by admin on April 5, 2010
Grout color plays an important role in the overall look of a tile project
Take a look at this beautiful recycled glass tile kitchen backsplash, courtesy Susan F.
I worked closely with the homeowners whose objective was to choose a glass tile color that balanced their granite (tropical brown) counters and cherry cabinets. They were interested in recycled bottle glass tiles with irregular edges. They chose a mushroom brown, with subtle pink/olive/beige tones that went perfectly with the granite color and also had a hint of iridescence. Because this tile is slightly translucent, I recommended a white thin-set adhesive, which required trowelling followed by smoothing over with a flat edge to create a uniform surface. Choosing the proper grout color was paramount to ensure the desired aesthetic outcome. After considering several options by major grout suppliers, we chose MOCHA by Maipei. This color blended nicely with the tile color, creating a cohesive look.
There are several basic principals to keep in mind when it comes to choosing grout color for glass tile/mosaic. Grout can either draw a design scheme together, by giving it greater unity and completeness; or give it a busier, lively, more disjointed effect. A good rule of thumb is to grout a mosaic in the predominant tone of the piece. BTW, I rarely recommend white grout. Most often it fractures the design and draws the eyes to the grout LINES instead of the beautiful tile.
by admin on March 26, 2010
May 5th, 2010 ASID Resource Day at the San Francisco Design Center
You’re invited to see the latest and best in interior and product design from dozens of high quality manufacturers and artisans, including Amber Pearl’s newest glass tile creations!
by admin on March 24, 2010
This San Francisco kitchen has a new look! Creating drama and interest, the custom glass mosaic back splash features 1 X 3-inch glossy and matte glass plus stainless steel inserts. The brown and golden hues compliment the cherry cabinets, concrete counters, stainless steel appliances, and “durango dust” wall color. Working with Amber Pearl on the custom mosaic, designer Michele Dugan achieved a unique tile solution that makes the space shine and her client beam.
Picture, courtesy Chuck Hornbrook, owner.
by admin on March 23, 2010
Last weekend, I had the good fortune to attend a yoga and fitness retreat in Sonoma County. The setting was spectacular and the weather was perfect. I cannot say enough about the Westerbeke Ranch! Specializing in meetings, retreats and conferences, their facilities are wonderful — a perfect blend of function and charm. From beautiful gardens, a pool and hot tub, lovely rooms, culinary delights, to hiking trails and my personal favorite, the outdoor labyrinth. We had the opportunity to do a walking mediation in the labyrinth, very powerful! A labyrinth is different than a maze, in that it has a unambiguous route to the center and is not designed to be difficult to navigate. Labyrinths are used both indoors and outdoors, and can provide a place for mediative walks and silent reflection. They have been used over the ages in decorative designs on walls and floors in tile or mosaic.
A great local example of labyrinth pattern can be found in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral.
by admin on March 16, 2010
Well, I did the unthinkable today and bought a “boyfriend” jacket with SHOULDER PADS! First, I vowed that I would not give up my boot cut and flare jeans for the straighter legs, and I would certainly NOT wear leggings. Been there, done that in the 80′s. Well, I broke down and over the last year + I have since renovated my denim collection with a multitude of straight leg jeans, not to mention the black, grey and denim leggings in my wardrobe. Maybe it was the fact that I saw Jennifer Aniston on the Regis & Kelly show yesterday and she was wearing a darling short dress with shoulder pads…in any case, I sought out a sale Calvin Klein jacket today that I saw advertised, and when I tried it on, I noticed it had shoulder pads. You know what? It looked great! I was talking to a designer friend of mine, Michele Dugan (Red Studio), and she said the resurgence of the shoulder pads and emphasis on architectural proportions in fashion is akin to the emphasis on clean lines and architectural structure in design.
by admin on March 11, 2010
Introducing Chez Charlotte, hand printed textiles by Charlotte Florish
Ok, so maybe I spent just a little too much time at Disneyland last weekend. That ride is a classic after all…But seriously, I am excited to introduce my newest offering, Chez Charlotte, a custom, hand printed local textile line; and best of all, the designer, Charlotte happens to live a stones throw away – we are San Rafael hillside neighbor, now THAT’s a small world!
Her designs are offered on silk, silk organza, linen, linen sheers, Italian cotton, Trevira, Suede, and a new eco-fiber, Hemp. All of the fabrics are hand printed locally featuring low impact production using water soluble inks. Her line will be a great addition to my portfolio of design materials. Take a peak:
by admin on September 29, 2008
Welcome to Amber Pearl’s blog, featuring design news, materials updates and interesting tidbits from the vast world of design and fashion.
Today I am sporting a new messenger type shoulder bag, definitely on the more casual side, made out of a wrinkled leather. It reminds me of BIG SKY, a super cool leather from Tiger Imports that has a permanent wrinkled effect. This full aniline calf skin is hand knotted and put through a special drying process whereby the article puckers. The end result is amazingly supple gide with a one of a kind texture. Big sky is unlike any product in the marketplace. Best of all, you can use it for a great variety of interior design applications! Plus, the lighter colors have a wonderful mottled dye effect. Very hip, cool, and urban. For more info, visit: Tiger Imports
wrinkled leather shoulder bag
