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?

Geometrical Ceramic Tiles Offer Everlasting Design

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Our new Geometrical Glazed Ceramic tile collection was used to create this appealing kitchen backsplash.

Our Geometrical line of ceramic tile mixes classic hand-painted glaze techniques with modern, geometric patterns to achieve an absolutely stunning look. They are ideal for backsplashes, accent strips or anywhere a splash of design is needed.

The Geometrical Ceramic Tile collection features hand-glazed, modern patterns.

Hand-painted in the USA using the traditional Cuerda Seca (dry cord) technique, this latest addition to our ceramic tile collection is available in 6-, 5-, 4-, and 3-inch square formats, with each pattern offered in at least four colorways. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, these high-fired ceramic tiles are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Because they are hand-painted, variations in glaze colors, aswell as a slight relief from pooled glazes, should be expected.

Adding to their versatility is the fact that the Geometrical ceramic tile collection can be used in submerged/wet applications (such as pools, ponds and fountains) by applying a clear overglaze. For floor applications, grit can be added to the glaze to reduce slippage.

Moreover, the Geometrical tile pattern glazes coincide with our Malibu Field Tile palette. With this added flexibility in design, the patterns and colors within the Geometrical deco line perfectly complement the 50+ glaze colors available from our Malibu Field Tile collection. To make things even easier, the glaze colors used on the Geometrical collection are individually identified on the Avente Tile site.

A sampling of the ceramic glaze colors available with our Malibu Field tiles.

Also of note is that the solid-colored, high-fired Malibu Field tiles are created using classic red bisque. Available in 3"x3", 6"x6", 4"x4", 4"x5", 6"x6" and 4" Hexagon sizes, as well as a full line of trim and molding, these tiles are made-to-order so please allow four weeks for delivery.

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.

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Designing with Tile

"One geometry cannot be more true than another; it can only be more convenient. Geometry is not true, it is advantageous." - Robert M. Pirsig, Philosopher

Geometrical shapes have made a comeback in the design world. Everything from wallpaper to fashion accessories, and of course tile, are now proudly touting the angular allure of hexagons, octagons, and more.

Thankfully, our tiles have always been in vogue, despite changing trends. In addition to the Geometric Cement tiles and Arabesque Cement tiles we offer, our new Geometric Ceramic tiles will continue to add to the centuries-old appeal of handmade and hand-painted tiles in any design environment.

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In-Stock Cement Tile
Looking for cement tile? Need it now? Take a look at what's in-stock and ready to ship NOW! These in-stock patterns move fast, so don't delay! Place your order today.

Cathedral 8x8 Cement Tile In Stock! 300 Pieces (130 sq. ft.)	Fleur-de-Lis in Clover 8x8 Polished Cement Tile In Stock! 180 Pieces (78 sq. ft.)
Fragments Mosaic - Fall 12x12 Cement Tile Mosaic Sheets In Stock! 40 Sheets (40 sq. ft.)	Bayahibe C 8x8 Polished Cement Tile In Stock! 800 Pieces (348 sq. ft.)

Decorative Geometrical Tile Coda

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Two weeks ago I introduced our new decorative glazed ceramic tiles. In that post, Geometrical Ceramic Tiles Ring in the New Year,  I explained how two popular cement tile patterns, our Geo 10 and Traditional Anillos, are now available in a glazed ceramic tile format.  I also promised to to share some additional forthcoming patterns and I'm excited to unveil them now.

Geometrical Ellipse A - Wainscot Concept

Ellipse is one of my favorite new motifs that works great as single or double row accent strip for a kitchen backsplash or bathroom wainscot. The simple, soothing inter-connected ellipse pattern is slightly contemporary but takes its design cue from Art Deco styles.

Geometrical Ellipse B is a new glazed ceramic tile pattern

Further, the hand-painted glazes provide traditional artisan craftsmanship and variation. The patterns are all more contemporary than our traditional Spanish and Malibu lines.

