Take a cue from the Emerald Isle
Emulate the metalwork of the ancient Celts with cold-cast bronze, copper, nickel and brass field tiles, liners, decos and moldings. The sustainable cold-cast method uses 100 percent recycled “chop” metal that is first processed into powder and then molded into intricate tiles.

Achieve the look of limestone
Recycled porcelain tiles are not only eco-friendly and costeffective but maintenance-free to boot. Aesthetically similar to natural stone, porcelain is inherently slip-resistant; won’t scratch, stain or fade; never needs sealing or waxing; and cleans with just hot water.

Go for recycled glass
Using glass-fusing technology, 100 percent recycled glass tiles require less than half the energy it takes to produce a ceramic tile and less than one-quarter of the amount needed to create a cast-glass tile.

Create magic with cork
A rapidly renewable resource, cork forms tiles that are water-resistant, require minimal maintenance and are cost-effective. Perfect for noise control, the cellular structure of cork naturally absorbs sound waves.

Think composite chic
Products such as IceStone, which is made of 75 percent recycled glass mixed with concrete, offer eco-savvy options for both contemporary and traditional countertops. The color can be easily customized by adding pigment to the cement for any desired stone effect.

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Opt for travertine pavers.
Opt for travertine pavers. Ideal for driveways, patios, pool decking and walkways, they won’t degrade like many concrete products and require no sealing or maintenance. And the lack of metal content in bluestone, granite, slate and other similar materials allows travertine pavers to remain cool underfoot even on the hottest days.

Add dimension to a pool.
Whether you choose a terra-cotta look or an ancient mosaic pattern, edging the rim of a pool with stone coping designed to coordinate with the decking defines the area. A variety of options, like pencil-rounded, bull-nosed or rock-faced edging, allows for further styling.

Embellish with architectural accents.
Stone columns, fountains and balustrades can act as landscaping showpieces. Try re-creating an architectural period with multiple features, or select one outstanding piece like a cascading fountain.

Spice up the built-in barbecue.
Ditch the standard brick, and decorate with colorful textural tiles. Combined with tumbled-stone field tiles, an eye-catching barbecue backsplash is easy to achieve.

Get instant curb appeal.
Build in texture to a retaining wall or façade with split-face ultra-thin veneer dimensional stone. Choose either 1/2-inch-thick or 3-inchthick pieces for maximum pop.

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Chill out with an outdoor fountain
What could be a better place to incorporate an eye-catching fountain than around your own man-made body of water? Opt for elegance with European-inspired tiles that feature old-world glazes, fired at a high temperature, for a rich, earthy surface.

Catch the light with streams of color
Don’t forget to embellish the backsplash or pool bottom. Brilliant crystal glass tiles evolve into beautiful waves of color as they reflect off the water and sunlight. Choose tiles that have a variation of tone, shade and size.

Add mosaics with panache
Ceramic mosaics with an aquatic theme are both whimsical and appealing to the eye. You can use them as a frieze line or an ornate pathway onto the pool as decking. Mosaic animals make a charming addition to the pool’s bottom. Tranquil sea creatures glimmering from below are guaranteed to thrill kids and grown-ups alike.

Consider building up
High above the poolside create cascading shelves of tile for the water to flow down. A little space borrowed from the pool deck goes a long way to create a stunning architectural focal point.

Choose organic colors for spa safety
If monochromatic beige is your idea of a spa-like pool sanctuary, select dark organic colors for elements such as underwater stairs and ledges. It will alert swimmers to surface changes, as well as highlight architectural features.

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Think pebbles
Pebbles are a perfect selection for a variety of projects. Whether it’s a pathway, the bottom of a swimming pool or the frieze line around the pool, pebbles add a soothing elegance to the outdoors. To continue with the theme, try mosaic panels, which make a dynamic tabletop. They interlock so you never see a seam and are easy to install because they’re mesh mounted.

Get in shape
Porcelain rhomboid tiles, a recent addition to the market, create a diamond-shaped lattice pattern that adds dimension and visual interest to outside projects. Plus, porcelain is a frost-proof material, so you never have to worry about the elements.

Consider bush hammered stones
Combining textured stones in a variety of sizes adds depth and movement to your landscape design. Texture also plays a role in safety. The slightly rough finish of bush
hammered stone provides a slip-free surface around the pool or on walkways. Various bush hammered stone finishes are available; different size chisel heads hammered on the surface of the stone each create a different finish.

Go for glass
Glass mosaics and trims make eye-catching backdrops. Like Gaudi works of art, a mural, fountain or birdbath can be transformed into a masterpiece with glass mosaic tiles. For a unique look, try Italian iridescent glass, beach glass, or tumbled glass.

Pick patterned slate
Available in a variety of sizes, slate is a versatile medium. Use it for walkways, patios, driveways, wallfacings, pool linings and waterfalls. Slate patterns such as offset brick, octagon, basket weave, hexagon, and mini mosaics will enhance any outdoor space.

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