Whether Italian tile makers can keep innovating is another matter.

ECONOMIST: On the tiles

There was every excuse for a blow-out: the firm's fortunes have risen with those of the Italian tile industry, which produced 572m square metres in 1997, compared with only 200m square metres in 1973.

ECONOMIST: On the tiles | The

From 2002 to 2005, Cal-a-Vie, in Vista, Califonia, underwent renovations spearheaded by owners Terri and John Havens that include touches like antique clocks, Portuguese tile, Italian chandeliers and a huge Louis XVI tapestry in the spa's great room.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Across town and near the Testaccio neighborhood is Porto Fluviale, a trattoria, pizzeria and bar whose black-and-white lacquered-tile design evokes memories of Italian bars from days past.

FORBES: 48 Hours In Rome