Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tiles: A Historical Perspective

Stunning view of the Malibu coast from the historic Adamson House.

Situated in one of the most sought after coastal locations on the West Coast in Southern California, and perhaps the nation, is the Adamson House. Now a museum, the Adamson House occupies land that was previously home to the Chumash Indians until the 18th century. Later, according to Malibu Adamson House Foundation (MAHF) records, “the Rindge family owned 17,000 acres and 20 miles of coastline.” With the coast on one side and the Santa Monica mountains on the other, “the Rindge family’s daughter, Rhoda, and her husband, Merritt Huntley Adamson, used the site to construct a beach house, now the historic Adamson House museum.

A closer look at the blue-glazed Malibu with terracotta tiles at the Adamson House.

Moreover, the Spanish Colonial Revival style home, built in 1929, enjoys the designation of being a National Historic Site, California Historical Landmark, and a California State Park. “Situated near the Malibu Pier between popular Surfrider Beach and the Malibu Lagoon, the house boasts an exotic mix of Spanish and Moorish influences with dazzling displays of decorative tiles and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship including hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, molded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows,” the museum added.

Malibu glazed ceramic tiles meld beautifully with terracotta tiles along the walkways of the Adamson House. 

Interestingly, California was inundated with tile-producing companies in the 1920s, including Malibu Potteries, the company founded by May Rindge. “Filled with an entrepreneurial spirit, May Rindge started the firm after discovering her land was rich in the natural resources needed to manufacture ceramic tile. She wisely hired Rufus Keeler—a ceramist and draftsman whom many considered a ceramic genius for his secret glazes known for their color and clarity—as her plant manager,” according to the MAHF.

Thankfully, the tradition of creating colorful, decorative and long-lasting tiles similar to those found in the Adamson House remain strong with our latest introduction, Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tile.

Vibrant colors coupled with Spanish- and Moorish-inspired patterns make our Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tile collection a feast for the eyes.

This line of hand-painted ceramic tile pays homage to the Malibu and Catalina Potteries of California of the 1920s. Using classic patterns, these tiles are created using the cuerda seca technique to produce a slight relief and outline around each pattern color where the glazes pool. These tiles differ from our decorative ceramic Malibu tile line because the design utilizes unglazed terracotta or bisque for the background for a traditional Spanish look. Mix and match plain field tile colors from our Malibu Field to create harmonizing designs. The Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tile collection is suitable for all indoor applications, including walls and floors. They are also suitable for outdoor locations in frosty environments.

Browse our Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tile here!

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What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness? ~ John Steinbeck

With school out for the summer, and our dreams of upcoming summer adventures coming to fruition, we chose the Pinterest board that best reflects this exuberance – Summer Food and Fun!

Summer’s energy translates to taking on new projects, perhaps one that has been set aside for years. Replacing cracked or broken pool tile or finally installing that fountain or water feature you’ve always wanted for the garden, and perhaps adding Malibu Ceramic Tiles with Terracotta to an indoor or outdoor set of stair rises.

Using handmade or hand-painted porcelain tile for your next outdoor or indoor project will not only enhance the look of your home, but you can rest assured the tile you choose will withstand the elements, too. For whichever project you choose to conquer, Avente Tile is here to help you reach your design goal. Our extensive ceramic tile Design Idea gallery features a large collection of projects dedicated to inspiring you and your living space. How can we help inspire you today?

Adamson House Tile Tour

With the Fourth of July Holiday just around the corner, I found my thoughts wandering toward the sunny California coast. So, I thought I'd share one of my favorite historical tile haunts, The Adamson House. It's located right on the Pacific Ocean and steps from the Malibu Pier in Malibu, California. Even if you aren't interested in tile and California history, it's hard to find a reason not to visit this lovely location.

Located right on the coast in stunning Malibu, the grounds of the Adamson house make for an enjoyable summer destination.

