ALL THINGS TILES! WORDS WITH VILMA PISANO FROM LIFESTILES
In the August issue of The Design Journal, we were delighted to chat with Vilma Pisano from Melbourne-based Lifestiles, one of Australia's leading tile experts! Here is a Q & A that talks all things tiles. We hope you enjoy these words with Vilma Pisano.
What made you fall in love with tiles?
We love fashion and tiles are a part of the fashion industry, plus tiles are constantly changing! We have new products and designs arrive every week. It is ever-evolving so every day we are creating new ideas and concepts for clients.
What is the biggest change that Lifestiles as a business has made in the last 5 years?
We have concentrated more on our retail presence, enhancing our showrooms to give our clients the creative inspiration and service needed when viewing tiles.
What direction do you see Lifestiles heading in over the next 5 years?
Our intention is to have a wider brand awareness online, while maintaining our unique innovative products and service.
What makes the tiling industry in Australia unique compared to other countries?
Australia has developed its own individual style that reflects our unique way of life. This is especially evident when it comes to colour and texture, which draws inspiration from the rich Australian environment. From beaches to the desert, you see Australia reflected in an array of styles, colour and everchanging landscapes of tiles.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received in relation to business?
Stay ahead of competitors by offering innovative products and great service.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received in relation to tiles?
Tiles make a long term design statement!
What is the best piece of advice you have been given as a woman in business?
Our father always told me there is nothing you cannot do. He was adamant you should treat everyone, the way you would want to be treated. He taught me that in life you need to be resilient, always try and never stop learning.
What is the hardest thing you encounter as a woman in business?
When I started working for the family business it was a male dominated industry. Women needed to prove their knowledge and gain respect. This is why Lifestiles makes sure that all staff members, including our female staff, know how to tile, grout and have hands-on knowledge about the products we are selling.
How have you seen the COVID-19 pandemic influence the tile industry?
It has caused issues to our supply chain in delaying shipments of products. It has also put pressure on us from customers wanting to access our products online. The challenge for us is the fact that it is only during the lockdown period that demand is high for a digital tile library. When able to do so, customers prefer to come into our showrooms to touch and feel the products. The uncertainty and extra demands this places on us as a business is very real; it's impossible to know when demand will swing and how to best prioritise resources.
What changes have you seen designers adopt due to to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Designers have become more reliant on online selections. Social media has also increased in necessity and impact in communicating with clients and conducting business with suppliers. We love that the pandemic has also seen higher demand for eco-friendly and Australian products.
What is the best innovation that you have seen positively influence tiles as a product?
Social Media has probably been our biggest and best influencer that has generated positive interest in not only our product range but also our brand awareness.
Tile trends you're glad to see the end of?
None. I love all tiles, past, present and future. Each one has enjoyed it’s time in the limelight. I love how it gets refreshed in a new way each time it makes a comeback.
What is the biggest and best trend in tiles you have historically seen positively impact interior design and homes in Australia?
We have enjoyed seeing a shift away from the safe contemporary beige and grey colour ways towards more colour and style diversity. We see styles from Hamptons to Scandinavian and many others. Australian designers excel at embracing new trends with a unique Australian touch to it.
What is the one thing you wish everyone knew about tiles?
There are so many things I wish people knew about tiles, but it all comes down to versatility. Tiles can be used internal and external, there is a massive and increasing variety of styles, shapes and finishes available, and there are ever-evolving ranges and improvements.
Top tile trends you predict for 2022?
More colour and texture with shape, size and variety of finishes. We are already seeing the rich reds from terracotta flourish in popularity. In addition, natural earth greens and beautiful rich blues are making a comeback. It is so great to see people embrace COLOUR!
What colour ways work best in home interiors?
At present, I am loving the fact that Australians love using colours. Gone are the days where we only used peaches and cream - our choices are so wide and varied now. At the moment, we are still seeing warm tones used effectively in homes and retail spaces, often alongside timber. Another fabulous colour way is a neutral palette with splashes of black, white or soft greys. Another style we see work really well is the injection of colour into a white/grey palette. Then of course are those fabulous interiors that generate intensity with dramatic colours and intricate details. Moody styles with colour in tones of charcoal, blacks and hues of greys are also very successful. And of course, classic colour ways are always a win, particularly washed whites on whites with hints of timber cabinetry and matt gold details to add warmth.
What is an unusual use of tiles you have seen?
In Australia it would have to be the Sydney Opera House, which used porcelain tiles. Internationally, I love the use of tiles when museums and designers/artists create one off spaces for an event, especially in Venice when they used these huge rectangle structures in 24 carat leaf- gold mosaics from Trend Mosaics. These tiles were used in high columns just over the water from St. Mark’s Square, called “The Sky Over Nine Columns”, and they were absolutely stunning.
What differences, if any, do you see in the design and use of tiles within commercial settings compared to homes?
In commercial space, particularly the hospitality sector, we find designers creating individual spaces and being much bolder with colour and texture. With Residential homes the focus is more on clean lines with highlights in shower areas or vanity areas for texture change. Although I must say that we are becoming more creative with our tile choices in our homes and where we place them.
What is the most common mistake you see people make when tiling their homes?
Not utilising the space of the room in an effective way.
What would you love to see more people do with tiles in their homes?
I’d love to see people be more creative with their internal walls. For example, tiles can be great for entry walls, family room walls and bedroom walls. I also love to see tiles used to create shower ledges in bathrooms, instead of niches. Tiles can also be extraordinary used externally, such as timber tiles on facades of homes. Outside can be a highly visual space, so it’s a great opportunity to be bold with tiles and design tiled alfresco and BBQ walls. Just step outside of your comfort zone and be creative, incredible designs with really functional and artistic expression awaits those who dare to tile where others don’t.
