Walker Zanger - Sample Blog

Trends in tile: 
Large module  and Smooth edges

Lots of glass sparkle and most is considered special order

Terra cotta will use wider grout joints.  These examples are a product that was reclaimed and will be availble in limited quantities. They are considered high end and the price point reflects that.

Leather finish on limestone not practical for counter/table applications because it scratches.

Clean edges are more popular than the tumbles and beveled edges, pocelian tile give you that look with very little maintenance.

Marble- unpolished is popular (honed)
Travertine - quarried at sea level, lots of holes, grout is slurried across to fill the holes or it might be factory finished
Limestone- smoother, honed finish with colors in the warm tonal ranges. A softer stone than travertine.

Some limestones can be harder than others. From turkey harder then the very popular French limestone

Mesh backed glass will not hold well in a pool, the paper faced works better
Pebbles are still popular and are available in standing and flat

Trecchiato is a product with actual gold or silver leaf.  The example of the pattern installed above the fireplace would cost $895/4 tile set.

Now onto the slab yard...
Organized into kitchen friendly vs. everything else
Although people are putting marble and limestone on kitchen counters all the time, it's not recommended. The most critical thing is to educate your client so they know what to expect

A few of the more specialty stones:
Honey onyx and nouvalato onyx - beautiful!

Quartzite - beautiful stone, this one is on the 'Kitchen Friendly' side.