Cement Tile Patterns for Patios and Floors

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Cement tile floors for outdoor patios or indoor living spaces allow you to create unparalleled visual appeal using patterns together with the colors of your choice. Here are a few recent projects that I've been working on with customers. Each project shows how cement tile is being used to create flooring that is both personal and unique.

Celebrate summer and be reminded of the cool water at the seashore with the Wave pattern by Tania Marmolejo from our Artist Series.

Cement tile floor pattern using Wave in Stormy Blue and White

Desiring a casual look for their floor, one of our Southern California customers chose the hip, contemporary and stylistic Wave pattern. Selecting their own colors, Stormy Blue and White from the Heritage Palette, they customized the pattern for their design at no additional cost. Durable and easy-to-maintain, cement tile is a great choice for floors. Not only is the look cool, casual and comfortable; but, the silky feel of polished cement tile on bare feet is a perfect choice for an outdoor patio or bathroom. The larger 10" x 10" cement tile format laid from wall to wall without a border. provides eye-catching appeal for contemporary homes.

Capitalizing on California's great year-round weather, many of the state's homes wrap around a backyard patio that can be accessed from the bedroom, kitchen and living areas. A customer in Santa Monica has a traditional Spanish-style home with a central back patio. She wanted to tile the back patio and establish a casual, contemporary look that would work with the home's traditional architecture. She achieved her vision by using the Union 1A pattern by Tania Marmolejo, also from our Artist Series.  

Union 1A pattern from Avente's Artist Series of Cement Tile

To achieve a slightly more traditional feel for this outdoor patio, the pattern was framed to make a rug using Ash Grey. The area outside the rug will be filled with Dark Shadow. Both Ash Grey and Dark Shadow are colors from within the pattern. The interlocking circle pattern plays well with the classic Moorish-inspired, Spanish theme of the home's architecture. The soft and dark grey color palette is easy to work with and complements the existing design.

Another Avente customer wanted to maintain a traditional, slightly more formal look for their entry hall. Working with patterns and colors from our Mission cement tile collection, they created a complex tile rug pattern with a border. However, since the rug will be laid in a polished, cut, poured concrete slab, only two colors from the grey-scale were used.

Cement tile rug created using New Castle pattern with Queen Border in Charcoal and Grey

Moreover, our same customer also liked our Cuban Heritage CH110-2B and choose the pattern for a different area of their home. The popular CH110-2B Cuban Heritage cement tile pattern uses shades of blues, grays, and dark brown. Unfortunately, the customer didn't have any blue in their existing design, so they changed the pattern colors and substituted Cana Green for Royal blue in the pattern.

Cuban Heritage Design 110-2B Cement Tile. Cana Green has been substituted for Royal Blue

As you can see, designing with cement tile is fun and personable. I can't wait to see the installation photos from these customers after their tile is delivered and installed. These recent projects from our customers illustrate how flexible cement tile is with any decor or environment. You can create flooring designs for outdoor spaces, such as patios and walks, or interior spaces such as entries and kitchen floors. Cement tile works with the existing architectural elements from traditional to contemporary. You can use our existing designs and colors in the catalog, modify the colors in the pattern, or mix or match patterns and borders to make your home your castle. The choice is yours!

Feeling inspired? Want to learn more about cement tile design, cement tile flooring, cement tile patterns, and see installations? Let us help! Visit our Cement Tile Information Center.

Visit our Cement Tile Information Center

Favorite Tiled Walks That Add Style

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

With the Summer Solstice now behind us, it's time to celebrate this much-anticipated season by enjoying the outdoors. I enjoy taking my daily neighborhood walks early in the day. It's during these walks that I stop to admire the tiled walks and entries. In this post, I'll be sharing some of my favorites that not only add to a home's uniqueness, but those that also provide welcoming curb appeal.

