Hispaniola Relief Cement Tiles Offer Island-Like Feel

Hispaniola cement tiles Colorful, dimensional Hispaniola cement tiles liven up a powder room.

The Hispaniola Collection from Avente Tile is an exclusive, made-to-order series of beautiful handmade cement tiles inspired by the climate, textures and surroundings of the Dominican Republic.

First created by renowned sculptor Patricia Feinman, the Hispaniola collection allows you to create a cement tile that reflects your signature taste and style. The slight irregularities and subtle color changes inherit to handmade cement tiles only contribute to the tile's beauty.

Hispaniola relief cement tiles not only add depth to this powder room, they also add much-needed light and openness.

Along with their noticeable character and nuanced warmth, the Hispaniola Collection features more than 200 designs and 50 color options ranging from classic to modern. Because of their variety and customization capabilities, these tiles can be brought into almost any style of décor or setting.

In this powder room, Hispaniola relief tiles add texture, while complementing their surroundings.

The tiles in the Hispaniola Collection are made of white Portland cement, marble dust, and mineral pigments. To make each tile unique, the cement, marble and pigment mixture is poured into molds and then vibrated to remove air pockets ensuring a solid product. Also, because the colors are embedded within the tile rather than painted on, the colors will neither fade nor deteriorate over time.

For design ideas, take a look at a beautiful bathroom tiled with Hispaniola tiles, as well as a gorgeous Hispaniola kitchen backsplash.

To further complement our collection of handmade relief cement tiles, we recently introduced Elevations. Available in six shapes (Drop, Concave Rectangles, Petals, 3D Hexagon, Concave Hexagons, and Angles), this unique series is perfect for the design industry not only because it eloquently combines geometric shapes in both convex and concave relief, but it also offers an extensive color palette featuring more than 60 colors.

Elevations edgy, contemporary look of high relief geometric designs stand out for their architectural value.

Elevations is well-suited suited for wall applications and can be installed with or without grout. Additionally, the tiles are available with a standard smooth surface or an optional waxed finish that provides a satin sheen. The tile come pre-sealed with a penetrating sealer and are ready to install.

See All Elevations Relief Cement Tile

If you are interested in incorporating Hispaniola or Elevations tiles in your design, then please contact Avente Tile for assistance.

Desination: Cuba

"I feel we are all islands - in a common sea." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

As the realization of Cuban-U.S. relations warming hits home, we couldn't be more excited for the possibility of visiting this island nation. Closed off for many decades, Cuba offers a rare glimpse at vintage 1950s architectural and design elements, including cement and encaustic tile colors and patterns.

Imagine the treasure trove of new tile ideas and collections waiting to be discovered because of newly accessible areas, such as private homes, former mansions, business establishments, public spaces, and more.

As such, it reminds us all that using handmade cement tiles for remodeling/renovations, or new construction projects, will not only enhance the look of your home, it will also play a well-deserved role in retail and hospitality spaces. Rest assured the cement tile you choose will withstand the test of time and foot traffic. For whichever project you choose to conquer, Avente Tile is here to help you reach your design goal. Our extensive Cement Tile Design Ideas gallery features a large collection of projects dedicated to adding excitement in any space. How can we help inspire you today?

Hexagon Cement Tile – Patterned and Plain

Star and Hexagonal Tile Panel, 13th-14th century (Nishapur, Iran).
Image via The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Steeped in a rich history of architectural, design and natural elements, the hexagon is a fundamental shape when it comes to building. The six-sided polygon, which can be found in honeycombs, crystals, snowflakes, and most importantly tile, creates a classic yet distinguished look.

Arabesque Hexagon Spanish Paver Tile | Avente Tile

Beginning in late 2013, it was evident the hexagon was once again climbing in ranks as a desirable shape in the designs and patterns of tile. During Coverings 2015, hexagons played a more sophisticated role in terms of visual and tactile significance with increased offerings in cement, encaustic, glass, porcelain, ceramic and stone.

Also of importance was how the hexagonal shape was used in everything from small mosaic tiles to large format tiles, as both a flooring and wall tile. Patterns, textures and embossing further elevated the hexagon’s allure among the attendees of Coverings.

