Innovative Kitchen Backsplash Ideas (Guest post by Kelsey Reaves)

Dear Mosaicology readers,

Today I am delighted to feature another guest blogger. Her name is Kelsey Reaves and she works at Modernize based in Austin, Texas. Her post travels you through the woods and natural settings of far away places where sitting around the fireplace, inspired by the mesmerizing beauty and scented wood is typical routine! How about that? Be sure to check out their site for lots of ideas for your home.

Would you like to write for Mosaicology? Email me your ideas at mgdp05 (at) gmail (dot) com. 

Innovative Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

If you want to add personality to your kitchen, a backsplash can do wonders. From spicing up a plain rental apartment to changing up decade-old decor in your house, it’s one of the most effective and exciting ways to give this central room in your house a makeover.

Here are a few gorgeous kitchen backsplashes to inspire you to have fun with your kitchen update. Make sure to head over to Modernize for more interior design and decor ideas.

Earthy, Rustic and Classic

via exotiles.blogspot.com

One of the most time-tested decorative solutions when it comes to kitchen backsplashes is mosaic art, and this nature themed panel made of soft hues make you feel like you’re in a chic and comfy cabin in the woods. The theme, reminiscent of ancient Roman mosaic floors, will definitely draw the eyes and create an unmistakably elegant and classic atmosphere.


Tile Alternatives
 

via Modernize

Who said you needed tiles to make a mosaic backsplash? You can use anything from rocks to slats of wood to wine corks. This cork backsplash is bold, yet coherent with the style of this kitchen/bar area—and thematically appropriate! It’s fun and classy at the same time. 

Pops of Color

via remodelista.com

A colorful backsplash is exactly what any sleek kitchen needs. This pattern of blue by Granada Tile in Los Angeles parallels the calm and clean vibe of this kitchen. Don't be afraid of bright bursts of color especially for a repeated pattern like this one.
 

Divine Subtlety

via New Ravenna Mosaics

The marble effect of this backsplash gives it a look reminiscent of oriental carpets, while the pattern’s central intricate motif in gray give an open, airy and majestic feel to the room. Using only two soft colours can produce a minimal and soothing design.
 

A Backsplash that Knows No Bounds

via Modernize

Who said backsplashes only go behind the kitchen sink? If you love the pattern and colors you’ve chosen, why not let the backsplash become a reigning feature of the room? This exciting red backsplash looks even better around the windows than it does on the wall.
 

Deliberate Patterns

via Modernize

Part of the beauty of mosaic backsplashes is their unpredictability, when there’s no set color or design that comes next. But sometimes purposeful patterns can be just as exciting, especially when you allow them to be the main feature of your decor. 

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Thank you, Kelsey!

Please don't stop the music!

When was in my early 20s, I couldn't live a single day without music. I'd put my headphones on and would listen to my favourite tracks. Mostly Depeche Mode. But also Madonna. Occasionally Classical music. There was a time I would listen to Spanish music. It could be while traveling, going to work, doing the housework etc.

A funny thing has been occurring in recent years:

I no longer listen to music on a daily basis the way I did before.

However, I do listen to music but "under special circumstances"; for instance when I need to cheer up or stop thinking or when I'm overwhelmed with emotions (of calm combined with a creative spur or - yes - anger). That's when I turn to music. Not always. But when I do, it works.

Music gives us back some of our lost energy. It creates NEW energy. Music can inspire works of art. For instance, I'd love to create a mosaic inspired by the Dance of the knights (Romeo and Juliet) by Prokofiev, one of my favourite classical pieces. The mosaic I'm thinking of isn't about Romeo and Juliet but it comes from the EMOTIONS when listening to the piece.

Music is a muse who we all need to call as often as we can. She is full of surprises! 

This is what Laur Ivanel, architect/mosaicist did. His work is inspired by music AND it's about music! His calling was to create a series of mosaics for an Irish pub in Constanta, Romania, with a music muse as a central theme. The muse spins the music wheel and every part of the work has a story. What's more, during the process, he discovered and fell in love with the song Dancing with the Muse by Chris Spheeeris which helped him to complete the work!

I can almost hear the music in Laur's work, don't you?

It has that NEW energy I was telling you about. I asked him to tell me a few things about his work.

In his own words:

"I like to transform

from what's not so good

into something with life, soul, second chance

where there is a little bit of disharmony to put a touch of care.

It is about care

in fact

I need this

and I prefer to do work with spaces;

spaces have a life and a soul"

Laur Ivanel, architect and mosaicist based in Romania

• Do you seek silence or do you want your life to be filled with music?
• Do you also listen to music on fewer but important occasions as time goes by the way I do?
• Does your art work tell a story and how is music involved in the process?

Connect with Laur Ivanel on Facebook

#3 hot (mosaic) stuff

Today's hot mosaic is from Kivotos Hotel in Mykonos, Greece.

That's EXACTLY where I wish I could be now.

