Page 2 – Terrazzo & Marble Supply

Design, Natural Stone, Terrazzo Marble

Meet Kamila Pasko, Regional Sales Manager – Stone Division

We are excited to announce the promotion of Kamila Pasko to Regional Sales Manager of our Stone Division at Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies. After attending college at DePaul University, Kamila found her passion in stone while working on the fabrication side of the business. Those 6 years provided firsthand experience working with designers and the importance of understanding the full life-cycle of the project, from material selection to installation. This is where Kamila truly understood the value and significance of selecting the correct materials for the right job. One of Kamila’s strengths encompasses her empathy, in which enables her to gain a true understanding of helping her clients’ visions come to life.

“At T&M, we pride ourselves in the ability to supply exclusive selections of natural stone, quartz, and porcelain. Our team members travel world-wide to provide our clientele with the latest technology, education, and materials they deserve. It is imperative that we procure the finest materials from across the world for our clients. Not only does this allow us to show the very best, but in turn has educated our Employee Owners to have a better understanding of the many different product types along with the connection between environment and internal space.” Says Kamila.

Kamila is an active supporter of the ASID and AIA design community. When she is not helping her clients choose the perfect stone for their space, you will find her sitting al fresco with her close friends and family or exploring the world and what it has to offer. When at home, you will find her in the kitchen whipping up some of her famous family recipes.

Be sure to connect with Kamila on Instagram @kamila_pasko & email kpasko@tmsupply.com

Design, epoxy terrazzo, Terrazzo

Biophilic Design & Terrazzo

By: Sydney Griggs

The emerging trend of Biophilic design is here to stay. The term Biophilia, is defined as “a desire or tendency to commune with nature.” Essentially, this design initiative acknowledges and redefines how to incorporate nature and organic elements within our indoor environments. Research has shown that our surroundings can greatly affect our mood, stress level and our overall health. In order to successfully achieve this concept, it’s imperative to know the characteristics that make this trend come to life.

An important element that contributes to Biophilic design is the integration of natural materials. Terrazzo is a recycled flooring system dated back from 500 years ago, that can be made up of glass, granite and quartz, porcelain or marble. Its known for sustainability and performance within high traffic areas and no limitations in design opportunities.

At Terrazzo & Marble, we’ve had the opportunity to be apart of this innovative trend across various commercial sectors. For Biophilic design inspiration in Hospitality, Multi-family and Office space, view our featured projects below.

Terrazzo in Hospitality

The Fairlane Hotel located in Nashville’s trendy Business and Arts District illustrates Biophilic influence by incorporating interior plants, natural light and Terrazzo. New York based designers, Reunion, created an invigorating space and memorable experience for guests.

According to “Hotels Are Embracing Biophilic Design“, key characteristics include:

Use of sustainably sourced materials / Local materials
Living green walls / Vertical gardens
Direct and indirect exposure to nature / Varying height & randomness
Exposure to natural lighting / Dynamic and diffuse light

Terrazzo in Multi-family

Terrazzo in Office Buildings

Designing workspaces can be quite different from hospitality. SmokeTree Tower located in Raleigh, NC open lobby encourages employees to connect with nature and commune with coworkers. During the workweek, as many spend majority of their time indoors, creating an enticing space to stay energized and motivated is desired.

Ambius research states that “subtle, sensory aspects of your office, such as plants, can help you to attract and retain the very best clients and employees. They can also have a significant impact on the perception, collective well-being, productivity and therefore profitability of your operation.”

Our brand, Terroxy is the premier flooring system to achieve Biophilic Design. Terroxy Resin Systems is UL Greenguard Gold Certified for. (Terroxy Resin Systems Brochure) Contact us to receive terrazzo samples for your next Biophilic inspired project at marketing@tmsupply.com!

Sources: “Hotels are embracing biophilic design,” Zack Sterkenberg, Nov 27, 2017, accessed May 25,2020
“Office Design Services,” Ambius, accessed May 25,2020

Aggregates, epoxy terrazzo, Terrazzo

White Terrazzo

Designing with White Terrazzo

By: Brad Hedges

White has historically been a very important color in architecture. It has the ability to exhibit darks, lights, and shadows. White terrazzo is the perfect way to define a space in a beautiful and sophisticated manner. White is also timeless, so it doesn’t go in and out of style. White terrazzo accepts and embraces anything that you put next to it.

