PORTLAND, Ore. (September 7, 2023) – ANN SACKS is pleased to announce the unveiling of Novah by Studio McGee, one of three new ANN SACKS collection introductions by Shea McGee, an intricately executed porcelain that takes its cues from the organic beauty of limestone. Novah is offered in three different colors – Glacier, Salt, and Sand – and four field sizes, designed by McGee to create masterful installations that capture the well- worn beauty of tumbled limestone yet with the easy maintenance of porcelain. Two additional tile collections by Studio McGee are planned for 2024.
Limestone has been one of McGee’s favorite mediums to incorporate within her projects, being drawn to its tactile, engaging surface and quiet sophistication. “I use limestone in many of our projects for its ability to be a neutral foundation for a room that is both refined and rustic,” said McGee. “I have searched high and low to no avail for an alternative that provides the look without the maintenance and higher price point. When creating this collection with ANN SACKS I knew I wanted to create a porcelain limestone that hit all the right notes I’ve been looking for and couldn’t find – subtle variation between tiles for a natural look, authentic texture across the top and edges, and color options that pair well with everything.”
Novah is made in Italy, the tiles accurately portraying the gentle, undulating surface, slight inclusions and fossils, and soft color variances of fine limestone. Designed so that no two are exactly alike, each is expertly cut with squared corners, the edges slightly distressed as if worn with the passage of time, adding to its vintage charm. The pressed porcelain employs a proprietary HD digital process to achieve the dimensional, through-body coloring and the shifting, layered shading, and gentle nuances of natural limestone.
“The Studio McGee aesthetic is rooted in neutrals with subdued accent colors adorning each space,” continued McGee. “This perspective was exactly how I approached the designs for Novah and other tile collections. “From creamy white walls to dusty shades you could find in nature, I am always looking to add organic warmth to my projects.”
Novah is in-stock and sold by the box, perfect for large-scale residential and commercial installations, where budget and deadlines can be a factor. The designs are available in 2” x 9”, 4.5” x 4.5”, 4.5” x 9”, and 9” x 9” field tiles, with all but the 2” x 9” format able to be mixed and matched for customized lay-ups. Novah is an exceptional choice for all indoor walls and flooring, including showers, and due to its composition, can withstand high heat areas such as behind the range and fireplace surrounds. The tiles can also be used in outdoor applications depending upon climate and method of installation.
“I see myself using Novah for applications both large and small – and even outdoors,” concluded McGee. “I also plan to pair colorways together to create a diamond, checker, or a bordered look. Although I will most often use this tile on floors, it would work beautifully on walls as well. The beauty of this collection is that it is very transitional between styles.”