Apr. 30, 2013
We're SO excited to have just launched our brand new Color-It tool! We have been handmaking Cuerda Seca's at Fireclay for over 15 years. Using techniques that date back to 15th century Spain we are able to produce these beautiful handmade accent pieces. With over 100 patterns and 80 lead free glazes to choose from your options are endless. What are you waiting for? Color-It!
Oct. 1, 2012
Kitchen by EAG Studios with Fireclay Debris, White Gloss in Paseo on back wall
This summer we decided to have photos taken of beautiful, local installations of Fireclay Tile. We hired a local photographer, Malcolm Fearon, who has a background in sports, portraiture, product and architectural photography. Basically, he has done it all. After working with him and seeing his finished product, it is clear he is a professional with stringent standards and an eye for detail.
Malcolm in front of Let’s Be Frank in San Francisco with camera and light reflector (on left)
Malcolm Fearon's photo of Fireclay’s Claymonde in a custom red color in front of Let’s Be Frank in San Francisco
The following photos show how much work and preparation go into a “simple” photograph of an outdoor fireplace. Note the large reflectors blocking the view from across the garden.
Malcolm and Shanti set up for the fireplace shot
Malcolm Fearon's fireplace photograph with Fireclay’s Debris and Cuerda Seca
Malcolm and Shanti setting up for a kitchen shot
Malcolm Fearon's finished shot of the kitchen designed by Kelly Dougherty featuring custom Cuerda Seca Decoratives
To get a photo like this:
Madeleine Randal designed this bathroom using Fireclay's Vitrail Series in Odyssey for field tile and hexagons in Celadon (on floor).
Malcolm had to do something like this:
Malcolm Fearon doing a close up of another bathroom using Fireclay's hexagons in Vitrail Series in Shell
Malcolm can be reached via his website www.blissimages.com, email mal@malcolmfearon.com or at 415.488.4695.
In the process of taking photographs, we were able to get to know a builder, a couple of designers and tile installer who have been faithful Fireclay customers.
Zicovich Builders has been working with Fireclay for many years and referred interior designer Kelly Dougherty to Fireclay Tile. Kelly collaborated with the Peninsula homeowners to create a well-functioning space to reflect their personality and lifestyle. Kelly originally started in fashion, but went on to get more education in interior design and has loved it ever since. She can be reached at kelly@kdhomeinteriors.com or 408.838.7928.
Zicovich Builders can be reached via their website, www.zicovich.com, email info@zicovich.com or 408.399.0606.
Home on the Peninsula built by Zicovich Builders. Photo by Benardo Grijalva.
Kelly Dougherty of KD Home Interiors, kelly@kdhomeinteriors.com or 408.838.7928
Another interior designer and faithful Fireclay customer is Madeleine Randal. She was a vital component to the remodel of a 1929 Colonial Revival home in the South Bay (see photos below). Given Madeleine’s father was the head of the San Jose State Interior Design program, she too became an interior designer (with a break to become a lawyer at a local top Valley law firm) and now has over 20 years of experience. She has designed all aspects of contemporary to historic homes. To Madeleine, every detail matters. She can be reached at madeleine.randal@gmail.com or 408.288.8381.
Interior designer Madeleine Randal. She can be reached at madeleine.randal@gmail.com or 408.288.8381
Madeleine Randal used Fireclay's Vitrail Series in Crater Lake in a pattern to match original patterns in the 1929 Colonial Revival home. Crater Lake was used for decoratives and Sesame was used for field tile.
Not all of Fireclay’s installations were interiors. In a shopping mall in Willow Glen, Precision Tile and Granite installed our Debris Series Recycled Tile in a variety of colors the exterior walls. Contact Marcel Sousa at Precision Tile and Granite at marcel@tgwork.com. Their website will be up after October 3, 2012 www.tgwork.com.
Shopping center in San Jose with Fireclay's Debris Series Recycled Tile
Feb. 7, 2012
Recently we received a wonderful email from a Fireclay Tile fan that included photographs of a very beautiful Fireclay Cureda Seca backsplash that was recently installed in her urban Brooklyn, New York Kitchen.
We were touched by her compliments, and asked her if we could share her story with you--she gave us a resounding yes! Here is what she had to say about her California inspired kitchen, and how it brightens up those cold, New York Winter days!
"I have lived in Brooklyn, New York for six years, but I am originally from Los Angeles, California. Last year when I decided to renovate my apartment kitchen, I wanted to make sure to incorporate my favorite California design element, Spanish colonial tiles. I first saw Fireclay Tile at Mission Tile West in South Pasadena, California, and I thought they were amazing. (Arpita you're making us blush!) Then I saw a sample of the Cuerda Seca Lugo tile at Urban Archaeology in New York, and I knew I wanted it for my backsplash. I also wanted yellow tiles as a complement because I think it makes a kitchen cheerful."
"My designer, Karen Wright, planned a backsplash with yellow tiles, blue liner, and the Lugo tiles as a centerpiece. I love this backsplash! The rest of my kitchen is neutral (dark brown quartz counters, walnut cabinets, cork floor), so the tiles are a wonderful splash of color. The LED under-cabinet lights highlight the gorgeous peacock colors of the Lugo tiles."
