, one of our art tiles - hand made, unqiue and well-crafted can bring us to our knees.  Unfortunately, there are those who do not care about the authenticity and talent behind the tile.  There are those who cannot even understand the beauty of what they are looking at.  The deluge of tile - that replicates itself - meaning copies of copies that companies yet copy - make the buyer believe this is all there is.  This is what is suppose to be in their homes.  And when they see something different - to some - different is not mainstream - and have no courage to put something not mainstream in their kitchens.  How many Blanco Carrara marble kitchens have been installed in America in the last 5 years?  Gray and white - clean and safe.  Or the over patterned, over zealous, too saturated in color tiles that make American kitchens appear gaudy?  To say the least... it's a study in extremes when I peruse Houzz.

This brings me back to Pavé.  Pavé is different, but we would never bring something to market that I did not believe is European elegance.  We are inspired by European Art History combined with an American aesthetic. Our tiles bring subtly, color and uniqueness that yes, Mr. and Mrs. Smith probably won't have down the street.  OK - as an artist and manufacturer of fine art tile - I have said my peace.  For now :)

Our improved  upon Villa Raffinato Collection is something François and I are going to install in our kitchen.  If you have not guessed, I am a bit critical and picky about art tile - and I seek a tile that must adhere to a few points. First, will I get bored of it?  Second, is it over-the-top gaudy?  Third, does the tile have a nice edge, tight grout lines but still look vintage?  A pet peeve of ours is large grout lines with terra cotta tiles.  If the tile is well-made - meaning well-made...you will not have to open the joint to have a plum surface.  And we do not like rounded corners, period.  Our Villa Raffinato Collection is the terra cotta tile that wins my heart (for now..for we do have coming On the Road to Florence!).  It's a gloriously, well-crafted hand made terra cotta tile - that can be seen with the tight grout lines. The glaze  - gazing upon the glaze - is like my eyes bathing in color - yet the color is interesting - with specks or crazing or crackling or various values or flashing - it's holding my attention for it's complicated yet simple beauty.

This is a collection that speaks of the Italian country side.  There are no frills - it's a life of hard work and immense beauty.  Colors are rich in the simplicity of every day living.

As for our kitchen, I like contrast of values.  So we will put the Caramel on the wall with a concrete charcoal counter top.  The walls with this color will make me feel warm when our New England gray is all that I see.  In summer, I will bask in this earth tone after spending my afternoon in our garden, still feeling the sun on my skin.  It's a tile that I will live with and it will take care of me.

After my Tuscan inspiration, I became hyper-focused on Florence.  Within the coming months, On the Road to Florence will be our next collection that speaks of the Florentine aesthetic and tones - with elegant patterns yet still not without a vintage feel.  Old world European elegance will forever remain in my heart.

A bientôt!
Emmi Micallef
Pavé Tile & Stone, Inc.

A Testamonial of Pavé's St. Tropez European Terra Cotta Tile Flooring

What is most relevant to a client when searching a product on-line?  For me, if I find I site that is offering a product or service I either need or want - probably the first thing I do is find out who they are.  "About Us" is my click of choice before I do any crawling on any site.  I want to know with whom I am dealing - real people?  robots? 

If the site passes my test for authenticity of product and/or person - I will peruse the product.  But close after will be that "testimonial" click.  Reviews for me can easily solidify a purchase or...not.  At Pavé, I treasure our testimonial page.  I understand how busy our clients are - and when they find the time to photograph their home - their personal space and send it off with thoughtful reviews of our product and service - I am overjoyed.

Recently we received a testimonial of our St. Tropez Collection.  Not only did this client send beautiful installation photos - but his testimonial spoke volumes about our European terra cotta tile.  This was a client searching for a terra cotta tile floor - and learned through his experience there were three essential types.  He saw value and beauty in each of them - but chose the St. Tropez Collection.  If you are in the market for a terra cotta tile floor, reading his testimonial below will help you navigate those terra cotta tile waters brilliantly - and objectively through the eyes of a client.

