Tile and Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture at the Homestead Museum

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

The hot, humid weather we've been experiencing in Southern California since last week has taken a toll on me. I am not used to the tropical weather, so I find my mind wandering.

The entry gates to La Casa Nueva at the Homestead Museum

However, with the stifling and oppressive heat, there is great news! We received some much-needed rain for our parched California lands. Also, as my mind continues to wander, I couldn't help but think of a getaway or vacation, so I thought I would share one of my favorite tile haunts here in California, The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum.

The Moorish-inspired, Spanish door and entry of La Casa Nueva is meant to impress.

The Homestead Museum is a hidden gem that resides in the most unlikely of areas, the City of Industry, just outside of Los Angeles. The museum is a place to explore the history of the Los Angeles region from 1830 to 1930 through the hopes and dashed aspirations of two families. The six-acre site features the Workman House, an 1870s country home constructed around an 1840s adobe built by William and Nicolasa Workman.

Additionally, La Casa Nueva, a 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival mansion noted for its architectural crafts, was built by the Workmans' grandson Walter Temple and his wife, Laura. Additionally, El Campo Santo, one of the region's oldest private cemeteries, contains the remains of Pío Pico (the last governor of Mexican California), and other prominent pioneer families. Being a huge fan of Spanish and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, I'll share some of the highlights of La Casa Nueva or the New House.

The main entry with its central, open plan is impressive and filled with hand-crafted details like carved vegas, wood floors, and tiled stair risers.

The main entry is filled with bespoke details of Spanish colonial revival architecture.

A grand staircase with Spanish tile and tile floor molding in La Casa Nueva.

As you discover the grounds, with your guide, you'll also find some unique rooms like this barbershop embellished with cement tiles. Cement tile such as this remind me of Cuban tile barbershops found in Havana during the same time period.

Cement tile in the Barber Shop reminds me of handmade Cuban Heritage tile.

A close-up detailing the cement tile pattern found in the Barber Shop.

I'll continue with this amazing tour of La Casa Nueva in August. It's a feast of design details and tile - everywhere you go.

Feeling inspired? Want to learn more about how to use tile that create the style and feel of Spanish and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture? This is one of our passions and we can help. Visit our Spanish Tile Design Center today!

Visit our Spanish Tile Design Center

Encaustic Cement Tile as Wainscoting

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Cement tile is paired with locally sourced coral stone to create this stunning wainscoting for a bathroom.

If you've ever seen a decorative treatment on the lower half of a wall, then you've seen wainscoting. Traditionally, wainscoting is used to protect walls from becoming damaged when chairs or other furniture is moved around, such as in a dining room or eat-in kitchen area. To get a better understanding, let's look at how wainscoting evolved.

Pattern and color continuity flow through this Dominican Republic home with the use of a cement tile and coral stone wainscoting.

Interestingly, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word wainscot, rooted in the mid-14th century, means "imported oak of superior quality (well-grained and without knots), probably from Middle Dutch or Middle Flemish waghenscote; related to Middle Low German wagenschot (late 14c.), from waghen (wagon) + scote (partition, crossbar) and perhaps because the wood originally was used for wagon building and coachwork."

Fast-forward now to Elizabethan times where wainscoting grew in popularity as a decorative and protective wall covering. It is still commonly used in Colonial American and English homes.

Manzanillo Cement Tile adds finesse to any wall or wainscoting application.

La Rochelle Cement Tile creates a harmonious outdoor wainscoting.

Currently, you can integrate wainscoting into your home with the versatility that only handmade cement tile offers. For a modern, contemporary or vintage look in a bathroom, hallway, or any living area, cement tile provides an ornamental and functional wall treatment that limited only by your imagination.

Vibrant Traditional Bayahibe Cement Tile as wainscoting.

Whether you use cement tile wainscoting for an indoor or outdoor application, keep in mind that each cement tile is individually handmade. Slight variations, such as thickness, shade, imperfections, and irregular edges are inherent to this type of product. These characteristics add to the product's natural appeal and do not compromise the performance of the tile.

Lastly, for more information about cement tile selection, installation tips, customization services, or available sizes, shapes and more, please see our Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile.

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Designing with Tile

"I think I will be able to, in the end, rise above the clouds and climb the stairs to Heaven, and I will look down on my beautiful life." — Yayoi Kusama, Japanese artist and writer

Welcome to 2015! It's been a quite a year, and as we grow older, it seems the year just gets shorter and shorter!

As you've undoubtedly heard by now, Pantone has chosen its color of the year, Marsala. We love this shade as it works so well with our cement tile patterns, such as Cuban Heritage Design 240 1A, Traditional Marrakech Cement Tile, Cuban Heritage Design 260 1A, or choose a rich, unadorned tile with our Heritage Solid Color cement tie in Indian Red.

No matter what you choose, remember Avente's cement tile can be customized to fit any décor or color need you may have. Further, our newly published Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile is an especially valuable resource to keep handy. You can download your free copy here, and let the inspiration begin!

From all of us at Avente Tile, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year!

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Cheers to 2015 with Special Saving!