Geometrical tile pattern glazes are from the Malibu Field Tile palette and make designing easy and fun. In fact, the flexibility in the Geometrical deco line lies in  the ability to pair and complement the patterns with colors from the 50+ available glazes from our Malibu Field Tile collection. To make it easy, all the colors used in the pattern are identified on the site. Malibu Field Tile are available in 3"x3", 6"x6", 4"x4", 4"x5", 6"x6" and 4" Hexagon. You'll also find a full line of trim and molding.

Aragon is another new pattern using a classic cross and quatrefoil motif.  It's available in four standard colorways.  I love the simplicity in this classic black and gray colorway.

Geometrical Aragon is a Moorish-inspired pattern shown here in classic black and grey

The colors and pattern motif can really change the mood. Look what happens when the same pattern has soothing earth tones juxtaposed to charcoal to create a checkerboard. The cherry red glaze outlines each cross and makes it really pop.

Geometrical Aragon is new pattern. Colorway 2CD is shown here.

Malibu Cherry Red is a stunning glaze with lots of natural variation. I can't wait to see a fireplace or pool sideboard adorned in the color. I'll let the color segue into another new pattern, Weave. Here, the Geometrical Weave pattern uses that bright red and white to really add a pop of color and bold design.

Weave is pattern in the new Geometrical line.
Shown here in Cherry Red and White.

Red not your color? Want to mix up the pattern? Look at how playful and sophisticated, this pattern can be when a mix of colors is used.

A mix of colors in the Geometrical Weave B pattern breaks all the rules

Remember, the Geometric glazed ceramic tile patterns are available in 6-, 5-, 4-, and 3-inch square formats. Each pattern is offered in at least four colorways. These high-fired, quality tiles are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The tiles are hand-painted in the USA using the traditional "Cuerda Seca" (dry cord) technique. Expect variation in the glaze colors, as well as a slight relief from pooled glazes. These tiles can also be made for submerged wet applications, such as pools, by applying a clear overglaze. For floor applications, grit can be added to the glaze to reduce slippage. Tiles are made-to-order so please allow about four weeks, including transit times, for delivery.

Want to see more? Take a look at all of our glazed decorative Geometrical tiles. These tiles offer the prefect decorative solution.

See Decorative Geometrical Tile

Cement Tile Patchwork Makes Kitchen Backsplash Sing

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Patchwork tile floors and walls using encaustic cement tile are incredibly popular. Patchwork is a great way to add color and pattern to any room. The cheerful designs make you smile.

A cement tile patchwork design was used for this kitchen backsplash.
Photo credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Suarez.

Last week, I received a call from our customer Laurie Suarez of in San Clemente, CA. She was interested in using our Bayahibe C for a powder room wall and wanted to know how much inventory we had. In February of this year, I worked with Laurie on a patchwork design for her kitchen backsplash. I couldn't help but ask her how the project came out. She told me she loved her kitchen. She explained, "The cement tile patchwork really provided the pop of color she wanted for her white kitchen." A few days later, she was kind enough to share these photos with me.

Cement tile patchwork designs provide a colorful focal point for this kitchen
Image credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Saurez.

I have to agree, Laurie did a great job blending the different colors and patterns from our Traditional Cement Tile collection. While it may appear that a patchwork design is a random hodgepodge of tiles, it takes planning and smart choices to get the colors and patterns to make a design. Laurie admitted that she worked with several different layouts to achieve her design and that it took some time.

DESIGN TIP - Patchwork designs take planning to achieve a balanced layout with color and pattern. Try different layouts on paper. Print the layout you like best for your tile installer to use.

The use of quarter design patterns makes this cement tile patchwork unique.

You often seen patchworks in contemporary design. The large open space and clean lines of this architectural style allow a wall or floor to be the focal point for the spartan details. However, the use of complete quarter design patterns is rare for patchworks. Most often, only one of the four tiles in the quarter design is used so the pattern is not completed.

Laurie's kitchen has some contemporary design elements with its open layout. However, I think it offers a very traditional feel because of the details: the Quaker-style cabinetry with vintage steel pulls and pendant lights with reeded glass. What I love about Laurie's design and what makes it unique is that she almost exclusively uses quarter-design patterns. Additionally, she tastefully blends the colorful, eclectic look of patchwork with traditional details.

Patchwork designs take planning to achieve a balanced blending of color and pattern
Photo credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Suarez.