Thank you, Brooks!
Emmi Micallef
Pavé Tile & Stone, Inc.

  
 "It is not simply the product itself, which is truly unique, but also the degree of support provided by François that has been so great.  In addition to the tile, Pavé provided all of the materials necessary to achieve the antiqued look we sought.  Perhaps most importantly, François also gave me the instruction needed to ensure the quality of the installation.  François insisted on walking through the process with me over the phone.  He was always prompt in answering any questions and patient with my queries.   

Of course, the bottom line is the finished product and we couldn't be more pleased with a floor that is both timeless in its look and will outlast us and our home.  I imagine a hundred years from now Pavé will be reclaiming this tile.  

My wife and I wanted the look of antique terra cotta tile for our new home.  The only options we were able to find were various types of Mexican Saltillo and reclaimed tile from Europe.  The saltillo tile, while nice, lacked the European look we were after.   Reclaimed tile was beautiful; however, it presented a number of challenges due to the weight of the product and requirement that it be set in a fairly thick mortar bed.   We were about to give up when we came across Pavé Tile's hand made terra cotta collections.  After ordering several samples, we realized that this was the best of both worlds.  It could be installed just like regular tile, but still had the Old World hand made look and feel.  Needless to say, we are now enjoying our "antique" terra cotta floors from Pavé.

Brooks Johnson, North Carolina

Provence Ancienne French-Inspired Wide Plank Oak Flooring Collection

One thing that François and I adore about owning our own company is the freedom to create.  If I wake-up one morning and say, "Hey, I have an idea!" - chances are it could be realized. From the dawn of the idea to the actual collection could sometimes take 3 years!!!!!!!!!  but it's worth it.  And what has it been worth for Pavé to patiently work behind the scenes to now offer our own vintage wide plank oak flooring collection?  For François and I...a lot.  Each idea  - each collection becomes an integral part of Pavé - our passion to create...realized.  And it's satisfying.  As doers - as artists - with the inherent need to create beauty in our own ideal is why I tell my daughter to find her passion - for life will be fulfilled.

In terms of our Provence Ancienne French-Inspired Wide Plank Oak Flooring Collection, my artistry focused on the marketing  - but this time it was François who developed and refined the technique.  As a former carpenter - François understands wood - many species of wood.  Understanding the beauty and strength of oak - it was for him the species of choice for our collection.  Give a guy a machine...yet - aging wood is not just about machinery.  It's the understanding of the final goal you are after.  François lived with aged wood flooring growing up in France, he spent his youth seeing and touching old materials - he knows the goal.  It's in his blood.  Then the hard part came in.  The techniques to age the composition of the wood - to actually react with the tannins of the oak to achieve an 18th century look and feel that is authentic to his eye.  To develop colors that are as natural as the sky is blue.  The bar was raised very high for this collection - and it was raised not for the public - but for François alone.

There is so much competition out there in terms of wood flooring.  These is an entire country who steals ideas and translates them into a cheap version of the real thing...something that now the public has to figure out for themselves.  Versions of the Mona Lisa are not the Mona Lisa.

Our price, at $14.00/sq ft is highly competitive for the artistry, technique and experience it took to create our Provence Ancienne Wide Plank Oak Floors.  A home is what you make it - and if  you chose authentic materials born from talent and not from a board room...your home will be life fulfilled.

A bientot!
Emmi Micallef
Pavé European Flooring

French Reclaimed Terra Cotta Tile Will Always be in Style

As quiet as my blog is...this does not mean we are not creating!  So many new collections in the works - from our new Ancienne Provence Wide Plank Oak Flooring to Carriage House to On the Road to Florence - a variety of options of European flooring using French technique, European terra cotta tile and hard work in our Massachusetts facility.  Phew!  Soon you will see the results.  But like fine wine - good things take time.

