High-Style Tile

In porcelain, stone, metals or glass, this designer can dress your home’s interior just right

Avra Karak Left a job in the fashion industry to raise her three kids. Once they were grown, she decided to combine her background 
in fashion and her love for home decorating and open a tile business. In 1997, Monmouth St. Tile was born in Red Bank. Over the years, Karak secured exclusive contracts with top tile companies in the country and began offering homeowners a carefully cultivated selection of stone, mosaics and artisan and porcelain tiles that can’t be found anywhere else in Monmouth County. By 2005, 
the business had grown, and Karak opened a second location in Sea Girt. We recently sat down with her to chat:

WHY TILE?

To be honest, I didn’t know much about tile. But having worked in the garment industry for eight years selling high-end women’s clothing, I had a keen sense for color and design in fashion, so I decided to apply that to the home. By working closely with my clients, I’m able to help them develop their own sense of style.


WHAT WAS IT LIKE GOING BACK TO WORK AFTER BEING HOME WITH YOUR KIDS FOR 11 YEARS?

It was difficult, but being a woman in business while raising children has fostered a sense of independence and confidence in both of my daughters as well as my son. My hopes are for them to be as passionate in their careers as I have been in mine.

WHY THE SECOND LOCATION?

I saw a need for a business like mine in Sea Girt 
and wanted to expand my customer base. It also gives us more variety creatively. There, customers are designing beach homes, so we get to work on differently styled projects than in the Red Bank store.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIG TRENDS IN 
TILE RIGHT NOW?

Trends seem to shift every five to 15 years. Up until five years ago we were seeing a surge of Tuscan style. Now clients seem to be gravitating toward a cleaner aesthetic—like honed stones and large porcelain tiles. Another trend is laser-cut mosaics using stone, metals and glass as well as larger-format tile. Also, accenting large tiles with glass mosaics in muted colors (grays, off-whites and blues) is a popular decorative option.

HOW DO YOU GUIDE CUSTOMERS THROUGH RENOVATIONS?

We work very closely with our clients in a one-on-one consultation. We make conceptual drawings to help them visualize how our artisan and stone lines will look in their space. I also pay attention to each person’s style, asking questions about his or her design preferences.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love the interaction I have with people. Getting to make friends. We talk about restaurants, the weather, our kids—and of course tile. We really connect with our customers. —KRISTIN NIETO