World renowned Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler is known for her striking geometric designs, which are frequently seen on upholstery, wallpaper, and yes, tile! Designers continue to be drawn to Ann Sacks’ vast selection of Kelly Wearstler tile, stone, and mosaics, which shine in kitchens, powder rooms, hallways, and more. We spoke with five designers on what inspired them to specify Kelly Wearstler tile on their projects.
Designer Alida Coury of Alida Coury Interiors has been enamored by Wearstler’s designs since the beginning of her career. “My neighbor introduced me to her book, Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style, when I was in my late 20s living in LA,” she shares. “Her fresh approach to design inspires me, and she is great at nodding to the history of the spaces she designs.” In the case of this project, Coury was able to weave a piece of Wearstler’s signature deco style into a Beaux Arts building. “The end result felt timeless to me,” she says.
Here, Coury utilized a custom cut of the Liaison Hillcrest stone in a dining nook and foyer. “I loved the marble pattern, neutral colors, and its rich veining,” Coury says of the stone. She appreciates how the stone helped shape her layout vision for the space. “This collection offered the perfect way for me to intentionally ignore the shapes of the rooms,” Coury comments. “I wanted to use the design to lead the guest from the foyer into the kitchen with the pattern instead of using traditional borders.”
Designer Mahya Saelhi of Mahya Saelhi Studio also drew from the Liaison collection in one of her projects, incorporating the Mulholland Large tile into a powder bathroom. “We applied the tile on the floor and backsplash wall to create continuity,” the designer explains. “We chose a round, antique mirror to soften the strong lines of the tile while enhancing the overall moodiness of the space.” To finish the space, Saelhi installed pendant lighting and a plaster countertop. She shares, “The juxtaposition of the sphere pendants and imperfect black plaster against the complex geometry of the Liaison tile creates balance while highlighting the sexy, playful quality that this tile brings.”
Natalie Myers of Veneer Designs drew from Wearstler’s Tableau collection for the MADE by Ann Sacks line in two of her projects. “I gravitate toward the Kelly Wearstler tile because it oozes glamour and sexiness, yet boasts an earthy imperfect texture especially when paired with the right Ann Sacks glaze,” she explains.
When designing a home bar, Myers opted for the Crescent Deco tile in New Mercury. “The pattern picked up midcentury notes we had in other parts of the remodeled house,” she explains. “With the walnut cabinetry, it feels celebratory—it’s the perfect spot to pour a drink and say cheers to the moment.”
In a spacious bathroom, Myers designed a backsplash using the Tableau Horizon tile in Black Pearl. “The art deco pattern with the mercury glaze was a nice contrast to the white marble, floors” she comments. “I loved how even though we used dark tile, the bathroom didn't feel too moody or masculine because of the feminine aura the tile brings into the space.”
Christine Turknett Ho also utilized Kelly Wearstler tile in two different projects, focusing on the ceramic Maven collection. As part of a kitchen renovation for a young family, she used Dune, which had been her clients’ favorite from the get go. “When we visited the Ann Sacks showroom, the clients put this Kelly Wearstler tile on their wishlist, and the homeowner ended up moving forward with it because he said he actually dreamt about it during the design process,” Ho says. “It was quite literally the tile of his dreams.”
In a bathroom project—this space was designed for Atomic Ranch Magazine— Ho went with the Esker tile. “We selected this photogenic counter to ceiling tile to make this vanity a showstopper,” she notes. “Customizing the tile pattern with white and gray allowed for it to be graphic but not overpower the calming color of the jade penny floor tile, also from Ann Sacks.”
Designer Laura Brophy of Laura Brophy Interiors used the Gem Elope tile in Azure when designing a powder bath right by the ocean in Huntington Beach, CA. She selected the tile to pay homage to the nearby landscape. “We knew we wanted to select a backsplash that was reminiscent of the color of the ocean and evoked a sense of motion,” Brophy comments. “We love the versatility of this hard surface and are absolutely obsessed with how well it pairs with natural oak and brass finishes.”
October 14, 2022
