“It’s been an exciting process to send in sketches and see how they materialize on tile,” says Kirar.  Impressions is characterized by organic hand-drawn patterns such as Circles Sketched and Scribbles that, when combined in an installation, appear as an overall texture on a wall.

The process for transferring Kirar’s sketched patterns to the ceramic tile is reminiscent of traditional methods employed to create handmade wallpaper or batik fabrics. “I enjoy using this relatively primitive process to create something that is ultimately very elegant,” says Kirar.

The color palette for the ANN SACKS Impressions tiles is reflective of Kirar’s general color philosophy. She begins with a neutral base comprised of cool grays, taupe and other natural colors, and accents it with bolder signature colors.

In this case, those include a retro green and pink suggestive of the saturated, romantic colors of 1940s Hollywood. They evoke a vintage feeling and yet are very modern.

In addition to the colors specifically created by Kirar for the line, any of the more than 200 ANN SACKS colors are also available for custom projects.

“Creating highly artistic and graphic imagery and flawlessly executing it across various media is a hallmark of Laura Kirar’s timeless designs,” says John Hart, chief merchandising officer - ANN SACKS & Kallista. “This new tile collection is no exception.”

Kirar is the founder and creative director of TRU design, a New York-based agency and product design firm LKDL in Miami.

Founded in 1981, ANN SACKS has built its reputation with inspiring designs in tile, stone, plumbing, lighting and accessories. Based in Portland, Ore., the company is a division of the Kohler Co. Interiors Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., that includes Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc., Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and Baker Stores, Kallista plumbing and McGuire Furniture Company.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.