In light of our two-month-long Italian Days celebration, we’ve partnered with five incredible restaurants to provide our customers with the chance to win one of 40 $100 gift cards at one of the locations. We will draw five names per week throughout June and July, and enthusiastic customers who sign up for our newsletter will receive an additional chance to win.
Here’s what you need to know about La Terrazza.
Located on Vancouver’s thriving Cambie Street, La Terrazza takes authentic Italian food and drinks and place them in a restaurant with a genuine Italian design (which you can see in their various featured rooms!). Having proudly served in Vancouver since 1998 (thanks to the winning combination of Genaro Iorio, Giulio Miceli, and Iqbal Grewal) it has truly been a staple for local Vancouverites for its entire 23 years.
La Terrazza’s food menu is broken into three distinct sections: Primi (appetizers), Secondi (mains) and, of course, Dessert. Guests will also enjoy their generous Happy Hour menu that runs from 5pm to 7pm — you can get their Strozapretti Bolognese for only $12 and a drink for as little as $6.88!
Oh, and did we mention that they provide free parking for guests? What more could you ask for from a restaurant in the ever-busy Vancouver!
La Terrazza
1088 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC
V6B 6J5
(604)–899–4449
Instagram: @laterrazzarestaurant
Win a $100 Gift Card to Il Terrazzo Ristorante
In light of our two-month-long Italian Days celebration, we’ve partnered with five incredible restaurants to provide our customers with the chance to win one of 40 $100 gift cards at one of the locations. We will draw five names per week throughout June and July, and enthusiastic customers who sign up for our newsletter will receive an additional chance to win.
Here’s what you need to know about Il Terrazzo Ristorante.
Drawing inspiration from Northern Italian Cuisine, Il Terrazzo Ristorante has been providing Victoria locals with the high artform of Italian food for more than 29 years. It is considered a landmark amongst the dining scene in Victoria, and this is thanks to the many industry professionals who have graced Il Terrazzo’s kitchen.
Whether you’re coming in for their unmatched Dinner menu or their Sweet Treats, guests will surely be leaving satisfied and ready for another visit. Standouts on their menu include the Frutti di Mare Della Casa (seafood over linguine with a refined white wine dressing) and their Tiramisu.
It should be noted as well that they have certified Sommeliers working to pair the best wines with the specific offerings on their menu. So if you’re simply looking for a place to sip on captivating wine after a grueling day, Il Terrazzo is also the place for you.
Il Terrazzo Ristorante
555 Johnson St., Victoria, BC
V8W 1M2
(250)–361–0028
Win a $100 Gift Card to Cotto al Mare Restaurant
In light of our two-month-long Italian Days celebration, we’ve partnered with five incredible restaurants to provide our customers with the chance to win one of 40 $100 gift cards at one of the locations. We will draw five names per week throughout June and July, and enthusiastic customers who sign up for our newsletter will receive an additional chance to win.
Here’s what you need to know about Cotto al Mare.
Cotto al Mare is a certified hotspot for new and modern takes on Italian food. Located at Surrey’s pristine Crescent Beach, customers can enjoy the wonderful view of the ocean waves and setting sun while indulging in a delectable house-made pasta (like their Ocean Wise Linguine Vongole) or sharing an authentic Italian pizza (like their Vegan Giardino). And guests (who are of age!) will enjoy their large array of wines — and they even have the choice between BC or Italian!
Along with their extensive menus, a special aspect of Cotto al Mare is their dedication to eco-friendly initiatives:
• The water they serve is Qwater, which is a sustainable system with no bottles or deliveries
• All wine is provided on-tap to avoid caps, corks, and cartons from being used
• Seafood that’s served is certified through the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program
• Suppliers for Cotto al Mare prioritize sustainable, fairly traded, ethically raised, organic, and naturally pastured products
Cotto al Mare
2728 O’Hara Ln., Surrey, BC
V4A 2Z8
(604)–560–5549
Instagram: @cottoalmare
Win a $100 Gift Card to Italian Tomato Restaurant
In light of our two-month-long Italian Days celebration, we’ve partnered with five incredible restaurants to provide our customers with the chance to win one of 40 $100 gift cards at one of the locations. We will draw five names per week throughout June and July, and enthusiastic customers who sign up for our newsletter will receive an additional chance to win!
Here’s what you need to know about Italian Tomato Restaurant.
Having provided quality, authentic Italian food for over a decade, Richmond’s Italian Tomato Restaurant allows customers to eat Italian food their way. Pastas are designed by the customer, with the option to choose from 12 different pastas and 39 types of sauces. This allows each customer to have their own unique dining experience, and the option to experiment with different combinations every time they visit.
Besides this unique take on pasta, Italian Tomato Restaurant has an abundance of Thin Crust Pizzas to choose from (17 to be exact) and several specialty dishes — such as their Casa Di Amore (which features an assortment of seafood) or their Lobster Ravioli.
