Crossville Intros Floor Tile Pattern Resources: New Pattern Portal & Downloadable Book Available

99 Patterns of Tile on the Page, 99 Patterns of Tile…

Is that a collective sigh of relief we hear? Now that we’re offering an simple-to-use Floor Tile Pattern Portal and downloadable book on our website, countless designers, homeowners, retailers/distributors and installers are breathing a little easier.

This handy new resource offers percentages and pictures for 99 floor tile patterns. We even supply suggested Crossville product lines to achieve the patterns along the way. Developed based on input from the marketplace, the Crossville Floor Tile Pattern Portal is the answer so many have been waiting for. It’s a one-stop for floor tile pattern ideas, tips and details.

The downloadable Crossville Floor Tile Pattern Book is accessible via the online portal, as well. Access both by clicking here.

These pattern resources are just the latest in our line-up of helpful design tools. Crossvilleinc.com also features our interactive Backsplash Builder and Mosaic Builder, as well as room design tool Cross-Vision. Find each of these interactive options on the side bar of the Floor Tile Pattern webpage – found by clicking here.

99 patterns at your fingertips… You’re welcome!!

Introducing Manoir Porcelain Tile Collection by Crossville

Welcome to the new stone look in the world of tile…

Manoir porcelain tile collection is a genteel interpretation of the look of stone…a line we’re excited to bring to the marketplace today. Using latest tile production technology, we’ve achieved a very authentic, natural appearance in a range of versatile colors. And we’ve also produced this line to be a great find for those looking for budget-friendly tile alternatives. The attainable price point and classic look make Manoir an instant classic.

Inspired by renowned American manors and estates, Manoir comes in a palette of five beautiful, backdrop colors. Each of the soft hues is interpreted with natural variance, enhanced by subtle veining and stone details. The overall appearance blends well with a range of design styles.

The collection comes in modular field tile sizes: 3”x6”, 6”x6”, 6”x12”, 6”x18”, 12”x12”, 18”x18” with a 4”x12” bullnose trim and 6”x12’ cove base. The field tile may be accessorized with 2”x2” mosaics, available in each color and mesh-mounted on 12”x12” sheets for easy installation. If you love the Versailles pattern, this line is ideal for accomplishing this popular floor tile pattern.

The line may be specified for interior wall, floor and countertop applications, as well exterior walls and is suited for commercial and residential use.

It’s manufactured in the U.S. with our EcoCycle Tile Process^TM, Manoir contains a minimum of 4% pre-consumer recycled content and is Green Squared certified through the Tile Council of North America for its proven standards of sustainability.

For full details, visit the product page on our website by clicking here.

Crossville Tile Contributes to First Arby’s LEED Certified Restaurant

— A Surprisingly Sustainable Lunch Spot —

The Arby’s in Magnolia, Texas is not your standard quick-serve restaurant. This beautifully designed, company-owned location of the popular chain is environmentally friendly from the kitchen to the parking lot—and it’s earned the certification to prove it.

Heralded as Arby’s first eco-friendly restaurant, the Magnolia outpost holds Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. At the time of its certification, this restaurant was the only one in Texas to have achieved this honor.

LEED certification is earned based on a scorecard of environmental and energy milestones. From the sustainability of the building site and water and energy efficiencies to indoor air quality and green innovations, project leaders must adhere to stringent standards to earn a LEED designation. Materials and resources hold an important place on the scorecard, and that’s where Crossville’s sustainable product options come in.

For this landmark Arby’s, the project team chose materials that supported the fresh, modern design scheme of the building’s interior, in addition to adhering to LEED requirements regarding recycled content, regional proximity to the location (for efficiencies in transportation) and so on. Crossville tile was an excellent choice in terms of design appeal and sustainability, and a range of Crossville products are used prominently throughout the facility, including the ordering and dining areas.

On the floors and walls, Crossville’s Color Blox, Color Blox Too and Glass Blox work harmoniously to create a contemporary, clean look. The design team opted for lighter, nature-inspired colors to complement other decorative elements and finishes in the space. Various sizes and patterns were used to provide visual interest, with large 24”x24” tiles on the floor, 12”x24” plank in a brick pattern on the walls and 6”x12” tiles on a signage wall. Colorful Glass Blox tile in three shades of green serve as an inviting backdrop for the beverage station.

