Tin has been a popular product for home design in the United States for nearly 100 years. Recently, that interest has expanded to Europe, as well. Primarily leading the charge is Arjan Estie, founder of New York Ceiling Co. Arjan has been working to increase tin's visibility in Europe, and we at American Tin Ceilings Co. caught up with him to get the skinny on all the reasons why it's the “it” product right now.

While tin is popular within homes and residential areas in the U.S., tin in Europe is becoming more popular for retail and commercial purposes.

Varying colors and patterns are popular choices in the European market.

How did you first discover tin as a material?
During my visits to the U.S. — in Europe it is an unknown product.

How long have you been working with American Tin Ceilings?
About one year.

How did you get involved with American Tin Ceilings?
I have a company called Simply Steel in the Netherlands where we make steel window frames and accents. The tin tiles fit very well with them so I tried to find a producer to become the sales rep for Europe. I found American Tin Ceilings online and have a house in Bradenton, Florida (where they're based) so the combination was very interesting.

How would you describe the European interior design style?
The popular styles and colors are quite different in Europe and Holland versus the U.S., but they fit very well with the new style we have here in interior design — industrial chic.

While tin is popular within homes and residential areas in the U.S., tin in Europe is becoming more popular for retail and commercial purposes.

Why do you think tin has peaked interest in Europe?
It fits the style most commercial spaces want right now. It's perfect for interior projects in retail stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants.

What's different about the tin market potential in the US versus the rest of the world?
I expect the potential in the EU to be quite big; Holland is a designer's country the rest of the world emulates, particularly in German-speaking countries. We have been talking to many architects — that's the group to start with that “get it.” The more exhibits and marketing we do, the more people around the world will become exposed to it. In the rest of the world, it's more awareness than anything else.

Which countries have been the early adopters?
Holland, but it's a small country — only one-seventh of Florida — so in the EU we could do a lot more. Remember that almost nobody knows the product yet, besides in Great Britain where there isn't even a name for it. That's why I branded my sales company New York Ceiling Co. — to tie it back to the U.S. where it's more established.