When cement tile patchwork designs adorn a wainscot or backsplash, they provide a focal point that brightens the room. Laurie was also careful with her color palette. For the patterns, she used a blend of different blue and yellow shades on white backgrounds. To avoid a garish look, follow Laurie's cue and stick to a color palette. Kudos to Laurie for flawlessly executing her patchwork design. I love this kitchen!

You also should know that Laurie took the last of our Bayahibe C stock and will have it installed in her powder room wall. I can't wait to see the photos of that installation. Thank you Laurie for your business and sharing what you did. Nice job! Interested in using cement tile for next home improvement project? With a range of design possibilities, handmade cement tiles will transform any space. See our Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to get started today!

Finally, during this week of Thanksgiving, all of us at Avente Tile are thankful for our wonderful customers who support us, work with us, and allow us to do what we love! Happy Thanksgiving.

Artist Series Cement Tile Collection Grows with Guillermo & Tania

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

In our continuing effort to bring you the highest quality in cement tile products and designs, we're happy to announce that our Artist Series now includes the Guillermo and Tania collection.

Guillermo Gomez Lama

Tania Marmolejo

This new collection, created by artists Guillermo Gomez Lama and Tania Marmolejo, boasts eight different designs, each presented with three color options. Further, these 10"x10" cement tiles feature new, contemporary designs that are ideal for commercial and residential spaces.

As a visual artist, graphic designer, paper lover and one who is obsessed with patterns and the production process, Guillermo began his art studies at UMASS Amherst in Boston. He continued his formal studies in Communication Design at Parsons The New School of Design in New York, which is where his interest in mechanical production processes through screen printing and engraving techniques, were born.

Artist Series Guillermo Lama
Armor Tissue 1A
10" x 10" Handmade Cement Tile

Artist Series Guillermo Lama
Asterdisc 1B
10" x 10" Handmade Cement Tile

Artist Series Guillermo Lama
Sol Mio 2A
10" x 10" Handmade Cement Tile

Guillermo's research led him to train with Master Printer Marie Dormuth, with whom artists Andy Warhol, Peter Gee and Martin Mazorra received training in the art of lithography. His works have certain influences that are based on vibrations and repetitions. He currently lives and works in Santo Domingo.

On the other hand, Tania's designs contain a mixture of her Scandinavian heritage. Her use of decorative, interwoven lines illustrate the natural environments resembling Nordic folk art, ancient Vikings styles, as well as Caribbean essences, such as: color, warmth, the Coralillo flower, tropical gardens, and the sea.

Artist Series Tania Marmolejo
Union 3A
10" x 10" Handmade Cement Tile

Artist Series Tania Marmolejo
Jardin 1A
10" x 10" Handmade Cement Tile

Artist Series Tania Marmolejo
Wave 2A
10" x 10" Handmade Cement Tile

Tania is represented by Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery, and her work has been exhibited at Art Miami Context and Pinta NY, and in national and international exhibitions. She is the author of the books "I Doodle Therefore I Am" and "To Doodle or Not to Doodle." Currently, Tania lives in New York, where she works as a textile designer for Nanette Lepore, Nicole Miller and XOXO, among others.

Part of the sales generated by Guillermo and Tania collection will be donated to a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of art, culture and education. The artists have named time Fé y Alegría, a popular international movement of integral education and social promotion aimed at the excluded population as the beneficiary of the donation.

To view additional patterns and designs available within our Artists Series Cement Tile collection, visit us here.

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Pinterest: Artisan Tiles & Grilling

"Art is pattern informed by sensibility." — Herbert Read

The sun is shining bright and warm, seeds have begun to sprout in our vegetable gardens and we couldn't be happier! It's amazing how a burst of color can enhance someone's day or living space.

What better color is there than yellow to brighten up an area that lacks something. From an accent wall, to a wall niche, and of course tile, spaces that include yellow are associated with happiness, intellect, and energy. Yellow is also closely related to Spring and Easter, where, according to color experts, both the color and the seasonal change produce a warming effect, arouse cheerfulness, and stimulate mental activity. With this month's Pinboard selections, we know you'll soon be focusing on the fresh and colorful changes that only come around this time of the year!

