The manager of Seattle's Daltile gallery reveals what's new and what's next in stylish surfaces
PROMOTION
Since it first opened in 1968, Seattle’s Daltile gallery has led the way in offering local designers one of the Northwest’s largest selections of quality tile.
Renowned for its industry leadership, the 35,000-square-foot Seattle branch was the first of Daltile’s 250 locations to offer slab as well as tile. Thanks to an extensive R & D Department, the 70-year-old company, one of the nation’s oldest and largest tile manufacturers, is still breaking ground in the industry. Seattle gallery manager Meghann Cikanek pulls back the curtain on Daltile’s offerings for the design trade and reveals what’s next in tile.
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IMAGES FROM TOP: Daltile’s large format Natural Stone Hexagons shown in Limestone Chenille White bring texture and pattern into any space. Annapolis is a modern take on subway tile. Daltile’s Dignitary series adds beauty and depth to floors and walls. The brand’s Marble Black & White Blend mosaic merges modern and traditional style.
What makes Daltile exceptional? We are customer-focused and dedicated to producing products that enable clients to turn their design visions into reality. Our professional design consultants are approachable, helpful, honest, and knowledgeable. We are committed to being a resource that provides the A&D community with all of the tools that they need to make their project a success, as well as providing continuing education to the professional design community.
Tell us about a new collection or trend you’re excited about. Interesting shapes are all the rage right now, and our new stone hexagons can be easily incorporated into many different applications. Large format tile is becoming increasingly popular for both floors and walls, and our new Multitude textured large format wall tile is an amazing way to incorporate texture and pattern on that coveted grand scale. As far as technology, we are able to produce extremely realistic “hardwood” planks, which are made out of porcelain and a welcome alternative to real hardwood in Seattle’s damp climate.
What advice would you give someone contemplating starting a tile project? Any insider tips for avoiding rookie mistakes? Begin the tile selection early to ensure you get exactly what you want. Find a reputable tile contractor who takes pride in their work—and who takes proper measurements. Design for YOU, not someone else, and ask yourself how often you want to remodel, as this can help determine how timeless or trendy you should be. When selecting tile accents, go big or go home! Make your accent a focal wall instead of a small accent strip. Or keep it simple and select a beautiful field tile and utilize an assortment of shapes and sizes to add interest.