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At Princeton Stone & Tile, you step into a world of fabulous baths and kitchens, all artfully designed and decorated with tiles and stone from all over the world.
At the entrance, a beautiful waterfall, constructed of slate, with glass accents, by owner Ricky Kelly, also features a pond in which fish glide gracefully to and fro. It sets the tone for the wonderful display in the showroom and design studio at 45-B State Road, which has been newly renovated. The sample room settings and the incredible selection of floor and wall tiles, handmade porcelains, limestone, tumbled marble, slate, glass and metal, custom countertops, kitchen and bath cabinetry, and fixtures are a visual treat.
Opened in 1994, the showroom focuses on stone and ceramic tiles, especially popular for kitchen, bath, and foyer — although they are now seen in any room in the house, notes store manager, Maureen McGraw.
"You also see more glass, including glass vessel sinks, shower enclosures, and countertops, " she points out. "We use a lot of glass inserts, too, in decorative pieces for walls, and metal accents also continue to be popular."
Stone and ceramic tile are increasingly in demand, and they are appropriate for different styles of home decor. "The Tuscan look and tumbled stone has great appeal, here," says Ms. McGraw. "It is very tactile. You want to touch it."
Ceramic tile, slate, limestone, marble, and onyx are favorites, and onyx has a translucent quality, popular for back lighting, she points out.
Shore Houses
Countertops are another part of Princeton Stone & Tile's business, she adds. "We do a lot of limestone countertops, also granite, and marble (not for kitchen). Granite is the strongest, then limestone."
Tile and stone are also favorites for screened porches and shore houses. "We are busy with those, and we also ship to other places for customers who have second homes."
Ms McGraw points out that tile and stone used outside for patios and walkways, etc. must be stronger with an added thickness to withstand the elements and prevent cracking in winter.
"It's a more relaxed life-style today, she adds. "People like tile and stone because it looks great, is durable, with easy maintenance, and there is a comfort level to it."
With so many designs and patterns available, the possibilities and choices are nearly endless. There is certainly something for everyone's taste. If customers are uncertain, Ms. McGraw and the design team will be glad to advise.
"We get a feel for people's taste for color and their style, and go on from there." she says.
An Oasis
Stone and tile for kitchen and bath floors, walls, and backsplashes are the major focus, she adds. "We do a lot of both, and baths in particular are becoming an oasis for people. They are bigger, and customers want something really special. We also do bench seats for the shower. Stone is popular for that."
Time of completion of a re-do depends on the materials chosen. Hand-done tiles may take four weeks just to be delivered, for example. "Typically, a standard bathroom can take from two to three weeks at a minimum for labor, including taking out the existing floor and/or walls, and putting in the new," notes Ms. McGraw. "Of course, the decision-making takes time too."
Generally, the cost of tile and stone is determined by the square foot. Decorative tiles, however, are priced by the piece.
She points out that the staff at Princeton Stone & Tile sees the project through from beginning to end. "We do a lot of hand-holding here. There is plenty of care and personal attention, and it sets us apart. Our staff really likes what they do, and are very knowledgeable. It's very collaborative here. We are really a team.
"We also have our own installers," she adds, "and that same care and personal service goes out into the field."
Ms. McGraw, who has a B.F.A. in fine art and a background in jewelry design, is especially pleased to be in a creative environment and in a position to help customers achieve the look they want. "It's a fine line between accommodating the clientele and also educating them. You want to strike a nice balance."
Work of Art
Keeping up to date on what's new in the field is important. "We are seeing more modern, sleeker designs now, a contemporary European look. And we are using glass in different ways too. Also, we like to mix materials. We take different pieces and create our own mosaics, using different sources. It makes a more interesting, unique look, more personal.
"There are always trends," she continues, "but we don't want to be trendy. We want to set the trend! We want to do what is beautiful for you — something that is timeless, a work of art."
Whether you opt for fine quality standard tile or stone or a hand-made, custom-painted version, Princeton Stone & Tile can accommodate your needs. "It's very enjoyable to help customers get what they want," says Ms. McGraw. "The best part is at the end of a job, when people are really pleased. Ricky has customer appreciation parties. He invites them to come and see what's new, and we have refreshments and music.
"I look forward to seeing things grow and grow under Ricky's leadership," she adds. "He keeps shaking things up, and it's great working here. Ricky is just as considerate of the staff as he is of the customers."
Princeton Stone & Tile is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 to 6, Thursday until 8, Saturday until 5. 609-924-9886. Website: princetonstonetile.com.