In a further testament to its time-tested flexibility within the design and architecture segments, the hexagon is often used to create the illusion of a cube by connecting every other vertex to the center, forming three diamonds, and shading each diamond differently, as shown below.

Geometric Cube A 8" Hexagon Cement Tile | Avente Tile

With their simultaneously modern and historical background, hexagons are continuing their rise in popularity with the increase of renovation efforts in both public and private spaces, such as homes, retail spaces, hospitality venues, and more.

Mission Hexagonal Frame 8" Cement Tile | Avente Tile

Lastly, depending upon the look and feel you’re trying to exude with hexagonal tiles, your hardest decision may just rely upon the size of the tile. Do you want to create a high energy, dramatic environment with smaller formats, or would you rather create a more laid back, relaxing atmosphere with a larger format of hexagon tiles? It’s all up to you, and that’s the beauty of this classic shape ‒ it becomes what you want it to be!

View our comprehensive Hexagon Cement Tile Buying Guide here!

For more information and inspiration about patterned and plain hexagon tiles, visit our comprehensive Hexagon Cement Tile Buying Guide.
 

“There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.” 

~ Pythagoras 

Geometrical shapes and patterns are currently enjoying their time in the design spotlight, most especially hexagons. From fabrics and textiles to furniture, and of course tiles, this rediscovered polygon is meeting the demands of various decorative styles. 

Using handmade cement tiles for your remodeling/renovation, or new construction project will not only enhance the look of your home, it will also play a well-deserved role in retail and hospitality spaces. Rest assured the cement tile you choose will withstand the test of time. For whichever project you choose to conquer, Avente Tile is here to help you reach your design goal. Our extensive Cement Tile Design Ideas gallery features a large collection of projects dedicated to adding excitement in any space. How can we help inspire you today?

Designer Insights with Bill Buyok

By Tudor Davies, Terry's Fabrics

As you may know, Bill Buyok is the founder and owner of Avente Tile. He started the company as an online tile showroom and catalog so that hand-painted ceramic tiles and cement tiles are more easily and broadly available for others who share the same passion. Avente Tile's mission is to search the globe to find the finest and most extraordinary tiles for their customers while providing excellent service and product knowledge. With that in mind, here are the Designer Insights of Bill Buyok.

Editor's Note: Bill Buyok's Designer Insights were originally published Tuesday, May 19 on the Terry's Fabrics Blog by Tudor Davies. It's only one in a collection of Designer Insights compiled by Tudor and his team that profile designers and design enthusiasts. We're honored to have been included in this collection, and thank Terry's Fabrics for this opportunity. If you enjoy Bill's insights, then be sure to visit the Terry's Fabrics blog and peruse all of the Designer Insights.

The following transcript shows the interview questions and Bill's response to each.

1. In your own words, describe your unique style and creative aesthetic? I’m drawn to classic Spanish, Moroccan, and Italian designs, the nature-inspired design of the Arts & Crafts Movement, and a love for Hispano-Moresque design.
2. When starting a new project, what is your creative process? Listen to customers, understand their needs and wants. I start with facts, then develop the color scheme and apply pattern, motifs, accent colors and flourishes to establish design and personal style.
   
3. Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most? My customers, who include designers, architects, and residential customers, often envision something extraordinary, unique and bold. Our cement tiles allow customers to create designs and apply color to a pattern of their choice, allowing them to control the creative design process. Thus, the tile’s pattern and color have now been reinvented into something beautiful that I would have never imagined.
   
4. When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired? During my early morning treks through Los Angeles neighborhoods, I find inspiration around me. I then turn those inspirations into design ideas that are unique, fun and useful.
   
5. What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps? Work hard, persevere, and do what you love! Every day presents its own unique challenges that you have to translate to opportunity. Never give up and always believe in yourself. Remember, it’s not how you handle the best days; but, how you handle the challenges and disappointments that really matter.

Elevations Relief Cement Wall Tile from Avente Tile

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Last month, I reported some of my favorite tile trends and finds from Coverings in the my blog post Tile Trends 2015: Variety is the Spice of Tile. One of the most unique new tile designs I spotted at the show is a relief cement wall tile line from Aguayo Tiles called Elevations. Without further ado, Avente Tile is proud to announce the premier of this exciting design line of relief cement tiles.

