Design Alert: Porcelain Patterns

You make not have noticed but a small-time revolution seems to have taken place in the world of porcelain tile. Suddenly what used to be occasionally mundane has turned into a world of rich replication. As in, want a floor that looks like wood in your kitchen but don’t want the demands of real planks? Not a problem. You can buy porcelain tile that looks exactly like wood but wears like, well, porcelain tile. Now AKDO in New York has released 8-inch tiles in nine different patterns inspired by old-world fabrics from Italy, such as damask, brocade, quilted matelassés, and suzani embroidery. The collection is aptly named La Chic and can be used on the wall and/or on the floor. The company also makes it share of wood-like tiles but these are pretty exceptional—and AKDO products are available here at Global Granite & Marble (10800 Linpage, 314-426-1466, globalgranite.com) and Graniterra (1551 S. Kingshighway, 314-533-3366, graniterra.com).