In the meantime, I jumped for joy after seeing this article in Maison Francaise Juillet/Aout 2012.  On display - a gorgeous French reclaimed terra cotta tomette floor installed in the Chateau de Moissac in France. This photo was taken by Bernard Touillon for an article written by Cécile Vaiarelli in Maison Francaise Juillet/Aout 2012. The article is entitled Haute Spheres - and creative as the French are - understanding that contrasts highlight one another.  The beauty of this old floor with its patina and texture next to the light and air and sheen of these ultra modern furniture pieces.

It was a Sunday morning, and as François and I were drinking our coffee and conversing with our chatterbox daughter, Isabelle  - we both smiled.  Our love of French terra cotta tile - of European terra cotta tile and of old world European aesthetic - will always have a place in this crazy design world. 

A bientôt!
Emmi Micallef
Pavé Tile & Stone, Inc.

La Maison de Tunisie - Handmade European Terra Cotta Tile in the Moresque Style

According to Wikipedia, "Moresque is an obsolete alternative term to "Moorish" in English, and in the arts has some specific meanings. By itself the word is used of forms found in ornament and decoration in the applied arts in Europe. Often it is a synonym for arabesque or interlace patterns in the Mannerist and Northern Mannerist styles of the 16th century, derived from Islamic ornament."

Moresque design is not to be confused with Islamic designs - the first being derived from the second - and then mixed with the Italian and French Renaissance applied arts.  This comes as no surprise then how designers and architects have embraced this Moresque style.  How we love French and Italian Renaissance!  Then mixed with the larger geometric patterns found in the Islamic arts?  Subtract the religious motifs...and the combination is a thoroughbred for the American design palette.

I must admit, when creating our latest terra cotta tile collection, La Maison de Tunisie -I did not know the nuances between Morsque and Islamic applied arts. François and I created La Maison de Tunisie for the connection François has with Moorish culture.  Growing up in Tunis, Tunisia as a child while his father was a professor at University, François connects with this specific applied art...but maybe he did not even realise that it was with the Moresque and not the Islamic arts that he truly admires.  Going back to the definition of Moresque style - Francois' French culture combine with motifs pulled from the Islamic culture - and thus...La Maison de Tunisie at Pavé Tile was born. 

Yet...we must add in another culture...my American culture.  Understanding the American color palette - specifically for flooring! - bright pinks, greens and yellows are wonderful -  but not for the majority - and not something to live with long term and on a daily basis.  We seem to value natural earth tones - and tone on tone patterns.  Patterns that are certainly there...but not overwhelming the rest of the room.  We also value a neutral color palette- grays, black, white and brown.  This is quite different from both the French and Italian Renaissance and the Islamic applied arts where pinks, greens, yellows and bright blues are the norm.

Pavé Tile was born from a marriage of François and me - two cultures in symbiotic harmony...(except late at night when we still have dishes to do and lunches to be made).  Pavé Tile is the deep understanding of the artistic American aesthetic - those who value open culture mixed with traditional elements - fusing French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and now Moresque design.

La Maison de Tunisie is first, an incredible collection for it's beauty.  The geometric patterns appeal to our visual concepts of what we like to see  - not to frilly or floral - a balanced mix of masculine and feminine qualities.  Pattern is something we love - and one can have it here.  Endless pattern covering an entire floor or create area rugs - visually this floor will always be breathtaking.

Second, La Maison de Tunisie is an incredible terra cotta tile collection for it's durability and quality.  Using our handmade European terra cotta tile as our canvas - we distress and kiln fire all our designs.  An installation of a Maison de Tunisie floor will outlive your grandchildren. As well, terra cotta tile is a living material - it will age beautifully.  This means endless beauty and character for the generations ahead of you.

Lastly, La Maison de Tunisie is an organic material that will bring warmth to any room.  Combined this with metal and glass elements - a mix of vintage and contemporary decor - and you will create breathtaking elegance outside the box.

To see the entire collection, please view it on our website: http://www.pavetile.com/detail.php?xsid=1&xpid=33.  

Enjoy your month of August and come September, if you yearn for the hot temperatures again, think of the warmth of La Maison de Tunisie and have sunshine in your home all year long.

A Bientôt,
Emmi Micallef
Pavé Tile and  Stone, Inc.