The grounds alone are simply stunning and open to the public every day during daylight. The Adamson house is a Spanish Colonial Revival home that was built in 1929. It has a unique mix of Spanish and Moorish architecture styles and perhaps one of the most comprehensive collections of tiles from the day. Famed Malibu Tile was manufactured just steps from there. As the trophy home of the factory owners, the home is nothing short of a showpiece. The factory produced tiles that are still coveted today and can be be found in some of Los Angeles' architectural treasures, such as the Mayan Theater and City Hall.

Glazed terracotta planters with ornate designs are clues to what await.

Today, we'll explore only the outside grounds. But, stay tuned for next week's post where we'll show more details and provide a bit of history on this tile treasure trove.

The flagstone entry pulls the eye to the resplendent tile entry

The entry to the Adamson House tiled is a tile tapestry

An exquisite peacock tile tapestry water feature faces the back patio 

Moorish-inspired details such as this parabolic window are adorned with glazed ceramic tile patterns

Tiled outdoor tubs were used for washing pets - in style!

Did you enjoy today's post? Then you might want to subscribe to Avente Tile's mailing list for free! Subscribers receive our hand-painted ceramic and cement tile newsletter, Tile Talk, once per month.

Tile Talk offers great hand-painted ceramic and cement tile design ideas, tile tips, and information about new ceramic and cement tile products. We also explore historically significant tile installations, such as today's post, as well as photos of hand-painted ceramic and cement tile installations and designs, and perspectives from designers and architects who have specified and installed beautiful hand-painted ceramic and cement tiles. We think you'll find lots of inspiration!

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Next week's newsletter will provide a historical perspective on Malibu tile and more information about this endearing historical landmark. Sign-up now for your free copy of Tile Talk!

Malibu Field Tiles for Enhancing Your Space

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Spanish Santa Barbara Style tiled fountain with handmade patterned and solid-colored field tiles. Image via Pinterest.

Summer is now in full-swing with vacations, short getaways, daily outings, and entertaining outdoors with friends and family members alike. If you're like us, you love to hear the chatter and laughter of a house full of people, especially when a day time gathering spills over into the evening.

With the same giddiness that accompanies summer, we're proud to introduce our Malibu Field Tiles, the latest addition to our extensive collection of ceramic tiles. These solid-colored, high-fired glazed tiles are the perfect companion to decorative tiles. Created using classic red bisque, this collection offers a rustic look and feel on their own, or when they're paired with our patterned, hand-painted Malibu Ceramic Tiles that are reminiscent of Old California, Spanish Revival architecture.

Malibu Field Tiles are handmade, including the glazing process, one at a time. Image by Arpi Nalbandian.

Further, our Malibu Field Tiles offer the freedom to create striking designs that withstand the elements. In addition to their wide variety of uses, Malibu Field Tiles offer more versatility and value than any other material with their resistance to abrasion, and their ability to retain their deep, rich colors attests to their longevity. These tiles are made to order (made in the USA), so please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

Pumpkin

Cherry Red

Juniper Breeze

Mahogany

Please make sure to visit our dedicated Ceramic Tile FAQs page for any questions you may have. Of course, you can also call our office at 888.739.4972, and we would be more than happy to help with your purchasing decisions.

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Appreciating Spanish Revival Architecture

"Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness." - Frank Gehry

With this month's focus on our newly launched Malibu Field Tile collection, it was only natural to draw from the colors and patterns of Spanish Revival and Old California architecture. Having said that, we chose two boards that best reflect the timelessness of this style - Malibu Ceramic Tiles and Destination: Spain!

The synergy between the curves, colors, and shapes used in Spanish Revival and Old California styles continue to hold their place in time, similar to our handmade or hand-painted ceramics.

Remember, no matter which project you choose to conquer, Avente Tile is here to help you reach your design goal. Our extensive ceramic tile Design Ideas gallery features a large collection of projects dedicated to inspiring you and your living space. How can we help inspire you today?