Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Spanish Tiles Make Magic

The geometric patterns of Spanish tiles have created alluring charm in homes for centuries. These time-tested patterns still make magic today.  This powder room is a great example of how these classic patterns still have style staying-power.

Powder Room using Spanish Tiles
Powder Room using Spanish Tiles
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography
About a year ago, Ines Haml, a designer in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada called me looking for Spanish tiles.  We discussed the different hand painted Spanish Tiles lines.  She expressed special interest in the La Merced pattern from our Barcelona line. I could tell she had done her homework because of the detailed questions she asked and her familiarity with the tiles on our site.

A few days later she placed a sample order that included several popular hand painted Spanish decorative tiles and our Yucatan field tiles.  The subtle variation in color in our hand painted Yucatan field tile works well with the change in color values found in hand painted decorative tiles.  Samples sent to Ines included the SpanishValenciaCalifornia San Diego and the Barcelona La Merced.

Barceloan La Merced Spanish Valencia California San Diego

She mentioned she was working on a very special project and was certain one these tiles would be the right fit for her client.  Ines and I found each other through Houzz. I later learned she was also the Principal of her design firm, The Sky is theLimit Interior Design Concepts.

A Hand Painted Sink Adds a Special Touch
A Hand Painted Sink Adds a Special Touch
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography
Spanish Tile and Hand Painted Trim

A few months later, Inez asked for an estimate based on her material take-off and lead time based on our current production schedule.  A few weeks passed before she submitted her final order for the project and it included one of my favorite patterns and trim: Barcelona La Merced and Yucatan Cobalt Molding.  We didn’t have all of the decorative Spanish tiles in stock and the Yucatan tiles are always made to order.  Not a problem, Inez had worked that into the plan based on discussions we’d had earlier.  She was prepared for the lead time.  A few months later, Inez sent me teh photos from the project and just have to share them here.


Decorative Spanish Wall Tile in Powder Room
Decorative Spanish Wall Tile in Powder Room
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography
What a beautiful powder room! The hand-painted designs of Spanish tile add charm and color to this powder room. Together with the terracotta Arabesque floor tiles, these La Merced ceramic tiles reveal a warm and friendly surrounding.

Hand Painted Spanish Tile Patterns Paired with Bisque Pavers
Hand Painted Spanish Tile Patterns Paired with Bisque Pavers
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography


Spanish Tile Formats, Colors, and Lead Times

The Barcelona line is available in small quantities for quick shipping. This flexible line comes in five patterns, each in their own unique colorway. You'll find complete designs in both a 6"x6" and 3"x3" format. Hand-painted 3"x6" and 3"x3" border/corner trim is also available for each line, and provides a variation on a theme for a cohesive look. The rich look of Yucatan Cobalt P-Molding provides the perfect trim to set-off the entire look.  All tiles in our Yucatan line are made-to-order here in California.  Allow about four weeks for most orders.

Different Spanish Wall Tile Patterns Add Interest
Different Spanish Wall Tile Patterns Add Interest
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography


Thanksgiving Greetings

Santa Rita Hills, California Central Coast
Santa Rita Hills, California Central Coast 

Fall is one of my favorite seasons and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It’s a great time to slow down and re-connect with family and friends over a great meal and glass of wine.  The warm days are appreciated after the cool nights and shorter period of daylight.  Take some for yourself.  I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!  

Colorado  Rockies near Mancos, CO
Happy Thanksgiving - Find a Peaceful Place

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Alluring Arabesque Spanish Cement Tiles

With their Moorish and Spanish influences, Arabesque designs and patterns have remained timeless and always in fashion (think Boho chic and the California missions). The same philosophy also applies to the time-tested look and durability of handmade cement tiles, in this case, Arabesque cement tiles.

The geometrically inclined Arabesque pattern, part of Avente Tile’s extensive cement tile collection, pays homage to the rich look of classic clay bisque tiles that have been used throughout Spain, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa for centuries. With Arabesque, homeowners, designers, architects and specifiers have the distinct advantage of a broader color palette, coupled with a variety of sizes and shapes that are adaptable to any décor and environment.

Arabesque Spanish Cement Tiles are available in 30 colors and two blends. The colors are available in two styles: solid or flash. The Rustic Spanish Paver color palette includes classic bisque colors in terracotta, red and brown that provides traditional style. The Classic style takes its cue from clay bisque that would be historically used to make Saltillo tile, brown Spanish pavers, and red clay tiles. For a more contemporary look, you can choose from Avente’s extensive collection of 24 colors with the Premium color palette, which includes subtle greys, green, plum, rust and tan.

In addition to their flexibility to adapt to any design need, Avente Tile’s Arabesque Spanish Cement Tiles are also good for the environment. How, you may ask?
  • Manufactured in the USA. 
  • Made using a high percentage of locally sourced materials. 
  • Cement used for producing these tiles is supplied by an Energy Star Certified factory.

