Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tiles: A Historical Perspective

Stunning view of the Malibu coast from the historic Adamson House.

Situated in one of the most sought after coastal locations on the West Coast in Southern California, and perhaps the nation, is the Adamson House. Now a museum, the Adamson House occupies land that was previously home to the Chumash Indians until the 18th century. Later, according to Malibu Adamson House Foundation (MAHF) records, “the Rindge family owned 17,000 acres and 20 miles of coastline.” With the coast on one side and the Santa Monica mountains on the other, “the Rindge family’s daughter, Rhoda, and her husband, Merritt Huntley Adamson, used the site to construct a beach house, now the historic Adamson House museum.

A closer look at the blue-glazed Malibu with terracotta tiles at the Adamson House.

Moreover, the Spanish Colonial Revival style home, built in 1929, enjoys the designation of being a National Historic Site, California Historical Landmark, and a California State Park. “Situated near the Malibu Pier between popular Surfrider Beach and the Malibu Lagoon, the house boasts an exotic mix of Spanish and Moorish influences with dazzling displays of decorative tiles and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship including hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, molded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows,” the museum added.

Malibu glazed ceramic tiles meld beautifully with terracotta tiles along the walkways of the Adamson House. 

Interestingly, California was inundated with tile-producing companies in the 1920s, including Malibu Potteries, the company founded by May Rindge. “Filled with an entrepreneurial spirit, May Rindge started the firm after discovering her land was rich in the natural resources needed to manufacture ceramic tile. She wisely hired Rufus Keeler—a ceramist and draftsman whom many considered a ceramic genius for his secret glazes known for their color and clarity—as her plant manager,” according to the MAHF.

Thankfully, the tradition of creating colorful, decorative and long-lasting tiles similar to those found in the Adamson House remain strong with our latest introduction, Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tile.

Vibrant colors coupled with Spanish- and Moorish-inspired patterns make our Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tile collection a feast for the eyes.

This line of hand-painted ceramic tile pays homage to the Malibu and Catalina Potteries of California of the 1920s. Using classic patterns, these tiles are created using the cuerda seca technique to produce a slight relief and outline around each pattern color where the glazes pool. These tiles differ from our decorative ceramic Malibu tile line because the design utilizes unglazed terracotta or bisque for the background for a traditional Spanish look. Mix and match plain field tile colors from our Malibu Field to create harmonizing designs. The Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tile collection is suitable for all indoor applications, including walls and floors. They are also suitable for outdoor locations in frosty environments.

Browse our Malibu with Terracotta Ceramic Tile here!

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What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness? ~ John Steinbeck

With school out for the summer, and our dreams of upcoming summer adventures coming to fruition, we chose the Pinterest board that best reflects this exuberance – Summer Food and Fun!

Summer’s energy translates to taking on new projects, perhaps one that has been set aside for years. Replacing cracked or broken pool tile or finally installing that fountain or water feature you’ve always wanted for the garden, and perhaps adding Malibu Ceramic Tiles with Terracotta to an indoor or outdoor set of stair rises.

Using handmade or hand-painted porcelain tile for your next outdoor or indoor project will not only enhance the look of your home, but you can rest assured the tile you choose will withstand the elements, too. For whichever project you choose to conquer, Avente Tile is here to help you reach your design goal. Our extensive ceramic tile Design Idea gallery features a large collection of projects dedicated to inspiring you and your living space. How can we help inspire you today?

Tiled Stair Riser Design Picks

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Nothing adds more curb appeal, sense of personal style, and a real design punch than using decorative tiles on stair risers.

Decorative tiles used on stair risers showcase personal style and add curb appeal. 

Tiles allow you to showcase your sense of style. However, most customers approach the use of tiled stair risers with caution. After finding a tile or two they love, I am used to being asked, "Can I do that?" or "Will that look OK?"

Rule #1: There are no rules when it comes to tiling stair risers. To prove that point, I'm dedicating this post to the many different ways you can tile stair risers, I'll show the most common ways tiles are used; but,, you'll also see many variations on a theme. You can choose to use the same bright, bold pattern on each row, alternate patterns on each rows, or only add an occasional decorative tile between plain tiles on each riser, With countless variations on these themes, they can all look good!