Elevations is a new cement tile in relief for walls.
Shown here is Drop in the color Chocolate Mousse.

Avente Tile partnered with Aguayo Cement Tiles a decade ago because of their generations-long commitment to producing quality cement tiles. This line is truly unique for the industry because it eloquently combines geometric shapes in both convex and concave relief that, and because of its extensive color palette of more than 60 colors.

Elevations Concave Rectangles used as shower accent wall.
Shown in black, white, and shades of grey.

Six shapes are available: Drop, Concave Rectangles, Petals, 3D Hexagon, Concave Hexagons, and Angles. The edgy, contemporary designs of high relief geometrical tiles really stand out for their architectural value. They are suited for wall applications and can be installed with or without grout. Additionally, the tiles are available with a standard smooth surface or an optional waxed finish that provides a classy, satin sheen. The tile come pre-sealed with a penetrating sealer and are ready to install.

Concave Hexagon tile in Jet Black with a waxed finish

3D Hexagon tile in three shades of grey. Standard finish installed without grout.

Angles relief cement tiles in grey with standard finish.

Ordering Elevations Relief Cement Tile
These new, architecturally inspired tiles are available now. However, we recommend you purchase strike-offs in the colors you desire before placing a full order. Allow about three weeks for strike-offs to be made and delivered. Strike-offs are shipped via UPS International Air Freight from the factory and cost about $150-$200 per sq. ft.

Discover the architectural collection of cement relief tile, Elevations, online now. When placing a full order, allow a lead time of 8 to 10 weeks for your tiles to be crafted by hand, carefully packed and shipped. Like all our cement tiles, these shapes can be customized with your choice of colors from the Heritage Color Palette. Tiles can be purchased with a standard finish or waxed finished. All tiles come pre-sealed from the factory with a penetrating sealer. If you have any questions, just contact us to let us know what you need.

See All Elevations Relief Cement Tile

More Exciting Cement Tiles from Avente Tile
We've got more new cement tile lines that will be ready very soon. Next week, we'll show you our new Hexagonal Cement Tiles. Coverings 2015 provided us with some exciting new tile designs that we can't wait to share with you in the coming weeks.

Decorative Tile in Commercial Design

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

While I prefer the quiet residential neighborhoods for my morning walks in Los Angeles, crossing commercial swaths and busy streets can't be avoided in California's most populous city of 3.8 million people. Surprisingly, I've discovered some stunning uses of decorative tile in commercial design on the storefronts and facades of many buildings that pay homage to this state's romance with tile during the early 1900s.

Decorative tile adorn this building on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills

An up-close look at the pattern details of the tile facade.

You may remember last month's post, A Book Recommendation for California Tile where I review California Tile: The Golden Era 1910-1940: Hispano-Moresque to Woolenius. An example of California's love for tile, specifically for commercial or business use, can be found on page 172 of the publication with this vintage advertisement for Glendale, CA-based Tropico Tiles by Tropico Potteries.

Tropico Potteries advertisement from The Building Review, June 1922.
Courtesy of the Tile Heritage Foundation Library.

Further illustrating the expansive use of richly patterned tile, or faience tiles as they were commonly referred to about a century ago, can be found along quaint storefronts along South La Brea Avenue, where each business boasts its own unique decorative tile design.

Spanish and Moorish designs influence the border patterns along this storefront.

The strong Spanish and Moorish influences are seen in the border pattern motifs and use of terracotta colors in the main field.

This original commercial tile installation can be found on S. La Brea Ave. in Los Angeles.

A true testament to the durability of tile is not just time; but, their ability to withstand harsh urban environments, as well as repeated abrasive cleaning of graffiti in this urban locale.

Tiles stand the test of time and graffiti in L.A.'s urban locale.

The use of bright orange, yellow, black, turquoise and aqua colors are tell-tale signs of the optimistic color palette commonly used in the early 1900s.

The bright colors date the tiles to the early 1900s.

You can see how classic tile patterns and design are always being re-interpreted with updated colors, such as the bright yellow and turquoise, mixed with new designs, such as the triangular accent strip.

