GLASS – A Clear Distinction

Remember that first time you took a cruise on a glass bottom boat? I do and it was amazing. Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated by decorative glass. Glass stairs, glass flooring, tiles, stained glass windows, you name it, I’m there.

Lucky for me then, decorative glass as an interior design feature, has recently become a seemingly overnight success. Glass itself is certainly not a new material by any means. However, it is the 'new techniques and fabrication' of glass that have found its way into mainstream use and application. Glass easily takes color well and can be transformed into any texture or shape limited only by your imagination. 

Duvet – New York. Texture: Granula | Color: Crystal | Edge: Polished | Thickness: 36mm (1.5")

You will see it used now everywhere and in every way. Not only does it evoke a sense of mystery, like walking on water, it is a sustainable product; 100% recyclable. 

 

The qualities you should look for from a glass fabricator are:

·   A pure, rich and thick glass edge that surpasses the look of a traditional laminated edge which have plastic lines that takes away the matter's purity.

·   An anti-skid surface with a vast array of beautiful organic textures.

·   Glass thickness possibilities ranging from 36mm (1,5”) to 144mm (6”) with an exceptional edge.

·   A nearly invisible laminate film to secure the glass.

·   The options and possibilities to imbed artistic color into your flooring or treads.

In bathrooms and kitchens, you find glass used in mosaic tile patterns for back splashes and shower walls. Mix glass tiles with limestone, marble or granite to create a harmonious balance of transparent and opaque visual design elements.

This New York City bathroom, designed by Carol Kurth Interiors, shouts sophistication with Artistic Tile's Musee, Ambra and Opera Glass collections.

This New York City bathroom, designed by Carol Kurth Interiors, shouts sophistication with Artistic Tile's Musee, Ambra and Opera Glass collections. 

It may surprise you, however,  to find glass used in these new, different, and unusual applications. For example, here it is used as a floor accent to reflect and bring light to the first floor living area below. These artistic floor panels allow the light from the upstairs window to cascade down in a thousand hues of colors. 

Bridge of Light.    Texture: Natura | Color: Artistic | Edge: Polished | Thickness: 36mm (1.5")

Or try using as stair treads envisioning a waterfall effect such as here. Staircases can become the focal point of a home.

Sapphire - Residential Development – Fort Lauderdale

Finally, one of my most recent favorite applications is glass used as the balustrade. 

Majestic Ramp

No longer when you think glass, will you envision the usual 1/2” thick glass topped coffee table, typical glass shelving or that clear glass shower door enclosure.  

A simple touch of glass, well designed and placed can make all the difference.  

 Glass can be and is so much more. 

Palais des Congrès, Montréal

Two of the largest glass murals in the world can be found at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal (Montreal’s Congress Center). Outside, 3000 pieces of glass create an impressive mosaic covering more than 1300 square feet, while the mural inside is made of 70 panels with pixelated images of people and covers over 500 feet in length.

Photo credits and information courtesy of THINK GLASS offering a wide range of unique glass floors, tiles and treads. Thumbs up!