Meanderings of Our Authentic Life

When deciding on a wood floor - nothing could be more important.  At Historic Decorative Materials, we are proud of our Kings of France 18th Century French Oak Flooring Collection for so many reasons.  These wide plank aged French oak floors, in solid or engineered planks, have the craftsmanship and aging techniques that surpass the competition.  For historic authenticity or for sheer beauty due to their patina, translucency, grain and variety of color options - these wood floors will be cherished in one's home.

There is a resurgence of using terra cotta tiles in interiors of late - and now those who want terra cotta tiles but brown waxed terra cotta tiles and reclaimed terra cotta tiles weigh on your design decisions...you now have a third choice.  Read in my latest blog how François' quest to find the perfect reclaimed reproduction hand made terra cotta tile took him nearly 18 years - but was it worth the wait!

It turns out Delft is not just for tile.  Read my latest blog on how designer Nicolette Mayer brought to market through Scalamandré's metallic grass cloth, pearlescent wallpaper and fine Belgian linen, 365-year-old patterns from the Royal Delft Company.

Designing a home today with so much choice on the market is daunting.  In this blog, I focus on select materials that create a theme throughout the home that will help in the design process.  In love with the French and Belgian farmhouse aesthetic, hats off to Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen...their home is beautiful and was ahead of design trends back in 2013.

In this blog, I detail the why behind the beauty of French limestone. As an indigenous limestone under the bedrock that is France, artisans, masons, kings and queens throughout the centuries have sculpted this extraordinary limestone into châteaux and stone flooring for all the world to enjoy.

A Look Book is a wonderful tool to get an overview of a work.  Please enjoy Historic Decorative Materials Look Book of our vintage decorative wall tile collections and become inspired by the pairings of these tiles with our antique and aged French and Belgian building materials.

Is it trending or just beautiful?

Mixing materials and styles is the key to achieving the Belgian Farmhouse Modern Aesthetic.  The contrast between old world and new makes both elements pop and the eye never tires of these juxtaposed surface textures.

Read this design blog and see how I deconstruct these Belgian building materials to find their way into a beautiful space.

Are we born liking a certain aesthetic or are we influenced to like a certain aesthetic? Read this blog about my experience with the ceramic glazed decorative tile industry and how my passion for vintage decorative tiles drove me to create my own tile collections to complement our company's French and Belgian building materials.

A true coup de coeur for those who love antique Belgian Bluestone.

We have just recuperated from a lovely church in Klundert, Amsterdam 5000 sq ft of 150 year old Noir de Mazy.  Noir de Mazy is quarried from the town of Mazy, Belgium and is the only quarry from which one can procure this black blue color.  Installed around 1870, these floors exude a rich patina that only comes from authentic foot worn paths. 

A study of reclaimed veneer Belgian Brick reveals how many different ambiances one can create thanks to the soft reds, oak and stone colors of this amazing architectural element. Using veneer bricks as a focal wall, a back splash or fireplace surround, the eye never misses the beauty of this historic material.

Nearly 17 years in business, read how Emmi and François Micallef began their business in 2000 with French reclaimed terra cotta tiles and their own artisan floor tiles.  Evolving with business trends, but staying true to their passions, learn how Historic Decorative Materials is a welcome division to Pavé Tile, Wood & Stone, Inc.