Tile Tips for an Eye-Catching Backsplash

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

This post is a contribution to the Range Hoods Inc July Blog Hop & $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. As a blog hop participant, we've been asked to write about Summer DIY & Home Improvement. Check out the link to read other DIY contributions, learn more about the blog hop, and a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

---

A kitchen backsplash is one place you’ll be looking at a lot while you enjoy your home. It’s also one place that allows you to really emphasize your style. Creating an eye-catching backsplash that reflects your style and taste is easy with tile.

Patchwork designs create an eye-catching backsplash but take planning to achieve a balanced blend of color and pattern.

The choices and options are endless and range from a traditional fruit-themed mural, multi-colored mosaic, colorful Spanish tile patterns, or a muted bold pattern with cement tile. Consider the style and color palette of your cabinets, flooring, appliances and range hood. Then follow these three important tips that will point you in the right direction to create a winning kitchen backsplash. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little on the backsplash. It’s a small area and one you’ll enjoy almost every day!

1. Decide on the countertop you want first. Then you can start talking tile and backsplash designs. Make sure the two complement each other. Don't draw attention away from a stunning counter with a busy tiled background. If the countertop is plain or simple, then let the backsplash be the focal point. Here are a few photos that show the "yen and yang" relationship of a counter and backsplash.  In the patchwork above, bold colors and strong patterns are placed next to clean white cabinets and counters with stainless steel appliances and hardware. The backsplash is both eye-catching and appealing because the cement tile patchwork is the dominant focal point.
   
   Here’s another example of a bold, colorful backsplash that uses traditional hand-painted Spanish decorative ceramic tiles that really catch your eye. A plain counter, in a similar color that is dominant in the tile pattern, doesn’t take your attention away from the backsplash.
   
   

   

   Balance decorative pattern tiles in a backsplash with plain colors on the counter and floor.

   Above, a Spanish-inspired tile creates a bright and bold backsplash using Barcelona San Jose 6" x 6".  The tile pairs nicely with a simple solid-color counter.
   
   Alternatively, the pattern in the cement tile backsplash below gets your attention while integrating a bold pattern that works flawlessly with the counter. Bold patterns can often be “toned down” with similar colors, neutral colors or colors without high contrast.
   
   

   

   A bold cement tile pattern is muted with neutral colors and hues similar to the counter and cabinets.

   
   Below, the Indian Teal brown granite countertop takes center stage. The decorative dots of hand-painted Spanish tile and plain field tile are the supporting cast.
   
   

   

   Small decorative accent tile or dots keep the backsplash interesting and don't detract from the handsome counter.

   
   The French cement tile backsplash pattern behind the stove below was customized to complement the colors in the granite counter and floor.  The backsplash tiles provide the eye-catching focal point; but, the porcelain flooring and granite counter really support the overall color palette, style and feel of the design.
   
   

   

   Consistent color choice with the decorative tile, counter, and floor make this design work.

   
   
   
2. Work with the available space. You can't fit 10 pounds of gold into a 5-pound sack. Large tiles with big patterns just don't work in that tiny wall space behind the sink with a big picture window - no matter how much you love that tile. It sounds obvious; but pictures make it very clear.
   
   

   

   Find the right scale of patterned tile to fit your space.

   
   Above, Cuban Heritage Design 110 2B 8″ x 8″ cement tiles require eight tiles to complete both the cross and medallion pattern. It works well for a large wall with no cabinets. The same impact could not be achieved below. There is only 18” between the cabinets and counter. However, decorative tile placed randomly throughout the backsplash and grouped to form a medallion create a warm, Tuscan feel.
   
   

   

   Smaller tiles can be used randomly or grouped to create a medallion.

   
   Consider creating a mural with smaller, decorative tiles and frame with a lavish, textured molding if you don't have space for large pattern tiles.
   
   

   

   A framed tile murals below the range-hood accommodates the space perfectly.

   
   
   
3. Define your style. A kitchen designer can really help. First, though, try to define the experience you want to achieve, the importance of aesthetics versus “ease of maintenance.” What colors do you like? Do you like clean lines and contemporary designs or classic patterns? Bright colors or muted colors? Vivid colors or earth tones? Here's a few examples of classic and contemporary styles that use tiles to define the design.
   
   

   

   Fruit, vegetable and flowers are a classic kitchen theme for a kitchen backsplash.

   
   

   

   Traditional cement tile patterns in hip colors work with this updated contemporary kitchen.

   
   

   

   If too much pattern scares you, consider "blocking tiles" to create one or two interest areas.

   
   Consider using Pinterest to collect ideas you like. Not only will you discover a theme that works, you’ll also be able to share your vision with your designer or friend who is helping with the design.
   
