Start with an old table in need of a transformation. We chose a round one but any shape or size will do. Collect a variety of broken or found objects such as tiles, plates, colored glass, mirrors, beads, seashells, stones, etc. To create as smooth and flat a tabletop as possible, the more level the pieces, the better.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

- Tile Adhesive

- Tiling tool

- Grout

- 1” paint brush

- Super strong glue (WeldBond works well)

- Enough square tiles to surround the outside of the table. (Tile size is determined by this calculation: tabletop +  thickest mosaic piece + 1/16” polymer = total thickness)*

- Thin cardboard, cut the same height as the tiles for the perimeter of the table, enough to go around the outside  (Cardboard from cereal boxes works well)

- A level

- A polymer compound such as EnviroTex Lite (Amount will vary depending on how big your table top is and how thick you want the top coat)

- Spray paint or stain for the base (optional)

- Tile cutter (optional)

Prep Work

- Wash the table

- Paint the table in a well ventilated area

- Level the table (If the table is wobbly, you can buy levelers at a hardware store)

- When breaking plates, glass, tiles, etc. make sure you protect your hands and eyes with gloves and goggles

- Make a sketch of your pattern or practice on the floor first

Creating the Mosaic Tabletop

- Cover the table top with tile adhesive

- Arrange broken/cut tiles in desired pattern

- Let dry

- Measure the tabletop width and the biggest piece on your mosaic, decide how thick you want your top coat and add these 3 numbers together. (i.e. tabletop 1” thick + 1/4” mosaic piece + 1/16” polymer = total thickness of 1 5/16”)*

- Cut cardboard into total thickness measurement

- Fill in the gaps between mosaic pieces with grout

- Leave to dry as per grout instructions

- Clean the tabletop with a damp cloth or sponge

- Glue cardboard to the perimeter with super strong glue, creating a level mould to pour Polymer compound in, be sure there are no gaps or holes for polymer to leak out of*

- Mix polymer as per manufacturer directions and pour into card board ring or paint onto surface (Save about 1 cup for the last step)

- Check for any leaks.

- Remove bubbles and let dry as per instructions

- Remove cardboard

*NOTE: This step can be skipped if level tiles are used OR if the table top is not meant to be level. In these cases only a thin layer of Polymer is painted onto the table top surface.

Finishing Touches

Paint the sides with tile adhesive. Then glue the tiles to the sides of the table. Let it dry thoroughly. Fill in with grout. Then let this dry. Paint polymer compound all around the new tiles to seal the tiles on the side (or sides) of the table.

Defined by crisp, sharp lines, and free of details, furnishings with the minimalist furniture theme follow the infamous mantra “Less is more”. Minimalist homes are without clutter, extremely clean, and feature bare walls and windows. A lot of minimalist pieces are dark in co lour to have more presence, since the walls of minimalist homes are usually white. It’s a stunning contrast to have, and if you feel up to the minimalist challenge, check out the following pieces to give your home a fresh, cleansed look:

The hardware-free Salamander Designs Chameleon Berlin Triple-Width TV Cabinet’s only detail is its brown textured Wenge-wood finish – the rest of the piece is actually quite bare. With two cabinets and a drawer that are pinch-opened, and a sleek black glass top, this TV stand is definitely a minimalist’s dream!

This low-profile Zurich Bed Platforms from Lifestyles Solutions is finished with rich satin cappuccino wood veneers, giving it a fresh and modern look. With its lack of design aspects, this bed is almost Zen-like, and it will definitely lull you off to sleep because you’ll have no picky details to focus on!

The warm mocha cherry finish of the Sitcom Blocks Collection Console Table will definitely center off your minimalist living room. Featuring a drawer and open shelving, it doubles as a storage space, and its special feature is its white tempered glass top. There’s also a slide-out bar featured in this table! The Sitcom console table does it all while maintaining a simple look!

Available in deep Wenge or walnut, the Modloft Norfolk Minimalist Modern Mirror can either be hung from the wall or leaned against it – whatever your preference is. It is six feet in height, so it will definitely reflect a lot of light into your home. Because it’s been designed with so little detailing, it will remain a classic piece for years to come.

Made from solid rubber wood, the black-hued Klaussner Furniture Nikka Cantilever Nightstand features a shelf that looks as if it were simply cut away. The result is a low key, yet eye-catching look. It’s also free of hardware to add to its simplicity. 