Rustic Pavers in Mission Red create a charming tiled walk for this home

It's easy to see why a tiled cement sidewalk offers so much more style than a typical grey, poured sidewalk. Colorful tiled walks provide a bright, eye-catching entry to a home. Red is a great choice for Mediterranean, Spanish, Spanish Colonial, Spanish Revival, and Adobe style homes. If you have a large landing or patio, then consider adding a medallion or patterned stair riser tiles.

Further, the exquisite beauty of hand-poured cement tile in plain colors is unmatched. You can see the hand of the tile artisan in the installation with the variation in color and shade from tile to tile. The floor or sidewalk almost shimmers like a gem, especially in full light. Look at the Heritage Indian Red walk below and you'll see what I mean. The tiled stair risers catch your attention, while the plain red walk causes you to linger and pause.

Plain cement tile, Heritage Indian Red, makes for a bright and eye-catching entrance. A medallion using Traditional Alcala corner pieces adds interest and brings attention to the stair riser pattern 

Square concrete tiles, Rustic Pavers in Cotto Dark, are laid in a running bond pattern to create a fresh look

Use our Rustic Pavers, laid on a wide grout line to accommodate their irregular shape, to create Old World elegance. If you want to replicated an antique look use Cotto Dark; Cotto Gold looks like traditional Spanish bisque. Or use a blend of the two, Spanish Cotto, to create lots of charm and interest with the color variation. Additionally, our Rustic Pavers color palette includes the tones found in Mexican pavers or Saltillo tile. So, you can even replicate the look of Saltillo, too.

This long entry path is made interesting by using Arabesque Octagon Rustic pavers in Cotto Dark. 

DESIGN TIP: When using shapes that are not rectangular or square, like hexagons and octagons, make sure to frame the edge of each side of the path with a rectangular tile.

Rustic pavers, shown here in Buff, look like Saltillo tile but will wear better.

DESIGN TIP: Create the look of Saltillo tile or Mexican pavers with cement tile. It's more durable, requires less care and is available in more sizes, shapes and trim.

Malibu deco tiles on the stair risers with Rustic Pavers in Mission Red for the treads.

DESIGN TIP: When laying tile on paths that are not square or do not run perpendicular, consider laying them "on point" to avoid mismatched grout lines, or you can use different sizes of tile.

Whether you're recreating the rustic elegance of Old World Spanish bisque or Saltillo tiles, looking for unique formats, or the exquisite beauty of hand-poured plain cement tile, we have a tile that works with your design aesthetic, color palette, and space. Are you looking for Spanish Colonial, Spanish Revival, Moorish-inspired designs, or something slightly more contemporary? No worries. We can help you create a look for a tile walk that is extraordinary, unique and in keeping with a home's architectural style.

Find a design style that is right for you. Visit our Handmade Cement Tile Information Center

Cement Tile Pattern Sets Theme for Resort Restaurant

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Pattern adds detail and interest and often, very secretly infuses subtle meaning into a design. While color creates the atmosphere, the pattern's motif provides a sense of style and place when executed correctly ‒ especially in commercial hospitality design for restaurants. For instance, a simple fleur-de-lis can help transport you to France.

Patterned cement tiles (like the Geometric one shown here),
help provide a sense of style and place in commercial design.

If you read Arpi's recent post on Interlocking Circles: The Power and History of Pattern in Design, you begin to understand the power (and history) of this pattern and why it can evoke such a powerful spell that creates a sense of time and place with its style. While the interlocking circle pattern has its roots in Islamic culture, its clean form also works well with the Japanese restaurant design showcased in this post.

There are two things I want to explore within this post. The first is how the motif appears to change based on how close or how far away you are. The the other is how the motif for the Geometric (Geo 10) pattern is maintained throughout the restaurant. The repetition of the motif helps maintain a sense of time and place along with other well-chosen design and decorative elements.

This Japanese Steak House uses well-chosen decorative
items that work with the pattern to maintain a theme.

The large, oversized carpets welcome guests and also provide patio-style dining outside. As you can see, a very simple 4"x8" white border is used to frame the rug while providing a seamless transition to the large stone pavers.

The Geo 10 pattern (8"x8") is framed with a simple 4"x8" white border.

The motif of the interlocking circles changes as your perspective and distance from the pattern changes.

The motif of the pattern changes as your perspective and distance changes.

The motif is barely discernible from a distance; but, the detail catches the attention of your eye and draws you near.

From a distance, cement tile patterns catch
your attention and draw you near.

Did you notice the circle pattern on the entry doors above? Inside this Japanese-themed restaurant, you'll find an antique hand-carved door frame.

Design details complement pattern to create style,
sense, and place for successful commercial design.

Take a closer look at the door details, and you'll find the interlocking circle pattern subtly establishes and reinforces a sense of time and place. The large interlocking tile pavers provide a sharp contrast to the smooth circle design while providing interest.

The interlocking circle motif is repeated in other design details.

I hope you enjoyed the brief tour showing how cement tiles and patterns helped to create a successful, cohesive theme for this Japanese Steak House. Because they are so durable, cement tiles are an excellent choice for commercial floor applications, or high-traffic residential spaces.

The use of cement tile in high-traffic areas is quite common throughout Europe and South America where it can be seen on the floors of centuries-old churches, homes and businesses.

Further, with these highly durable products comes longevity. Cement tiles have withstood centuries of wear, which is an important factor for commercial floors. Cement tile's strength lies in its beauty, its skid-resistance, and most notably, its ability to age gracefully since the manufacturing process dictates for the color layer to be 1/8"-thick. I'll be sharing more commercial installations of cement tile over the next few months.

Avente's Geo 10 cement tile pattern in black and white

As you can see, Avente's Geometric line, or Geo Cement Tiles, pay distinct homage to the time-tested and centuries-old patterns. However, with nearly 90 colors in the Heritage Color Palette, you can customize them to fit any color scheme or style. They work equally well in contemporary and traditional styles. With all of the available options and choices for color and customization, it's easy to see why cement tiles are a designer's dream. If you are a hospitality, restaurant, or commercial design professional, our "design line" of cement tile can work for you! Don't hesitate to contact us. We have the knowledge and skill needed to make your design come to life in tile.

See Our Geometric Cement Tiles Patterns

Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Cement Tile

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile

Handmade cement tile has to be one of the most beautiful types of tile available for transforming a space into a personal expression of pattern, style and design. However, since it is a handmade product, figuring out what makes a high quality and durable cement tile isn't immediately obvious.

For that reason, we are proud to announce the launch of our Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to help you make sense of the choices available. The Guide features 14 pages of inspirational cement tile installations and patterns, and most importantly, valuable tips for buying handmade cement tile culled through Avente Tile's founder Bill Buyok's vast experiences and travels involving handmade cement tile.

A sample page of Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile

A sample page of Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile illustrates the beautiful and vivid patterns available with handmade cement tile.

This Guide was designed with you and your needs in mind. More than a decade ago, as a first-time cement tile purchaser, Bill was frustrated with the lack of relevant and easily found information. With our help, after reading through this well-developed and cohesive Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile, you'll be able to:

• Find the cement tile that's right for you.
• Learn how to distinguish quality cement tile from inferior ones.
• Understand the types, formats, colors, options and designs available.
• Set realistic budgets, costs for freight, and what to expect for delivery.
• Tips for when to use in-stock tiles, custom tiles, and how to create your own designs.

Active links direct you to comprehensive information about the topic or product you're interested in.

As always, our commitment to you is our continued quest for excellence. How can we help you with your cement tile needs today?

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Cement Tile Inspiration

"Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship." -- Dorothy Parker

What would summer be without the gathering of friends and family around the backyard or dining room table? And with summer, comes the need for drinks and meals that cool our bodies, while simultaneously warming our hearts. Whether you're sharing stories, adventures or a meal, summer is the perfect season to just hang out and relax!

With that said, summer is also when the bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables from your backyard garden, or from the farmer's market, can be effortlessly paired in a meal-worthy salad. Coupled with a glass of wine, a cool evening breeze, and lively conversations, it's no wonder summer is our favorite season!

Interestingly, just like friendship, handmade cement tile will not wear ragged over time. It only gets better! With a range of design possibilities, whether bold Cuban tile patterns in contrasting colors or classic cement patterns in harmonizing colors, handmade cement tiles will transform any space! See our new Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to get started today!

Remember, no matter which 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 inspiring you and your living space. How can we help you today?

For inspiration or answers about cement tile, download Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile now!

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Cool Down With Our Summer Savings

Does the heat have you down during these dog days of summer? Then cool down with our summer savings special! Receive 5% off all online tile purchases when you spend $200 or more. Just place your order online by August 31, 2014, and use coupon code SUMMER during checkout.

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!

Cement Tiles Add to the Impeccable Details of Tucson-Area Restaurant

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile. All photos provided by Sally Kane

I must begin this post by saying, thanks! Thanks to a very smart, extremely motivated, and very inspiring entrepreneur, Sally Kane! We just happened to meet because she called to talk about cement tile for her new restaurant, The Coronet, in Tucson, Arizona.

The Coronet is a brasserie style restaurant featuring Old World cuisine and cement tile!

Now, Sally is one of those people who has passion and takes ownership of every part of her project. She's good at what she does; from color choice and tile design, to finding just the right plates and chairs for her bistro, to hiring the right team. She has every detail down. And, we haven't even started talking about the menu.

It was almost a year ago she called to order the Heritage Solid Color Chip Set for her cement tile project. Soon after the color chips arrived, she had decided on the palette: a mix of lovely greens on a classic pattern and border also boldly applied to a geometric pattern. She had "done up" some full size renderings using crayons in the closest match to the color chips. She wanted to know what I thought.

Cement tile renderings by Sally Kane

Sally mentioned she had this painting that would be the focal point of the main dining room and the tile pattern and colors should draw you to the painting; but, not take your attention away. The painting, El Morocco, is by Jerome Carlin and depicts a well-healed family having dinner in a nice restaurant.  

El Morocco by Jerome Carlin is a focal point in the main dining room of The Coronet.

I questioned, “What type of restaurant is this going to be? What type of food, style, and ambiance do you want to convey?” Sally replied, “It will be a French-style bistro. But, don’t box me in. It will honor that style but not slavishly follow the tradition!" I could see it all working together now. The Traditional French floor tile in cool Misty Jade with hints of bold Peapod set against a complex Pearl Grey and defining Jet Black. Yes, the pattern was honoring the style in a new and fresh way. The colors and pattern added to the main dining room's focal point -- the painting. I remember being very impressed with Sally's effortless ability to have all the details of the design working together.

After she placed the order for this commercial installation, I asked if she wanted to see strike-off samples before proceeding with the full order. Feeling confident with her design, she didn't even bat an eye when she replied, "No." She patiently awaited her tiles, which arrived with some damage from the carrier and incorrect trim. We worked to resolve the problems, while Sally patiently allowed us the time to correct her order!

The Traditional Fleur-de-Lis quarter cement tile pattern with Macoris Border tile.

A Geometric Diamond cement tile pattern was the choice for the bathrooms.

Sally was kind of enough to keep me updated with the progress of the work through The Coronet's Facebook Page. I loved seeing the thought that went into the layout, installations, and progress.

The Fleur-de-Lis and Macoris Border in a dry layout.

Sally Kane inspecting the installation.

The Cement tile carpet install is complete!

 And, the progress with the bathrooms and concrete sink. Notice the texture on the Venetian Plaster walls.

A bold geometric pattern for the lavatory was selected.

The pattern used in the lavatory is Avente's Traditional Diamond handmade cement tile.

Finally, one of my favorite effects is the use of plain tile throughout the restaurant. The subtle variation in tone creates a sophisticated, Old World charm that you just don't find in manufactured tile. Here's a great shot that showcases the color variation.

Plain cement tile creates visual interest with their natural color variation.

Well, there is so much more I could share about this amazing woman and the stunning space she has created. All I've done is talk about the tile! The food is already getting great reviews and if you find yourself in Tucson, Arizona, please stop by The Coronet. Sally says, "The Coronet is a brasserie style restaurant with Old World rustic cuisine and a cute, yet full, bar." You are sure to find quiet music, a big patio, good shade, outstanding coffee, and some stunning cement tile! All of us at Avente Tile wish you much success, Sally Kane!

Cement Tile Tips for the Pattern Addict

— By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

The month of March was devoted to tile patterns and designs. I've had so much fun and such a great response, I've decided to continue playing with pattern through April! I'm no April Fool, when I say we've got some more great tile talk on pattern. Last week, I provided some design tips on how to effectively use patterns if you are pattern shy or a pattern wallflower. Today, I share my favorite cement tile tips for the pattern addict.

Tips for Pattern Addicts

If you're a pattern addict, keep these tips in mind to maintain balance and harmony in the space. Too much of a good pattern can create chaos.

The scale of the pattern needs to match the scale of the space or the room. Large-scale patterns are striking in large open rooms. A quarter design pattern and border separated by plain tile makes this tropical veranda inviting and expansive.

Large patterns often need a larger space, such as this veranda.

But, smaller rooms require smaller patterns. For instance, quarter design cement tile patterns are too big for many kitchen backsplashes; you'll need to use a pattern that fits on a single tile. The scale of this pattern fits nicely into this cozy New York City apartment's kitchen.

The scale of the pattern should match the space.

Unify different patterns in a room by choosing a common color for all patterns. Or, use the same pattern in different scales or colors. The border pattern and main field pattern in this entry are flawless together! Why? The patterns are unified by common colors.

Unify patterns in different rooms by choosing common colors.

One of the most common questions I get with cement tile is, "What border tile works with this pattern?" The answer is almost any border tile pattern can work with that pattern if they are unified by color. In this installation, both the entry and adjoining powder room use cement field (solid colored) tiles and border patterns in the same color.

Use the same colors in patterns to unify patterns in the same room.

The colors really unify both spaces and allow for a cohesive design. It's a lot of pattern in two small spaces. However, you can see that when it's done right it works splendidly - even the pattern shy will agree!

Limit yourself to just a few patterns in a single room. Or, you can use subtle or muted patterns to help create some negative space. This typically bold, Cuban pattern (below) was muted to create a much softer effect that was used in the entry, bath, and dinning room. 

Cuban Heritage Design 150 in a muted color palette.

The muted pattern allows you to use more of the same pattern and provided much needed negative space.  Here's the pattern on the entry floor.

Muted Cuban cement tile pattern in the entry.

Muted Cuban cement tile pattern in the powder room.

Notice how even the muted pattern becomes powerful in the bathroom? This is because there is very little negative space with the pattern on the floor and wainscot. Contrast this to the dining room where the cement tile is only used as wainscot.

Muted Cuban cement tile pattern is used as wainscot in the dining room.

In fact, let's step further back to get a really good view of the entire dining room.

Negative space between different patterns is required.

What do you see?  Did you notice a different pattern and some negative space between them? The wainscot and the fabric in the chairs use different patterns; but, the rest of the room is "pattern quiet." Patterns need room to breath and negative space and the right color are the perfect dance partner.

When using several patterns in a room, distribute them around the room so there is space between them to balance them out. However, if you want to draw attention to an area or wall, such as a kitchen backsplash, then concentrate the pattern to create a focal point.

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To learn more about tile and pattern design, make sure to subscribe to our blog. It's published weekly, and this month, we'll continue playing with pattern.