Design Surfaces Tile & Stone has everything you love and more
By Patricia Nugent
With a newly renovated showroom, recent rebranding, several product line introductions and additions to the staff, if you haven’t been to Design Surfaces Tile & Stone lately, you really haven’t been there at all.
“Doing things differently has always been the machine that drives us,” says owner David Coticchia. “Renovating your home can be a little overwhelming. That’s why the designers in our complimentary design service bring inspiration and experience to help homeowners every step of the way and create a space that’s truly reflective of them.”
The goal behind the renovation was to bring in more samples and display them in a way that heightens the retail shopping experience. There are several stylish room vignettes to explore, a gourmet coffee bar, and a working kitchen where they bring in a local chef and throw open houses and designer nights. Another delightful addition to the showroom is an elegant private meeting room where clients can meet with their designers or contractors.
Everything And the Kitchen Sink
“With increased demand for plumbing, sinks and hardware, we decided to dive deeper into this niche and create a department within the showroom,” says David. “We carry products from Moen, Delta, Kohler and Blanco. Our clients were looking for more than they were finding in the big box stores. We wanted to live up to our reputation as a one-stop designer shop.”
All the plumbing displays are mobile, so customers can take them around the showroom to see how they look paired with other materials.
“Since we offer everything needed in a renovation, from countertops to cabinetry, flooring, tile, lighting, faucets and sinks, we’ve also started selling furniture online, too, to pull it all together,” he says. At DesignSurfacesPlus.com, you’ll find furnishings and home décor for every style and space, including chairs, tables, lamps, wall hangings, clocks, mirrors and designer vases and candleholders. It’s available for easy in-store pickup or delivery.
True to Their Roots
This third-generation, family-run business has a pretty cool origin story. David’s grandfather, Nicholas—a trained stone mason who came to this country from Italy in 1975—founded the operation. His passion for natural stone and old-world craftsmanship lives on.
Today, Design Surfaces has one of the largest inventories of natural stone in the Cleveland area. Customers enjoy shopping on-site from the massive slabs of granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, porcelain, soapstone and travertine that they import directly from the quarries of Italy, Brazil and India.
According to David, porcelain slab material is the latest darling in home renovation, and they are installing it on counters and accent walls, as well as outdoor kitchens, as it’s impervious to scratching or staining.
From an operational standpoint, they’ve recently invested in a major upgrade to the fabrication facility.
“New automated digital equipment allows us to shorten lead times while retaining our level of precision and craftsmanship,” he says.
The Mega-Talented Staff
David says his family has always been lucky when it comes to attracting talented people.
“Recently, we brought an intern on full time and welcomed back a past employee,” he says. “Kylie Crawford is just finishing her design degree and brings a lot of positive energy and creativity to the job. And Marcella Daigle will be rejoining us for a fourth time. We’re thrilled she’s moved back to the area and can be part of our dynamic team.”
Rounding out the staff are Jennifer Glover, Paula Schutt, Kate Laux and Mallory Yax.
Staying Ahead of the Design Curve
“We’ve always gone out of our way to bring in unique lines that lend a custom difference to any home renovation,” says Design Surfaces Tile & Stone owner David Coticchia. “Noblewood is an excellent example of that. I believe we are the only company in the area to offer it.”
Perfect for wall applications, the finely carved wood tiles are sourced out of Africa, where the business allows workers to provide for their families, and a portion of the proceeds goes toward education and schools. Different linear and geometric shapes retain the natural relief and grain in the wood, which is sustainably grown on tree farms.
“The durable, handmade material comes from teak wood and the artisans use all parts of the tree, down to the roots and bark,” he says. “The effect is stunning. Nothing else looks like this—organic and exotic at the same time. It takes reclaimed wood to the next level. We’ve featured it already in several renovations and it ends up acting as the focal point.”
Design Surfaces Tile & Stone is conveniently located just off I-90, at 24000 Sperry Drive, in Westlake. The warehouse and showroom are open to the public Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and evenings by appointment. Call 440-899-9900 or visit DesignSurfacesDist.com for more information.