The use of mosaics for walls and floors in fact dates back to the Roman era. Glass mosaics were also known to have been popular during the Renaissance. Though it has had a presence in Asia during the last few decades, much of today’s mosaic art is said to be inspired by ancient Italian techniques.
The depth of color, combined with the reflective nature of glass, results in a unique and dramatic effect making the medium an interesting material for both the home and the modern commercial building.
Jonathan Kaye of ShellShock Designs said, “Glass mosaics are suitable for both internal and external applications, as they are impervious to frost, sunlight and water. Further, they are harder than granite, easy to clean, maintain and almost never discolor. Designers claim that they will continue to keep their dazzling appearance for years to come. Tiny fragments of glass that come together magically can weave a kaleidoscope of colors on the walls, floors and, nowadays, even furniture. Potentially the medium has the power to take your breath away with consummate ease. Unexpected and moving, the depth and design that glass mosaic can provide makes it an easy solution to revitalize any space in the home or office.”
He also added, “Tiles are perfect in size, with beveled edges, and keyed at the back surface for proper adhesion. Like all glass mosaics, they are supplied in sheets, usually of size 300 by 300 mm, mounted on fiberglass mesh. Individual mosaic pieces are available in sizes ranging from 10 by 10 mm to 50 by 50 mm. However, the firm also stocks mother-of-pearl mosaic tiles, marble mosaic medallions, luminescent stone slabs and encapsulated resin slabs. Inspired by the interplay of skins and pixels, designers, architects and homeowners alike are choosing glass mosaic for striking interior and exterior design applications.”
He continued, “Architects across the world have tried the most unusual designs with glass mosaic drawing inspiration from nature, art, poetry, culture and life. Iridescent, metallic, swirled, vitreous, stone and crystal, glass mosaic comes in many different finishes. That’s not all, you can have combined these finishes with a variety of textures virgin, smelted, with semi precious inlays, gold plated and frosted. Each of these types is obtained by heat treatment at varied degrees of extremely high temperatures to attain its myriad appearances.”
“When it comes to application, the options are endless. Some of the most popular applications are kitchen backsplashes, bathroom shower walls, tub surrounds, fireplaces, swimming pools, and spas. Whether you want to take on the traditional ambience of the Mediterranean bathhouse or use large floral motifs for that Oriental look, anything can be achieved with the perfect equilibrium of materials. Whether the design is shiny, muted, bright or subdued, there is a mosaic collection that meets most objectives. So think up a design first. If you believe in simplicity for the bathroom for instance, opt for a geometric design contrasting white and black or even better, use pixels of white and grey to make the environment calmer. Mix and merge translucent and iridescent mosaic to add a classy feel.”