Stair risers tiled with different tile patterns on each step.

Rule #2: Start with tiles you love!  The right colors are more important than a specific pattern. Just find a pattern that speaks to you or works with your home's style. Colors that contrast with the landscape will make the tiles really standout, such as the bright yellow tiles in the photo above. You can also use colors that complement the house or trim color. Remember, if working with your home's existing colors, the tile colors don't have to be a perfect match - just close. It's common to find tile patterns, like our Malibu ceramic tiles, that are available in one or more different colorways. For larger projects, the glaze color placement can be customized.

The same bright tile pattern is used on each riser of these stairs.

A hand-painted tile border pattern is repeated on each stair riser.
Notice the color variation typical of hand-painted tiles

Quarter-design patterns can be used to add geometric interest to the design.

Similarly, geometric patterns, border patterns, and Spanish tile patterns can work well with many different styles of architecture. I love how quarter-design patterns can be broken up to create additional interest and their own unique pattern. In the photo above, the  quarter-design pattern on the decorative tiles would create a square when placed together on a wall. However, the home owner spaced them differently to create a fun zig-zag or chevron as you go up the steps.

If you are "tile crazy" like I am, finding the right tile isn't the problem. The problem is finding too many tiles you love, which might force you to narrow your selection, or does it? In the image below, an assortment of tiles is used to create a repeating pattern on each stair riser. Alternatively, the pattern on each riser could be random. This method works well for wide stairs.

Finally, keep in mind that decorative tiles don't have to span the entire width of the riser. While the effect is usually less dramatic, it looks nice especially when the decorative tile on the riser is also used as an inset among the pavers.

Different tiles can be used on the same stair riser.

Decorative patterned tile don't have to span the entire riser.

So far, I've only shown you examples of glazed decorative ceramic tile, which is certainly more common. However, cement tile can be used for stair risers, too. Because the colors in cement tile can be easily changed, cement tile is a fine choice when you want to create a unique design, coordinate colors with the tread, or carry the design from the curb to the home. The tight grout line can also be used to create a very smooth, almost seamless look to the riser, as well.

Cement tile colors can be customized so the risers match or coordinate with the tread.

An encaustic cement tile border pattern looks magnificent on these stair risers.

Regardless of the tile or design there is one very important thing to remember. Rule #3: Have fun! Choosing tiles for your stair risers should be fun and reflect your taste and style. Whether you need a Geometric pattern, want to define a Traditional Spanish or Portuguese look, or have a home that demands Spanish Revival, Avente has the stair riser tile (and tread) for you! If you need help finding the right pattern, ceramic tile design, or cement tile border, please let us know. We can help.

See our Decorative Ceramic Tiles for Stair Risers

Spanish Tiles Make Magic

The geometric patterns of Spanish tiles have created alluring charm in homes for centuries. These time-tested patterns still make magic today.  This powder room is a great example of how these classic patterns still have style staying-power.

Powder Room using Spanish Tiles
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography

About a year ago, Ines Haml, a designer in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada called me looking for Spanish tiles.  We discussed the different hand painted Spanish Tiles lines.  She expressed special interest in the La Merced pattern from our Barcelona line. I could tell she had done her homework because of the detailed questions she asked and her familiarity with the tiles on our site.

A few days later she placed a sample order that included several popular hand painted Spanish decorative tiles and our Yucatan field tiles.  The subtle variation in color in our hand painted Yucatan field tile works well with the change in color values found in hand painted decorative tiles.  Samples sent to Ines included the SpanishValencia, California San Diego and the Barcelona La Merced.

Barceloan La Merced	Spanish Valencia	California San Diego

She mentioned she was working on a very special project and was certain one these tiles would be the right fit for her client.  Ines and I found each other through Houzz. I later learned she was also the Principal of her design firm, The Sky is theLimit Interior Design Concepts.

A Hand Painted Sink Adds a Special Touch
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography

Spanish Tile and Hand Painted Trim

A few months later, Inez asked for an estimate based on her material take-off and lead time based on our current production schedule.  A few weeks passed before she submitted her final order for the project and it included one of my favorite patterns and trim: Barcelona La Merced and Yucatan Cobalt Molding.  We didn’t have all of the decorative Spanish tiles in stock and the Yucatan tiles are always made to order.  Not a problem, Inez had worked that into the plan based on discussions we’d had earlier.  She was prepared for the lead time.  A few months later, Inez sent me teh photos from the project and just have to share them here.