If you’re planning to come with a group that likes to share, the Italian Feast is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger. The meal consists of three of four possible dishes, with the choice being up to the customers: Meat Lasagna, Spaghetti Bolognese, Pollo alla Parmigiana, or Fettuccine Alfredo.
Italian Tomato Restaurant
8380 Bridgeport Road, Richmond, BC
V6X 3C7
(604)–247–0040
Instagram: @italian.tomato
Win a $100 Gift Card to Café Amore Bistro
In light of our two-month-long Italian Days celebration, we’ve partnered with five incredible restaurants to provide our customers with the chance to win one of 40 $100 gift cards at one of the locations. We will draw five names per week throughout June and July, and enthusiastic customers who sign up for our newsletter will receive an additional chance to win.
Here’s what you need to know about Cafe Amore Bistro.
Combining the taste of great food with the feeling of warmth and comfort, Café Amore Bistro, a family owned-and-operated restaurant, prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and ability to make each customer feel like family.
Advertised as “not your typical Italian restaurant”, Café Amore Bistro operates with family in mind; guests can find unique Dinner Packs orchestrated towards groups (families) of either two, four, or six people. With more than eight options available, there’s certainly something for everyone depending on your tastes and group size.
Additionally, anyone looking for tasty Italian food to eat during the big game can feast upon their Game Day Pasta Packs, which includes an Amore Caesar Salad, two Classic Pastas (of their choice), Grilled Garlic Bread, and two Peroni Beers — all for only $40!
Café Amore Bistro
10807 106 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB
T5H 4A7
(780)–477–7896
Tile Town Interior Design Consultant is “Proud to be Team Tile Town”
With more than 20 years in the flooring industry under her belt, Dianne Carriere of Tile Town Edmonton West, who serves as their interior design consultant, is an expert in all things tiles, minimalism, and customer satisfaction. We spoke with Dianne on her time with Tile Town, her appreciation for colour risks, and everything that Tile Town has to offer.
So Dianne, what’s your Tile Town origin story?
I dealt with Tile Town throughout my many years in the flooring industry, and I always admired how they branded themselves. I saw an opportunity and I ran with it — a little scary, but now I couldn’t be happier!
To Edmonton, they are a common name in home building and renovation. I liked that the upper management always seemed to be involved and cared about their employees. From the stock they carry to the way they respect employees and customers; Tile Town is truly outstanding.
One of the best things I’ve experienced during my time with Tile Town is that management and owners listen and value our opinions — it is so refreshing in this time. I am proud to be team Tile Town.
What draws people towards Tile Town, and what brings them back?
People come in for the immediate stock and our many choices. We also have the option of sourcing tiles from a variety of suppliers if the customer has time to wait.
I enjoy the personal one-on-one time I get to spend with our customers. I take great pride in making their visit the best it can be!
I often say: If you leave here happy, that makes us happy!
How did you get started with flooring and design?
My design background includes a few small interior courses, but ultimately comes down to years of experience. I guess you could say it’s a passion.
I am a minimalist when it comes to décor. My home is basic: whites, greys, and blacks with my pop-of-colour being red. I truly love working with customers that are willing to introduce colour into their homes!
When working with a client, what is your process?
When I am working with a client, I first try to determine what direction they are thinking of going. I gather samples and make a layout of what they are thinking, then I show them what products look good together.
We’re also lucky to have our Tile Town Visualizer on our website, a fantastic tool where we can take our stocked tiles and put them into room scenes so that customers can see what their tiles can look like installed! This is a game changer for those who struggle with visualizing spaces.
What tile trends are you seeing in 2022?
2022 is showing trends of blues and greens combined with whites, and I am very excited that management has brought in some beautiful new choices of these colours.
I must say one of the best things I’ve experienced during my time with Tile Town is that management and owners listen and value our opinions — it is so refreshing in this time.
Any advice for choosing tiles?
If I can say anything about picking tiles, it would be to do a little research and see what’s trending — but just go with what you like and feel comfortable with.
If you need any help, come on in and we will make this a fun, non-stressful experience!
Visit our Tile Town location in Edmonton West to see Dianne and get your next project started.
How to Choose Tiles Based on Room Size
Selecting the right tiles for your next big project can be a daunting task, especially when you consider how many different tile sizes there are. With tiles ranging from smaller honeycomb to larger square or rectangular, it can be quite overwhelming knowing the best sized tiles for your living room floors or your newly renovated kitchen.
To help you size-up the perfect tiles for your home-improvement needs, here are some things to contemplate when choosing your tile sizes.
How tile sizes affect room size
Understanding the relationship between tile sizes and your space is crucial for optimizing visual aesthetics. Larger floor tiles in more open areas (like kitchens or dining rooms) can make a room appear much larger.
When you use larger tiles, your eyes travel a longer distance from each tile, which tricks your brain into perceiving a room as bigger. This technique is especially helpful in smaller rooms that you want to visually maximize, or areas that may appear cramped.
