Designing with Tiles

Hilliard's ( Finishing Touches ) look at tiles travels from the past (e.g., ancient Egypt) to the present, and around the world, taking in the briskly delicate, blue and white floral patterns of Iznik tile, of Turkish make; the more lavish intricacy of British art nouveau; modern American minimalism, pretty limited and annoying by comparison; and more. She considers tiles incorporated en masse into walls, as they are in Mexico; in floors, as they have been in many eras and countries; as basic parts of kitchens and bathrooms; and as a more selectively chosen accent or signature in other sorts of rooms. Then comes the matter of installing tile, discussed but not illustrated. The book is mainly for show, and as such is eye-catching, offering close-ups of individual tiles as well as large-scale groupings. As most surveys do, Hilliard's pleases with its variety. (Nov.)