Tile Inspiration For Your Next Kitchen Remodel

Guest post by Jane Blanchard, Modernize

Vibrant blue Arabesque tile adds visual interest. Image via Modernize.

Tile is a popular choice for kitchen floors and backsplashes, so popular that even the priciest and most custom options can seem bland. One tile company is changing that, one beautifully unique tile at a time.

One thing you'll never find at Avente Tile is tile that looks like, well, any other tile you've seen at home improvement stores or most flooring and tile warehouses when seeking inspiration for your kitchen remodel. Avente specializes in handcrafted tiles that are guaranteed to make your floors or backsplashes stand out from the subway tile and stone tile crowd.

Handmade Cement Tile

If you've never heard of handmade cement tiles, you will. Though they haven't gained widespread popularity in the U.S. yet, handmade cement tiles are used the world over for their bright, true colors and their intricate hand-painted designs. One of the most popular uses for cement tiles is the creation of "rugs" on floors by strategically laying coordinating tiles in a pattern that mimics Persian or other rugs. Perfect for kitchens, where fiber or synthetic rugs can be a hazard, a tile "rug" gives bold color and visual interest while remaining durable and easy to clean. The wide range of colors are perfect for adding a pop of color to an accent area of a kitchen floor, or for inspiring your remodel to new heights of glamour.

Relief tiles add depth and dimension to this kitchen's backsplash. Image via Modernize.

Hand Painted Relief Tile

As tiled backsplashes become an integral part of any kitchen remodel, so do the options for backsplash-ready tiles. You've no doubt seen glass, stone, and even pebble backsplashes, but you've likely seen nothing as classically beautiful as hand-painted relief tile. Marrying the lovely forms of sculpture to lightweight tiles, relief tiles are perfect for mixing with other ceramic tiles to create unforgettable backsplashes that are one of a kind. These tiles are the perfect inspiration for traditional, retro or transitional kitchens, but proceed with caution -- the designs are so alluring that they run the risk of taking your kitchen remodel in a whole new direction.

For more tile tips and tricks, please visit Modernize.com.

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.

A Tiled Fireplace Will Warm the Home All Year

With heart-shaped candy boxes and cuddly teddy bears taking over store shelves, there's no denying that Cupid has his arrow poised to strike lovers this Valentine's Day. But nothing says love like a cozy fireplace with hand-crafted tiles. With cold days and long nights, there is nothing better than warming up to a fire in the hearth with friends. Make your fireplace the focal point of the room with hand-painted ceramic or cement tiles.

Cuban Cement Tile Border Tiles Frame this Fireplace

The bold colors and intricate Cuban cement tiles patterns create a cozy fireplace. In this case, the border and corner pieces that are normally used to frame a tile rug can be used around the firebox. To avoid cuts and cement tile trim, the cement tile is paired with a plain ceramic tile that compliments the design and helps to simplify the installation. The customer's choice to use our popular Cuban Heritage Design 110 in the rich, warm "C" colorway was smart. The palette provides an intimate location that you will want to cozy up to any time of the year!

Many Tile Options for Your Fireplace

Using cement tile for a fireplace is a fantastic way to add visual appeal to your space. Available in multiple patterns and a broad color palette, cement tiles help create a dramatic focal point that become the theme of the room. However, decorative ceramic tiles, like our Malibu or Portuguese tiles provide eye-catching patterns and designs. Also, our ceramic mosaic tile designs are perfect for adding the right touch to a fireplace, hearth, mantle or chimney. And, don't forget the stunning glazes found in our hand-painted plain or field tile can provide an elegant and classic look, too.

Design Ideas to Help

A fine-looking fireplace fills your home with warmth and beauty, as well as creating a social center for friends and family. Here are a few different design ideas to get you thinking about finding a design and look that speaks to you!

Cement Tile Fireplace

Spanish Tile Fireplace

Spanish Tile Fireplace

Fireplace Tile Mural

More Design Ideas for Tiling your Fireplace!

Click Here to View!

Do you have a question about using tile for your fireplace? No problem! Leave your tile question in the comments on this blog and we'll happily answer any questions you may have.

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Pinterest: Fireplaces & Backsplashes/Walls

"I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer." — George Matthew Adams

Winter is in full swing for many parts of our country! Our Pinboard selections for this month reflect both the seasonal changes and the area in our homes that will garner the most use and attention – the fireplace! There’s no doubt that the attractiveness of a crackling, yet soothing fireplace will mesmerize even the heartiest of humans and creatures alike.

With bone-chilling winds, rain and snow, you can keep the warmth and coziness a fireplace emotes year-round with our ceramic tiles or with our extensive collections of handmade cement tiles. Check out how our Classic Cluny Cement Tile was used in this Fireplace Surround design, and the starring role our Traditional Yuna Cement Tile played on this Monochromatic Cement Tile Fireplace. For our friends who enjoy winter in a milder, Mediterranean climate, consider a ceramic tile mural for your outdoor fireplace, such as our Pomegranate Mural, for example.

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

Polished Cement Tile Benefits a Kitchen Backsplash

Last week, I received a wonderful email from Interior Designer Eugenia Triandos in Montreal, Canada. She shared an installation photo from a recent project that showcases Avente's popular Cuban Cement Tile!

A recent kitchen remodel in Quebec used Cuban Cement tiles.
Design by Eugenia Triandos of Triandos Creations.

She also included this kind note:

I just wanted to let you know that my project was completed and my clients are very happy with their backsplash.

Eugenia Triandos
Triandos Creations

Thanks, Eugenia!  I have to compliment you on this beautiful kitchen design. The color choices really stand out. Everything works together using the same color palette as the tiles. Nothing makes me happier than seeing an installation photo and hearing customers that are thrilled about their tile!

