MOSAIC MELODY
With a stamp of luxury, shimmering glass tiles give bathrooms a distinctive edge over others, says
The bathroom has evolved and moved beyond the realms of its basic and primary purpose— a space used only for conducting morning ablutions. From purely functional to highly aesthetic, the transformation in this most central part within the house has brought along with it some interesting décor trends; mosaic is one of them. It is the art of creating interesting images, patterns or pictures through an assembly of small pieces of stone or glass of different colours to create a distinct whole known as a tesserae.
Mosaic has always been something more than a simple tiling tool and has great potential. An extremely up- to- date and versatile product, it expresses trends, lifestyle and fashion. It is an interpreter, helped by the infinite chromatic and decorative combinations, which can create something comparable to a fabric, covering surfaces, from floors to swimming pools, from relaxing areas to bathtubs, to wall panels and shower cabinets.
As people are nowadays keen to have a stamp of individuality in their interiors, I feel that introducing this ancient styling technique inside our bathing zones brings in a touch of self- expression. The vibrations that the thousand facets of the mosaic can add in terms of light, material impact and three- dimensionality takes on the role of a sophisticated ‘ dress’. Like colourful, vibrant brush strokes, the tesserae become a seal, a statement. The chip becomes a mesmerising brush stroke, reflecting varied impressions, ranging from floral
patterns, to abstract motifs and ethnic prints.
Easy to personalise, the material is capable of creating and embellishing environments in a dynamic manner. While a modern, contemporary metallic look is possible, a romantic, dream- like vision can also be a suitable choice. Not to mention the infinite shades and possibilities of combining colours and patterns. The colours of the tesserae when put on the floor, as a wall panel or even for a bathtub, handles wear and tear rather well and is long lasting. What one needs to focus on though, is the method of installation. While it is simple and less time consuming, it is a precise task and must be done by a mason who knows his tiles.
Mosaic is comparable in flexibility and softness to a precious fabric made of light that skims the forms of the architecture. As the bathroom’s role changes and its importance increases, the standard concepts of essential fixtures have also undergone a sea of change. Some nouveau bathtubs are covered in exquisite coloured tiles, giving it a look and feel of an object of art, that is equally at ease in a
bohemian living room, bedroom or garden,
While speaking of such objects of beauty, the shoe- shaped Audrey soak pit deserves a special mention here. An elegant bright red and white pump shoe with a skyscraper heel— 165 cm— it is perfect to receive a body in a comfortable embrace, as water trickling from above massages the shoulders of the occupant. An eye candy, like an over- sized version of the classic Barbie shoe, this eccentric piece can adorn almost any room in a home. The writer is president and founder of Sicis- The Art Mosaic Factory, the leading luxury mosaic tile maker based out of Ravenna, Italy.