As Crossville’s porcelain tiles are innately dense, they’re easy to clean and maintain, don’t trap allergens and will perform and look beautiful for years to come without need of replacement. All these characteristics support the LEED certification, as well.

The team at Crossville is experienced and proficient in assisting architects, designers and project managers in the pursuit of LEED certification. By providing guidance during materials selection backed with documentation regarding LEED requirements and also assisting with form completion when it comes time to submit a project for review, Crossville is a great partner for those looking to earn certification for their sustainable projects.

Learn more about how we can help you earn LEED certification by clicking here.

Laminam by Crossville Creates a Miracle on 34th Street + 7 Benefits of Laminam for Retail Design

Laminam by Crossville, our über-hip line of lean profile porcelain panels, is a dream for designers of retail environments.

At nearly 3′x10′ in outer dimensions (yes, that’s feet...not inches!) and only 3mm in thickness (yes, we said THREE MILLIMETERS), these gorgeously crafted porcelain tile panels act as extremely durable, versatile surface skins. They look sleek, elegant, contemporary and ultra-fashionable, but they perform like workhorses—everything you could want for surfaces in busy retail spaces.

This high profile installation in the shoe salon in Macy’s 34th Street location at Herald Square, New York City, is a prime example. Laminam by Crossville earned a spot in the world’s largest department store for good reason.

(c) Charlie Mayer Photography – Interior Design by Charles Sparks and Co.

Panels from our Oxide collection skin the ceiling of the overhang, as well as the prominent signage wall at far right. The material seems to almost frame the shoe salon, providing an gateway to an upscale shopping experience for store guests.

The Oxide line features a textural, metallic look that’s sophisticated and high fashion, yet very inviting. The darker tone of this colorway provides a chic contrast to the areas other finishes. Because Laminam by Crossville is so durable, it will perform well on walls that are constantly brushed and touched by busy shoppers, and its lightness makes it simple to install even on the ceiling.

Here are key features that make any Laminam by Crossville line ideal for retail installations.

(c) Irene Williams

1 – Large format: panels install with little grout line for seamless looks, cover large expanses, provides ample porcelain surface for creative design

2 – Lean profile: minimal thickness allows for sleek installation on walls, ceilings, counters, even around tight corners on cabinets and custom case goods

3 – Lightweight: though panels are large, weight is relatively minimal, installs even on functional surfaces such as doors or sliding panels because weight is not prohibitive

4 – Easy to Cut: lean profile cuts easily to create curves, custom designs, etc.

5 – Flexible: panels are so lean, they can literally flex to install over curved surfaces

6 – Installs over existing surfaces: panels can be installed directly over existing tile or many other surfaces (see product tech specs for details)

7 – High-end looks: Laminam by Crossville collections are fashion-forward, available in an array of colors, finishes, designer details

Inspired to learn more? Shop around for ideas for your next retail design project at laminambycrossville.com.

Surfaces 2013: Crossville Is Ready for Showtime – Booth B3613!

Places, everyone! It’s showtime…

Surfaces is literally just around the corner, and we at Crossville are ready to hit the stage of this exciting, annual event. As usual, we’re geared up to show our latest and greatest products and connect with customers and colleagues from across the U.S. We’ve spent months getting ready, including wrapping up an important new product launch and creating a special presentation or two!

Here are highlights of what we at Crossville will be offering at the show.

Mikeal Jensen, Residential Design Director for Crossville & Glass Tile Guru

Monday, January 28th, 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Glass Tile – A Journey Through Design Trends, Colors & Applications

Our own Residential Design Director Mikeal Jensen and renowned tile installation expert Dave Gobis are co-presenting this visually interesting, highly informative seminar during Surfaces’ first day of sessions. Mikeal will talk about design aspects of glass tile, its uses in modern-day design, as well as the array of color trends this versatile material can answer. Dave will provide details on what it takes to install glass tile to perform well and look great. More details here.

