Meanderings of Our Authentic Life

Understanding the difference between antique and antiqued French oak floors and French limestone floors can be challenging.  This is a blog to help clarify the differing antique materials and the artistry behind achieving reclaimed looking French oak and limestone flooring.

In the world of interior design, few materials embody timeless elegance like French reclaimed terracotta tile. These tiles, with their vintage charm and rustic appeal, have been a preferred choice for centuries. François, growing up in Provence, lived amongst these floors, and we've been salvaging the highest quality reclaimed French terra cotta tiles for 25 years now.

The world renowned Anduze French pottery from Provence was created in the 17th century, when a Provençal Anduze potter was inspired by the Italian Medici vase. Upon returning from Florence, this potter recreated those Medici vases in a singular style: distinctive bulbous shape, colorful glazed finishes and decorations of heraldic shields, garlands of flowers, and horizontal stripes - hence, the remarkable Anduze French vase we see today for home decor and gardens - or aptly known as La Poterie d'Anduze.

Antique Belgian Bluestone is a formidable stone of choice for architects and designers building out their finest projects.  As a durable and historic floor, the satin patina of either the dark black blues or soft matte grey surfaces create the most magnificent ambiance to a room.

Why is there a showroom in Western Massachusetts that is a jewel for French, Italian, Belgian and English reclaimed and antiqued wood, stone and tile materials?  Read our latest blog about a 19-year old's dream in 1989 to find open space, freedom and the shear will to succeed in America.  François Micallef, founder of Pavé Tile, Wood & Stone, Inc. has one of those unique journeys of achieving the American dream, while still keeping France close to home.

The Great House and Country House Antiqued French Oak Flooring Collections are master-crafted pre-finished French oak floors where the patina and colors live within the surface of each plank.  Upon completion of an installation, these antiqued French oak floors will seem to reside within the 18th century - elevating a variety of interiors - from historic brownstones and carriage houses to French farmhouses and elegant country manors.

The Olde Oak Antiqued French Oak Flooring Collection are for those who cherish historic elegance, superb wood craftsmanship and incredible authenticity.  Our latest French oak wood flooring collection at Historic Decorative Materials not only resembles, but perhaps surpasses reclaimed French oak floors.

Zellige Tile is a remarkable hand made terra cotta tile.  Our authentic Zellige Tile follows centuries old techniques passed down from generation to generation using the famous Moroccan Miocene gray clay. Importing directly from Fes, Morocco, Zellige tile requires relationships made of trust and time. François understands these nuances and has established the bond necessary to bring to stock at Historic Decorative Materials our own collection of hand cut authentic Moroccan Zellige Tile. 

We all agree we aspire to a home that is a sanctuary of peace and beauty. Often times we feel zen in a minimalist space.  This design philosophy uses light and space with minimal details and a limited color palette.  However, these interiors may leave one also feeling cold.  Combining minimalism with classical interiors is what I personally love.  I feel best in an uncluttered space that is airy and light, yet I yearn for also simple beauty, texture, color and history.  Following this eclectic pairing will help one design a space that is not overly designed - but more thoughtfully designed.

This is a LOOK BOOK blog that is a summary of my Historic Decorative Wall Tile Collections that I hand painted for our company. Patterned Decorative wall tiles have been found on kitchen back splashes, bathroom walls and fireplace surrounds for centuries. Focusing on the historic decorative art tiles from 14th century England, 15th Century France, 16th Century Florence, 17th Century Delft and 19th Century France, bring to light incredible patterned wall tiles that should not be lost to trends and mass production. These are not your cookie cutter tiles - but for those who relish in authenticity, history, elegance, subtlety and the desire to create an interior that defines one's own personal taste.  Please rekindle that spark for the historic decorative arts and fall in love with time periods that hold fast to our hearts still - maybe without you even being aware of it.

14th Century Venice is the Voice to this Collection.  Leaving the Middle Ages behind, Venetians have entered a profound rebirth of art and culture.  Where contrasts collide between what life once was to the dawn of where life is arching.  Contrasts that awaken the senses are palpable - beauty takes center stage -  between Earth and Sea...along the Venetian Canals. 

Brushstrokes from Japan is an ethereal and reflective tile collection.  The color palette was borrowed from Japan's Mother Nature - where it's hues bring reverie.  This tile collection is meant to perform in contrast to noble materials of the Earth - stone, wood, terra cotta.  The opaque nature, aged textures and neutral color palettes of reclaimed materials are the only choice to elevate this tile collection into a transcendence of soul restorative beauty.