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.

Conversations Art Tile by David Shipley

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Southern California artist David Shipley has created a line of contemporary hand-painted ceramic art tile based upon his unique paintings and sculptures. According to the artist, he is fascinated by the emotions and reactions brought upon by the vibrant color contrasts.

David Shipley Conversation 5 | 12" x 18" Ceramic Tile Mural

Upon reflection of his painting technique and inspiration, Shipley says, "I maintain an ongoing inner dialog, a constant kaleidoscope of Conversations, using colors and shapes which unfold in a variety of constantly changing images. Their manifestations range from joyous and vibrant to dark and disturbing; but for me they also reflect myriad life experiences as I explore the many Conversations we experience with God, ourselves and the people around us."

With their stylish, abstract designs, the Conversation Series of decorative hand-painted ceramic tiles are high fired. As a result of this firing, they can be used indoors or outdoors, in freeze/thaw conditions, walls, floors, and wet areas, such as pools, fountains and ponds.

David Shipley Conversation 7 | 12" x 18" Ceramic Tile Mural

Further, the Conversation Series of hand-painted ceramic tiles can be used as a continuous mural or as individual pieces for creating a truly unique mosaic focal point. Each piece can be perfectly paired with our hand-painted ceramic Malibu Field Tiles and Ceramic Trims and Moldings. The solid-colored, high-fired Malibu Field tiles, created using classic red bisque, are offered in several sizes, including: 3"x3", 6"x6", 4"x4", 4"x5", 6"x6" and 4" hexagon sizes. A full line of trim and molding is also available. These tiles are made-to-order. Therefore, please allow four weeks for delivery.



David Shipley Hexagon Ceramic Tile Mural

Similar to art work, the contemporary tile patterns of the Conversation Series is made to order for a truly custom look and feel. Therefore, the 6- and 4-inch formats, as well as the six-piece ceramic tile mural, will ship approximately one week after your order is placed.

Lastly, 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.

Designing with Tile

"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web." - Pablo Picasso, Artist

Creativity, art and geometrical shapes seem to go hand-in-hand. In this instance, instead of a pulled canvas, ceramic tile is the recipient of an artisan s brush stroke or hand-sculpted designs. For centuries, artisans have manipulated earthly components to reflect their will, inner feelings, or the world around them.

From linear sketches to curvaceous renditions, art and ceramic have flaunted their symbiotic relationship through their timeless appeal. Happily, these art works are enjoying a renaissance within the design world, too.

Moreover, despite ever-evolving trends, our tiles remain in vogue. In addition to the new David Shipley collection, we invite you to consider our Geometric Cement tiles, Arabesque Cement tiles, and Geometric Ceramic tiles.

Want to see more? Or, perhaps we should say "hear more" because of this month's featured tile murals? Get the Conversation going! Hear and see all seven of David Shipley's Conversations. These tiles are all about allowing you to make a statement. We show them in the standard mural format, but they can be mixed-and-matched to make a unique mosaic. What are you waiting for? Get talking!

See all of David Shipley's Conversations Tile Murals

Tile Backsplash Ideas for Modern Vanities

By Cheryl Khan of Trade Winds Imports

Maybe your bathroom is stuck in the 60s or maybe you just need to freshen things up a bit. The vanity backsplash serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, adding decorative features to your bathroom while simultaneously protecting your walls from moisture. A backsplash allows you to personalize your bathroom with a style that mirrors your own taste, character, and lifestyle.

Photography by highfithome

So how can we choose a backsplash for a modern vanity? By nature, modern design is chic, trendy, fashionable, and in vogue. Your options for backsplashes are wide-ranging, not only based on the materials available, but the orientation of the tiles, techniques used, and molding features. You can visit Trade Winds Imports to find unique, designer quality modern bathroom vanities.

Modern Bathroom Backsplash Ideas
There are many different types of backsplash ideas you can use in the bathroom.

Style of Decorative Tile Backsplash:

• Handmade Cement Tile
• Natural Stone Tile
• Glass Tiles
• Mosaic Tiles
• Mirrored Backsplash Panels
• Classic White Subway Tile
• Metallic tiles
• Themed Tiles
• Classic White Subway Tiles

Matching Your Countertop
For vanities with travertine tops, you can match your counter with a travertine backsplash. Other materials, such as natural stone and synthetic stones like Phoenix stone, can also be complemented with a nice stone tile that matches the hues and patterns of your countertop. Dark Emperador, quartz, and marble are all ideal candidates for a gorgeous stone backsplash.

The Corinth Vanity comes with an elegant cream marble counter top.

Handmade Cement Tile
Beautifully hand-crafted cement tile always creates a stunning effect. You can make your bathroom stand out by pulling together elements that mirror your personal preference. As an extra tip, tile to the ceiling to make your bathroom look bigger. This will accentuate the verticality of the room.

