Tiles come in a variety of shapes, colors and patterns, and they can be used and combined in different ways. They are usually associated with kitchens, bathrooms or exterior walls, but now they are starting to be used to add a little color to living rooms.
The kitchen counter sticks out toward the center of the spacious living and dining room allowing for accent walls to be created using white, brown and dark brown tiles.
"Since we spend a lot of time in this room, I wanted my family's tastes reflected in the decor," said Hideki Tsukada, 59, of Kawasaki city.
He bought a condominium two years ago and renovated it. Tiles are used all over his home, including on shelves in the living room and the walls in the foyer. His wife Kumiko, 58, selected the tiles.
"I've liked tiles for years," she said. "When my family and I went to Barcelona for vacation, I was inspired by the beautiful mosaic architecture."
She said she chose the colors and patterns after looking at five different samples for each area she wanted to use tiles in.
"Tiles are a tasteful and warm material to use when designing," Tsukada said.
The couple also created lampshades and tissue boxes using extra tiles left over from the renovation.
According to Lohas Studio, the company that renovated Tsukada's home, there has been an increase in the number of clients interested in incorporating tiles in their home in rooms other than the usual kitchen and bathroom.
"There seems to be growing interest in using tiles in new and creative ways on social media," said Yuki Sato, a public relations official at the company.
Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co., a tile distribution company in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, has seen domestically made tiles with retro designs and overseas products using the latest printing technology are especially popular.
"Tiles have a wide variety of designs while being durable and easy to maintain. We hope people will enjoy utilizing them in other areas [of their house]," said Aki Murakami, a company official.
Murakami recommends people check the tiles personally. "Texture is important in addition to color and shape when designing. I want people to choose their tiles based on feel as well," Murakami said.
Domestic demand for tiles has been on the decline. According to the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry's Current Production Statistics, tile output in 2018 stood at only 40% of that 15 years ago.
To stop this trend, X'S Corp., a tile manufacturer in Tajimi, launched a new brand called Tajimi Custom Tiles last year. The company said it produces high-quality tiles and gives customers a lot of freedom to customize their tile with short turnaround, in cooperation with manufacturers in the city.
In February, X'S displayed distinctive works made with tiles, such as a spherical object, at an event in Tokyo in collaboration with world-renowned South Korean and British designers.
"We want to create and market high-quality products to the world," said Masashi Kasai, president of X'S.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
