This is our dog, Molly. You couldn’t pack more life into a 15 pound package. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking this is going to be one of those “dogs are like zen masters”-type posts, a la Marley and Me. Well, you’re right.

I could talk about how she is always glad to see us, how she has her priorities in order (food, sleep, walk, play, protect, and don’t worry about anything else), or any number of other lessons she teaches us. Or I could talk about how Molly is helping get us ready to be parents (less than two months now!).

But today I was appreciating how Molly keeps us in a routine. “Routine” is usually disparaged; we think of the daily grind, of punching the clock, of the boring tedium of doing the same thing over and over. But with Molly, I’ve learned to enjoy the routine of our daily walks. We live in the city without much of a yard, so we’re compelled to take her out first thing in the morning, at least once during the day, and then right before bed at night. There’s never any forgetting that routine, because Molly reminds us when it’s time for her walk.

The routine reveals the subtle changes of the seasons in unexpected ways, it unveils hidden details we would have missed just rushing past, and it creates an anchor in our day when everything else seems unhinged. Over the last few weeks, I’ve noticed the green shoots of daffodil bulbs slowly emerge.

Molly changes her habits according to the seasons, too. During the fall and spring, she’d walk until she collapsed, if it were up to her. Her curiosity is insatiable. During the coldest weeks of winter, though, she’s a homebody. I’m hardpressed to get her to go more than a block before Molly begins tugging on the leash toward home.

Here are three of my must reads, but I know there are many more. Use the comments below to add your favorite sources of great interior design news and commentary. Click on the images to go to the blogs.

Faith Sheridan

The Inspired Room

Cassandra Lavalle's Coco + Kelley

My favorite bit of advice was the inspiration for the title of this post, as we have learned in our own showroom in Seattle. Carlo also talked about how selecting tile is like getting a prescription for glasses. The doctor starts with a wide range of lenses and slowly narrows in on the correct prescription. Do you find that with your clients?

I was also reminded of a fundamental rule for business: It’s all about relationships. Carlo may not have the fanciest showroom, but he understands the value of building a relationship with his customer. One couple visiting the showroom related why they stopped in. “Carlo, you saved our friends from having to redo their kitchen tile job by finding a solution that worked for them.” Sounds like the kind of referral that comes from building a good relationship with your customer–a lesson for all of us.

The great big American tile show happens every year in late April, early May. This year’s event is an opportunity to discover the trends that will shape the reemergence of the housing sector. It’s an essential show for distributors, and can provide retailers, designers, and architects with a competitive advantage. Coverings is taking place in Orlando this year during the last week of April, and will include educational opportunities, vanguard expositions, and the latest in tile style. We’ll be there, and we’d love to see you there, too!

Elongated Rectangles

Sound 2x20 Ceramic Tile

Status Ceramics 2x6 Square Edge Tile

Stone quarries and wood-look porcelain manufacturers are producing tiles in plank sizes, ranging from 6×18 inch broad planks to 4×36 narrow planks. Our most popular glass mosaics are offset sfalsatto pattern mixed color mosaics. Nearly all of our porcelains now come in a 12×24 field size. Wall tiles, once famous for the ubiquitous 8×10 sizing, are now stretched out to 6×19 sizes which are laid horizontally rather than vertically. Art Tile studios are moving away from the 4×4 and 6×6 sizing and introducing 2×8s and 2×12s.

Travertino 12x24 Glazed Porcelain Tile

Beige Stack Mosaic Glass Tile

We welcome trend toward elongated rectangles, as tile manufacturers have clung to the square for too long. Rectangles allow for new patterns that squares simply won’t accommodate. In our showroom we feature the herringbone pattern, the pinwheel pattern, the running bond pattern, and the straight set pattern. As you can see in the photos, the new elongated rectangles add elegance and distinction to your project.

St Marie Stone

Are you working on a remodel and your budget’s a little tighter than expected? Maybe you’re finishing up a basement or mudroom, and you want a high quality item but not a high price? Or maybe you have a client who just needs a few decorative pieces to complement a field tile?

Statements has a collection of promotion items that are budget conscious but still the highest quality ceramics and stones you can find. In fact there are even a few metal and glass accents as well.  Take a look at the promotions page and see if there might just be the right thing for your next project.

Ceramic Tile and Stone Promotions