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Handmade tiles in a home—whether in the kitchen or in the bathroom or on the floors—can make a big and beautiful impact. But selection and purchase process can often be intimidating and difficult. Enter Fireclay Tile, a San Jose-based company, that recently opened an SF showroom in addition to launching its e-commerce shop. "We want to provide transparency [at the showroom] - in how the tiles are made, how to get samples - along with personalized service," CEO Eric Edelson tells the Chronicle.
You've probably seen Fireclay Tile's tile, glass, brick, or hand-painted designs at Whole Foods, Starbucks, Google, or 20th Century Cafe. But you may not have realized how simple it is to incorporate the accents into your own home. It's a three-step process: choose a pattern, then a color, and find your handmade tiles at your door in 1-4 weeks. Fireclay offers up to five free samples (each additional is $2), and prices begin at $16.50 per square foot. Like Edelson says: "It's simplified shopping." Installation may be another matter, but they can help with that, too.
· Fireclay Tile opens S.F. flagship [San Francisco Chronicle]
· 20th Century Cafe's Michelle Polzine: Vintage Maven Since 14 [Racked SF]