Handmade Arabesque Cement Pattern Details

In 2012, when Avente first introduced its Arabesque cement tile line, the made-to-order collection featured eight patterns. Now, with seven new patterns, the handmade collection boasts 15 rustic Spanish tile patterns. Let’s look at these additions.


Arabesque Conche Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
Arabesque Conche Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile

Arabesque Conche Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile patterns
The Conche Spanish tile pattern is reminiscent of fluidity and movement.



Arabesque Durango Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
Arabesque Durango Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile

Arabesque Durango Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
The Durango pattern, with its crescent-shaped indent, boasts its Moorish tile background.



Arabesque Hexagon Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
Arabesque Hexagon Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile

The handmade Hexagon series offers flexibility with its classic geometric beauty.



Arabesque Octagon and Dot Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
Arabesque Octagon and Dot Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile

Arabesque Octagon and Dot Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
The conforming, yet non-pretentious Octagon and Dot Arabesque tile pattern. 



 Arabesque Pata Grande Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
Arabesque Pata Grande Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile

With its flirty convex shape, Pata Grande is adaptable to any Spanish tile design or concept.



Arabesque Pickets Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
Arabesque Pickets Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile

Arabesque Pickets Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
It's easy to see why the Pickets cement tile series is popular with its various sizes and formats.



 Arabesque San Felipe Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
Arabesque San Felipe Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
 Arabesque San Felipe Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
San Felipe touts the curves and angles synonymous with Arabesque tile patterns.


It's hard to resist the rich history and traditional patterns of these handmade creations!

Lastly, although the Arabesque Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile collection is rated for freeze/thaw cycles, Avente Tile offers extensive insight and information on the installation, sealing and maintenance of these tiles. If you have any questions, they are always more than happy to help!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Create a Spanish Tile Design with Rustic Pavers

A beautiful floor tile design really makes a tremendous statement in your room. There is so much more to a floor than the tile itself. The pattern or layout of the floor tiles along with the accent tile will change both the look and the feel. It’s definitely a case where the sum is greater than the parts.

The Spanish Floor tile layout makes this hall seem quite grand.
The Spanish Floor tile are placed On Point to make this hall seem grand.

I’ll share some inspiring floor tile designs that will help you plan your own project. Learn how to use traditional patterns and designs to create your own unique floor tile layout. Don’t be afraid to get creative – I recommend getting several square feet of the tiles that interest you. Try different tile formats and/or shapes in various layouts. Add smaller dot or accent tiles for color and texture. The tile layouts in today's post are primarily used for tile with rectangular or square shapes. If you are thinking about using arabesque patterns or other shapes like a hexagon or octagon, then stay tuned. We'll discuss those tile layouts in an upcoming post.

Tips for Floor Tile Design

Before you select your tile, think about how you might like to lay it out. Choose a tile that is available in many different shapes to give you the most flexibility. Our Rustic Paver formats are available in these shapes and are made to order.


Rustic Paver Formats
Rustic Cement Tile Paver Formats and Sizes

Choosing a floor tile can be intimidating because the choices are expansive. Focus only on the room (patio, bathroom, kitchen, and sun room) where the tile is being installed. Follow these steps, and deliberately choose:
  • Tiles appropriate for the application or use (residential floor, swimming pool sideboard).
  • A theme for the room (such as, mid-century modern, Spanish Revival, or seashells for the bathroom, chickens for the kitchen).
  • A color scheme. Focus on a main color and one or two accent colors.
  • Design elements that support or work with your theme and color choices (crackle tiles for a rustic look, hand-painted tiles for a Spanish home, blue pool tiles).
  • A floor tile layout. Start with a look or pattern you like from those below, or you can view even more Tile Paver Patterns online.

Common Floor Tile Design Layouts

Grid or Straight lay. This straight-forward tile showcases the beauty of the tile.

12"x12" Rustic Pavers (Hermosa Blend) on a straight lay or grid.
12"x12" Rustic Pavers (Hermosa Blend) on a Straight Lay or Grid.
Brick, Running Bond or Offset. Tiles are offset by half the width of the tile. Works with rectangular and square formats. This is a nice way to blend tiles of different color.

Rustic Spanish Pavers (Cotto Dark) in a Running Bond Layout
Rustic Spanish Pavers (Cotto Dark) in a Running Bond Layout
Diagonal or On Point. Tiles are set at a 45-degree angle to the room walls. This layout will generally give the room a larger feel.  Mix with a grid layout to provide interest between rooms or transitions where the same color tile is being used.

Heritage Cement Tiles (Fire Brick Red) Laid on Point
Heritage Cement Tiles (Fire Brick Red 8"x 8") Placed On Point.
Checkerboard. Tiles in two alternating colors are placed straight or on point. Traditionally done with black and white or other high contrast colors.

