Heat-Sensitive Tiles

These are cool – heat-sensitive tiles from Inventables.

Are they a little gimmicky? Kind of. The question to ask when it comes to these sorts of things is, “Will I be embarrassed about this a year from now?” I think these tiles are pretty enough without the heat-sensitive thing that they will stand the test of time.

A bath seems like the best place for these. Flooring might get a little tired unless they’re installed in a seaside place. For some reason I see these near water, where things are more relaxed and fun.

The 4″ x 4″ tiles are pricey at $14 – $16 per tile. But chances are you’ll be the only kid on the block to have them.

What’s your opinion? Are these too silly?

Guy Wolff’s Studio

Guy Wolff, the master potter and designer of beautiful garden pots, sent me photos of his new shop in Woodville, Connecticut. It’s been his pottery home for 36 years. I’m off to a garden club meeting today, so I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about Guy and his workshop. Here are the photos, which he nicely arranged, of his place.

Guy’s new work room was added on to the original, 1740 structure. “It’s nice and airy,” says Guy, “But cozy in the winter.” It was renovated last year, saving older part of the structure from falling down. I miss old buildings like this.

Guy’s simple yet beautiful pottery is sold via his website, and at garden shops, and at Smith and Hawken. Thanks to Guy for sending me the photos.

A Delftware Kitchen

Today, I’m featuring kitchens designed to inspire us all. This beautiful example proves that you can blend the old world with the new.

Photo credit: Misha de Ridder

More Tiles! From Margaret Licha

I couldn’t resist adding these to my thoughts on tile resources during Kitchen Week. I know this style isn’t for everyone. And remember, a little goes a long way. But, if this is for you, tile designer Margaret Licha does a brilliant job.

Pewabic Pottery

Pewabic Tile has been a Detroit institution since it was founded in 1903. Their work is so distinctive. you can instantly identify it. They created amazing tiled murals and still do. My son attended a Pewabic tiled elementary school. Built in the 1920′s, the classrooms feature nursery rhyme characters at each classroom entrance. The two kindergartens have Pewabic fireplaces and fishponds. Those were the days! The fish have gone and so have the fires. But the tiles are still beautiful. Sorry, they wouldn’t let me take pictures! The photos, above, will have to suffice.

Below is a sampling of their tiles. You can take classes in pottery making at Pewabic. And, of course, you can contact them about custom design work.