Decorative Spanish Wall Tile in Powder Room
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography

What a beautiful powder room! The hand-painted designs of Spanish tile add charm and color to this powder room. Together with the terracotta Arabesque floor tiles, these La Merced ceramic tiles reveal a warm and friendly surrounding.

Hand Painted Spanish Tile Patterns Paired with Bisque Pavers
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography

Spanish Tile Formats, Colors, and Lead Times

The Barcelona line is available in small quantities for quick shipping. This flexible line comes in five patterns, each in their own unique colorway. You'll find complete designs in both a 6"x6" and 3"x3" format. Hand-painted 3"x6" and 3"x3" border/corner trim is also available for each line, and provides a variation on a theme for a cohesive look. The rich look of Yucatan Cobalt P-Molding provides the perfect trim to set-off the entire look.  All tiles in our Yucatan line are made-to-order here in California.  Allow about four weeks for most orders.

Different Spanish Wall Tile Patterns Add Interest
Photo Credit: Jo Ann Richards, Works Photography

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Thanksgiving Greetings

Santa Rita Hills, California Central Coast 

Fall is one of my favorite seasons and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It’s a great time to slow down and re-connect with family and friends over a great meal and glass of wine.  The warm days are appreciated after the cool nights and shorter period of daylight.  Take some for yourself.  I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!  

Colorado  Rockies near Mancos, CO
Happy Thanksgiving - Find a Peaceful Place

Four Fireplace Tile Design Ideas

Even here in Los Angeles, fall is in the air with the cooler days and crisp nights. When the days get colder, 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 tiles. Here's four tile fireplace surrounds that use beautiful hand painted ceramic tile.

#1. Make a statement with a mosaic tile fireplace surround.

Kira's Meadow is a relief tile mosaic that can be used for the entire hearth or framed with field tile, molding or relief tile to set-off a specific section of the fireplace. Each mural is custom made and unique - you can can even pick some of the inset pieces for your own unique theme! The mural comes in sections that are mesh-mounted and easy to install. Each piece is a truly unique artistic mosaic.

Kira's Meadow Mosaic Fireplace

Kira's Meadow Mosaic Detail

#2. Use hand painted decorative tiles as hearth accents.

Just a few hand painted decorative tiles can make a big impact. Use them along the front of the fireplace in just a few locations or on the hearth bench, if there is one. Here, eight Spanish Teruel 6"x6" tiles are laid out symmetrically on the face of the fireplace. They add warmth and create an inviting and charming look.

Teruel Spanish Tile Fireplace

#3. Create a border around the firebox with hand painted tiles.

A row of 4"x4", 6"x6", 3"x6" or dot tiles around the firebox creates an eye-catching look. Here, a row of 4"x4" Spanish Adalucia tiles is placed next to a row of 3"x6" Spanish Adalucia border tiles. The border tiles are cut to use only the dark pink and willow green color accents that the designer wanted.

Andalucia Spanish Tile Fireplace

3x6 Andalucia Tile Detail
Only the bottom part was used for the firebox (above).

#4. Use decorative tiles to create a medallion for the chimney.

Create a medallion on the chimney or above the hearth by grouping decorative tiles. In this design, four 6"x6" Celtic tiles form a Moorish Star pattern. Quarter design tiles are perfect for creating accent medallions set-off from field tile. The Celtic line is great if you want to achieve a stone-look using ceramic tiles. The Celtic line come in two finishes: Botticino and Cedar.

Celtic Moorish Star Accent for Fireplace

Celtic Moorish Star in Cedar 6" x 6" Quarter Design

You can get more fireplace tile ideas from our friends at houzz.com and don't miss Fall Fixes: Get Your Fireplace Cold-Weather Ready. Do you have a favorite fireplace tile or hearth tile design?

Get the Most from Decorative Tile

Note: This post is the second in an occasional series showcasing designers and hearing their unique perspective when they talk tile!