Glass Backsplash
Modern and contemporary vanities have an especially enticing visual appeal when paired with a glass backsplash. You can even have the back of the glass hand-painted to create a silky smooth finish that flickers with vibrant spectrums of light. Similarly, metallic tiles can bring in the same "flash" and eye-grabbing qualities.

Tiling Size & Patterns
As for shape and tile patterns, staying in line with modern design patterns will create a well-organized and uniform design. For modern applications, large tile typically creates the best effect. Less business and more simplistic and streamlined designs. Although you can experiment with laying tile diagonally in the shape of a diamond, a square tile pattern maintains the sharp edges that are characteristic of modern vanities. There are also a variety of techniques you can use including bullnose, cap, and cove.

Classic White Subway Tiles. Photography by Urban Apartments

Conclusion: Tiling it All Together
Finding the right backsplash for a modern vanity adds the icing on the cake and can really help pull together the entire design. Remember to try these tips to keep tile costs down.

About the Author
Cheryl Khan is a Design Consultant at TradeWindsImports.com, a fellow community member of KBTribeChat. Cheryl is knowledgeable about all phases of home remodeling, including complete kitchen and bath renovations.

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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If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy reading about these Tile Artisans:

• Interview with Nutmeg Tile Designs
• Inner Piece Art Tiles

Fresh-Picked Gourmet Garden Ceramic Tiles

Fresh-Picked Gourmet Garden Ceramic Tiles

Summer Harvest Mural 8" x 23"

The sight, taste, and smell of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, from either your own garden or from your local farmer's market, appeal to the inner chef in all of us who love to eat and share our latest culinary creations.

With summer's bounty also come the planned, and sometimes impromptu, gatherings and get-togethers. You can keep the memories and feelings of summer alive throughout the year with our ceramic Gourmet Garden Ceramic Tiles and Fruit, Floral and Vegetable Garden Murals.

Beautiful glazes and intricate relief designs are just a few of the wonderful traits our collection of ceramic Gourmet Garden tiles and custom murals offer. With their hand-painted relief details, available either in a matte or gloss finish, these richly colored tiles boast sophisticated designs inspired by nature's bounty.

You can combine our individual garden tiles with solid colored ceramic or stone tiles, rope borders, pencil liners, or you can opt for our Garden Tile Murals for an increased visual impact for your kitchen backsplash. No matter which option you choose, you'll be adding long-lasting, beautiful and aesthetic value to your space.

Gloss Vegetable Garden Tiles
Our Gourmet Garden Gloss tiles create a classic kitchen theme of fresh-picked fruits and vegetables from the garden or the local farmer's market.

Matte Gourmet Garden Tiles
The matte finish of this collection of matte tiles perfectly accents tumbled stone, like travertine or marble.

Fruit Basket Hand Painted Tile Mural
Our Ceramic Tile Fruit Basket Mural brings to life the classic theme of freshly picked fruits. Measuring 18"x18", hand-painted ceramic tile mural is accented with a border of rope liner for added visual interest.

Relief Hand-Painted Bouquet Mural
Our relief hand-painted ceramic tile Bouquet Mural includes the rope trim and looks perfect when paired with natural stone, such as travertine or granite. The intricate details in this mural make it a work of art.

Featured Tile

Gloss Vegetable Garden Tiles	Matte Gourmet Garden Tiles
Fruit Basket Hand-Painted Tile Mural	Relief Hand-Painted Bouquet Mural

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Pinterest: Vibrant Harvests, and Garden Tiles

"The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul." - Alfred Austin

Our Pinterest board selection for this month was inspired by our own garden harvest of hearty eggplants, luscious grapes, and juicy plums. Together with summer's bounty of purple fruits and vegetables, and our collection of Gourmet Garden Ceramic Tiles, we thought we should pay homage to all that nature offers.

For more ceramic tile design inspiration, check 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!

The Bellagio Resort: A Mosaic Tile Showcase

Image via Photographersnature.

Located in the southern part of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the Bellagio Resort Hotel has dominated its surroundings from the time it opened in 1998 with lush landscaping, classic architecture and elements, and a man-made, eight-acre lake reminiscent of Italy’s Lake Como.

With an original cost of $1.6 billion, this Italian-styled property by MGM Resorts International exudes charm, luxury, and aristocracy while simultaneously welcoming the masses into its ornate lobby.

Artist Dale Chihuly’s 2,000-piece “Fiori di Como” hand-blown glass sculpture comes to life above the Bellagio's lobby.

It’s within this lobby that Bellagio’s true form and nod to the artistic masters, new and old, come to fruition. From the moment guests walk into the lobby, eyes are first drawn to the artwork on the 18-ft ceiling. This is artist Dale Chihuly’s 2,000-piece “Fiori di Como” hand-blown glass sculpture comes to life. 

