Floors with Finesse

   Today’s finer homes are lined with floors of stone. Travertine, Saturnia and tumbled-stone floors are an exquisite foundation for the dramatic design presentations found in custom estates and Mediterranean villas. What better than the earth’s natural surface to show off antique Oriental carpets, crystal chandeliers, wrought iron hardware, and sophisticated fabrics?
   The hottest trend in flooring today is natural stone fresh from the earth. The material’s timeworn veins and patterns allow us to reach back to days gone by and experience a classic era. Artistry underfoot, the canvas created with a stone floor is invaluable.
   Marble and limestone lend an aged appearance that complements the Mediterranean and Old World architecture so prevalent in Florida. Stone is a cool surface in a warm environment and forms the perfect natural transition from interior rooms to outdoor settings that are used year-round for al fresco dining and entertaining.
   There was a time when marble and stone were reserved for the affluent. In the past 20 years, technological advances and the opening of new quarries throughout the world have created a market within reach of a wider audience. Homeowners, builders and interior designers receive a welcome reception at Global Marble & Tile, where a huge choice of materials will coordinate with any room.
   While the most fashion-forward residences incorporate a variety of flooring, selecting stone from a reputable dealer that’s been in business for almost three decades makes good sense. Global Market & Tile owns a quarry in Turkey and also imports directly from countries such as Italy, Spain, Brazil and China.
   Global Marble & Tile’s showroom is spacious and designed with racks of tile and a variety of displays. The tile racks are arranged in such a manner as to provide customers the ability to visualize with ease what the tile will look like in their home. While inventory is stocked on site in a large warehouse, the showroom’s clutterfree atmosphere fosters stress-free contemplation.
   “Our showroom is not cram packed with carpet, wood or ceramic,” says Kim Mestel, design consultant. “We’re bringing beautiful stone from the far corners of the world, and our clients want to see it and touch it. Having too much of a product mix would spoil the presentation, and customers appreciate clarity.”
   Substantial 20-by-20-inch tiles make a small setting appear large, and large sizes have been popular recently. Tiny mosaics are just as important, as backsplash accents and even in place of grout lines. Mosaic tile complements both traditional and contemporary designs. Floor medallions are often selected for entryways and areas where a subtle transition between rooms is desirable. Global Marble & Tile offers a wide variety of glass tile in a spectrum of brilliant colors. Popular in many applications, glass is wonderful as a striking shower wall, kitchen backsplash or shimmering pool accent.
   Floors take more abuse than any other surface in the home. For a floor that takes a beating and still looks marvelous, try porcelain. Porcelain is much harder than ceramic. Unlike ceramic, which has a layer of surface color, porcelain’s hue is tile deep.
   While nothing makes a statement like stone, many of the porcelain tiles on the market are designed to emulate it.
   Global Marble & Tile installs tile and stone and will visit your home for measurements. “Our goal is always to work with clients,” says Mestel. “Many people will not need the help with installation, but if they need help with measurements or color selection that is what we’re here for.”
   When you visit Global Marble & Tile you will receive world-class customer service from experienced floor-covering professionals, and you will know why they are Global.

GLOBAL MARBLE & TILE
4050 Middle Avenue, Sarasota, FL
941 351-0688
www.gmat-usa.com

Written by Sam Moser