KDH caught up with haute Hampton design maven Carole Reed for some tips on tile style! After living through a three month renovation last winter on all four of the bathrooms in our farmhouse, we know how much decision making goes into making a perfect bath for your Hamptons home. Carole shares her tips with KDHamptons readers on how to navigate the design process:

Carole says, “In my 20 years as a designer and art consultant I have discovered that there is no substitute for authenticity. Through authenticity comes warmth, through warmth comes comfort and isn’t that the measure of success for a designer.”

“I have been designing homes in the Hamptons and New York City that are both comfortable and chic, warm and inviting. My fee structure is simple, my approach is uncomplicated, I am there to help on the smallest and biggest details of design and working on new construction is my absolute favorite thing to do. Kitchen and bath design is the one thing that is lasting and critical to the home owners comfort, it pays to have help in getting it right.”

KDHamptons: What is the current tile trend in haute Hamptons homes right now?

Carole Reed: I see the trend leaning towards glass tile, if you look in the showrooms it is a featured product. For higher end clients I see the consistent use of natural marble in baths and kitchens. I am a believer in the use of marble but am careful to manage where it comes from and insuring that the stock is checked before it is installed. Marble with distinct veining can be as varied in quality as fine wines so I inspect the lots before allowing the contractor to purchase.

KDH: Is subway tile finally passé? What has replaced it?

CR: I don’t think it will ever be passé, I do tend to use it inconjunction with other cuts such as the staggered thinner cuts for a more modern look. I am using stacked 1×3 pieces a lot these days since it can be used in a cottage or in a modern kitchen as still look clean and chic.

KDH: How hard is it to maintain beautiful marble tile? I have Carrera countertops and I am always worrying about it permanently marking~ got any tips? What are the best products to use on tile and marble?

CR: There are many products on the market for cleaning and preservation. The first thing to do even with honed counters is to have a sealant applied, ask your contractor to do this the day they install. Always avoid vinegar and other acidic cleaners when cleaning marble even though the lemon scent smells great it can eat away at the surface, I like to use simple Borax with a soft cloth.

KDH: Which designer makes your favorite tile and why?

CR: I am a huge fan of Artistic Tile and Urban Archaeology, they curate their stock and always seek to evolve their offerings, but you won’t find any bargains there but you will get great customer service. I adore the mix of stainless and copper tiles with custom ceramics. If you really want to splurge the leather shell and wood sections are as great as any day at Bendels!

http://artistictile.com/Collections/

http://urbanarchaeology.com/tile_web/index.html

KDH: What is an old school tile “rule” that SHOULD be broken now?

CR: I really think that the common 1×1 mosaic or the 3×3 square tiles should be banned. Ok, you can use it inside the shower for great grout coverage for a less slippery surface but please don’t accept mediocrity!

KDH: What about bold colored tiles? Do clients usually regret choosing them?

CR: Everything in design relies on the individual puzzle pieces. If a client wants cobalt blue tile then I will make sure everything surrounding those tile fits thematically and compliments the color. I would never regret the use of color.

KDH: What was the most over the top design job you created with tile? Describe..how much did it cost?

CR: One client said they wanted “Versailles”, now given that they were in a classically built traditional home on Dune Rd I was careful to keep the glitz low and the quality high. We chose a cream onyx wainscot with an Urban Archaeology cream onyx sink with brass details. The faucets were French Louis the XVI inspired in polished brass and the floor a custom designed water jet cut mosaic floor in four different tones of honey onyx. The cost was somewhere just under 70,000.

KDH: Is it a waste to install marble floors because the material is so delicate?

CR: I do not think it is a waste, I think proper care of the floors will insure years of use. There are great options these days including wood tile that mirrors the warmth and feel of wood in some amazing finishes including a driftwood feel which can be used in the Hampton’s all day long.

* For more information about Carole, please go to Carolereeddesign.com;  or call 631-875-7366 to book an appointment!

 
*photos by Eric Striffler