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 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 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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

• Chose a color from the Paver Color Palette
• Choose a shape or format. Our Rustic Pavers are available in the formats shown above.
• Choose a Tile Paver Pattern
• Choose an accent tiles. Our Malibu, Spanish, Portuguese or Barcelona lines are great choice.

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.

Spanish Tile Design, Innovation Inspires Coverings 2013 Attendees

Tile of Spain's exhibit at Coverings 2013. Image courtesy of Tile of Spain.

Ceramic tile use throughout Spain is prolific. Not only can it be seen on the floors and walls of Spanish churches and palaces, but ceramic tile also plays an integral role in the everyday functioning of modern homes, hospitals, educational centers, hospitality and commercial applications. 

At Coverings 2013, held recently in Atlanta, the Tile of Spain marked its 26th year in exhibiting Spanish innovation at the annual tile and stone show. The Tile of Spain international brand represents 125 ceramic tile manufacturers belonging to the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association (ASCER).

Tile of Spain's pre-Coverings catalog of the 43 ceramic tile and stone manufacturers slated to exhibit at the show.

Collectively, the advanced ceramic tile technology and architectural/design solutions presented during Coverings by 43 Tile of Spain members made an unforgettable, awe-inspiring impression for any visitor of the expansive pavilion.

Further, true to their eco-friendly stance, Tile of Spain’s Spanish Pavilion booth was constructed of 100% recycled cardboard and organic dyes. “Made by the company ECOWALL, it was created with modular cardboard pieces joined together by small connectors. The use of ECOWALL reduced the costs of transportation, building, storage and is environmentally friendly,” Tile of Spain noted. 

Now, here are some of the highlights of the ceramic tile products seen at the Spanish Pavilion.

Apavisa’s new Vintage collection is a handmade, contemporary collection  reminiscent of days gone by. Also from Apavisa is the three-dimensional Archconcept series (shown here) that continually defies imagination. www.apavisa.com

Grespania showcased the marble looks of its Numancia (shown above) and Icaria porcelain floor tiles in 60x60cm and 30x60cm sizes. Java, Daino and Nepal wall tiles were introduced as well. www.grespania.com

Keraben showcased its Maderia series, part of the company’s Home Collection, which takes its inspiration from natural wood. Available in nine shades, Madeira features a gently rippled surface. www.keraben.com

Taking center stage at the La Platera booth were the Copper (shown above), Crosscut and Pietra Roma collections. Using digital technology, these ceramic tiles mimic the look of natural stone. The Incanto line, which combines 12 different graphics of stone, concrete, wood and marble, was also on display. www.laplatera.com

Levantina featured its 3mm-thick Techlam series of ceramic tile. The large yet lightweight panels (measuring up to 1000x3000mm), offer versatility in size, color, durability, and installation flexibility, including as a cladding system (ventilated façade). www.levantina.com

Onix presented its FuseGlass 1"x1" mosaic tile which artfully combines textures and effects. Onix offers a wide selection of colors, ranging from the neutrals (white, beige, grey) to striking blacks, golds, silvers and browns. All of ONIX's new collections are made of 98% recycled glass. www.onixmosaico.com

From Pamesa was the debut of the Thule series of inkjet wall and floor red body tiles. Its Reef series of porcelain tiles, available in six colors and three formats, were also attention-getters! www.pamesa.com

Inspired by wood and marble, the Tarima and Sande series by STN Ceramica had visitors gawking. The show-stoppers -- Hexagon (shown above), Orion and Planet wall tile series -- each offered additional inspiration with their various surfaces and textures. www.stylnul.es

I hope you enjoyed this brief walk through the Tile of Spain Pavilion. For more information about these and additional Spanish tile manufacturers, please visit www.tileofspainusa.com. 

Remember, Coverings 2014 will be held April 29 through May 2 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hope to see you there!

Finally, for additional sources for Spanish, Moorish and Arabesque ceramic tile designs, colors and formats, check out Avente Tile. So, which is your favorite tile? How and where would you use it to fit your design and architectural needs? 

Tiles with a Classic Spanish Touch

New Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tiles Offer Classic Spanish Touch

Similar in their hand-crafted workmanship to our line of Arabesque Spanish Cement Tile, our Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile collection pays homage to its Moorish and Spanish tile roots with deep, rich colors and intriguing geometric shapes. The clay Arabesque tiles pictured above are from Aljafería Palace, a fortified medieval Islamic palace built during the 11th century in Zaragoza, Spain. As you can see, hand-crafted clay bisque tiles are truly timeless elements.

Further adding to its inherit rustic appeal is the fact that our decorative, hand-painted Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile is produced using a classic extruded red clay body. Using this method of production only enhances this collection.s appeal.

Manufactured in the USA, these high-fired classic terracotta tiles offer unsurpassed flexibility as they can be customized for any décor need with traditional unglazed bisque colors, glazed bisque colors, glazed blends, and more than 50 studio glazes.

Clay Arabesque Tile: Alcazar	Clay Arabesque Tile: Aragon	Clay Arabesque Tile: Leon
Clay Arabesque Tile: Mudejar	Clay Arabesque Tile: Sintra	Clay Arabesque Tile: Zaragoza

From contemporary to rustic, our Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile collection is sure to fit any need in any setting whether it.s for walls or floors, indoors or outdoors. There are 6 designs within this collection. Our online product catalog details the available styles, tile sizes, shapes, formats, color, and price for each design. Remember, each piece is handcrafted, therefore, please expect to receive them within 4 to 6 weeks from the time your order is placed.

Lastly, by using our Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile in your next design project, you'll feel good knowing your choice is also good for the environment. Along with being made in the USA, this collection is made using clay sourced from California and includes 33% recycled post-industrial content.