In general, larger tiles are also easier to maintain. Because they organically leave fewer grout lines, the necessity to clean is minimized. (But we do recommend that you clean your tiles at least once a week!)
Some floor tiles that can help you achieve this look include:
Detailing with smaller tiles
Unlike larger tiles, smaller tiles thrive in accenting more intimate spaces. Compact tiles, such as the Arvex Honeycomb Storm Grey 12×12 Hexagon, are particularly impactful as backsplashes to help streamline your kitchen area. They are also effective in creating mosaic-style layouts that would be unachievable with larger tiles.
Using smaller wall tiles in the shower can make for a sleeker look as well. Consider the tiles in our new spring collection, the Lume Series, and how they stand out at a mere 2.4″ x 9.4“.
Another thing to factor in is that smaller tiles will have an easier installation process, seeing as it is less likely you will need to modify your tiles to fit unusual spaces.
Grout lines and tile shapes
Other variables to think about, along with your tile sizes, are the appearance of grout lines as well as tile shapes as a whole. As previously noted, grout lines are less prevalent in areas with larger tiles, given that most space is taken up by the tiles themselves. This can be used to your advantage:
-Larger tiles with fewer grout lines can have a cleaner look, especially when you match the grout colour to the tiles themselves
-Smaller tiles with more grout lines can add complexity and visual texture, which could be useful in plainer areas
Also, tile shapes can also play a part in heightening your selected tile size. Linear tiles (such as the Avant Garde Piombo 8×48 Wood Look Porcelain Tile) will help add depth to a room. Much like with stripes on a shirt, vertically oriented tiles can make your room appear longer, whereas horizontally oriented tiles can make your room appear wider.
If you’d like to see for yourself the impact that tile sizes can have, play around with the Tile Town Visualizer tool, which enables you to experiment with the tiles in various pre-set rooms!
Spotlight: Kai Hansen, Seaside Tile and Stone
Seaside Tile and Stone is a tile company based in Victoria, BC that makes a splash here in Western Canada. Kai Hansen, a tile setter for Seaside Tile and Stone, had a chance to share his experiences in the tile industry, his customer-first approach, and his thoughts on current trends in home renovation.
So Kai, tell us about yourself. How did you get started in the tile industry?
I’m a tile setter in Victoria, B.C. I’ve been in the trade since 2006 when I started out in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area working on townhouse developments and hotels. This gave me an opportunity to gain a lot of experience in a short amount of time.
And how did being in this trade get you to where you are now?
Before long, I moved away from commercial installations and into high-end custom homes. This has been my focus for the last 14 years or so.
In 2013, I had the opportunity to move to the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. I spent seven years working on multi-million-dollar homes throughout Whistler before returning to Victoria in the spring of 2020. I’ve since been working throughout the southern island.
What’s your approach for giving clients assistance?
When working with clients, I try not to talk people out of things — rather, I talk them through it. I will tell them if something won’t work, but I want them to get the look they want, not the look I want.
Do you have any tile preferences?
I enjoy working with larger format tiles that are simple and understated, as they will never go out of style.
What home décor trends have you spotted in 2022?
One trend I’ve noticed recently is green kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Maybe we’ll start to see green tile coming into fashion.
Another item that seems to always be trending would be the classic white subway tile. Love it or hate it, I don’t think it’s ever going away.
Is there a trend you’re particularly fond of? What’s here to stay?
While I prefer larger tiles, I’ve always loved the look and feel of white walls in a shower. It just feels clean to me, and can be great value for your money.
Highlights of tile setting from Kai Hansen.
Tile Collections: Teramoda Series
Perfectly irregular wall tiles inspired by the artisanal feel of handmade ceramics define this new Tile Town collection. Picture rediscovered colourful wall surfaces, where delicate and glossy three-dimensional effects play on monochromatic irregular tiles.
Colourful and uneven surfaces hold all the charm of this Teramoda series. Made of ceramic, they have an almost handmade feel thanks to their textured bodies and a high-shine finish. The ultimate balance and unexpected twist between a glossy look blended with the charm of artisanal tiles. Available in three different formats, all with artistically uneven surfaces and irregular edges.
Tile Collections: Lume Series
New for spring is our Lume Series. This collection features variations in colour and patterning to create interplays of light that add vibrancy to spaces. A new size (6×24 cm) offers a decidedly contemporary appeal and ultra-glossy, flawed surfaces in six shades: White, Black, Green, Blue, Musk and Greige.
(Note: Black and Musk selections are custom ordered, arriving in two to three days.)
Just saying: The Lume Series won the award for the best design product at an international competition of the architecture and design community. Impressed with the collections’ irregularities, as well as the depth of the colours, the jury chose Lume for the Finishes category award for the quality of its surfaces and the uniqueness of every single possible composition.