Cement Tile Patchwork

Avente Tile thanks all our friends and wonderful customers! Your patronage and support in the past year has been amazing. We have a passion for artisan tiles and providing exceptional, unique designs for your needs. We want to see how your project turned out and love photos of your completed installations, like the one shown here from a customer in California. Share your installation and design photos with us via email or social media channels.

To thank you, we're offering 10% off any online order placed through January 2015. Use coupon code CHEERS. Good luck and best wishes for a wonderful 2015!

Cuban Tile Redux in Muted Color Palette

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

For the last post of the year, I'm excited to share an exclusive tour of a private residence that uses Cuban Heritage cement tiles in a custom, muted color palette. You'll find the design is peaceful and calming. The redux also shows how cement tiles are not just for flooring anymore.

Avente's exclusive tour of a private residence using Cuban cement tiles

The tropical setting of this private home on the island of Hispaniola is the perfect locale for Cuban tiles.  The home's design takes full advantage of the balmy, tropical weather and uses an open air design.  You are greeted by a small sitting area that opens to a large covered, open-air patio that joins the dining room, powder room, pool, and living spaces.

Cuban tile entry greets guests and sets the design theme

A Cuban cement tile rug adorns the large, central breeze-way

Our Cuban Heritage cement tiles have been popular since we introduced them over ten years ago. Because of their ubiquitous use in residential and commercial applications on the island of Cuba, cement tiles became known as Cuban tiles in some parts of the world. When Cuba was a tropical playground for jetsetters between 1920 - 1950 and for homes built in the Spanish Mediterranean Revival period, Cuban tiles were de rigueur flooring for businesses, hotels, and private estates.

This pattern, Cuban Heritage Design 150, does not utilize a border that was common in traditional Cuban designs.  However, the rug's colors standout from the surrounding coral stone pavers and a more contemporary feel is maintained without the use of a border.

Cuban Heritage Design 150 using a custom, muted color palette

While I love the eye-catching, open-air patio with the large cement tile rug, the powder room and dining room are some of the best examples of how a traditional, handmade product can adapt to provide design consistency and durability.  You'll notice that cement tile is used both on the floor and as wainscot in this small; but, rich powder room.  Avente's Traditional Salcedo border cement tile is used to frame the top wainscot row.  Also, notice the border pattern orientation does not change by the door as is it would in a traditional installation. All, unique details, executed flawlessly that really work.

Cement tile are used for floor and wainscot in this powder room

Note the unique border tile orientation near the door

Cuban tile in soft colors work well for this powder room floor and wainscot

The large, formal dining room sparingly uses the same Cuban Heritage pattern and colorway as wainscot between the tall, windows and French doors that run from floor to ceiling.  This is a nice way to maintain the color and pattern without getting "pattern overload."

The same Cuban tile is used as wainscot in the formal dining room

Another view of the large dining room that uses cement tile wainscot

A detail showing cement tile wainscot

Leaving the dining room from the same door that I entered, I once again strolled across the large open patio that connects all the living spaces. This time, I headed away from the entrance to get a glimpse of the pool and golf course.  Before, I reached my destination, I spotted a reflecting pool that provides privacy.  The pool is very Romanesque; but, rather than being lined with mosaic tile they used cement tile.  The same Traditional Salcedo border pattern that you see in the bathroom wainscot is used for the reflecting pool sideboard.  Here the effect is even more subtle; but, the  geometric design works well and helps keep the design motif consistent.

A reflecting pool uses cement tile for the sidebar

Two rows of Avente's Salcedo border pattern provide subtle design details for this pool

I finally made it past all the stunning tile details to get a glimpse of the ocean.  Wow, what a verdant and peaceful ocean view!

View of pool, golf course and ocean from patio

I hope you enjoyed the exclusive tour of this private residence on the island of Hispaniola.  While this classic Cuban tile pattern has been brought back to use, I think you'll agree that the redux is both unique in design and creative in application.  I love how a simple, muted color palette, and repeated pattern work to create a a peaceful and harmonious theme throughout.

Want to see more photos of this installation? View the slideshow below, or click to see Cuban Cement Tile with Custom Color for Residence.



Cement tiles provide design flexibility because they can be customized with your choice of colors. As this project illustrates, cement tile adapt to any setting and work well in contemporary or traditional installations. Finally, you can't forget that cement tile are durable and will withstand decades of wear with little care. Finally, they can be used on floors, walls or even ceilings. They are a great way to carry a design motif, pattern or color throughout a home to achieve a cohesive and harmonious design. Visit our website to see all of the Cuban Heritage encaustic cement tile patterns and colorways we offer. Or, like this customer, you can customize the colors on any pattern to suite your distinct sense of style.

See More Cuban Cement Tile Designs

Cuban Tile Makes Grand Entrance for Resort Hotel

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

The above commercial installation of Cuban cement tile uses a classic rug design in rich, warm colors.

The hypnotic pattern of our Cuban Heritage Design 110-3B 8x8 handmade cement tile features prominently in this resort's airy and grand entry. Nestled between architectural elements of arches and columns, this handmade cement tile rug, which features an original Cuban tile pattern and a polished finish, will withstand decades of high foot traffic with proper care and maintenance. Not only is it beautiful, but it adds to the sustainability factor with its long lifecycle.