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Today, Lisa M. Smith of Interior Design Factory shows us How to get the most from decorative tile. Lisa is a real live designer & acrylic artist. Her motto is do it once, do it right. Interior design is a vocation not a hobby, finish a room and move on. Her fun and informative interior design blog is Decor Girl and she tweets design wisdom at @TheDecorGirl.

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Tile is one of those wonderful products which is both a building material and offers artistic appeal allowing for numerous designs and applications. Simply put it is functional and fabulous to look at. This is why tile deserves special consideration in a home construction or remodeling project.

It is a no brainer to put tile in a bathroom when indoor plumbing started tile was a given, practically no bathroom was without it. Walls, ceilings, floors tile covered every surface – because it performed but I won't go off on a tangent. Tile also functions well as a fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash. These are some of the most popular areas for decorative tile – regardless of a home's architectural style.

What happens when one goes to the tile store and after hours ogling the eye candy, falls in love only to learn the price seems too expensive? The beloved tile seems an extravagance and is forgotten (tears do get shed). This need not be the case. Here is how we turned this situation around in a recent bathroom remodel.

Using tile is often a case of value engineering: how to get the most bang for the buck. Before writing off any tile as too expensive, it is important to determine how much of it a project needs. A recent client was ready to forgo the glass mosaic they were in love with because of the price, $40 a square foot sounded like too much.

Of course who wouldn't love a whole wall of this but in a three sided shower we were looking at roughly 90 sqft x $40 = $3,600. We were already pushing the $50,000 budget, time to re-think. One idea was to run bands around the wall of the shower.

Nah, too ho hum though only $400 of the mosaic.

This tile begs to make an impact not be a tiny inclusion. Doing one entire wall in the glass mosaic and the other in the limestone would end up looking like we cheaped out and a bit boring. So… shower + water…waterfall… Perfect, allow the tile to appear as if it is a waterfall pooling onto the floor.

Not only did we modify the design (now only $280 of mosaic in shower) but in doing so the tile became even more of a focal point. Imagine how boring this shower would have looked without it. Yawnable.

This particular bath calls for a fair amount of tile and this wasn't something we would change. Tile covers the floor, side walls of tub enclosure and the walls, ceiling and floor of the shower.

In the end we were able to use the beloved tile even increase its use by further using it as a faux rug boarder in front of the vanity. With a radiant heated floor – real rugs which slide around and get dirty aren't needed but this helps break up the expanse of tile.

When it comes to using tile, especially decorative tile it pays to do the math. Work with a designer and contractor to value engineer the design to get the most for the money. In the end the homeowner is happy. They didn't overspend nor did they have to give up something they really liked and will end up with a very special master bathroom.

Gourmet Garden Vegetable Tiles

One of my favorite things about summer is fresh vegetables and fruit. Living in Southern California, I’m lucky to get great produce year-round at the farmer’s market. But nothing beats the fresh-picked oranges, lemons, lettuce and tomatoes offered by my neighbors. Our Gourmet Garden Gloss tiles and Matte tiles capture the feeling of having fresh picked fruits and vegetables in your kitchen.

Hand Painted Summer Harvest 8" x 8" Tile

These beautifully hand painted relief tiles make you feel at home. Their slightly uneven edges create a charming uniqueness. The rich colors add warmth to your kitchen.

Our Gourmet Garden line features vegetable-themed tiles that are hand painted with either a gloss or matte finish. They pair well with tumbled marble, travertine or light-colored stone.

The glossy finish is often used to accent ceramic field tiles; but, it also creates a nice contrast that pops when placed with matte tiles, as you can see in this installation.

Hand Painted Vegetable Tile Installation (Gloss)

Because each tile is hand painted, the fruit and vegetable colors can be slightly customized. You can choose purple grapes instead of burgundy. Or, just yellow squash instead of Italian. Notice the differences in coloring between the Hand Painted Summer Harvest tile in matte featured (top of page) and the gloss finish in the installation photo above? If needed, the tile background can also be modified to work with your field tile or counter.

