Thanks to reader Nancy, who spotted this new flooring alternative for potential use by Retro Renovators. It’s Karndean’s “Michelangelo Mosaic” — 12″ vinyl tile squares that mimic random pattern mosaic floor tiles. The design comes in five colors — a lovely blue (same as my 2012 color of the year, Rimini Bitossi Blue)… an aqua/green… brown… beige… and black. This particular mosaic tile floor design has a 1960s and beyond look to me. Read on for more photos and information about this product from Karndean–>
First, a bit of the original note from Nancy:
Hi Pam,
I don’t know if you’ve seen this flooring from Karndean, so here it is… I think it has that late 50’s Roman look, don’t you? The Venetian Blue has a nice aqua tone to it.
Yup, Nancy, I agree. So I reached out to Karndean for more info. Their marketing department was super duper responsive and sent me several images to feature on the blog, along with the following, additional information. They are also sending samples for me to take a look at, and I will update this story when I get them. Update: The samples came — and I live them a lot! Karndean wrote:
Karndean Designflooring is a manufacturer of vinyl flooring and all of our products come in individual planks or tiles. Our Italian Mosiac product is a registered emboss product. A registered finish to our products means a more realistic look and an outstanding realism to the floor.
Here are the specs: Size of the tile is 12″ x12″. The wear layer on this product is 2.5mm. There is no bevel on the edges. There are 36 sq. ft per box of the product.
[I asked for cost info, here is what Karndean said:] In terms of cost, I really can’t give you a solid figure — we sell to retailers who then set their own prices. And depending on the quantity they buy from us, if they are a displaying dealer, etc., determines the cost they would set. Again, the individual retailer would set the price for the customer.
Also, as you can see from the attached photo (above), you can add some really neat borders to this floor to really customize it. We actually even have a dolphin medallion to inset in the Italian mosiac using MX97 and MX98 (the blue mosaic colors). There are quite a few grout strips and borders available for this floor.
For your readers, they can use our Find a Retailer tool to see where they can buy the products.
Again, the link the lineup is here.
Thanks, Karndean, and thanks again, Nancy. Keep those tips coming, readers, it is so wonderful that you take the time to share!
See all my stories about retro and midcentury flooring here.
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Cyndy Heyboer says
Does anyone know where I can purchase replacement vinyl inserts for the aluminum rub rail on my 60’s formica countertops in my kitchen? It must come on a roll….by the yard? The original was red and so brittle I removed it. I assume it’s available in other colors. Any clues would help!!!! Thanks. Cyndy
nancy says
I would love to do my bathroom in that tile…what brand is it? I may have missed it but my mind is shutting down for the night. I have a good friend who lays tile for a living….wow…love it
pam kueber says
nancy, it’s in the story several times — Karndean. See all the blue hotlinks…
Cheryl says
Thank you SO MUCH for this lead!
We had a leak in our vintage camper bathroom, that resulted in major water damage and ripping out the original, vintage, vinyl stone-look bathroom tile.
After scouring local flooring centers – and me wanting to cry over finding nothing remotely appropriate for our near-original ‘63 Avalair Mark II (I *guess* we could have settled for some of the really good-looking vinyl hardwood, but that would be so “remodel”, not “restore”) – I searched here and found Karndean Michelangelo, in Venetian Blue (perfect with it’s original turquoise laminate counter and table tops)!
Sadly, there are no Karndean retailers in our area, and none online that would sell us the tiny amount we needed for a vintage camper bathroom.
So, I contacted Karndean directly, explained the issue, mentioned I found their tile on retrorenovation.com… and they’re taking care of us! Amazing! Great customer communication and service. Highly recommended.
Can’t wait to receive and install my new flooring!
Pam Kueber says
Wow, that’s a great end-of-the-story to hear! Way to go, Karndean!
Jean says
I’m all over this tile!! Just as I was looking at VCT I saw this post and I have abandoned all other choices for this beauty. I sent for samples, (gorgeous), found a local supplier (too much), found an online supplier (better price) and will be moving forward in the next few weeks. CANT WAIT!!! Thank you for the lead and inspiration!
Pam Kueber says
Hi Jean, cool. Note, Jessica used it, see her photos: https://retrorenovation.com/2013/10/22/mosaic-tile-floor-vinyl-karndean/
Jean says
Thanks, Pam and Jessica. I love how the pattern has raised areas so that its not going to be a slippery nightmare for my dog. You can feel the “stones” a little.