Designers’ approach
Ever wonder how the pros navigate the vast tile landscape on behalf of
their clients? We asked four well-known architects and interior designers
how they approach tile design when working on a project.
LAUREN OSTROW,
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Lauren Ostrow Interior Design, Inc.
New York, New York
“I always attempt to be original and
unexpected. There are so many
options in the world of tile that it’s
important to practice restraint. The
tendency might be to overdo it and not
keep the tile in mind as one element
in an overall scheme. When it comes
to tile, I don’t worry too much about
geography. It’s more about the type of
home a client has, and choosing the
right surface that complements the
architecture. You don’t want anything
on the interior to fight with the mood
of the exterior.” JAMES PARAGANO, ARCHITECT
James Paragano Architects
Madison, New Jersey
“I favor historical looks, so I use a
lot of subway-type tiles or period
styles in the home, so that it fits the
architecture. All the elements in the
house, such as lighting, fixtures,
doors and tile, should complement
each other. A grand space like a foyer,
for example, may have larger proportions
or a larger pattern of tile or
stone. If you’re trying to be more
rustic, tile may have a more random
pattern. If you’re creating a formal
look, it may have a honed, very specific
geometry, to emphasize the
architecture. Tile can set the whole tone for the space, whether it be a
grand pattern for a grand space or an
intricate pattern for an intricate space.”
SCOTT SALVATORE,
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Scott Salvatore, Inc.
New York, New York
“I always consider where a client is
geographically, and then I look at the
architecture and the overall design of
the space. For example, if you’re in a
Park Avenue apartment, I don’t want
the bathroom to look like you’re living
in South Beach or Bridgehampton. I
don’t think you have to use traditional
tile in a traditional venue, but tile
that’s more sophisticated and detailed
fits better in an urban environment,
while simpler tiles can be best used in
a rural setting. There are no rules, but
I’ll know if it isn’t right.”
LYNNE PRAGER,
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Lynne Prager Interiors
Deal, New Jersey
“I’m there to take my client’s style
and bring it up to highest level of
design and good taste. My job is part
psychologist, part caterer and part
designer. The colors I pick are
based on the personal preferences
of the client, but I like color as well
as neutrals.”
“I like bathrooms to be functional
but pretty. I use marble, or the new
porcelain tiles that look like marble,
but are very practical. I often add
designs to the floor and the walls,
especially around the mirrors and tub.
When it comes to bathrooms, I like
them to look chic. I don’t like fussy,
overdone styles.”
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