When selecting white terrazzo, designers often want the whitest and purest white. Designers can choose from crushed white marbles and glass. Marbles naturally have variation and veining, whereas white or crystal clear glass will be more consistent. Below is a comparison of some of the most popular white aggregates all cast into a white resin for a side-by-side comparison.

Polar White glass offers the whitest and purest white. Just like diamonds, you pay for this purity. The polar white glass is a premium material and will add a few dollars a square foot; however, you do gain 70% post-consumer recycled content.

A close second is Blanco Mexicano, in my opinion the best all-around choice. It’s the most consistent white marble, has a minimal cost, and also includes post-consumer recycled content.

Some designers may not want a bright white but rather an off white. If that’s the case, we’d encourage you to simply select a color from any paint manufacturer’s color fan deck, and we can match the resin and help you select a complementary aggregate mix.

Another thing to consider when specifying a white terrazzo floor is the floor finish. White floors will show black scuffs more than any other color. Scuff marks come from soft, low-quality sealers. This nominal coating can have a make-or-break effect on your white floor. Make sure to specify and reject any substitute sealers. For a sealed floor we recommend TRx coating. It’s a high-quality, durable, and hard coating that is certified high traction. Alternatively, you may consider specifying a high polish that removes the topical coating, such as Diamond Floor Enhancement. This provides a beautiful and easy-to-maintain floor finish that is also very scuff resistant.

Lastly, in today’s market it’s popular to specify brass divider strips with white terrazzo. It’s a great look! However, note it is possible for the brass strip to have an adverse reaction to water and cause a bluing along the strips. More on this in a separate post, but make sure to consult with your terrazzo rep for details.

Terrazzo & Marble’s White Collection encapsulates popular variations of white terrazzo. If you don’t find what you are looking for, please contact your local rep for custom samples.

Please enjoy some of our other favorite projects featuring white terrazzo.

For additional Terrazzo Installation photos, please check out our Terrazzo Gallery!

Marble, Slabs

Behind the Design with Susan Brunstrum

Spotlight on Gold Coast Penthouse “A Family Legacy”

It’s not everyday when one has the opportunity to be featured on the cover of Interiors magazine. Susan Brunstrum, Principal of Studio Brunstrum, reflects on her latest January cover. Studio Brunstrum’s Gold Coast penthouse renovation entitled, “A Family Legacy,” is filled with history and creativity. As we go Behind the Design with Susan Brunstrum, uncover how Studio Brunstrum aesthetically incorporates design elements from the past to create a home for generations to come.

What design inspirations were used for “ A Family Legacy” project?

The wife fell in love with many of the 1940’s design inspiration images we used to begin a dialogue and conversation. Very “Hollywood-esque”, the images included a chandelier and a detailed ceiling design. We created a custom update for the ceilings in the living room and dining room and designed our first ever custom chandelier for the foyer. The same paint color, a light blue/gray was used throughout the home for continuity, acquiescing to the client’s request that the interiors didn’t overshadow the remarkable views outside. The particular shade was one the wife found in a magazine and served as the foundation for the balance of the calming and serene furnishings we created, giving the family an escape from the chaos of Michigan Avenue below. The design and architectural plans focused on functionality and adaptability; it was important to not solely focus on the needs of the present, but also for the future needs of this family of five. We wanted to acknowledge and honor the emotion behind the transition from generation to generation, letting the story of the family become the focus of the home.

Did you and your team experience any challenges? If so, how did you overcome them?

The homeowners had four requests for the design of the space: the parquet flooring in what was the father’s office had to be used somewhere within the space, the condo needed to feel more cultivated and “city”-esque than their traditional home in the suburbs, the bunk room was to be nautical themed for their sons, and the colors should complement the changing blues of the Lake Michigan views out their windows.

To prioritize function, perfecting the architectural plans to fit the dual needs of the family was the first step in the renovation project. The key was to use every square inch of existing space to change the flow of the unit, while simultaneously giving it the more upscale, yet inviting feel the couple wanted. The existing living room was then split into areas for both the living room and dining room, leaving space to widen the foyer and expose the exquisite NE facing views of Lake Michigan upon entering the condo.