Everypiece counts in large amounts. ARTAIC's mosaic patterns

Even though I truly admire mosaic artists that work on very small scale mosaics, there's something about large scale mosaics covering entire walls and spaces that fascinates me. It's like with huge jewelry. They make a statement.

Whereas small mosaics or micro-mosaics embellish a space and give a special aura of dicontinuity among other decorative items, the role of giant mosaics is to make a statement. To define a space. Mosaic is what calls the shots. Every other element should follow the rules set by this mosaic work.

 

I'm particularly impressed with the "links" mosaic here. Perfect for high-tech spaces or anywhere. Strict, formal and chic. Absolutely chic.

images from Artaic.com

Emerald Green Pantone 2013: Let's get inspired the mosaic way

Emerald green mosaic mural

via

Mosaic dress of unquestionable excellence by Julia Richie

via

 
Beautiful translucent tiles from ETSY

via

Glazed tiles from the pillars at the temple of the emerald Buddha in Thailand

via

Emerald green stock digital mosaic background photo

via

Emerald and gold glass tile perfect as a pendant

via

Curtain pole

via

Green looks great in this master suite

via

I have always loved green and now I love it even more! What about you?

SEXY SILVER TRENDS: Milan Fashion Week 2013 + SILVERWARE permanent collection from 2007 by Bisazza

Today I have a surprise MOSAIC MIX to show you!

SILVERWARE is a permanent collection at Bisazza headquarters in Italy that one day I hope to go visit. Need to check where they are. Who knows? Bisazza might be close to where I live!

Anyway, the collection comprises eight giant-sized pieces of domestic objects such as teapots and candlesticks, covered in mosaics by Bisazza. 

I love the table! And the SILVER SPOON is incredible. And surpisingly enough, this post today is timely for a very particular reason and a WONDERFUL FRIEND who reads this will be just so MIND-BOGGLED.

It's more than obvious that Bisazza is a pioneer and a trendsetter. SILVERWARE is from 2007 and today, 2012, metallic look is a trend.

Here's the "body of proof" from Milan's runway.

Enjoy two sequined bags, "mosaicologistic" enough for me, from ETRO and FENDI. Clothes and dress to wear when I go to see SILVERWARE. They won't even notice me..!!! LOL

image credits:
Archiproducts
Bag Snob

Disclaimer: I don't receive money from my posts when presenting products and work of companies and artists. All I write here is based on my personal opinion and taste. If you love mosaic art and want me to help you get some writing done for your blog or site (blog posts, ads, white papers, newsletters etc), click here to find out more.

Precious Pink - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Walker Zanger

image credit Walker Zanger
Vintage WZ Perlino Rosato Marble, Lunada Bay Mini Mosaic Burleywood, Vintage WZ Rose Tea Marble e Zlatan Klimenta

This is a collage created by Walker Zanger, a stone and tile company I have recently discovered. This beautiful collage was posted on Twitter yesterday for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I simply wanted to share it here with you.

Disclaimer: I don't receive money from posts that feature products and work of companies and artists. All I write here is based on my personal opinion and taste. If you like my style and are interested to get some writing done for your site or marketing material (invitations, white papers, newsletters), click here to find out more.

Everything's coming up flowers in Bisazza's 2013 mosaic collection and Milan's Runways

image credit Bisazza
posted on Twitter by @Bisazzaofficial 28/09/2012 at 12.30

Who hasn't heard of Bisazza one of Italy's top luxury design and mosaic brands? Their vitreous mosaic tiles are famous worldwide and the brand basically needs no introduction. It's a name you will definitely encounter if you are into mosaic. Artists and customers alike.

This groovy floral 70s style pattern, from Bisazza's 2013 mosaic collection, would be normally expected to be seen in a painting, a dress, a cushion. Yet, a mosaic interpretation of this motif - is one of the many ways of saying to the world that mosaic has true potential that knows no limits. When turning motifs - usually used in other artforms - into mosaic, there's always a slight risk that you will not get that seamless result. For an established brand like Bisazza there's no such risk. This motif, in the hands of their design and mosaic artists, is transformed into an outstanding decorative panel.

The brown-blue colour combination is also worth looking at. Brown, the colour of the earth. Blue, the colour of the sky. These colours together bring a sense wholeness and tranquility. A rather "reserved" combination, a work of art like this goes everywhere and would be ideal into a corporate environment.

Apparently flowers is one of this year's trends !

Simone Rocha S/S 2013 Runway

"See" the flowers on Milan's runway?

Prada Spring 2013

More flower power

Christina Ricci wearing Valentino Resort 2013

Kerry Washington wearing J.Mendel Resort 2013

Alexander McQueen Resort 2013

See more of the 2013 mosaic collection on Bisazza's Facebook. The following image will definitely convince you to go take a look!

image credit Bisazza

Disclaimer: I don't receive money from my posts when presenting products and work of companies and artists. All I write here is based on my personal opinion and taste. If you like my style and are interested to get some writing done for your site or marketing material (invitations, white papers, newsletters), click here to find out more.