A traffic-stopping work of tile art

A tiled welcome mat adorns the front door.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

The tiles are an eclectic mix in both origin and arrangement.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

The tiles tell stories and run in themes, such as this depiction of a river with fish in it.  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

An apple tree, right, is represented by tile, as are rivers and mountains.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Azis Farman works on the last stretch of wall, the culmination of years of work.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Aziz Farnam chooses pieces from a broken china plate that he is using to finish up the final wall.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

A neighbor’s home is reflected in some of the tile work.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

A door leading into the side yard of the Farnam home.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

“Everyone knows my house,” Louise Farnam says. “Just say ‘mosaic tile house in Santa Monica.’”   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Louise Farnam holds a platter she made. She also decorates mirrors, tables and other interior furnishings, which she sells via her small business.  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Azis Farnam feeds one of his many birds, some of whom are represented in the tile work.  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Last year, the TLC television network featured the Farnams’ tile house in a segment of its “Four Houses” series. Two of Louise’s rivals dissed her house as a “sensory-overload ... hobby gone wild.” Nonetheless, Louise took top honors, winning $10,000.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)