I have received many compliments on my backsplash. And every time I use my kitchen, I am reminded of California sunshine and Mexican American artwork, two of my favorite things about Los Angeles. I recommend your tiles very highly!
Cheers,
Arpita Bose
Brooklyn, New York
To achieve this look, Arpita and her designer used:
Fireclay Curerda Seca Debris series, pattern: Lugo, colorway: Peacock, size 6 x 6
Fireclay Vitrail V23 color marigold, size 4 x 4, finish gloss
Fireclay Debris Series, size flatliner 1 x 6, color lapis, finish gloss
Fireclay Debris Series, size 1 X 1, color lapis, finish gloss
To locate a Fireclay Tile Dealer near you, use our handy dandy Dealer Locator.
Do you have an installation story you'd like to share with us? Email amanda @ fireclay tile.com with photographs of your Fireclay Tile installation, and your story--we may write a blog about you too!
Jan. 31, 2012
This is part one in a series of guest blogs our friend and eco interior designer Kelly LaPlante will be writing for Fireclay as part of a new collection that she will be launching in early 2012.
Hello Fireclay Friends!
Over the past few months I've been designing an exclusive collection for Fireclay Tile—launching to dealers and designers in just a few months. Fireclay and I have had a wonderful relationship, marked with all sorts of exciting projects, custom collaborations and beautiful installations—so it was very fitting that my first licensed collection would be with them.
When this collaboration began, Paul Burns, Eric Edelson and I spent a good deal of time talking about what is missing in the tile market and what Fireclay and I can bring to the table. From there, I began one of the most fun parts of the job—collecting inspiration!
Inspiration, of course, is everywhere—in nature, architecture, music, food, politics... life. But to have a cohesive collection I find that it is smart to identify one great source for inspiration and run with that. I chose fashion because the idea of tile that seemed to fall right off the runway really resonated with me. I love that a homeowner could look at their back splash and feel glamorous or step into their shower and feel preppy—and I love having fun with my work— so why not use Stella McCartney and Coco Channel as my muses?
Five patterns have now been created and, as I type, the masterful Paul Burns and his team of ceramicists are turning my paper templates into prototype tiles.
I can't wait to share the final products with the design community over the next couple of months—and, in the meantime, you can view my inspirations on the Pintrest boards that I created for each look (all but one, which is so top secret that we didn't even make a board for it!) Make sure to check back in for updates about the collection, and ultimately the launch of this exciting new collection.
~Kelly LaPlante
Dec. 12, 2011
Recently InteriLife, one of our great dealer showrooms in Colorado Springs, Colorado sent us a kitchen trasnformation that they just completed using our Express Series quick ship 3x6 field tile in Moss. InteriLife provides sustainable materials, natural products, & design for a healthier green lifestyle.
Our Express Series ships in one week and comes in six contemporary colors, and like our Debris Series the Express Line features over 62% recycled materials (including post-consumer waste), is made in California, and qualifies for numerous LEED points.
Here is what the kitchen looked like before it met Fireclay...
After...
InteriLife used our Express Series Quick Ship 3x6 field tile in the color Moss.
If your kitchen could use a little refreshening, check out our Dealer Locator to find your nearest Fireclay Tile Dealer Showroom.
Oct. 27, 2011
Fireclay Tile is thrilled to be participating in a Dwell Media Event in honor of the Junior League of San Francisco. Attending the event will be top San Francisco and Bay Area designers, along with several manufacturers showcasing their modern collections.
Fireclay will be on site showing ourf our Crush 100% Recycled Glass tile as well as a new glazed brick product we are soon to be introducing!
Join us this weekend for this exciting event!
Sep. 16, 2011
We love when our exclusive Fireclay Tile dealers come up with their own creative ways of displaying tile designs. Today, we received some photos from one of our favorite showrooms, Urban Archaeology. Without further delay...
Debris Series Paseo in Chartreuse
Debris Series Ogee in Sapphire
Debris Series Hexagon in White Matte
Debris Series Ogee Drop in Tomato Red
Debris Series Star and Cross in Pine Grove Matte
It's also worth noting how exceptional Urban Archaeology is as company. For those who do not know, there are four showrooms across the country. Two in Manhattan, one in Chicago, and one in Bridgehampton. I had the pleasure of meeting with the company's co-owner, Judith Stockman, last November and taking a tour of her Franklin St. location in Manhattan. Unbeknown to me and all my friends in New York, Urban Archaeology is actually a manufacturer,and they are literally the last manufacturer located in southern Manhattan. They are known for their architectural productions of amazing features such as lighting and hardware.
The Urban Archaeology factory and hardware being made on site
Virginia and Judith (Founder), Final Lighting Fixture Ready for Sale
Thank you to the team at Urban Archaeology for all that you do to keep local manufacturing alive, and of course for doing such a wonderful job showing Fireclay Tile. We love your entire tile selection and encourage those in New York City to check them out for all your interiors needs.