Hand Painted Eggplant Tile (4"x4" Gloss)

The backsplash below uses 4"x4" vegetable tiles in a checkerboard pattern and framed with a twig border created by the same artist. The matte finish accents natural tumbled stone, travertine or marble. The slightly uneven edges of each hand painted fruit and vegetable tile creates a rustic and charming touch.

Hand Painted Vegetable Tile Installation (Matte)

Our Gourmet Garden tiles create a classic kitchen theme: fresh picked fruits and vegetables.

Hand Painted Tomato Tile (4"x4" Matte Finish)

Tiles are available in a 4"x4" or 8"x8" format. Accent tiles are also available in 3"x3" and 2"x2" sizes. We recommend using Gourmet Garden Matte tiles with our Celtic Cedar 4" x 4" or Celtic Botticino 4" x 4". Or, pair with your own natural stone tiles in earth-tones. These hand painted relief tiles provide the feeling of fresh fruits and vegetables in your kitchen each and very day.

Portuguese Tiles for a Residential Kitchen Retrofit

It's delightful when a customer takes the time to share a photo from a tile project using Avente's Tile. It's even more exciting when Avente can help a customer with special or custom requirements. Last Wednesday some great folks in Chevy Chase, Maryland, sent three photos of their installation.

Charming Kitchen with New Portuguese Braganza 3"x3"
& Existing Field Tile

This was an interesting project because they were using four decorative 3" x 3"corner tiles as inserts to create a 6" x 6" floor medallion and they wanted to keep the existing field tiles; it was just the decorative inserts that needed to be replaced.

Detail of Four Portuguese Braganza Tiles to Create a Medallion

They purchased samples and were charmed with the Portuguese Braganza because it matched the existing style and their preferred color scheme. However, there was a problem. The tile body was significantly smaller and would require wider grout lines than they desired.

Our friends in Maryland had one question: Could Avente create the tiles in an actual three-inch square format? After discussing the project with our tile artisans, we decided we could and six weeks later our folks in Chevy Chase, Maryland were ready to begin their project. Tiles are sold by their 'nominal size' and not their actual size. A nominal size is a 'trade size' that roughly means 'about' that size. For instance, 3" x 3" tiles may be 2-7/8" square or 3" square.

Visit our site to read more about Nominal vs. Actual Size.

Installation using Portuguese Braganza 3"x3" Tiles as Floor Medallion Inserts

I am so pleased that their kitchen turned out just the way they wanted it! And, I'm glad that Avente could play a part. It is also a tribute to the lasting quality of tile as our friend in Chevy Chase, Maryland writes:

As a testament to the demonstration of how great an old ceramic tile floor can look, the orange tile was laid when we moved into this house - almost 30 years ago!

Cheers! May your new and old tiles continue to serve you well.

Create Something Special with Spanish Tile Patterns

The geometric patterns of Spanish tiles have created alluring charm in homes for centuries. The photo below showcases a timeless Spanish tile design that was skillfully hand painted over a hundred years ago.

Recapture the romance using Avente's Barcelona La Merced Tile. The pattern comes in both a standard 6"x6" format and 6"x6" quarter design, as featured in the photo above and shown here.

Avente's Barcelona La Merced Quarter Design

The Barcelona La Merced Quarter Design with its classic geometry, balance, and ample negative space is a personal favorite. Avente is pleased to provide both the inspiration and tiles for great projects, like the one shown here.

Installation using Avente's Barcelona La Merced Tile

Browse our online catalog and re-create the romance of Spain using any of the tiles from our Barcelona Line! Or, call us toll-free at 888.739.4972 (M - F, 9 AM - 5 PM PST).

Kira’s Meadow Mural

Avente's new line of Sculptural Relief tiles includes a nature-themed mural with flora and fauna in a contemporary design called Kira's Meadow.

Kira's Meadow Mural - Fireplace Mural

Kira's Meadow is easy to install and comes mesh mounted. Each mural is custom made with a unique blend of small, medium, and large elements. Priced per square foot of mesh-mounted tile, you can have a truly unique and artistic mosaic for a backsplash, fireplace, or wall.

Sculptural Relief Kira's Meadow Mosaic Tile Grouping  

You can order Kira's Meadow Mural on online; but, feel free to let Avente Tile assist you with your plans to ensure your mural is laid out perfectly within your home that complements your design.