The Art of Designer Tile: Meet the Visionary Artists at Tango Tile

Designer tiles have the remarkable ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art. At Tango Tile, a curated selection of artist-designed tiles offers homeowners the opportunity to infuse their living spaces with unique character and style. In this blog post, we’ll explore the creative minds behind some of Tango Tile’s most captivating collections, delve into the types of handmade tiles they create, discuss the materials used, and provide guidance on where to incorporate these beautiful designs within your home.

Meet the Artists

Giovanni Barbieri

Hailing from Treviso, Italy, Giovanni Barbieri is celebrated for his innovative approach to tile design. His work seamlessly blends texture, dimension, and a harmonious mix of man-made and natural materials. Giovanni’s collections are characterized by their exquisite aesthetics, balancing masculine and graceful elements to create pieces that are both powerful and delicate. His designs often feature timeworn finishes, adding a sense of history and timelessness to any space.

Susanne Kibak Redfield

Raised amidst the cultural influences of Southern California and Denmark, Susanne Kibak Redfield brings a unique design sensibility to her tile creations. Inspired by both Danish modern ceramics and the ornamental treasures native to Malibu and Catalina, Susanne is renowned for her stunningly complex glazes. Each tile showcases a sophisticated color palette, chosen for its depth and richness, resulting in captivating handcrafted pieces that stand out in a world of mass production.

Erin Adams

With a reputation that includes designing for celebrities and features in prominent publications, Erin Adams is a distinguished figure in the tile design world. Her work is known for its vibrant patterns and innovative use of materials, particularly in mosaic designs. Erin’s collections often incorporate glass mosaics, bringing a dynamic interplay of color and light to her pieces. Her designs have been showcased in various media outlets and have earned her numerous accolades.

Carli Strachan

Carli Strachan has inherited the artistic gene from both branches of her family, spanning several generations. In 2016, she joined her remarkable mother at Kibak Tile, taking charge of product development. She has since continued her artistic journey as another innovative force behind the globally acclaimed ceramic studio. Carli upholds the family tradition of artistic style while also imprinting her own distinctive touch on the creations. Her work reflects a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, resulting in unique tiles that are both timeless and modern.

Ellen Blakeley

One day, Ellen Blakeley was walking by a shattered bus shelter and saw art where others saw destruction. This moment of inspiration spawned an entirely new art medium that combines all the beautiful characteristics of glass with her sensual taste in colors and patterns. The result is pure pleasure and guilt-free, as Ms. Blakeley uses all recycled waste glass. Her tiles have all the delightful light-reflective and refractive qualities of fine crystal but with the strength and durability of tempered glass. The collection boasts amazing color choices, from neutrals to exotics, each one vibrant and alluring. Ellen’s work adds a unique, exquisite, hand-created glass element to any space, offering tasteful bling that is both eco-friendly and artistically profound.

Paul Schatz

Paul Schatz is one of the most versatile designers in the tile industry. His love of history and traditional motifs gives his work a timeless and classic appeal. Paul doubles as an interior designer who emphasizes the marriage of practicality and beauty. These two full-time careers augment each other and are reflected in the way his tiles work so comfortably in any home. Paul travels extensively to find art and architecture that inspire his beautiful tile designs, which can be seen throughout his body of work. He works from his home base, Interior Design Imports, in San Diego. Tango Tile is privileged to offer an authentic line of Talavera tiles represented by Paul for our customers to enjoy. Handmade by Paul’s partner company, Talavera Santa Catarina, one of only 14 certified Talavera manufacturers located in Puebla, Mexico, the process adheres to the standards set by the local Council of Talavera Regulations, requiring production to pass 16 laboratory tests every month to assure standards are met for color, transparency, absorption, metal content, and many other characteristics. Authentic Talavera is often imitated but never replicated.

Types of Tiles and Materials

The artists at Tango Tile employ a variety of tile materials and techniques to create their distinctive designs:

Ceramic Tiles: Crafted from natural clay and fired at high temperatures, ceramic tiles are versatile and durable. They come in a variety of colors, finishes, shapes, and different patterns, making them suitable for various applications throughout the home.
Glass Mosaics: These tiles are made from pieces of glass, often arranged in intricate patterns. Glass mosaic tiles add a luminous quality to spaces, reflecting light and creating a sense of depth. They are particularly popular in areas where a touch of elegance and sparkle is desired.
Stone Tiles: Natural stone tiles, such as marble or travertine, offer a timeless and luxurious appeal. Each piece is unique, with natural variations that add character to the design. Stone tiles are durable and can be used in various settings to create a sense of sophistication.
Porcelain Tiles: Similar to ceramic but denser and less porous, porcelain tiles are known for their strength and durability. They are available in various finishes and can mimic the look of natural stone or wood, providing a practical yet stylish option for many areas in the home.

Incorporating Designer Tiles into Your Home

Designer tiles can be used to enhance various areas of your home, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal:

Kitchens: Use ceramic or porcelain tiles for backsplashes to protect walls from spills while adding a decorative element. Glass mosaics can also be used to create a focal point behind the stove or sink.
Bathrooms: Stone or ceramic tiles are ideal for bathroom floors and walls due to their water resistance. Consider using glass mosaics in shower niches or as accent borders to add a touch of luxury.
Living Areas: Create a statement wall or fireplace surround using uniquely patterned ceramic or stone tiles. This adds texture and visual interest to communal spaces.
Outdoor Spaces: Porcelain tiles are suitable for patios or outdoor kitchens due to their durability and resistance to the elements. Choose designs that complement the natural surroundings for a cohesive look.

When selecting the perfect tiles, consider the specific needs of each space, such as moisture levels, foot traffic, and the overall design aesthetic. Consulting with one of our tile experts can provide valuable insights to ensure the best choice for your home.

Incorporating designer tiles from Tango Tile allows you to bring art into your home, creating spaces that are not only functional but also reflective of your personal style. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative textures of Giovanni Barbieri, the complex glazes of Susanne Kibak Redfield, or the vibrant mosaics of Erin Adams, there’s a design that can transform your living space into a masterpiece. Browse the artisan tile collection in our online showroom for your next project!