Marlene Coleman's translation of ancient mosaic
to modern techniques is present in many homes and buildings
across the hill country of Central Texas. Her art blends well
into any architecture to enhance and enrich the ambience of the
structure. Please browse this site to be introduced to Marlene
Coleman and her craft. Her specialities include kitchen makeovers with mosaic backsplashes and countertops. Additions of
stained glass and mosaic glass add warmth and texture to the atmosphere of any room. Marlene can work with your builder and install custom mosaic inlaid floors to enhance
the beauty of rooms. Redecorating with custom mosaic furniture, clocks, mantels and frames can add definition and beauty to your home.
Updating a kitchen can be achieved with mosaic additions to the backsplashes and countertops.
Take a look at the design ideas page to see before and after photos of kitchens that have had a facelift with mosaics. Even
the front of an island bar can be enhanced with mosaic tile. Pantry door glass can be replaced with mosaic or stained glass
to achieve a more refined atmosphere.
Custom Mosaics by Marlene was recently commissioned
to enhance the foyer area of the new Tasus Corporation offices, currently under
construction in Georgetown, Texas. Tasus has expanded into Texas to better
fulfill their contract with Toyota for plastic parts. Marlene
turned a plain, curved wall into a mosaic centerpiece. Read more about the
project and see all of the pictures in our news section. (Scroll to the bottom.)
Mosaic was used throughout the ancient world to
decorate homes and public places. Mosaics are traced to 4th
century BC and are found in the palace-city of Aegina, in
Macadenia and they adorned the floors of Hellenistic villas.
Mosaic floors are found in the relics of Roman construction,
from Britain to Dura-Europas. Extraordinary mosaic floors were
displayed in Roman villas across north Africa. Roman architects
built mosaics into the surfaces of wall and ceilings in the
Domus Aurea, (Nero's "golden house") built AD 64-68.
In the late 4th century, mosaic works were
incorporated into Christian basilicas. Icons were created and
integrated into the designs of walls and ceilings. The Byzantine
empire displayed elaborate Christian mosaics as far reaching as
Exarchate of Ravena (many breath taking mosaics are visible to this day) to Sicily and into Venice. In Venice, the
most elaborate display is perhaps, St. Marks with it's ornate
mosaics created between the twelfth and eighteenth centuries.
Next, Islamic architecture became influenced by
mosaic art and is evidenced in Moorish Spain and can still be
seen at the Alhambra. In North Africa, mosaic craft is known as
zillij and qashani. Many of the examples of great Islamic
geometric architecture were achieved through mosaic. The art
continued on to Russia and was adopted into construction of
buildings throughout Moscow, giving it the claim of the "third
Rome" after Constantinople.
This rich history can be integrated into your
home or office to add depth and texture to reflect your personal
taste. Contact Marlene Coleman by phone or email. Visit our
contact page for details.