Our Ceramic Tile FAQs section should help answer any questions you may have. If not, please feel free to call our office at 888.739.4972.

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Project Pick: Cadiz Tiles Add Warmth to Maine Coastal Kitchen

Spanish ceramic tile conveys warmth and instills Old World ambiance in any environment. With centuries-old tile designs, our versatile Spanish ceramic tile collection includes borders, corners, large decorative tiles and accent dots.

It.s because of its inherit versatility and stunning colors that homeowners Buck and Marsea Ryan chose our hand-painted 6"x6" Cadiz Spanish Ceramic Tile series for their kitchen backsplash.

The Ryans, who live by the Maine coast near Acadia National Park, chose the vibrancy of Cadiz to add much-needed focal points to the white tile backsplashes behind their oven and kitchen sink. We think the unexpected pops of color and patterns have added interest and energy to these spaces!

You can read the complete story about this project on our Avente Tile Talk Blog.

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Pinterest: Celebrating Spring

"He who does not travel does not know the value of men." --. Moorish proverb

Spring is definitely in full-swing with an energy like no other season. For this month.s Pinterest focus we chose our boards that focus on the color orange for vivid exuberance, and of course Spain for highlighting the unveiling of our new Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile colelction.

With that energy comes the overwhelming urge to remove the layers of wear and tear that have compiled over the years.
It.s time to take on a project that has been set aside for years. Now is the time for renewing not only your home and living areas, but also a time to renew one.s appreciation for the little things.

Whether you embark on a small or large project, Avente Tile is here to help you any design goal, and for any budget. Our extensive Design Ideas gallery features a large collection of projects that incorporate our handmade and hand-painted ceramic tile, cement tile, decorative tile, mosaic tile, and so much more. So, how can we help you?

New! Arabesque Cement Tile Spanish Pavers

New Arabesque Cement Tiles Bring Spanish Flair to Any Décor

Our newest line of cement tile offers not only a classic, time-tested look, but also the durability and craftsmanship of traditional handmade cement tile. Introducing Arabesque Cement Tile!

The geometrically inclined Arabesque pattern, part of our cement tile collection, pays homage the rich look of classic clay bisque tiles that have been used in Spain, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa for centuries. With Arabesque, you'll also receive the durable, time-tested benefits of cement tile with the added benefit of a broader color palette, and sizes and shapes that can be adapted to any décor and environment.

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

Arabesque Aragon Cotto Dark

Arabesque Mudejar Cotto Dark

Finally, unlike their bisque counterparts, Arabesque features a Paver Color Palette that includes 30 colors and two blends. The Classic Color Palette (in six shades) takes its cue from clay bisque that would be historically used to make Saltillo tile, brown Spanish pavers, and red clay tiles.

For a contemporary look, you can choose from our extensive collection of 24 colors within the Premium color palette, which includes subtle greys, green, plum, rust and tan. Prices for the Arabesque collection start at $15 per square foot. Your choice of color, size, format, and finish will affect the final cost. There are 8 designs within the collection. Most designs are available in two or three styles allowing you to choose a larger, smaller, or slightly different format. Our online product catalog details the available styles, tile sizes, shapes, formats, color, and price for each design. Remember, each piece is handcrafted, therefore, please expect to receive them within 4 to 6 weeks from the time your order is placed.

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Pinterest: Inspiring, Trend-Setting, Project Organizer

In the November issue of Tile Talk News, we touched upon our Pinterest boards and how we make it work for us. In this issue, we'll be sharing some best Pinterest practices that we've incorporated into our daily Pinterest schedule and ever-expanding boards.

We recently attended a Pinterest-focused twitter chat for kitchen and bath industry professionals, @KBTribechat where we left with newly found encouragement to continue to do what we've been doing. The chat featured Beth Hayden @bethjhayden, a nationally known speaker and social media expert, who taught us and dozens of other attendees a couple of new things. Here are some tips that both we and Beth have found that led to successful, profitable pinning:

• Use descriptive titles, keywords, proper credit for photos, active links to where the image was sourced from.
• Inspire visitors of your boards to go to your website to purchase what they like.
• Pin every day, even if it's just a few things. You.ll keep things fresh, and chances are you'll get re-pinned more often.
• Use the Pinterest Popular tab to see what kind of content people love, and what they are sharing. Beth mentioned that the "Popular" tab is her own trends spotter.
• When clients are looking for a specific project type, i.e. kitchen, patio, mud rooms. You can send them to our Pinterest boards, or, they can send you to theirs. It's almost as if you're swapping portfolios.
• Make sure you have your website listed in your Pinterest profile, and that you're posting your own blog posts.
• Pin things that your audience (client base, customers, friends, etc.) are into, such as travel, architecture, design, nature, and so on.
• Most importantly, remember your manners. As in all social media platforms, good manners will get you far, while bad manners will leave you stagnant. If someone takes the time to like or repin what you've posted, or has left a comment, make sure to thank them!

Lastly, did you know you could find out what people are pinning from your site? This invaluable piece of information, http://pinterest.com/SOURCE/[yoursitehere.com], can help form or reshape your online strategy.

For instance, take a look at ours: http://pinterest.com/source/aventetile.com/

This isn't a live link, so you'll have to copy and paste it into your browser. And where it says [yoursitehere.com], that's where you'll enter the website address where you want to see who is pinning from it, and which images have been pinned.

We hope this information has been helpful. If you're already on Pinterest, let us know how you use it, and what successes you've had with it. We'd love to hear your suggestions and/or questions, too! Follow our Pinterest boards and let's get pinning together!

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