“It’s not about a tile. It’s about a lifestyle,” says Stevie Joubert, CEO of tile retailer, Stiles.
Having spent almost 25 years in the tile industry, Stevie is convinced that tiles represent more than just flat, colourful, slabs of porcelain. They represent the lives we want to create and the homes we dream of filling with memories.
“Your lifestyle is how you live, it reflects who you are,” explains Stevie. “Your home is an extension of that lifestyle, a gallery where you can craft your own personal masterpiece.”
Kitchens and bathrooms are often the rooms where homeowners direct their creativity and budget. These are the most lived-in parts of the home, where people wish to make an impression, express themselves and stamp their own personality and style. Our time at home is often scarce and precious. It has a huge impression on our energy and how we function. The rock star chef may want to create the concept kitchen of his dreams. The glamour obsessed might crave a bold statement. Tiles can be conservative, vintage, trendy, bohemian, loud, graphic or luxurious. They can inspire sophistication, serenity or even sustainability.
“My heart and my passion go into tiles,” says Stevie, “and I’ve got one of the best jobs in the world.” The tile guru has made it his personal mission to search the globe for the most stylish, exclusive and unique products. Joining his father Etienne in the fledgling tile shop in George, in March 2000, Stevie initially focussed strongly on promoting products from South African artisans. Decades later, Stevie’s mandate has grown to establishing relationships with innovative tile and sanitaryware factories across South Africa as well as Europe, South America and Asia. “We want to bring trendsetting tiles into the South African marketplace,” he says simply.
“A tile is never just a tile,” says Stevie, “a tile is a piece of art.” This is a concept that was impressed upon Stevie by his late father, Etienne. “Art was part of his life,” says Stevie, “he had an eye for craftsmanship. He sketched, painted and made mosaics for most of his life.” An eye for artistry has helped the Stiles team in handpicking their tile and sanitaryware products. “You can see the depth of creativity and the amount of time and energy that went into a well-crafted tile,” explains Stevie. “Tiles also follow fashion,” he elaborates, “they track trends in creativity, style, functionality, texture and even colour. The tiles at Stiles stand apart from others, simply because we prioritise craftsmanship and quality above all else.”
“A tile is something that you will have on your floor for the next fifteen years,” says Stevie, “choosing the best quality product adds value to your home and allows you to live well in your space.”
“My motivation is simple,” he explains, “the right tile can make someone happy in their own home, and that’s living the dream!”
In keeping with Stiles’ theme of creating the home of your dreams, Stiles has launched a Lifestyle Promo highlighting up to 20% off* selected products!
Visit them in-store or on their website to find out more. * Ts & Cs apply.
https://stiles.co.za/campaigns/lifestyle-promo/