Cuban Heritage Design 110 3B 8" x 8" Handmade Cement Tile.

Looking closely at the 110 3B cement tile pattern, you can see and appreciate the subtlest of details and the artisanal touches that went into making this tile. The tiniest nuances are accentuated with color and/or flowing decoration. Coupled with details and precision, handmade cement tiles are unlike any other flooring choice.

The colors used in this pattern, from our Heritage Cement Tile Color Palette include:

Radiance	Pecan Pie
White	Ash Gray	Steel Blue

Tips for Creating a Cement Tile Rug

The key to creating a long-lasting, successful cement tile rug installation is planning, and a good sketch or drawing done to scale showing the placement of the tiles. Here are some tips to get you started. For more information or advice, visit our page on How to Create a Cement Tile Rug Design:

• Use the same size border tile as field tile. It makes the installation and layout much easier.
• If you choose to use border tiles that are a different size from your field tile, your rug width and length must be a multiple of both tile sizes to avoid unsightly cuts in the border pattern. Don't run the border to the edge of the room.
• Allow for at least one or more rows of solid colored field tile outside the border.
• Center the rug in the main area of an irregularly shaped hallway or entry.
• An extremely level surface is critical for any cement tile floor installation.

Handcrafted cement tiles are capable of grabbing the attention of anyone who enters your home or establishment from the moment your guests walk in. Read more about How to Create a Cement Tile Rug Design.

For more information about cement tile selection, customization services, or available sizes, shapes and more, please see our new Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile.

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Autumnal Musings

"I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." — Nathaniel Hawthorne

The trees have begun to shed their coats of leaves in preparation for their winter hibernation. With their shades of green, gold, orange and brown, we seem them fluttering onto the streets and lawns in the same way a child goes down a playground slide.

Autumn is a curious season where we take joy in Mother Nature's last hurrah until the awakening in Spring. The same sentiment holds true for upcoming remodeling or redesigning projects. Now is the perfect time to place your order for those Cuban cement tiles you've been eyeing for your patio, kitchen, bathroom, entry, and more. Add customization services, and you'll be all set for your project, with the tiles in hand and ready to be installed.

Just like Mother Nature, every good thing takes time. Handmade cement tiles are just that — handmade. Because of the Old World techniques our manufacturers still employ, some things just can't be, and shouldn't be, rushed.

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Save on Spanish Cadiz Tile

Our hand-painted, Cadiz Spanish tile makes a bold design statement when used for a kitchen backsplash or stair risers.
Our Spanish Cadiz 6"x6" Ceramic Tile is part of our extensive Spanish Ceramic tile collection. The pattern is created using traditional Majolica glazing techniques and each tile is hand-brushed by the artist.

Brighten your home with the warm gold and deep blue in this Spanish ceramic tile. This month only, we're offering 10% off any Cadiz 6"x6" purchase made. Discount applies only to stock on hand. You must place your order over the phone and mention the "FALL" coupon code at the time of purchase.

Designing with Cement Tile: Shapes, Sizes, Formats

Exercise your creativity with handmade cement tile!

Last month, we reviewed the time-tested quality manufacturing processes and techniques utilized in producing handmade cement tile. In this third installation, we’ll take a look at the various sizes, shapes and formats available with cement tiles.

As you can see in the chart below, handmade cement tiles not only offer beauty and dimension, they also offer flexibility in design with patterns, reliefs and moldings, and solid color cement tiles. Also, because cement tile is a handmade product, it’s further possible to exercise your creativity with Cement Tile Customization Services.

Shapes, Sizes and Formats of Cement Tile: This chart includes patterned cement tile, relief and molding cement tile, and solid color cement tiles.

To further extend the design capabilities available with cement tile, Rustic Cement Tile Pavers and Arabesque Cement Tiles are also available to transform both indoor and outdoor spaces.

First, let’s take a look at Rustic Cement Tile Pavers with their rich appearance of classic clay bisque tiles - similar to those that have been used in Spain, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa for centuries. With these pavers, you get the benefit of cement in its durability and strength, coupled with a broader color palette, as well as sizes and shapes that can be adapted to any décor and environment.

Rustic Cement Tile Pavers manufactured from cement rather than clay offer increased durability, while the extensive color palette adds to their versatility.

Arabesque Cement Tiles pay homage to the deeply rooted and rich heritage of traditional Moorish and Spanish tiles. With their interlaced geometric patterns, each hand-crafted tile features nuanced curves and classic shapes – enhancing any setting where they are used.

Arabesque Cement Tile Pavers combine the strength of cement with the timeless shapes and formats of Moorish and Spanish design elements.

Handmade cement tile offers a range of design possibilities. Whether you choose to use bold Cuban tile patterns in contrasting colors, classic cement patterns in harmonizing colors, or decide on the Rustic or Arabesque Cement Tile Pavers, the final result is guaranteed to transform any space from drab to fab!

Further, for added inspiration, make sure to download Avente Tile’s newly published Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile, a 14-page reference tool with easy-to-read information, vivid examples of cement tile installations, FAQs, and more!

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.

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.