Tuesday – Thursday, January 29th – 31st, during show hours: Crossville Showcases Latest Lines, including the new Manoir Collection

We’re excited to unveil our newest product offering at the show. Manoir is an inspired, stone-look collection that’s poised to become a strong seller thanks to its timelessly appealing look and colors, as well as its affordable price point. This yet-to-be-launched line will be shown alongside the still new Limestone collection, as well as a spectrum of our other popular products.

Meet John Gidding at Booth 3613, Wed. at the Show

Wednesday, January 30th, 1:30 – 3:30 pm: HGTV’s John Gidding Autograph Signing Session

We’re honored to provide our booth (B3613) as the location for the Surfaces Show’s exclusive autograph signing with John Gidding, renowned architect and interior designer. Gidding may be best known for HGTV’s Curb Appeal. He holds a BA degree in architecture from Yale University, as well as a Master’s in architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. The event is part of Surfaces’ Designer Day programs; all show attendees are invited to drop by.

See you next week in Las Vegas at Booth B3613!

Crossville’s Empire Series Sets the Style at the Fashion Mall at Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis

The Fashion Mall at Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis, Indiana lives up to its name thanks to a nearly 13,000 sq. ft. installation of Crossville’s Empire tile! Louisville Tile Distributors’ Indiana branch worked with Ratio Architects on the impressive project. All told, 32 sizes and colors were used to comprise the massive, random pattern that gives the mall’s food court area uniquely custom style.

Crossville’s Commitment to the Uncommon Good of The Common Thread for the Cure

At this time of year, the ribbons we usually talk about are of the red and green variety. However, we at Crossville are still thinking pink in December, as we reflect on the year-round good works of The Common Thread for the Cure.

_______________________________________________

We invite you to read the latest Common Thread newsletter to learn of the latest updates for this organization that never takes a holiday from helping our colleagues and their families in need.  Click here to download: Common Thread Newsletter Fall 2012.

________________________________________________________________________

While many of us are busy shopping for presents and partaking of holiday indulgences, there are countless families in the furnishings industry whose seasons aren’t so merry and bright. Due to the suffering of a loved one with breast cancer, they’re busy struggling with day-to-day life. When a mom, sister or daughter faces this indiscriminate disease, families often find themselves facing financial and logistical challenges the likes of which many of us can’t fathom. From exorbitant medical bills to the cost of gas to get to and from appointments and a seemingly endless range of other expenses, families stricken with this disease carry heavy loads.

The Common Thread for the Cure does uncommon good for those in our industry in these circumstances. The organization provides practical support to help families meet their bills, cover transportation costs and go on with normal life as much as possible.

Crossville is a year-round sponsor. We give a portion of proceeds from all sales of Glass Blox and Origins Glass tile to the organization. Also, we sponsor special events and strive to do our part to raise awareness. Why do we do this? We do it because we believe in contributing in ways that directly touch lives. Common Thread’s practical approach to meaningfully improving the daily lives of families is powerful, and it’s something we want to be a part of.

As you’re looking for ways to give during this season, consider Common Thread. You can make a tax-deductible donation online or by mail. Just visit the donation page at http://www.commonthread.info today by clicking here. Or you can even purchase specially labeled bottles of wine through Russian River Vineyards now until supplies last; a portion of all sales goes back to Common Thread. Go to russianrivervineyards.com to buy.

Look for details on the special edition wine as well as Common Thread’s annual fundraiser in the latest issue of the newsletter. Common Thread Newsletter Fall 2012

Thank you for your care, concern and continuous support of Crossville and The Common Thread for the Cure!

They Gathered ‘Round the Crossville Tree at FIU’s 26th Annual Festival of the Trees!

Donna Warner (S5 D+A), Robert Sutnick (Crossville), Carole Schafmeister (D&B Tile) and Nelson Goris (S5 D+A) gather ’round the Crossvillle tree!

Each year, the South Florida design community rallies for Florida International University’s The Festival of the Trees, hosted by the Interior Architecture department. Design firms from around the region create “trees” using building and interior materials in very clever, inventive ways. The event is a fundraiser for the students and programs of FIU’s interior architecture program. This year, we at Crossville sponsored a “tree” in partnership with Miami-based design and architecture firm S5 D+A.

