materials

Large-scale patterns can transform a floor or wall into the most interesting part of the room. These tiles recall cement and encaustic tiles but are ceramic. Shown: Frame by Refin

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Traditional Mission Patterns Traditional patterns of tile play are playing a big role in today's popular Spanish colonial, mission, Mediterranean and Moroccan looks. These tiles are cement — learn more about cement tiles. Shown: By Arturo Stevens for Original Mission Tile

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Tiles can create contemporary vertical gardens, with small- and large-scale botanical patterns covering entire walls like wallpaper. A big benefit to choosing tile over wallpaper in the bath or kitchen is that tile stands up to water, food stains and steam. Shown: Home by Sant'Agostino

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Patchwork Mixed gingham, stripes and solids in playful pastels create a quilt-like composition here. Shown: Lamosa

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Kim built the wall treatment in this master bedroom entirely on her own. After stacking various sizes of crown and chair molding, she installed, sealed and painted them into a single sculptural unit. The extra window perch is perfect for McQueen, who previously had trouble getting up to look out that window.

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This handsome and powerful cladding has gained global appeal, with the treatment being applied to a wide variety of wood. While any species can be charred, the resulting appearance will vary. A softwood, like the Japanese sugi (cypress), has prominent growth rings that result in a highly textured surface, whereas charring hardwood leads to an evenly blackened surface.

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