Going With the Flow of the Natural FormWalker Zanger Showcases Organic-Form Trend with New Helsinki and Zapala Collections

October, 2009 -- The natural veining of marble. The striations of limestone. Each conveys an organic feel of fluidity and movement, but neither is content to be defined or constrained by a mere rectangle. It is this appreciation of nature's forms, and a respect for its intrinsic beauty which inspired such design movements as Arts & Crafts and Classic Modern. A new practice of this trend is on the rise, as motifs such as the chevron pattern and planking from wooden floors find new life in other materials. Walker Zanger is leading this movement with its two new stone tile lines, the Helsinki and Zapala Collections.

Walker Zanger's Helsinki Collection Stone Tile

"This trend represents a revival of mid-century and modern design, when the basic elements of natural raw materials in wood and stone were celebrated as decorative elements in their own right," notes Jared Becker, Walker Zanger executive creative director. "Our Helsinki and Zapala Collections are a fantastic example of the trend toward embracing organic forms. This concept is not specific to any one space in the home, because the beauty of any natural form is matched only by its versatility."

The Helsinki Collection is created from two exclusive Walker Zanger marbles: Winter Mist and Silver Dusk. Ideal for floors and walls, it defies rectilinear convention with its elegant chevrons and plank-like mosaics, which hew to the natural veining of its marble. The Helsinki Collection is evocative of the marble elements that modern architects such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe used to bring warmth to otherwise-minimalist designs.

The Zapala Collection is crafted from dolomitic limestone. Its warm palette features a subtle blend of tan, taupe and khaki, laced with ribbons of caramel veining. It complements virtually any room in any style, including Modern, Transitional, Zen and Spa. Available in herringbone, mini-planking and three-by-four-inch mosaics, the Zapala Collection represents an entirely new and unique style of tile, yet it's both accessible and inviting.

Walker Zanger's Zapala Collection Stone Tile Flooring

About Walker Zanger

Walker Zanger, the world's most comprehensive stone and tile company, combines traditional tile-making techniques with a modern sophistication that transcends any singular design style. A leading choice for design professionals and consumers, Walker Zanger natural stone and tile products, as well as exquisite bathroom vanities, can be found in luxury homes, trendy boutiques, lavish spas and resorts, famed museums and fine restaurants around the globe.

Walker Zanger is available through 17 beautiful showrooms and more than 200 authorized dealers nationwide. To learn more about Walker Zanger and its line of products visit www.walkerzanger.com.