The casual Homelegance Black 3-Piece Occasional Table Set is also a very versatile set. Finished in a neutral black, it will fit with any room, and if you need end tables for the living room, a coffee table for extra surface space, or nightstands for the bedroom, this set can help you out. It will also remain a classic set for life because of its detail-free design.

Probably the most detailed piece seen yet is the Wholesale Interiors Baxton Studio Black Split-Back Convertible Sofa. Its tufted leatherette upholstery and silver legs are almost too much for the minimalist look. However, because it has no arms, and is black in co lour, it qualifies for the minimalist category! Plus, it smoothly clicks into position with minimal effort required, unlike a bulky futon that you have to kick open.

The minimal, yet unique Global Furniture USA Soho Dresser is the perfect addition to your minimalist bedroom. Finished in warm Wenge veneers, this dresser will store your clothes with its six drawers and also act as a shelving unique because of its special shape.

 
The Eurostyle Abby Wenge Dining Table is as about as minimal as you can get in your dining room! With a simple Wenge finish and a lightweight honeycomb construction, this table is minimalism at its peak – with no details at all! It’ll be sure to give you an easy, carefree dining experience in your dining room.

Even with Minimalist Furniture you can create some amazing interior designs.

Nicolette Interior Design Diva

Looking to add a little peace and harmony into your home? Try infusing Asian Interior Design, Zen style into your living space! The calm, relaxing look features gorgeous hardwood pieces and natural décor materials, like rice paper and bamboo.

Bring a lot of light, neutral accents, and balance into your home with a few Japanese-themed pieces.

For your bedroom, find a platform bed that’s low to the ground in a rich hue. The only detailing should be very minimal – like a curved headboard or small etchings. Lifestyle Solutions Retro Zen Platform Bed in Cappuccino

Opt for a duvet cover that’s fresh, airy, and harmonious. Patterns like flowers or reeds should be kept soft and small. Nygård Home Japanese Bedding Zen Duvet Cover

A straight, clean lined table lamp will fit in well with the Zen design style. NOVA Lighting Zen Reclining Modern Lamp

Beautiful details like mirrored surfaces and mahogany woodworking carry out a Japanese feel. Show off these details with a cabinet, dresser, or armoire. Southern Enterprises Asian temple Wall Jewelry Armoire

The living room will have a dramatic, yet soothing look with oversized arc lamps. Place them in the corner of the room, facing inwards, to create light in the center of the room. NOVA Lighting Kenzo Arc Modern Lamp

Adesso Spheres Arc Suspended Lantern Lamp

Look for coffee tables, end, or sofa tables that have very little detailing to express a Zen feel. Slightly arced legs are found often in Japanese design. Homelegance Zen 3-Piece Occasional Tables

Jofran 254 Series Rectangular Wood Cocktail Plank Table in Braeburn Rough Hued Cherry

Select some club chairs that are lower to the ground. Throw in a little punch of colour with a great upholstered club chair – they can be the focal point of the room. Wholesale Interiors Baxton Studio Asian Inspired Red Floral Club Chair Set of 2

Your dining room can offer you a tranquil place to eat with the right furnishings. A naturally finished wooden dining set will bring out the Zen style. Somerton Enchantment 5 Piece Dining Room Table Set in Rich Cappuccino

For the empty spot beneath the dining room table, try putting a reed or wicker rug in the space. A lot of Japanese dining is done on a floor mat, so use it to channel the Japanese lifestyle. L.A. Rugs Nature Style Reed Rug

Light up the room with a glowing paper rice floor lantern. Place them in two corners to represent balance and flow. Adesso Suki Floor Lantern

If you want some peaceful energy in your bathroom, consider a granite top vanity with rustic wooden legs. It brings an Eastern vibe into your bathroom, giving it a unique look. Avanity Zen Small Bathroom Vanity Set with Black Granite Top

Top off the vanity with a mirror framed in natural bamboo. This material is very Zen friendly, and Earth friendly too. Coaster Contemporary Natural Bamboo Mirror

For a bathroom light, have fun with the Japanese Zen theme and opt for something like this: Rocket USA Harmony Buddha Light

Get ready to feel more relaxed and at peace when you includeAsian Interior Design, Zen style pieces into your home!

Nicolette Interior Design