The designs you've seen thus far were all found on storefronts – below the window panes, down to the sidewalk. They are reminiscent of a slower time when folks walked the boulevard for their needs. Unfortunately, these commercial installations are nearly invisible now as we zoom past storefronts in our cars, making sure to meet deadlines imposed by a harried schedule.

Lastly, I want to share a rather unique installation that perfectly illustrates how a classic pattern and color palette can remain nearly unchanged from a pattern still available today.

Tiles create interest in this unusual commercial application.

In the image above, you'll notice that the tiles create a cascade-like effect below the Spanish Baroque architectural details of this structure. The tile design flows up from below the ground level to just below the second level. The tile pattern, which has the look of water, effortlessly draws attention to the details.

Tile ribbons cascade from the the Spanish Baroque window details down to the ground where solid-colored field tiles are placed.

Tile ribbons cascading from the Spanish Baroque window details emulate a trickling stream.

Upon closer look, you can see that the tile ribbons start and end with a classic Spanish tile pattern.

The decorative tiles used in this historic installation match a pattern Avente Tile sells today. How's that for timelessness?

The hand-painted tile that you see in this design looks very similar to our Barcelona Design Quarter San Jose tile.

Avente Barcelona's San Jose Tile Design Quarter

There's something to be said for classic tile patterns and colors – even in commercial design. Do you agree? For Spanish Tile Design inspiration, see our extensive collection of Hand Painted Spanish Tile Design Ideas.

See More Hand Painted Spanish Tile Design Ideas

Portuguese Ceramic Tile: Architectural History and Preservation Through the Ages

Ceramic tile façade in Portugal

Portugal is a land of Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and golden-sand beaches, history, great food and wine, and beautiful scenery. Aside from all these wonderful things are the ceramic tiles of the country.

Map of Portugal

In Portugal, the tiles (or Azulejos in Portuguese) that cover the country’s buildings are a distinctive part of this land. These tiles come in a staggering array of shades (mostly of blue) and designs. Near the coast, everything is tiled. They’re distinctive as much for their individuality as for anything else, with whole blocks of buildings bursting with color, each façade different.

Portuguese ceramic tile serves as a beautiful, functional and architectural element on structures and homes. Above image by Robert L. Peters.

Portuguese wall mural image via The Read Headed Traveler.

Portuguese ceramic tile adorn walls as architectural elements, as well as act as sign posts. Image via Candace Rose Arden.

The terrace of the Four Seasons Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal, pays homage to the use of the country’s ceramic tile heritage. Image by Viktor Keech.

The azulejos stem from a time when the Moors controlled the Iberian Peninsula. The patterns evolved from early designs, and the basic tin-glazing and shaping technique has changed little since. Brought to Portugal in the 1400s from Morocco and Algeria, the ceramic tiles are not only beautiful to look at, but also serve as a functional need in reflecting sunlight, trapping cold air, and keeping houses cool during the hot Portuguese summers. Additionally, these ceramic tiles help preserve the mortar and soft stone of Portuguese seaside houses by protecting them from the effects of moisture and salt.

Overview of Porto’s Sé Cathedral. Image via Local Porto.

Portuguese ceramic tile adorns the cathedral's upper cloisters. Image via Nigel J. Ross.

Cloister of Porto’s Cathedral. Image via Rota das Catedrais.

One such structure is the Porto’s Sé Cathedral. According to Mário Pastor of Local Porto, Porto’s Sé Cathedral is a historic landmark in the city’s old center. “In fact, Morro da Sé is the oldest district in Porto. Its characteristic neighborhood and its residents are the most genuine part of the city,” Pastor notes. He goes on to say:

“Right next to the cathedral, you can see the beautiful medieval tower from the 13th century. A few steps above, there’s the tourism information office, built over the ruins of another medieval tower, the Casa dos 24. The Cathedral itself is a 12th Romanesque structure. It was built by Bishop Hugh, a French nobleman who came to Porto even before Portugal’s independence, and ruled the city from 1113 to 1136. Despite its Romanesque roots, you will see that the cathedral, all over the centuries, has been suffering many changes of different architectonical styles, like the baroque roofs of the turrets next the front door, or even the loggia outside the north wall of the building, designed by Nicolau Nasoni, in the 18th century.”

Historic Portuguese ceramic tile wall mural on display at the Museu Nacional do Azulejo's (National Tile Museum) in Lisboa, Portugal.

Thankfully, efforts in preserving these historical ceramic tiles have become engrained in the day-to-day life of the Portuguese. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo's (National Tile Museum), located in the ancient convent of Madre de Deus (Mother of God) in Lisboa, was founded in 1509 by Queen D. Leonor. According to its website, the museum’s mission “is the preservation, presentation and study of its collections and the building in which it is located regarding its safeguarding and enjoyment by present and future generations.” Portuguese ceramic tiles have lasted and become part of the language of the architecture. Houses are still built with the tile, and old buildings remain as vibrant as when they were first constructed.

If you’d like to bring home a bit of Portuguese history, then take a look at Avente Tile’s collection of Portuguese ceramic tiles. Inspired by centuries-old styles from Portugal, these decorative ceramic tiles are hand painted on red bisque and finished with a high-gloss glaze.

- Written by Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Interview with Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

Today's post is the second in our Tile Artisans Interview Series. It’s a joy to share their love of tile. By getting to meet the artisan, you begin to discover both their techniques and inspirations. I met Esther of Lilywork Tile about eight years ago at Coverings, an annual tile and stone trade show. I was captivated by the unusual dance that her complex glazes played with unusual textures and classic patterns. Esther has a passion for tile and you’ll find that in every Lilywork Artisan Tile that is made. — Bill Buyok

Bosphorous/Rosette Focal by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

1. How and when did you start creating your tiles?
Both Paul and Esther, owners of Lilywork, come from art backgrounds. Paul studied at the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. During this time, his mentor, Will Mead of Peace Valley Tile, introduced him to tile-making. It was here that Paul developed a passion for the craft that has been with him for the last 14 years. Paul had worked tirelessly to hone his craft, balancing his own business and, until recently, holding the position of Mold-maker at Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, PA. Esther, the other half of Lilywork, got her start at the Hartford Art School. Originally starting in printmaking and textiles, Esther quickly found her niche in tile-making. “I realized the layering of pattern, texture and color I wanted could best be achieved in the ceramic arts.”

Herringbone Backsplash by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

2. As an artisan, what inspires your creations?
Lilywork owners gain inspiration from travels, pulling ideas from architecture and cultures across Europe and the Near East.

Ravenna Listello by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

3. Now, of the many designs and projects, which stands out as your favorite? Why?
One of our favorite recently completed projects is a residential backsplash. It is a traditional space in a historic home using Lilywork field tile in the herringbone pattern. It also incorporates one of our more interesting textured field tiles, Bosphorous, and three-dimensional rosettes into the focal area. We were able to work more closely during the backsplash design process for this project.

Backsplash with 4" Field and Star+Cross Focal
by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

4. What was the proudest moment for you and your hand-made tile business?
One year ago, this past April, we both began to work exclusively for our own company. It is something special to look back at what had been built from the ground up and now could sustain us, especially during a time when the economy was uncertain.

Concept 1 by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

5. In promoting your creations, and to help gain greater exposure, which digital platforms do you use (Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.)? How do you use them to promote your hand-made tile business?
Facebook has been helpful for showing studio process shots. It is invaluable for designers, dealers and prospective clients to see and understand the hand-made process.

Concept 2 by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

Concept 3 by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

6. Which of these social media platforms has helped your business the most? How?
We self-promote via our website, and Facebook, which have been useful tools for people familiar with our business to further explore our products and concepts. Houzz has introduced our business to a wider market not yet familiar with Lilywork. We would like to work more with Pinterest, as time permits.

Babylonia Listello with 1" Field Tile by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

7. Where do you see the company going from this point forward?
Lilywork recently moved to Stonington, CT, and we look forward to working locally, and direct to the trade in our new location.

Iznik Listello with 2" Decoratives by Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC

Name: Paul & Esther Halferty
Company(s) Name: Lilywork Artisan Tile, LLC
Email: info@lilywork.com
Phone: 215-859-8753, 860-599-6050

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LilyworkTile
Website: www.lilywork.com

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