The office was enlarged slightly to become a bunk room, accommodating four custom-built bunk beds of our design. The en suite master bedroom and bathroom were completely renovated to mimic the aesthetic of a luxurious hotel room, re-configuring the closet and master bathroom to accommodate enlarged vanities and an enclosed, custom steam shower for the couple to enjoy with views of Lake Michigan. The kitchen was designed specifically for entertainment, changing the existing island to a peninsula to allow space for multiple people to move comfortably while prepping and hosting parties. We also wanted the peninsula to provide additional counterspace for three bar stools- perfect for three children in need of breakfast, lunch and dinner! A mudroom was also added for functionality to be used as a central location for storage as items are brought to and from the condo during their city “stay-cations”. We wanted to make the home work for our client – so we moved mountains (and walls) to do so. Often clients don’t think beyond the confines of the current floor plan – it’s my job to transform every square foot into usable space.

Can you walk us through the timeline from finding out your project is going to be featured to holding the issue?

We knew our client’s project was to be featured in the winter issue of Interiors, but we did not know if it was to be a 2, 4 or 6 page spread as that is the editor’s discretion as is the written copy, photos and the layout. We had no idea that the editor and publisher were considering our client project to be featured on the cover. It was a complete surprise! The day prior to the magazine distribution, both the editor and publisher reached out to me via phone call and email. What an honor! Our clients deserve our thanks and gratitude as they were a joy to collaborate with for 18 months from design inception through turn-key completion. We are appreciative that they have so kindly agreed to share their home with others.

What inspires you for creating and designing these beautiful spaces?

I believe your home should whisper to you, “Welcome Home. Come Inside.” The end result should not just be a beautiful space, but rather a confirmation of the client’s own values as the home tells their story and journey and will hold their memories for as long as they live there.

Studio Brunstrum’s portfolio, view here

epoxy terrazzo, ESOP, Terrazzo, Terrazzo Marble

James Bateman Vice President of Terrazzo Division

Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies Promotes James Bateman to Vice President – Terrazzo Division

WHEELING, Illinois – Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies, one of the country’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of Terrazzo & Stone, has promoted James Bateman to Vice President – Terrazzo Division. Steve Murray, President/COO, has said its “A great day for T&M and Terroxy! James has been foundational to our success and his vision as a business leader will position us to continue to grow and create opportunities for our Employee Owners to thrive.”

James arrives as Vice President following 18 years of service at Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies. Starting in March of 2002 as a member of the Terrazzo Customer Service team, James excelled in all areas of his responsibilities and showcased a strong work ethic. Gaining the trust of his colleagues and clients, James was then promoted to Terrazzo Customer Service Manager. Managing this team gave James insight on industry trends and allowed a deeper understanding of his clients and their needs.

In 2008 James was promoted to West Coast Terrazzo Manager, tasked to lead and support the expansion of West Coast operations. Following 3 successful years of managing the West Coast Team, James was promoted to Terrazzo Division Manager back at Headquarters in Wheeling, IL.

James Bateman has shared that “Terrazzo & Marble Supply (T&M) was my first real job out of college. At the time I didn’t even know what terrazzo was. It wasn’t long after that I found myself checking out every floor I came across. When I did stumble upon a terrazzo floor, I’d analyze all aspects of the floor; what aggregate was used, the aggregate consolidation, what type of divider strip, etc. etc. It truly became a passion of mine that continues to grow every day.”

“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most during my time at T&M are the relationships I’ve developed with our customers, vendors and fellow Employee Owners. T&M has a great family culture that I’m proud to be a part of. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my coworkers for their hard work & continued support, I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today without their efforts.”

James holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Management from Arizona State University and is happily married with both a son (AJ) and a daughter (Riley). Hobbies include being an avid Chicago Sports enthusiast, supporting the Bears, Bulls, Sox, Hawks, Devils & being a Terrazzo Dog 4 Life!

About Terrazzo & Marble

Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies began over 75 years ago with a simple notion, to provide our customers with the highest quality products and unmatched customer service. Through dedication, passion & hard work Terrazzo & Marble has established itself as the country’s elite supplier and distributor of the most beautiful terrazzo imaginable.

As a 100% Employee Owned company, we take great pride in our business and place the highest value on customer relationships. Our commitment to quality products and service will continue to be a focus as a growing, innovative and trustworthy company.

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