In this case the handmade tile ordered had a 5 week lead time.  For a client hoping to finish the project in a few weeks, this was the first project delay.  The selected installer had a scheduled vacation to Europe.  This was the second delay for the clients schedule.  Lastly, when the tile arrived it didn’t have as much texture as we hoped, so we ordered more tile, another 5 weeks, Yikes!  It was well worth the wait.  The fireplace is beautiful.

Tile Sensations Concrete Tile Fireplace Installation

In addition to the tile installation, we recessed the area for the TV and Glennie had a custom mantle made.  Glennie now has a fireplace that balances well with the beautiful furniture pieces in her home.  It is a focal point, yet does not over power the room.  And… It was worth the wait.

Good design cannot always be accomplished in the time we hope. Great design takes thoughtful planning and patience when things aren’t quite on schedule.  So take your time, make thoughtful choices and try not to be frustrated when things are a bit behind schedule.

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict  #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations  #ResisttheOrdinary  #notjusttile

photos courtesy of the homeowner

The post Is it worth the wait? appeared first on Tile Sensations.

Wallpaper can:

• create a huge impact in the smallest of spaces.
• enhance the architectural features of your space.
• add a pop of color, in a subtle way, when used in the back of a bookshelf.
• show off your personality. Sophisticated, Playful, Subtle, you choose the paper that reflects you.
• change the mood in a room. Use a cheery wallpaper in a dark space to brighten the feel of the room.
• cover flaws in your walls that paint cannot hide.
• protect your walls from marks and damage. If you have little ones, look for scrub-able papers.

Would you like to learn more?  Join us for a Quick One Hour Question and Answer Session.

Ask the Expert: Robert Galko Wallpaper Hanging

• Saturday, October 10th at 10am
• Tile Sensations 3413 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville 37919
• Presented by The Design Team at Tile Sensations
• Enter to win a $100 Wallpaper Gift Certificate, must be present to win

Please let us know you are coming: Click Here     Questions?? Just ask!

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict  #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations  #ResisttheOrdinary  #notjusttile

The post Why Wallpaper? Find out and Win! appeared first on Tile Sensations.

We stayed busy working on bathrooms, kitchens and fireplaces.  Wet bars, laundry rooms and dog showers.  We worked on residential and commercial projects.  If you drove past our showroom on Sutherland Avenue after hours, you likely saw the lights on and our team working late into the night.  We worked and we worked, loving every moment of it!

Additions to Tile Sensations in 2017 include wallpaper and late, til 7pm, Thursday hours.  Wallpaper is back, as you probably already know, so we have added wallpaper lines not available in big box stores or online.  Resist the Ordinary!

In January 2017, The Design Team at Tile Sensations, began taking on Interior Design projects.  What fun this has been!  We have worked on homes in Farragut, Bearden, Fountain City, Old North Knoxville and Downtown, as well as, businesses needing freshen ups!  We spent much of 2017 on relationships with trusted installers, plumbers, electricians, cabinet companies and more, making Tile Sensations your one stop shop.

Kitchen 919

The Design Team at Tile Sensations closed out 2017 working on the interiors for Kitchen 919 in the Orangery Village on Homberg.  Kitchen 919 is a must try.  Both for the fantastic local, seasonal food and for the ambiance.  The service is fantastic and the food delicious.  I personally recommend the Porcini Dusted Filet Mignon and the Misoyaki Glazed Butterfish, if you prefer the recommendation of Brooks Clark and Cityview Magazine just click here.  After you visit, let us know what you think of the interior selections, be sure to note the lighting in the main dining room and the photo wall and ceiling in the bar.  It was all fun to pick!

We are available to work with our clients from conception to completion of the project, Tile Projects, of course, and now Interior Design Projects too.  Or we can just come up with a design concept and let the homeowner takes the reins from there. You choose. We are here and ready to help.

2018! Bring it on we are ready!

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations #Resist the Ordinary

The post Tile, Wallpaper, Interior Design, oh my! appeared first on Tile Sensations.

I assume you have pinned to your hearts content and have studied Houzz photos into the wee hours of the morning.  But now it is time to decide, to actually decide, what your project style will be.  How do you start making decisions?