To get you started on your Spring cleaning and freshening up of spaces, here are several handmade cement tile and hand-painted ceramic tiles that evoke the feelings of this season year-round.

Patterns are enjoying a resurrection of sorts, as we observed recently during Coverings 2014 in Las Vegas. This annual tile and stone trade show, now in its 25^th year, brings together manufacturers from all corners of the globe to showcase the latest designs, materials, colors, and patterns available with cement, porcelain, ceramic or glass tiles. Check out our latest blog post, "Patterned Tiles are Power Play at Coverings 2014," to see what we came across during the four-day event.

As with nature and handmade goods, such as Artisan Tiles, patterns play an enormous role in helping us define our space. The same could be said of what we eat - the inner rings of a horizontally cut beet, the strings on a stalk of celery, grill marks on a perfectly cooked and seasoned steak, burger, or assortment of veggies — all these things entice our inner passions in one form or another!

And with the unofficial start of summer just around the corner, spending time with friends and family, while enjoying a grilled masterpiece, will be the only pattern you'll want to follow throughout summer.

Inspired? Then visit our pages on houzz.com, our boards on Pinterest, and browse through dozens of our Cement Tile Design Ideas and Ceramic Tile Design Ideas 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!

Designing with Tile: Fireplaces & Hearths

An ever-increasing back-to-basics philosophy is leading homeowners towards the path of refreshing and renewing the look of their living areas. Be it a fresh coat of paint, updated flooring, dramatic lighting, and so on, the need for a soothing environment trumps even the most prudent of budgets.

Happily, along with this desire for something new and different, fireplaces are also enjoying their place in the renewal process with the limitless decorative possibilities of handmade cement tile, porcelain tile, glass tile, ceramic tile, and mosaic tile.

An inviting fireplace with charming handpainted tiles

The increased awareness of tile’s long-lasting beauty has not only made kitchen and bathroom backsplashes a showpiece, but the same theory has held true for fireplace hearths and surrounds as well. With a surge in home remodeling projects and newly built homes, homeowners are looking for something different and more personalized to their taste, character and lifestyle. Designers, bloggers, and design-oriented publications have dutifully observed this trend, and have embraced the use of decorative tile fireplaces.

Tile offers flexibility to the architect and designer like no other material with its expansive color palette, sustainable properties, and timeless patterns and designs. Let's first look at handcrafted cement tiles, which provide both long life and distinctive beauty.

Using a gray-scale color palette, or any other monochromatic color scheme, creates a look that is understated, yet beautiful. Consider a two-tone color scheme (shown below) if you'd like to pair cement tile with natural stone. Although not one piece will stand out over another, all aspects of the space work together to create a cohesive design.

The gray and white tones of the Yuna traditional cement tiles frame this fireplace and perfectly coordinate with the marble hearth and mantle.

Further, the versatility of cement tile as a building material is not restricted solely to indoor spaces. You can transfer the same rich and silky feeling of cement tile to the outdoors where you and your guests can experience a new environment.

Remember, although cement tile can be used outdoors, it cannot be used in frosty environments. If your project is located where frost or freezing temperatures are common, then you should use a porcelain or vitreous tiles for your project. Here are some wonderful examples of indoor/outdoor tile fireplaces.

Outdoor living area with a fireplace featuring a ceramic tile Pomegranate mural.

Spanish style fireplace with imported ceramic tiles.
Image via Studio H Landscape Architecture.

The firebox was built off the floor so the fire could be visible from the bed.
Moroccan tile from Urban Archaeology. Image via House Beautiful.

A mid-century modern, two-sided fireplace featuring tile by Heath Ceramics.
Image via Apartment Therapy.

Hand-painted Albacete Spanish ceramic tiles are right at home with the terracotta floor pavers, stone molding and black granite mantle and bench.

Bruce Palmer Interior Design used glass mosaic tiles by Walker Zanger to create a contemporary fireplace. Image via Houzz.

Which type of tile would you use for your next indoor or outdoor fireplace or hearth project? Do you prefer to make your fireplace a focal point of the room, or would you rather it blend in?

- Written by Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry