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

Cement Tile Quality Expectations in Custom Design

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

To help gain perspective and set realistic expectations of handmade tile, I often say artisan tiles are like the strokes of an Impressionist painting or hand woven rug. When you closely look at the stroke or weave, you will see color variation and the design motif itself may not be perceptible or clear. Step back though and the blended imperfection of the artist's hand creates a stunning work of art.

Sunset in Venice by Claude Monet
Image Credit

Our modern-day world has created an affinity for perfection. We are so used to seeing everything crafted to such tight tolerances that glossy productions are de reguer. One of the most common questions I hear when people receive their first sample or order is that the "The cement tile is not perfect" in some way.

Handmade Cement Tile will have slight imperfections.

We want our installation to look like that bistro in Paris or Hacienda in the Yucatan. The truth is that the imperfections are there; but, the beauty of the pattern and variation in color allow your eye to see the same thing you see when you look at a Monet or Seurat.

The beauty of cement tile is in the variation and slight imperfections.

I do enjoy sharing this journey of discovery with folks unfamiliar with cement tile, or encaustic cement tiles as they are often called. I've been working with a customer in Denver on a design. She discovered our Cuban Heritage Design CH110-2B pattern and while she liked the colorway, it just wasn't right for her. I explained that the colors for that pattern are easily changed using any color from the Heritage Color Palette. However, this process takes time – we are talking design here. The best place to start is with color chips so you can create a cohesive design and really see the colors. A few weeks after receiving her chips, she had found the right colors and had us create several renderings to see what worked best.

A sample of one rendering that Avente provided using the customer's color choices.

Color substitution are never easy; but, I was impressed with the colors she selected and loved the different choices. This design-inspired Denver homeowner found the renderings the ideal way to find what worked best and ordered strike-offs or sample tiles of the rendering that she like best.

This is a story, of how a project should go! And, I felt thrilled that each step of the process helped quickly guide the homeowner to make a decision they loved. Three weeks after the samples arrived, I received this email:

Hi Bill,

We received our strike-off samples. As expected we love the design and are so pleased with the color combination! Given the tiles are handmade, we did expect some slight variation from tile to tile – minor blemishes or color bleeding, lines not matching up perfectly.

Photo of customer's strike-off with slight color variation and line widths.

However, can you comment regarding this particular tile (see below)? Is it representative of the typical quality we should expect? We are concerned.

Pattern lines on tiles should be crisp.

I can see why she was concerned. In my efforts to set reasonable expectations for a hand made tile, I had neglected to explain that strike-offs samples may not always have the most crisp pattern lines because it takes time to get the metal mold to settle and work with the frame.

Here's my reply:

Dear Denver,

I think your expectations for cement tile are correct – which means I've done my job. The variation in color and slight imperfections you find in the first set of images are to be expected. The blurred pattern and edges in the second set of images (with red circles) should not be expected in the full order.

The primary goal with strike-offs is to confirm color acceptance for the pattern. The problems you see in the second set of images occur in strike-offs because we can’t make enough tiles and fine-tune the process that allows the mold to settle.

I hope you have enjoyed understanding how the hand of the artist creates a unique look in cement tile and the importance of quality in custom design. Never stop asking questions because they provide the clarity to ensure you are buying a top-notch product. If you enjoyed today's post on custom cement tile design and what makes a high quality tile, you might also enjoy our Avente Tile’s Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to learn more about this amazing product.

Of course, all of us at Avente Tile are here to help you with your cement tile questions, design solutions or technical questions. Feel free to post a question here and don’t hesitate to call us at 888.739.4972; or email: info@aventetile.com.

Avente Tile's Cement Tile Buying Guide: The Source for Finding Cement Tile That's Right for You

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, Avente Tile is proud to announce the launch of its Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to help you make sense of the choices available. The Guide, which is based on the hard-earned knowledge and experience of Avente Tile's founder Bill Buyok, features 14 pages of inspirational cement tile installations and patterns, and most importantly, valuable tips for buying handmade cement tile culled through Bill's vast experiences and travels involving 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.

Months of thought, preparation and revisions went into creating this cohesive Guide so that it could be referred to at any time, day or night, 24/7. Whether you choose to print out a copy of the Guide, or keep it on your computer's desktop, we wholeheartedly feel that having a readily available source at your fingertips is a priceless tool for generating creativity, while greatly expanding upon the design needs and options of your tile project.

With that in mind, the Guide is separated into several easy-to-read steps, or subsections. Not only will you be able to immediately pinpoint the topic you're searching for, but it has been designed to help you understand and appreciate everything from the nuances of cement tile to customizing your tile with colors and patterns of your choice. The six steps/subsections are:

• What is Handmade Cement Tile? 
• What to Look For in a Cement Tile
• What Shapes, Sizes & Formats Are Cement Tiles Available In? 
• What Cement Tile Design Styles Are Available?
• How Do I Coordinate Handmade Cement Tile Sizes, Shapes, Formats and Styles? 
• What Are the Next Steps For Buying Handmade Cement Tiles?

Further, we've included active links within the Guide that immediately direct you to comprehensive information about the topic or product you’re reading about. You don't lose your place within the Guide, nor do you lose valuable time in your quest to find more information.

Active links within the Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile (highlighted in yellow) immediately direct you to comprehensive information about the topic or product you’re interested in.

Again, 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.

Cement Tile Buying Guide:
The Source for Finding Cement Tile That's Right for You.

Click Here to Download!

After reading our guide, contact us with any additional questions you might have about cement tile. We encourage questions on our blog, too. Feel free to leave your question in the comments below and we'll promptly answer them within two business days.

Of course, everyone at Avente Tile is well-versed and experienced in answering any possible question you may have. Therefore, please don’t hesitate to call us at 888.739.4972; or email: info@aventetile.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

New & Old Cement Tile Patterns Heat up the Strip

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile.

Greetings from Las Vegas! This week I'm in Las Vegas making my yearly pilgrimage to Coverings 2014, an annual tile trade show.

Avente Tile Owner, Bill Buyok, in front of the Cuban Heritage Tile Mural at the Tropicana.

As I conclude my final post on playing with pattern in tile design, I'm excited to share a unique wall installation of our classic, popular Cuban tiles and our newest line of cement tile offered by Aguayo Cement Tile. That's yours truly seated at a wall installation of our popular Cuban Heritage Design 140 1A 8" x 8" Handmade Cement Tile at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Avente Tile supplied this unique installation when the resort completed a remodel a few years ago.

A wall tile mural installation at the Tropicana of Cuban Heritage Cement Tile

Guillermo & Tania Collection

Guillermo and Tania is the sixth collection of unique cement tiles offered by Aguayo Cement Tiles that are created by artists from the Dominican Republic. These unique tiles showcase the artist's skills and elevate cement tile to functional art. This collection, created by artists Guillermo Gomez Lama and Tania Marmolejo, features eight different designs - each presented in three colorways. All tiles are in the 10-inch square format. The collection features new, contemporary designs that are ideal for commercial and residential spaces.

Guillermo & Tania Collection is a new cement tile line from Avente.

 One of may favorite new patterns from Guillermo is "Asterisk" in a bold blue colorway.

Asterisk is a new, contemporary cement tile pattern

Lama is a visual artist, graphic designer, paper lover and obsessed with both patterns and the production process. His work's influences are based on vibration and repetitions of experimental electronic music, mosaics, and the patterns of human behavior. His work is also influenced by the art of lithography and giants in that field, such as Andy Warhol and Peter Gee.

The influence of Lama's graphic design background and lithography are apparent in this cement tile pattern.

Also, I love the flowing, organic patterns of Tania, and a personal favorite is Bloom. The motif creates a three-dimensional effect as the petals converge on each bloom.

Tania Marmolejo's Bloom cement tile pattern

For this project, Tania uses the line as a design element. She uses an eclectic mix of Swedish textile designs and Caribbean themes, such as tropical gardens and the sea.

Wave is a new cement tile pattern by Tania Marmolejo

I'm looking forward to the show and celebrating 25 years of Coverings. I've been attending the show for over a decade.

Coverings 2014 is at the Las Vegas Convention Center

If you happen to be at the show, stop by Booth #19002 and say hello! 

Aguayo Cement Tile Booth #19002 at Coverings 2014

You'll love the new patterns; but, you'll also be able to see some of our classic patterns that are as popular today as they were when Aguayo first introduced them over a decade ago. We'll also be sharing more of the Guillermo and Tania collection here, and it will soon be available for purchase at Avente Tile.

Two-Tone Cement Tile Pattern Creates Serenity

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

This recent cement tile installation features a centered pattern so the eye is naturally drawn to the main field pattern.

Gone are the days of solely mixing bold colors and patterns only to walk away with a headache rather than inspiration! However, integrating patterns to create a soothing space remains high on everyone.s design list. With "staycations" on the rise, people crave to be enveloped in serene, soothing environments without leaving home.

Such was the case with one of our clients who created a very different effect with the Mission Ring Cement Tile pattern on their kitchen's backsplash by using the same color in almost all of the cement tile mold segments.

The green of the Mission Verde Caribe color was the perfect choice for this kitchen located in Hawaii. The white in the tile accentuates the white of the cabinets, while the effect of the wood tones reinforces the tropical, peaceful feel.

Mission Rings Pattern in Two Colors

Mission Rings Pattern in Several Colors

Thanks to our customization services, not only can you substitute colors to create a unique effect; you can also alter a pattern by using the same color in an adjoining pattern (or mold) segments. Designing with cement tile means taking a vision, idea or surrounding complementary area, and making it come to life!

To learn more about tile, patterns, and design, make sure to subscribe to Avente Tile Talk. Our blog is published weekly and this month, we'll continue to examine patterns by focusing on herringbone, diamond, and on-point and more. Join us!

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Pinterest: Spring and Yellow

"Behold my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!" — Sitting Bull

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.

Featured Tile

Artist Series Life of Riley Hex Handmade Cement Tile	Classic Bordeaux-B Handmade Cement Tile
Heritage Tibetan Gold Handmade Cement Tile	Barcelona Yellow Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile
Portuguese Braganza Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile	Spanish Cadiz Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile

Inspired? Then visit our pages on houzz.com, our boards on Pinterest, and browse through dozens of our Cement Tile Design Ideas andCeramic 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 Tile Tips for the Pattern Shy

— By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

We've been Playing with Pattern in Tile Design this month and shown you how Simple Patterns are Powerful! There's no doubt that patterned cement tiles are a great way to add style to any room. Today, I want to share a few design secrets on how to effectively use patterns. First, ask yourself if are you a pattern addict or a wall flower? It's OK to swing both ways, too! Sometimes the room's design dictates what to do!

Tips for the Pattern Shy

If you are a pattern wallflower, then you are pattern shy. If you are timid with patterns, it's best to choose just one pattern that you love and design the whole room around it. For example, you might start with a bold Cuban pattern rug and then choose fabric with similar colors and design elements. Remember, colors don't have to match exactly, they just need to be close enough for your eye to tie it all together.

This space is designed around the cement tile rug.

The blue striped pillows are nice accents to the blue in the cement tile rug. However, they are not an exact match. The dark finish on the coffee table picks up the dark roast color in the tile. Did you notice that you can even put a carpet over a cement tile rug to break the pattern? The room and floor still look great because the sitting area is defined!

Let the pattern make a statement with a bold design. Think about a kitchen backsplash or entry. There may not be a lot of space, but can completely transform an otherwise common or dreary area with a bold patterned tile.

Cuban Cement Tile Patterns are a great choice for the pattern shy.

You need to start any design project with a clear concept of the tile pattern, color and size because such a strong design element will influence other parts of the design.

These bold Cuban tiles brighten the entry.

In the project above, did you notice how the yellow walls and red stairs tied the entire design together? Repeating the color reinforces the design and makes the space cohesive. This small entry is less than 60 sq. ft.; but, the bold design packs a powerful punch and becomes the center of attention.

Remember, if you are timid or new with patterns, choose just one pattern that you love and design the whole room around it. With their strong patterns, bold colors, and use of borders, our Cuban cement tiles allow you to easily make a statement with a bold design.

Cement Tile Design Ideas
for the
Pattern Shy

To learn more about cement tile pattern, see our cement tile design ideas. Next week, I'll share Cement Tile Tips for the Pattern Addict! You'll be a pattern pro, just stay tuned.

Simple Cement Tile Patterns are Playful & Powerful

— Written by Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Patterns establish the mood of a room – just like color. However, they add complexity to the design because they need to work effectively with color to maintain the mood and feel. It’s more difficult to create an effective pattern and color palette than just choosing colors.

Cement Tile Patterns establish the mood of a room like color.

This commercial application uses a classic and straight-forward black and white color palette with a basic "on point" pattern. The lounge area at this Caribbean resort is just off the main lobby and establishes the right mood for this adults only five-star resort near the beach. The colors and pattern really establish a mood for the room that is slightly, formal but still fun.

Playful Pattern

The high contrast colors found in a checkerboard pattern evoke playfulness and fun. No doubt, they can also be very formal. But here, they conjure images of a large ballrooms, dancing, and romance.

The "On Point" Pattern has a playful approach to design.

The colors - black and white - help maintain a classic, traditional feel. The pattern itself is playful - it creates the checkerboard pattern using squares that contain both colors.

Cement Tile Patterns Help Soften Awkward Corners

Patterns soften hard corners and make decorating nooks and crannies easier. However, a skilled and knowledgeable installer, and good layout, are the key to a professional design.

Patterns can soften hard corners.

Expect Some Color Variation in Cement Tile

Cement tile is a handmade product and you should be prepared for variation in color - especially white.  Look at these tiles closely.

Color variation and "crazing" are common in light-colored cement tile

See the variation in color of the white in theses tiles? The color varies from a light tan to bright white depending on which tile you choose. The color is impacted significantly by the sand or silica used in the mixture and can vary. You may also see some surface crazing or veining. This is also common for light colored cement tile and should be expected - especially over time.

It's actually this color variation that makes cement tile so beautiful when you view the entire installation. The subtle differences in color from each handmade piece create a look that is both unique and complex.

Simple Patterns are Powerful

As we play with pattern this month, let's explore how powerful simple patterns can be. Look what you can do with our "On Point" pattern and a few plain tiles.

Cement tile layout based on using the "on point" design pattern

 Here's another example of what you can create using this design.

Pattern Tile Tessellation

Pretty amazing, don't you think?  The power of pattern! What are you waiting for? Go play with pattern!

Play with Geometric Pattern Tiles!

Click Here. See More Geometric Pattern Tiles!

New Arabesque Pattern Designs in Cement Tile

                                                — Written by Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

As we explore pattern and tile design this month on Tile Talk, I’d like to start by introducing some of our newest Arabesque cement tile patterns. Arabesque is a unique line of Spanish floor tiles or pavers that can also be used on walls, too! The collection pays homage to a deeply rooted, rich heritage of traditional Moorish and Spanish tiles that feature interlaced geometric patterns.

Malaga Spanish Paver in Charley Brown

Patterns are decorative designs on the surface of materials that usually have a repeating design motif. When you see pattern from afar, the motifs become so small that you no longer see them as single elements; rather, you perceive them as texture. Take a look at this pattern. Can you see texture? This is an example of "visual texture." It refers to an implied sense of texture or depth created through the use of artistic elements of line, shading and color.

Medina Spanish Paver in Assorted Grays

Patterns can also utilize a non-repeating design motif, as seen below. Although the shape repeats, the random color of this Saltillo-looking color makes the pattern very playful, sophisticated, and fun!

Safi Arabesque Spanish Paver in Artillo

While pattern refers to recurring visual events or motifs, they can exhibit visual texture, as well as true texture. Texture refers to the tactile quality of the surface - what you feel when you touch the tile. One of my favorite colors, Normandy Cream, uses a variety of texture and hue to create an antique look.

Arabesque Tangier Pattern in Normandy Cream

I hope you have enjoyed a quick look at some of our newest Arabesque Cement Tile Patterns, and how they can play with patterns while introducing texture.

Arabesque Paver Tiles are Different

Our Arabesque Paver Tiles differ from traditional cement tile. They are made with a soft mold. Traditional patterned cement tiles are made the old way with a steel mold and the color layer is only in the top 1/8" of the tile, whereas Arabesque Paver Tiles have true through-body color.

The texture, feel and style of the tiles is also very different, including the color. While both tiles are handmade and will have some variation, classic cement tiles have a more traditional, slightly formal, sophisticated look that works well for creating a multi-color pattern using the face of the tile. The cement Arabesque Pavers have a rustic feel with a softer defining edge, and have only one color throughout each tile.

With so many sizes, shapes, and colors to choose from, this is one tile you can't get enough of! Handmade rustic cement tiles can be used on floors, walls and both interior and exterior locations - even those subjected to freeze/thaw cycles.

Benefits of Arabesque Cement Tile

1. Handmade appearance for a rustic look.
2. True "through body" color. You can't scratch, cut or remove the surface color layer.
3. Rated for freeze/thaw cycles.

How to Buy Arabesque Pavers

Follow these easy steps to make sure you find the right tile for you!

1. Pick a color. With over 50 different color and blends, it's easy to find a color that works with your design scheme. Choose from our Classic, Premium, or Signature colors and blends. Make sure to use the Paver Palette Colors.
2. Add texture, if you want. Tiles comes with a standard smooth finish; but, additional textures are available to create a weathered, antiqued patina. Textures are listed below the Paver Palette Colors.
3. Find a format and size. You'll find prices, sizes, shapes and colors for our Arabesque Cement Tile! We have octagons, hexagons, pickets and more! Looking for shapes that are rectilinear? No problem! Square and rectangle formats are available from 2" to 14". You'll find prices, sizes, shapes and colors in our Rustic Paver Price List.

Playing with Pattern in Tile Design

— Written by Bill Buyok, Avente Tile & Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

The natural world and everyday common objects can be the inspiration for decorative patterns. Patterns increases visual excitement by enriching the surface they adorn. Patterns are decorative designs on the surface of materials that usually have a repeating design motif. When you see pattern from a great distance, the motifs become so small that you no longer see them as single elements, but perceive them as texture.

Plain Diamond Shaped Tiles in 3 Glazes Create A Tessellation Pattern

Patterns are fun. Patterns create comfort. Patterns add interest. Patterns can have meaning. We love pattern and tile. Tiles are great way to add pattern to your style. You can create patterns with plain tile, like the tessellation (pictured above) with three different glazes on a plain diamond-shaped tile. In fact, we're dedicating March to playing with pattern!

Hex Cement Tiles Create a similar Tessellation

Patterns have been part of human life since it began and they are still present everywhere today. From Pueblo pottery and Maori tattoos of the past; to fabric and architecture of today, patterns are a part of our everyday lives and often have cultural or religious significance. And sometimes, they are just fun or interesting.

To learn more about tile, patterns and design, make sure to subscribe to our blog. It's published weekly and this month, we'll be playing with pattern in each issue. We hope you join.

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Pinterest: Patterns and Spring

"The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also."
-- Harriet Ann Jacobs

With record-breaking weather this winter, it's hard to believe that Spring is just a couple of weeks away. But as eternal optimists, we're looking ahead to the greener, colorful season where every living thing seems to rejoice in the coming vernal equinox.

This month's Pinboards focus on seasonal changes where, just like nature, we're bursting for changes in designs, patterns and colors in our homes and businesses. With our "See a Pattern?" board, we're served with daily inspiration on mesmerizing, peaceful patterns that can influence the designs of textiles, fabrics, and tile. And with our "Color: Green" board, we.re reminded of the joyful possibilities that only Spring and the color green offers!

From classic stripes to geometric arrays to those of centuries-old patterns, such as Moorish, Victorian, Tribal, Spanish, etc., there's no doubt we are fascinated by movement, forms and shapes. Our Traditional handmade Geometric Cement Tiles can add either a subtle or bold touch to any setting, while our San Cristobal handmade cement tile pattern offers a more muted, classic pattern.

To emulate a Mediterranean atmosphere, consider using our Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile collection, which pays homage to its Moorish and Spanish tile roots with its geometric shapes. Or, to add historical intrigue to your design, consider our Barcelona La Ermitta hand-painted ceramic tile, which boasts centuries-old Spanish patterns and Majolica glaze techniques.

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!

Geo 21-2 Cement Tile

San Cristobal Cement Tile

Clay Arabesque Leon

La Ermitta Ceramic Tile

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