As beautiful and stately as the individual glass blossoms are, one’s eyes are then diverted to the intricate mosaic and stone tile work on the floors, walls, staircases and even ceilings – all thanks to the talented artisans of Italian mosaic manufacturer – Sicis.

Elegant mosaics and marble tiles adorn the reception area of the Bellagio's lobby.

Above the entrance/exit doors, lighting niches are further enhanced by detailed mosaics painstakingly applied by tile and stone masters.

From the lobby, guests and visitors are encouraged to stroll through the hotel’s famous Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. With glass ceilings measuring 50-feet high and a space measuring more than 13,500 square feet, the amount of foot traffic the lobby and the conservatory see on a yearly basis could easily surpass a million people!

The Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens fully decorated for the summer season. 

This is one snail I wouldn't mind having in my garden!

Thousands of square feet of stone, mosaic tile, medallions by Italian manufacturer Sicis can be seen and appreciated throughout the Bellagio hotel and resort. Here are several mosaic stone and tile patterns seen in just the Conservatory and Botanical Garden area alone:

Intricate mosaic designs flow throughout the Bellagio's lobby and reception areas.

Classic and timeless stone mosaics patterns happily reside alongside the floral motifs.

Glistening mosaic stones form floral focal points throughout the Bellagio's lobby  and conservatory.

Mosaic floral bouquet in the conservatory.

Detailed view of the mosaic floral bouquet.

And this is where artistry, talent and experience are integral to a long-lasting and successful installation. With hundreds of thousands of casual visitors coming into the Bellagio’s lobby, wearing everything from flip-flops to stilettos, the role of the highly experienced stone and tile installer becomes even more imperative. With so much at stake, lippage or uneven tiles, are hazards that no hospitality facility can ever afford to overlook or tolerate.

Interlaced mosaic stone borders gracefully accentuate the Bellagio's solid marble floors.

Hotel lobbies, such as the Bellagio’s, have steadily evolved from an area where people merely check in our out of rooms to that of a public living room where all guests are welcomed on a grand level. 

Therefore, it’s on this social platform where the master tile and stone artisans’ of Las Vegas-based Carrara Marble Company of America (the stone and tile contractors for Bellagio) proved vital in presenting the hotel’s first impression to newcomers. 

Do you appreciate the level of hospitality and artistry that hotels and resorts now offer? Have you ever been drawn to a destination because of the variety of tile and stone installations? I'd love to hear your story if you have! 

Spring into Summer with our Cement Tile Ideas

Handmade cement tiles are an easy-to-maintain product that not only offer deep colors and a rich history, but most importantly, they offer long-lasting beauty and extensive design possibilities for floors and walls. 

From bold tile patterns in contrasting colors or classic cement patterns in harmonizing colors, the resulting design is certain to transform the look and feel of any space. To that end, we’ve assembled dozens of image-filled cement tile projects and ideas onto our Design Ideas Portfolio.

With dozens of Cement Tile Design Ideas in our portfolio, we're sure you'll be inspired!

Our extensive portfolio of design ideas will show you how handmade cement tile can be used on floors, wall, ceilings, backsplashes, as a tile rug, wainscoting, mural, or in or around a water feature. Because of their natural slip-resistant qualities and versatility, cement tiles are perfect for flooring a bathroom, kitchen, dining room or outdoor patio.

Our Houzz Ideabooks offer a glimpse into the endless possibilities when designing  with handmade cement tile.

Additionally, we invite you to explore the world of cement tile via our Pinterest boards Cement tile floors/walls, and Cement Tile Rugs. Cement tiles are used all over the world in countries such as Cuba, France, Spain, Portugal and more. Our Houzz Ideabooks also offer various settings and applications for handmade cement tile.

Our Pinterest board featuring Cement Tile: Floors, Walls

Our Pinterest board featuring Cement Tile: Rugs

Creating a Custom Cement Tile

Creating a custom pattern takes time. There is time to work out the design of the pattern, choose the colors, and create virtual designs with options. Most importantly, you need time to decide what looks best and is right for you. Then, once the design is final, more work begins. A mold needs to be made for the pattern and a strike-off or sample tile is created using the mold. This allows you to verify the pattern, color, and design before a full-order.

So how much time does it take to make handmade cement tile? Once you have your colors and pattern picked out, it will take about six to eight weeks. For a fully customized handmade cement tile pattern and color options, the delivery time is much longer – up to several months. Here’s an example of the timeline for a fully customized cement tile pattern:

• 2-3 weeks - Pattern development in black and white with several iterations.
• 1-2 weeks - Color choice and placement with several iterations.
• 2-3 weeks - Create mold.
• 2-3 weeks - Create strike-offs and ship for approval.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of why it takes so much time, and the increased costs involved, in creating a custom handmade cement tile. Rest assured the end result of the time and effort of invested in creating a one-of-a-kind tile product is well-worth it! 

Have we inspired you? Where would you use our handmade cement tile?

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?