Checkerboard  Layouts use tiles in two alternating colors.
Checkerboard  Layouts Use Tiles in Two Alternating Colors.
On Point with Dots. Field tiles are notched for small dot tiles. The dots are accent tiles that can be placed on a regular pattern or randomly.

Spanish Floor Tile on Point with Accent Dots
Spanish Floor Tile On Point with Accent Dots
Spanish Tile Dot with On Point Paver Layout
Spanish Tile Dot with On Point Paver Layout
Hopskotch or Pinwheel. A small square tile is surrounded by four larger ones on each side. Only specific ratios of tile will for this layout Works well for plain tile or incorporating decorative tiles with an accent.

A Pinwheel Layout Using Spanish Tile as Accents.

Create your Design with Rustic Pavers

Our Rustic Cement Paver Tiles are the perfect choice if you want to create a stunning floor design using patterns. You’ll find both Classic and Premium colors. Classic color pavers have the same appearance as clay bisque tiles and offer the look and feel of tile floors found in Mediterranean climates. Premium Color pavers include both bisque and more contemporary colors.
Start designing a rustic paver layout today to create a unique and stunning floor. Click the link below to view our catalog of Rustic Paver colors, formats, and options, or call us at 888.739.4972 (Toll Free). We are open 9 AM - 5 PM PST, Monday through Friday.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Arabesque & Spanish Cement Tile Designs to Love

Together with Arabesque Spanish floor tiles, our hand-painted La Merced ceramic tiles (from our Barcelona collection) reveal a warm and friendly surrounding.
Together with Arabesque Spanish floor tiles, our hand-painted La Merced ceramic tiles (from our Barcelona collection) reveal a warm and friendly surrounding.

Avente Tile is happy to announce that our extensive collection of line of Arabesque Spanish Cement floor tiles and pavers have been expanded to include several new patterns. With these additional options, the classic time-tested look, durability and craftsmanship of these traditional handmade cement tiles is sure to flawlessly adapt to any décor and environment.

By using our Arabesque Spanish Cement Tile in your next project, you'll feel good knowing your choice is also good for the environment. Manufactured in the USA, this collection is made using a high percentage of locally sourced materials, minimizing transportation impact. Moreover, the cement used for producing these tiles is supplied by an Energy Star Certified factory.

All tiles within this collection, which pay faithful homage to a deeply rooted and rich heritage of traditional Moorish and Spanish tiles, measure 3/4"-thick in nominal thickness. Available in traditional colors as well as softer, contemporary shades, Arabesque Spanish Cement Tiles are sure to enhance any setting where they are used.

Our commitment to you is the continued quest for excellence. So, how can we help you with your cement tile needs today?

Featured Cement Tile




Conche



Durango



Hexagon



Octagon and Dot



Pata Grande



Pickets



San Felipe



Pinterest logo

Pinterest: Leaves of Change

Kitchens We Love
Autumn/Fall

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." — John F. Kennedy

With Autumn in full swing, our Pinboard selections for this month reflect upon both the seasonal change, and the room in our homes that will garner the most use and attention, .the kitchen! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and all the wonderfully delicious cooking this holiday entails, we thought we should pay homage to this high-traffic area where your guests will undoubtedly love to chat, eat, or lend a hand!

As the warm breezes transform into bone-chilling winds, rain and snow, you can hold onto the warm feelings this season emotes with our Leaf Imprint Ceramic Tiles or with our various collections of handmade cement tiles, such as Classic Cluny, Classic Chantilly A, or our Mission Trebol B.

From all of us at Avente Tile, we wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Inspired? Then visit our pages on houzz.com, our boards on Pinterest, and browse through dozens of our Ceramic Tile Design Ideas portfolio page where you can find a large collection of projects showcasing our handmade and hand-painted ceramic tile, cement tile, decorative tile, mosaic tile, and so much more. Let us know how we at Avente Tile can assist you!


Fall for our new Cement Tile Colorways

Fall in love with our latest cement tile colorways! Stocked in limited quantities with just enough for that residential project you want completed before the holidays! For contemporary installations, consider our Hex pattern with its classic Escher pattern and colors. For a traditional style, lay medallions of Bruselas in a field of plain tiles. Bright, but muted, our cheery Neiba is both tropical and cool. Whatever your taste, these colorways provide fresh ideas to our favorite, old friend, cement tile.



Bruselas
8x8 Cement Tile

In Stock! 78 Pieces




Neiba A
8x8 Cement Tile

In Stock! 171 Pieces




Hexagon
7x7 Hex Cement Tile

In Stock! 185 Pieces




Romana 4x4
4x4 Cement Tile

Made to Order

Need cement tile fast? Check out our In Stock Cement Tile or call to see how we can help.