Tiles, whether made of ceramic, porcelain, or marble, are an integral part of the art and design world around the world – but they’re also a pragmatic feature of many homes, used for flooring and to add character to kitchens. Still, there’s no good reason to hold these two realms, the artistic and the practical, as opposite realms; rather, adding tile detail to your home can be a way to travel without leaving your house, and exploring local tile art can make a wonderful vacation experience.

When abroad, talking to artisans who work with tile or visiting factories are great ways to get a taste of the local culture. Though many handmade or painted tiles may not make sense for your home decor or your budget, you’ll certainly come away inspired and with a clearer sense of what makes each region’s art unique. [Read more…]