Artist, designer and environmentalist, Monika Martin is the creator behind Zigzag Studio Design, a Washington D.C. based design studio and store. What started a humble Etsy shop a decade ago has blossomed into a platform for Monika to express her ideas of inspiration and sustainability for eco-conscious clients. It's no wonder that Monika and Fireclay make such a great match. We caught up with this kindred spirit to talk about her style, sustainability, and secrets to creating a home that feels like you.
Meet Monika!
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and Zigzag Studio Design? Where are you based?
ZigZag Studio Design is an interior design company based in the Washington DC area. We listen, we create, and lead our clients to one-of-a-kind designs. It is important to build timeless designs that last. Have fun with trends accessorizing, an easy way to change things up over time. The most important thing to us is to make a house a home by creating spaces that fit each individual client.
How did you hear about Fireclay Tile?
We found Fireclay by using #handmadetiles on Instagram.
Why do you love tile?
Organic, gorgeous texture ….I love how special each space looks with your unique handmade tiles that come in so many beautiful colors. It is important to us to make our clients feel that they have something so unique, sustainable, and special in their homes. The Fireclay tiles do all of this.
Tile Shown: 2x8 in French Linen
My personal motto is a simple one: “live an inspired and sustainable lifestyle”.
As an artist, designer and environmentalist I draw my inspiration from my own curiosities and nature. I am inspired and motivated to do my best to appreciate and protect the natural world. Every single project I work on is thoughtfully designed with the environment in mind. We reuse, refurbish, recycle, restore as much as we can.
Tile Shown: 2x8 in French Linen
My passion for handmade, sustainable, and locally sourced products is what ultimately pushed me to create my own business, originally starting out as an Etsy shop selling one-of-a-kind pillows and poufs filled with eco-friendly foam. Now, I find great satisfaction in Zig Zag Studio, expanding it to our own website with full interior design services and custom pillows, ottomans, artwork, and more. At home, I pour a huge amount of effort into shopping for eco-conscious furnishings and decor that are Fair Trade Certified, FSC-Certified, hand-crafted, and local.
Tile Shown: 3x6 in Salton Sea
I feel the most comfortable in cozy, bright, minimal spaces. My home is a reflection of my influences as strive to keep everything simple, acknowledging that interior decorating trends and personal preferences come and go with time. My personal life is busy (and at times chaotic!), with two very active boys and our family dog, Teddy. My husband and I are trying to find zen in the middle of the daily chaos of activities.
We love your Quick Ship collection that offers a variety of different tiles that arrive within a few days. This quick turnaround helps us to run our projects smoothly.
Tile Shown: 2x8 in Calcite Gloss
What are your favorite products?
Your Brick is brilliant. The texture is fantastic, organic. We used your black hills brick tiles in a herringbone pattern in the bathroom. We can't get enough of the result.
Brick Shown: Black Hills
Brick Shown: Black Hills
What are your top 3 design tips?
Consider going green. There are so many ways of designing beautifully. One of my favorite things is to incorporating vintage pieces of furniture.
Tile Shown: 3x6 in Salton Sea
Decorate with large plants.
Ask yourself: how do you want a space to feel? Do you gravitate to certain colors or patterns?
Not trends but what you truly love will make your home the most yours. Mix high and low price points elements.
Tile Shown: 2x8 in Calcite Gloss
Lastly, what materials are you hoping to use in future products?
Your new desert collection is just stunning! I am thinking of using your long Joshua tree brick tile for our next project.
Inspired by Monika? Check out our current Quick Ship products if you want handmade tile fast! Need some help? Simply call, chat or fill out our design assistance form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.
