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

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.

---

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!

---

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

Cement Tile Patchwork Makes Kitchen Backsplash Sing

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Patchwork tile floors and walls using encaustic cement tile are incredibly popular. Patchwork is a great way to add color and pattern to any room. The cheerful designs make you smile.

A cement tile patchwork design was used for this kitchen backsplash.
Photo credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Suarez.

Last week, I received a call from our customer Laurie Suarez of in San Clemente, CA. She was interested in using our Bayahibe C for a powder room wall and wanted to know how much inventory we had. In February of this year, I worked with Laurie on a patchwork design for her kitchen backsplash. I couldn't help but ask her how the project came out. She told me she loved her kitchen. She explained, "The cement tile patchwork really provided the pop of color she wanted for her white kitchen." A few days later, she was kind enough to share these photos with me.

Cement tile patchwork designs provide a colorful focal point for this kitchen
Image credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Saurez.

I have to agree, Laurie did a great job blending the different colors and patterns from our Traditional Cement Tile collection. While it may appear that a patchwork design is a random hodgepodge of tiles, it takes planning and smart choices to get the colors and patterns to make a design. Laurie admitted that she worked with several different layouts to achieve her design and that it took some time.

DESIGN TIP - Patchwork designs take planning to achieve a balanced layout with color and pattern. Try different layouts on paper. Print the layout you like best for your tile installer to use.

The use of quarter design patterns makes this cement tile patchwork unique.

You often seen patchworks in contemporary design. The large open space and clean lines of this architectural style allow a wall or floor to be the focal point for the spartan details. However, the use of complete quarter design patterns is rare for patchworks. Most often, only one of the four tiles in the quarter design is used so the pattern is not completed.

Laurie's kitchen has some contemporary design elements with its open layout. However, I think it offers a very traditional feel because of the details: the Quaker-style cabinetry with vintage steel pulls and pendant lights with reeded glass. What I love about Laurie's design and what makes it unique is that she almost exclusively uses quarter-design patterns. Additionally, she tastefully blends the colorful, eclectic look of patchwork with traditional details.

Patchwork designs take planning to achieve a balanced blending of color and pattern
Photo credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Suarez.

When cement tile patchwork designs adorn a wainscot or backsplash, they provide a focal point that brightens the room. Laurie was also careful with her color palette. For the patterns, she used a blend of different blue and yellow shades on white backgrounds. To avoid a garish look, follow Laurie's cue and stick to a color palette. Kudos to Laurie for flawlessly executing her patchwork design. I love this kitchen!

You also should know that Laurie took the last of our Bayahibe C stock and will have it installed in her powder room wall. I can't wait to see the photos of that installation. Thank you Laurie for your business and sharing what you did. Nice job! Interested in using cement tile for next home improvement project? With a range of design possibilities, handmade cement tiles will transform any space. See our Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to get started today!

Finally, during this week of Thanksgiving, all of us at Avente Tile are thankful for our wonderful customers who support us, work with us, and allow us to do what we love! Happy Thanksgiving.

Cement Tile Rug Creates a Welcoming, Warm Patio

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

A centered rug pattern with border in a warm palette welcomes guests.

The stunning pattern of our Traditional Alcala cement tile series, in a custom colorway, creates a spectacular entry for this Southern California home. The owners wanted to showcase the front porch of their home with a dramatic cement tile pattern and border using warm colors and earth tones that were not only complementary to their own home, but also to their historic neighborhood.

The border, which effortlessly frames the 8"x8" Traditional Alcala cement tile pattern rather nicely, can be used to accentuate a room or hallway. This particular installation shows how the traditional method of using cement tiles can create a focal point in any area.

The colors used in this pattern are:

Suede	Blonde Wood
Indian Red	Brown

You can use these colors, or get creative by designing your own color scheme. Choose from any of the 80+ Heritage Cement Tile colors we offer.

Tips for Creating a Cement Tile Rug

Handcrafted cement tiles are capable of grabbing the attention of anyone who enters your home from the moment the front door is opened. The key to creating a long-lasting, successful cement tile rug is planning, and a good sketch or drawing done to scale showing the placement of the tiles. Read more about How to Create a Cement Tile Rug Design.

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!

---

Seasonal Harvests

"Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing." - Ernest Hemingway

Now that summer is nearly over, it.'s almost time for harvesting the grapes that will, in good time, make it to your table to enjoy with a weekly meal, or to enjoy with friends and guests during the weekend. It takes years for a wine to truly develop into something to be savored, and yes, even admired.

The same could be said for our handmade cement tiles. Just like a fine wine, they too initially need time and care to develop into a long-lasting product - all before it arrives at your front door, ready to be installed.

Cheers, and enjoy the last weeks of summer!

---

Capture Summer Sun & Savings with our Valencia tile

Capture the warm, golden sun and clear blue skies of summer with tile inspired from classic Spanish patterns. Our hand-painted, glazed ceramic Valencia Spanish tile makes a great kitchen listello or backsplash. It's also stunning when used for decorative stair risers.
Our Spanish Valencia 6"x6" Ceramic Tile is part of our extensive Spanish Ceramic tile collection. With its historical Spanish pattern and colors, Valencia is created using traditional Majolica glazing techniques. The patterns, which are hand-brushed by the tile artist, are a perfect complement to outdoor living areas too, such as pools and fountains.

Turn the ordinary into extraordinary by using Spanish ceramic tile for your walls and backsplashes. To sweeten the deal, we're offering 10% off any Valencia 6"x6" purchase made during September. Discount applies only to stock on hand. You must place your order over the phone and mention the "SUMMER" coupon code at the time of purchase.

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!