The team with S5 D+A designed an interactive tree using our recently launched Laminam by Crossville line. As seen in this original sketch, the creation included a tree form with hanging Laminam panels upon which partygoers could write holiday sentiments, as well as a functional xylophone made of Laminam pieces.

Guests became part of the S5 D+A/Crossville experience as they wrote holiday wishes on the tile pieces and hung them on the tree…

…or strummed a few notes on the xylophone.

As always, we at Crossville were honored to be part of such a festive gathering of the design community we hold dear, supporting the education of future designers.

Look for more images of this holiday happening over on our Facebook page!

Crossville Launches Limestone Porcelain Tile Collection

We at Crossville, Inc. are pleased to introduce you to Limestone, our latest porcelain tile collection! This new line captures the appearance of natural limestone (as the name implies!)—inspired by quarried samplings from across the globe and echoing the soft, Old World elegance that has stood the test of time. Our interpretation is ready for commercial and residential setting, so let your design imagination go!

Limestone by Crossville Inc. for commercial spaces

As a matter of fact, Limestone was developed as a hybrid collection with an array of design elements to offer targeted appeal to commercial and residential markets. Colors and sizes offer options well-suited for home and public space, for truly custom versatility.

A beautiful residential foyer featuring Crossville’s Limestone collection.

The line comes in five colors ranging from light to dark—Sant Andrea, Lipika, Camel, Pierre Brune and Midnight—to serve as sophisticated, foundational backdrops or to create focal points and striking design elements on interior floors and walls, as well as vertical surfaces outside.

A stunning kitchen and dining area featuring Crossville’s new Limestone collection.

Field tiles are available in 8″x8”, 8”x16”, 16”x16” and 16″x24″ with 4″x24″ bullnose trim. Coordinating accent pieces, available in all colorways, include 2”x4” tumbled mosaics, 3”x6” subway tiles and 2”x2” rhomboids. With this thorough selection of sizes, As part of our “Get Planked” program, Limestone may be cut into custom plank sizes with no minimum order requirements.

Crossville’s Limestone Collection

This is our first product to be launched under our new strategy for in-field samples and marketing materials. All Limestone materials feature updated visual branding in keeping with new campaigns, and the sample book for the line is designed in a streamlined size format (takes up less space in the a&D library yet shows plenty of product!) in response to feedback from the market.

For more information, watch the video featuring Crossville’s new Limestone Collection or to learn about Crossville’s product marketing solutions, visit crossvilleinc.com.

Show & Sell: How to Create a Great Tabletop Display

Crossville representative Gita Tao joined Longust Distributing’s Aaron Holliday for an ASID open house, hosted by D’Mundo Tile of Palm Springs, California, to spread the word about Crossville’s support for the Common Thread for the Cure. This organization unites the furnishings industry to assist caregivers and their families in the fight against breast cancer.

In partnership with Longust, Gita helped D’Mundo Tile create beautiful tabletop displays to showcase our range of Common Thread marketing tools and tile samples, and the effort resulted in rave reviews. Ready to amp up your next tabletop display, too? Here is Gita’s great advice on creating inviting displays that are sure to get your products noticed.

• Start with your fabric. “Fabric can really change a space,” explains Tao. A simple curtain pane from Target or Pier 1 works well, since they’re long enough for a table display and the edges are already sewn together.
• Next, gather all the “jewelry” for tile, such as the glass, metal, and stone samples, and mount them onto Gator Board or into small pieces to be handled. “Designers love to be able to touch and feel material,” Tao says.
• Candles add a touch of elegance and comfort, and for little cost can take your display to the next level. “Buy an inexpensive candle and add a company sticker. People will think they were made just for you.” For the D’Mundo Tile open house, Tao added The Common Thread pink ribbon.
• Don’t forget your Envision panels! “You can get a nice study plate stand from Pier 1 to show your panels on the table top display,” Tao recommends.

With just a handful of easy and inexpensive elements, a small space can be dressed up. People will begin gravitating to your space when you elevate it to see what you have! It looks more inviting and welcoming; not to mention, it looks like you’ve put much more effort in than someone who just lays loose tile on the table.

Happy selling!