Now, on to this week's topic. Last week I discussed some important points about grout and cement tile for backsplash design. This week, we'll discuss why polished tiles are the best choice for a cement tile backsplash.

Benefits of Polished Cement Tile 

One subtle and widely misunderstood aspect of cement tile is the finish. Usually, cement tile is supplied in a raw, or unfinished state. For now, one Western Hemisphere manufacturer allows you to purchase cement tile with a "polished finish," while another will be offering this service in about one year. It's important to know what polishing is, what it does, and why it is so beneficial to have polished tiles for a backsplash application. If polishing is a new term or confusing, start by reading my post that answers the question, What is Cement Tile Polishing?

As I mentioned above, most factories only manufacture unpolished or raw cement tiles. Currently, only one manufacturer, Aguayo Cement Tiles, provides the option to receive factory-polished tiles. Polished tiles have a satin sheen that simulates the finish all cement floor tiles achieve over time with care and use. This sheen develops from abrasive forces acting on the tile from everyday use. Although raw tiles can be polished with a floor buffer and green pad after installation, the sheen won’t develop immediately. Buffing will also remove any surface color bleed on cement tile; but, you won’t be able to use a floor buffer on a vertical backsplash installation.

Color bleed is common on high contrast tiles, such as patterns that use black and white. Color bleed occurs when cement tiles, placed in racks, are removed from a water bath that is necessary to strengthen the tiles as they cure. The water picks up trace amounts of pigment and drains down the tile. The dark pigments wash over the lighter areas of the tile, leaving a faint discoloration. This is a normal  part of the manufacturing process; but not desirable for backsplash tiles that are in the limelight.

Cement tiles are placed on metal racks to dry after they are made.

Racked cement tiles are lowered into a water bath to cure for 24 hours.
Color bleed can occur when the tiles are removed.

Finally, polished tile are usually easier to install because grout doesn't stick to the slightly smoother surface. In general, a grout release is not required for polished tiles. Whereas, on raw cement tile, I think it is a good precaution. As a side note, Cuban Heritage cement tiles are only sold with a polished finish.

The only time I don't recommend polished tile is for exterior patio applications. Quite simply, the polishing benefit is lost quickly over time to the elements of wind, wear and weather.

Cement Tile Backsplash: 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy

We came up with the 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy guide to help answer any questions you may have about a cement tile backsplash. Within this guide, you'll find that polishing is discussed on Point 6 with very straightforward advice:

6. Purchase polished tile, if available.

Want to find out more? Learn what you need to know before installing a cement tile kitchen backsplash. Download and read, 7 Things You Need to Know about Cement Tile Backsplashes. You'll find answers on polishing, sealing, grout, and much more.

Cement Tile Backsplashes:
7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy.
Click Here to Download!

Do you have a question about using cement tile that we didn't answer here or in our free guide, Cement Tile Backsplashes: 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy? No problem! Leave your cement tile question in the comments on this blog and we'll happily answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Cement Tile Backsplash Design, Cost & Installation Tips

One of the biggest trends in cement tile is to use them for a backsplash – primarily a kitchen backsplash – like the one shown here and featured on Houzz by our friends, Philadelphia-based general contracting firm Buckminster Green.

A Cement Tile Backsplash using Cuban Design 110 2B

In fact, we had more orders for 50-100 sq. ft. of cement tile in 2013 than ever before. This cement tile backsplash design trend makes a lot of sense.

• Cement tiles provide a powerful design punch that allows homeowners to create a personal statement where it matters most. 
• Cement tiles are available in an array of geometric, traditional and contemporary patterns that can be customized with choices that include palettes with 90 colors.

A Cement Tile Backsplash Using a Custom Pattern

Additionally, these handmade tiles are crafted to endure decades of wear from foot traffic and have a color layer that is about 1/8” thick. They won't face anything that formidable when placed on a wall except for an occasional melee with grease, vinegar, or wine.

So, what’s not to like about cement tile? Nothing, really, as long you understand a few key differences.

Cement tile is different in many respects than its more ubiquitous cousin, ceramic tile. It’s these differences that often surprise folks and can create a "deal breaker" - an obstacle that can't be overcome or resolved. To prevent that kind of a surprise, we thought we'd detail what you need to know before buying cement tile.

Cement Tile Backsplash:
7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy

We came up with 7 things you need to know before you decide to go with a cement tile backsplash. Here are the first three:

1. Use a very narrow grout line when installing cement tiles. Place cement tiles as close together as possible to create a very thin grout line. Minimizing the grout line will make the design look seamless and your space look larger. We recommend a 1/16” grout joint. Non-sanded (or unsanded) grout is required for grout joints less than 1/8” wide.
   
2. Pick the right grout color. You may use colored or white grout. If you decide to use colored grout we recommend that it be a color that is the same, or lighter than the lightest color used in the pattern. You can’t use black grout with white or black and white pattern tiles, the dark grout will stain the white parts of the tile and can’t be removed.
   
3. Expect to spend about $1,000-$1,500 for the tiles and freight, assuming a backsplash area of about 40-50 sq. ft. The cost varies and will ultimately depend on the size, pattern, color and finish of the tile.

Want to find out more? Learn what you need to know before installing a cement tile kitchen backsplash. Download and read, 7 Things You Need to Know about Cement Tile Backsplashes. You'll find answers on polishing, sealing, grout, and much more.

Cement Tile Backsplashes:
7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy.
Click Here to Download!

A Cement Tile Backsplash - Traditional Romana Pattern

Do you have a question about using cement tile that we didn't answer here or in our free guide, Cement Tile Backsplashes: 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy? No problem! Leave your cement tile question in the comments on this blog and we'll happily answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you!