The first question is:  “Who is this project for?”   You will find design decisions are much simpler once you decide who you are doing this project for.  Is this a project for you?  for resale?   is this a rental?

You:  This is my favorite type of project to work on.  When the remodel or new build is designed to make you smile, decisions should come a bit easier.  Think about your favorite spaces.  What do you like about them?  What don’t you like about that same space?  Whatever that favorite space is, use it as a muse.  Now I am not saying you should duplicate your favorite space, I am just saying that the properties that make you like that space can be repeated.  Is that space well lit or is dark and cozy?  Have you filled that space with color and art?  Or is it a space with minimal distractions.  The answers to each of these questions will lead you down the path towards a space that is pleasing to you.

Resale:  One statement that I strongly disagree with is “When designing for resale make everything neutral”.  When I design for resale I want my space to be different.  If I choose similar finishes to all other houses on the market why would this one stand out?  Most importantly I ask myself, who will buy this house?  Then I design for that demographic.  Will a young couple just starting a family buy it?  If so, choose more trendy colors.  Is this a weekend getaway for a boomer couple?  Then choose finishes that are obviously not a trend, but that exude quality.

Rental:  Finishes for rentals need to be, first and foremost, serviceable.  But serviceable does not need to be boring.  Of course in a rental you need to think about who is renting?  Would upscale finishes allow you to increase the daily price of your AirBnb?   If your rental is in a lower price bracket, why shouldn’t the finishes be unique? Unique does not always equate to expensive.  Remember renters will stay longer in a unit that is well taken care of, with updated features.

Now I guess it is time for more pinning. . . and remember “why choose ordinary”?   You or your space shouldn’t be ordinary or expected.

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict

The post A Primer: Design Style and Finishes appeared first on Tile Sensations.

The contractor, should you choose to use one, should be the anchor of the project.  The contractor should schedule your subs, make sure codes are followed and, in general, make sure your project turns out just the way you imagined it or better.  Remember your contractor is the one who is responsible to keep your job progressing, to start and finish on time, and to try to help you stay in budget.

Before you choose a contractor it is imperative that you decide what results you want.  

Make lists, clip pictures, work with a designer, find a way to communicate exactly what you want so there are no misunderstandings.  You may spend a little money on a designer at this stage, but it will save you headache and money later, I promise. Remember that most of the dream rooms you have seen on HGTV, Houzz and/or Pinterest were designed by an Interior Designer and they may include custom pieces made just for that homeowner.

Getting started:   

• Get 2 – 3 bids.
• Give prospective contractors all the information you have gathered on your project before he/she works up a budget for you.  A contractor cannot provide you a champagne remodel on a beer budget, so please don’t ask them to.  Some will give you pie in the sky budgets, but it is your job to make sure the budget allowances are realistic.  If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.  Be upfront with what you want.  You may have to spend a little more than originally planned or hold off on your project until you have saved enough to cover the expenses, but that is better than starting a project and being hit with unexpected expenses midstream.
• Double check the bids – One way to double check a bid is to compare allowances given with real world expenses.  Take the window allowance to the window store and ask, What can I get for this allowance? Take the countertop or cabinet budget amount to your local cabinet shop and ask what can be done for the budget allowed.   Once you have double checked 3 – 4 budget numbers you will know whether the budget provided by your contractor is realistic.  Note: Make an appointment to review bids with local shops and be willing to pay for their time. If lite information is what you need, consider emailing the information to the selected shop so they can work on your questions at their convenience.  
• Remember you can shop for your finishes anywhere you want. You do not have to stick to the list of suppliers your builder gives you.  Good design should not be limited to a few specific shops.  Pick the lighting store with a selection that makes you smile. Work with a cabinet maker that understands how you cook and of course use the best tile resource in town.  I could write pages on why to shop at Tile Sensations vs the big box stores, but that discussion on quality and service is best kept for another day.

If you don’t have time for all this, get a designer involved. A designer can do this legwork for you and I promise all this planning will help your project run smoother.

Now that you have bids from a few contractors and you’ve checked up on the allowances suggested, how do you choose one?

• Do you like him/her? This is someone you will spend a lot of time with, so let’s hope you like them. Listen to your gut.  
• Get references you can check. Find out if you can visit the previous jobsite. If so ask lots of questions about the project.  Go prepared with a list of questions so you don’t forget to ask something you really wanted to know.
• Are the budgets in your bid realistic?  If not, toss out the bid, it will only end in frustration.  If you really liked the person ask them how they managed to be so far below the other bids?
• When can the project start and what would the projected finish date be?
• Have they ever worked on a project similar to yours?   ***IMPORTANT***  Be sure the contractor you have selected is up to the task. If you choose a spec home builder for a custom project you may end up regretting that choice.  Their expertise may not be enough for your project, you may not want to be their guinea pig.  On the other hand, if they are upfront about being on a learning curve, it might turn out well.  Oh the stories we could tell . . .

Lastly know how to not be bullied by a contractor:  Yes, contractors often bully their clients. Remember, the contractor is trying to stay on schedule and sometimes they will push you for decisions just to stay on schedule; but you have the final say, no matter how hard you are being pushed.  You determine where your money is best spent.  Don’t always fall for the “we always do it this way” statement.  Changes in products and technology may make the “way we always do it” the wrong way.

• Have most of your decisions made upfront.
• Get a timeline for choices from your contractor. Knowing when your decisions need to be completed will help the entire project stay on schedule.  There is nothing worse than a call from your contractor asking for your lighting choices and you haven’t given it a moment of thought.
• Hire a designer. A designer can be the middleman on a project. A designer can communicate with the contractors in “contractor speak” and find out what is really motivating their schedule.
• Watch out for mistakes the contractor wants you to absorb. If he ordered the wrong baseboard, for example, and asks you to compromise and take it, find out what discount you will receive if you do compromise. If it isn’t enough, insist on the original choice.

All that being said a good contractor is priceless. He/she will watch your wallet, try to keep you on schedule and bring in trustworthy subs.  So take your time when picking one and if you would like a little help with the process, just call. 

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict

The post Let’s talk about contractors. appeared first on Tile Sensations.

Years ago when, a design degree was unheard of, design information and pictures were not so easily found and many people relied on their own instincts to create their space.  If they didn’t have confidence in their own choices they would involve family members or friends to help choose just the right sofa or dining set.  In the world of tile there weren’t many readily available options to choose from.

In the US you may remember the era of the Pink or Blue bathroom tile.  Just about everyone during that time frame picked one of these colors because it was the hip thing to do.  Here and there you might find a yellow or green bathroom, but the pink and blue were predominant.  Tile was definitely the product of choice for ease of care and the clean look it provided both in the kitchen and bathroom.  The choices were limited, so many people had duplicate bathrooms, often neatly coordinated with the sink, tub and commode in the same color as the tile.   If I run across one of these bathrooms today, they make me smile.  The bold colors, usually paired with a fantastic wallpaper was, in its day, true style.

Today our choices in design are practically unlimited.  With top notch designers leading the way we can create a space with any feel we want.
Do you love the look of homes in Bali ? You can have that!  Or do you like a Hacienda style??  You can have that too! Or any style for that matter.  Your influence might be Asian or Adirondack or. . . ?

There is no reason to not design your home in a style that you enjoy.  In fact, if you want different styles throughout your home, we will just call you Eclectic.

Rather than Pink or Blue 4″ x 4″ tile, today’s common tile of choice is the 3″ x 6″ Subway tile.  Subway tile sales in the US have skyrocketed in the last few years.  There will likely be a time, years from now, when many bathrooms and backsplashes tiled with subway tile are pinpointed to the 2010’s.  The subway tile, which is not square, is a nice choice for many homes.  But with all the fantastic options available is subway tile right for your home? A better question might be, is it right for your personality?

Before jumping on the subway tile bandwagon ask yourself a few questions.  Is it my favorite color?  Will I smile every time I walk in the room?  Will I be glad I chose it?  Does it reflect my personality?  Will it be money well spent? If the answers are yes, go for it.  If the answer is no or maybe, DON’T SETTLE!  It is time to explore the options.  There are so many to choose from! Stop by or call Tile Sensations soon for ideas.  Our staff, who are not square, would LOVE to help you on your way to a space that is truly yours.

It is time to step out of the box. . .  Don’t be square.

Jennifer – Tile and Design Addict

The post We’re not square… appeared first on Tile Sensations.

Believe me, I feel this way too. Sometimes I think of my home as a version of “the plumber with a leaky faucet” always finding time to work on others projects, then neglecting my own. While I LOVE LOVE LOVE most of the spaces in my home, there are definitely a few neglected areas.

Right now I have major bathroom envy. One of the bathrooms in my home has been neglected. It is tiny and accessed from a seldom used bedroom, honestly I forget its even there sometimes. I forget until I have guests coming or when I see a finished bathroom that is perfectly designed. So after visiting a friend who just did a complete gut and remodel on her home I am back to having Bathroom Envy.

Do you have Bathroom Envy? Is your envy mild? Will some cute wallpaper and a new shower curtain do the trick? Or maybe it is time to change out the fixtures for more modern pieces? Or are you completely green with envy and only a complete gut job will satisfy you? Make that first decision, then jump in.

Your next step is to do visual research. You could start on our Pinterest page, we have all sorts of Bathroom pictures saved and sorted by style. https://www.pinterest.com/tilesensations/ You will quickly eliminate ideas you do not care for, sometimes I see a picture of a complete room and say to myself “what were they thinking?!” The nice thing about eliminating styles is that with each, “I don’t like that” comment, you are getting closer to a style that will fit your home and personality. As you are looking at pictures ask yourself a few questions. Do I like it? Do
I LOVE it? Would this style fit in my home? Save the ones you love AND would work in your home then think about the project again. Are you feeling inspired or overwhelmed? If the answer is overwhelmed maybe you should consider a little design help. If the answer is inspired, it’s time for a shopping trip!

Whether you decide to tackle your project alone or decide to get design help be certain to choose 1st quality products and services. While I understand you need to be mindful of your budget, do not scrimp. Be frugal, complete what leg work you can, but don’t settle for products that don’t make you smile or don’t have staying power. There is nothing worse in my world that feeling that I compromised on something I should not have comprised on, how I wish I had not settled. If necessary divide your project into stages so you can budget in just the perfect lighting or that dream mosaic.

Remember really good design takes thoughtful decisions and the investment of a little time.

Jennifer – Tile and Design Addict

The post Design Envy appeared first on Tile Sensations.

I now confess I am a #DesignAddict too. When a client walks into the Tile Sensations showroom with a design dilemma my heart starts to beat a little faster. I immediately begin to wonder, will this client want help with their dilemma? or have they already picked a design choice after hours and hours of time spent on Pinterest….   With fingers crossed I ask a few questions and hope that they are open to design ideas, whether they have seen them before or not.  One of my favorite design inspirations is a simple tile cubbie for toilet tissue. These clients did not like changing the toilet paper roll……

Design dilemmas don’t have to be about function, though function is a crucial part of design. The dilemma may simply be that the 2 people using the room like different color schemes or design styles. What to do when he wants rustic and she wants classic?  We can help with that.  Sometimes its an easy compromise, sometimes it takes a little longer to work through the design process. Rest assured, given creative time we will come up with a plan that works in your space.

A few things to remember when you are looking for help with design.

• For the best design service, make an appointment. Appointments are not required, but if you want a design professional to give you their best work, make an appointment.
• Share pictures of your space, preferably before your appointment. Also send pictures of the adjoining spaces, the more information we have about your design style and home, the easier it is to create a design just for you.
• If you have spent hours online, share your Pinterest Board with your designer before your appointment
• Bring pieces of permanent items in the room to your appointment.  Choices you have already made such as your granite sample, cabinet color, etc. Measurements of the space help too, but are not necessary in the 1st stages of design.  At the risk of sounding snarky “I have darkish wood cabinets” is not enough information. It is really hard to work on a project without the necessary information.
• If you cannot bring these things to an appointment, consider an in home consultation. While you will pay for the design consultation, you likely will save time and money in the long run.

What project has been haunting you? Why not gather all your goodies and make an appointment. Tile design, as always, is included in the price of your tile at Tile Sensations. If you need 3D images or renderings, we can do that too, there will be an upfront cost for these services, but we can credit all or most of these charges to your tile order.  I say most because if we design the same space 2 or three times, we may need to charge for a 3d model or 2.  If you need help with your other choices, we would love to help.  Our design services include selecting, fixtures, cabinets, wall coverings (we have a great selection) and more.

If you haven’t visited recently, stop in and say hi. We can’t wait to help with your project.

Jennifer – Tile and Design Addict.

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The post #TileLove #DesignLove appeared first on Tile Sensations.

When you walk into your kitchen what do you see first? Whatever draws your attention most, that is your star. The Backsplash Tile? The Countertops? The Wallpaper? The Cabinets? The Tile Flooring? Do you like what draws your attention? Are you really glad that that is the first thing other people notice when they walk into your room? If so, Bravo! You have achieved a fantastic look! If not, maybe it is time for a redesign of your space.  

When I design a space I think 1st about what my client wants the star to be. Maybe they pick a co-star too, but usually one star will do.  

Thinking about the star in a room, Let’s talk kitchens. Some clients have fallen in love with a particular countertop choice. That makes the countertop the star. The tile and other features in the room become co-stars or supporting actors and the countertop takes center stage.  Other clients prefer the backsplash to be the star.  And for some homeowners living with a beautiful view, the entire kitchen takes a backseat to the windows and the view beyond.  Any one feature can be your star, you just have to be sure that the other features compliment your star and keep the room feeling cohesive.  This analogy has saved many a homeowner from over designing their space.

Having a star in your room does not give you permission to be chintzy with your other choices for that room. All elements are important to the final outcome. Attention to detail and balance are the key to good design.

Now let’s take a moment to look at a kitchen where the Tile Backsplash is the star. The tile, while not an expensive choice, really defines the space. The pattern is fresh and full of life. Notice that the other details are carefully chosen to accentuate the statement the tile is making. Also note that the 2 walls have different tile. We did this because too much of a good thing is just that, too much of a good thing. The great cabinets, super cool hood and carefully placed shelves add up to a well balanced room. And even though the tile has a ton of pattern in it, it is not over the top. (you can see this kitchen in person at Dixie Kitchens in Knoxville)

Let’s look at another Kitchen. In this example the appliances are the stars. I also think the windows likely have a fantastic view. The tile, while making a quiet statement, is a perfect backdrop to the appliances and the windows in this kitchen. The countertops balance out all the other elements with classic style. And the beautiful cabinetry is just the right choice.  Who wouldn’t want to cook in here? We love that our clients took the risk of tiling to the ceiling, making their backdrop seamless. 

One more….

This kitchen belongs to a cook, maybe even a chef. Just look at that Cooktop! It is fantastic. And in this kitchen, the tile is a co-star. The color choice of the tile flanking that cooktop could not be better! Notice the beautiful cabinets and countertops, notice that while they are beautiful in and of themselves, they are not the star in this room, they are the supporting actors. Another beautifully designed space. We sure do have fun helping to choose tile with our clients needs in mind.

Now, how do you decide what will be your star? You start looking at pictures, lots and lots of pictures. Create a Pinterest Board and save your favorites. Don’t worry too much about whether the pictures you are pinning look the way you want your dream kitchen to look, just pin pictures that instinctually you love. Don’t think too much about color or design style at this stage. Just pin what makes you smile.  I can almost guarantee that after you have pinned 10 or more pictures you will see that there is a common thread in the pictures. Usually that common thread is your star.  To start your search on our Pinterest Boards – Click Here

Now that you have a starting place for choosing materials for your room. Stop in Tile Sensations and pick out that star! Or come see us after you have found your countertop or other star for your room.  If you don’t live in the Knoxville area, it doesn’t matter. Start sharing pins with us and we can help guide your project wherever you live.

Happy Designing!

Jennifer – Tile and Design Addict

The post There should be only one star. . . appeared first on Tile Sensations.

In November 1996, I embarked upon a journey I would never have imagined.  As a former banker, office manager, airline employee and waitress, owning and running a small business was not in my plan. But here I am in 2017, just that, the owner of Tile Sensations in Knoxville, Tn.  2016 was a milestone for me, it marked 20 years working and serving the Knoxville area and beyond.  Cliché, this may sound, but in some ways it seems a blink of an eye, in another view, a lifetime of lessons.                    FYI – In addition to Knoxville we have clients in Florida, Maine, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Missouri and California. We would love to add a few more states to our list in 2017!

Over the last 20 years, I have been challenged with finding the right path for not only my family, but for Tile Sensations as well.  While Tile Sensations is not the biggest tile store in town we offer the most complete tile selection, in all price categories from spec to boutique, and it is a place I am proud to call my own. We serve clients from all walks of life and thoroughly enjoy our interactions with each of them. My staff and I face the small business challenges of each new day as a team using the Kaizen Theory* as our guide.  My goal is to provide learning and service opportunities as a regular course of business.  At all times the question of what is good for the staff is as important as what is good for business, so yes we will be closed on holidays including Good Friday, we allow our staff a week off between Christmas and New Years to recharge and of course we are closed most UT Home Football game days. We will always be closed Sundays regardless of what our competition is doing.

We as a team provide the best and most heartfelt customer service we can.  Eat, Sleep, Design describes   the showroom team, we lean upon one another to create unique and appropriate design for each of our clients, always keeping the budget in mind.  Eat, Sleep, Track describes our office team. Where is that tile order? Is it the right color lot? They need it WHEN? We do everything in our power to meet a client’s time schedule too.  Sometimes it simply isn’t possible, but rest assured we have done everything in our power to meet those needs and we will keep you updated with any changes that affect your order.

 We offer Made in the USA as often as possible, we love the selection of handcrafted tiles we offer.  If you can imagine it, we will find a tile artist to make it!
Handcrafted One-of-a-Kind Art Tile Pieces and Sinks is one of our specialties.  We also offer a huge selection of Natural Stone and Porcelain Tiles for every tile need and style and our degreed designers love to help choose combinations that will make you smile for years to come.  Don’t want help with your selections? That’s ok too, come in a browse and let us know if you have questions, we understand the creative process is different for each person so we can stay out of your way if you prefer.  Are you one of those people that cannot imagine a room unless you see it?  We offer 3D Modeling and Rendering services to help you with your final decision.

Simply put, we strive to provide service second to none, just let us know how we can help and we will do our best.

Tile Sensations is also a place of service.

•  We wholeheartedly support the mission of the Haiti Outreach Program and will continue to support their good works. Visit www.haitioutreachprogram.com for more information.
• We support the design community by offering a drop off location for samples no longer needed. Fabric, granite, cabinet, books and samples of all kinds are recycled in our student library.  These samples provide inspiration and are given to students free of charge for their design projects.
• We recycle everything we possibly can. We offer excess packing materials to Etsy and EBay sellers at no charge, we recycle pallet wood into wall coverings and all excess cardboard and paper is recycled locally.
• Recently Tile Sensations has become a spot for local artists and artisans to sell their wares. Beginning in December 2016 we offered a Pop-Up Holiday Shop, emptying our store of tile and replacing it with some of the finest local jewelry, soaps, vintage items and art for our clients and friends to shop. We plan to offer this no charge event to local small businesses several times a year.

Over the next months and years I plan to share my favorite stories and insights into the world of tile and small business through this blog. If there is a topic you would like covered just send me an email Jennifer@tilesensations.net and I will see what I can do.  2017 will also be bringing other changes to Tile Sensations which we will announce as we unveil these exciting new changes!

May your 2017 be joyful, prosperous and fulfilling; May your good spirits influence those around you; May you find yourself in a position to share your blessings and may you act when opportunities are offered to you.

Jennifer – Tile and Design Addict

*Kaizen Theory – Ever Changing, Ever Improving

The post The Tile Sensations Story appeared first on Tile Sensations.