   
   

As you find your style and look for tile, keep these three rules in mind and you will end up with an eye-catching backsplash that you’ll love for years to come.  Don't miss the other posts that are part of Range Hoods Inc July Blog Hop & $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway.

Here's links to the other Blog Hop posts:

1. July Blog Hop Post #1: 5 Elements of an Artful Kitchen by Artful Kitchens
2. July Blog Hop Post #2: Budget Outdoor Décor Hacks… By Snazzy Little Things

What are you waiting for?  Get your chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Arabesque Cement Tile Pattern Repertoire Grows

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

For January, I continue to welcome 2015 with our newest tiles. Today I showcase three new patterns in our ever-popular Arabesque cement tile line which is part of our curated Spanish tiles honoring traditional tile-making techniques, patterns, and colors.

What I like about the first two lines is you'll find both a large format appropriate for floors or large walls, as well as a smaller, mini-format that scales down well for a backsplash, small entry or hearth. These two new patterns are called Varona and Villatoro. Their names pay homage to Medieval Spanish castles. Can't you just imagine kneeling down in front of Queen Isabella on one of these patterns?

Varona is a new Arabesque pattern. Shown here in Normandy Cream.

Villatoro in Tuscan Mustard with a textured, limestone finish.

These scaled line drawings show the full-size Villatoro compared to the mini.

Villatoro Mini pattern uses 5"x8" and 5"x7" pieces

Villatoro pattern uses 7"x11" and 7"x10" pieces

Finally, the last new Arabesque pattern is Zafra. This large format measures nominally 8"x10" and is ideal for adding pattern to a master bath, larger powder room or living room floor.

Zafra is a new Arabesque pattern, shown here in Charcoal Gray

Quick Reference to Spanish Arabesque Tiles

The Arabesque collection pays homage to a deeply rooted and rich heritage of traditional Moorish and Spanish tiles that feature interlaced geometric patterns. With their nuanced curves and unusual geometric shapes, these Spanish tiles are sophisticated and charming. Choose from traditional bisque colors to create Old World charm, or use a contemporary shade such as off-white and grey. Spanish Arabesque Pavers are made to order and hand-crafted from cement in the USA. To start, select a shape, then choose a color from the Paver Color Palette. Blends and textures are also available.

Our Rustic Pavers are a unique line of Spanish floor tiles that can also be used on the wall. Look to our Rustic Paver collection if you desire square and rectangular formats (from 2"x2" to 16"x16") with a rustic feel. Not all tiles will be the exact same shape, as color variation is part of this collection's allure. Exquisitely designed and manufactured in the USA, Avente's made-to-order Spanish Pavers are hand-crafted using cement.

These Spanish Floor Tiles in classic shapes create a rustic look similar to what you'd find in traditional clay bisque tiles and pavers from Spain and Mexico. Once you've selected the size, then choose a color from the Paver Color Palette that offers classic clay bisque colors, as well as softer, contemporary shades. Blends and textures are also available.

Geometrical Ceramic Tiles Ring in the New Year

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

As the new year starts with full force, I think it only fitting to share some of our new tile patterns and lines. This week, I share our new glazed ceramic line. It's a small line that carriers a large, and very popular, design punch. Our Geometric Geo 10 and Traditional Anillos, or Ring pattern, has been very popular in cement, so it's with great pleasure that we are now offering both patterns in a glazed ceramic tile format.

Geometrical Circles B in Glazed Ceramic mimics our Geo 10 Cement Tile

The new line, Geometrical Ceramic Tile, melds classic, hand-painted glaze techniques with modern, geometric patterns to achieve an absolutely stunning look. Ideal for kitchen backsplashes, accent strips or anywhere a splash of color, pattern and more modern design is wanted.

Our Geometrical Rings A pattern mimics our Anillos cement tile

The glazed ceramic tile patterns are available in 6-, 5-, 4-, and 3-inch square formats. Each pattern will be offered in four colorways, and several new patterns will be released by the end of the month. You can complement these decorative tiles with field tile and trim from from our Malibu Field Tile.

Geometrical Ceramic Tile 10E is one of the new patterns and colors available in a glazed ceramic tile format

If you have a small backsplash area where a large pattern or cement tile in an 8"x8" format is hard to fit, we recommend using our Geometrical Ceramic Tile line. Or, if you want to carry the same geometric motif with a different look, these tiles offer the prefect decorative solution!

Porcelain Tile vs. Ceramic Tile

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Since launching our new line of Porcelain Pool Tile earlier this month, we've been getting a lot of questions about what makes porcelain tile better than ceramic tile. More commonly, the question is simply, "What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?" It’s a question I gladly welcome and one that is fairly easy to answer.

Glazed porcelain tiles, like the blue tiles used for this fountain, are a good choice for pools and spas.

Homeowners often discuss ceramic and porcelain interchangeably, as if they were one and the same. To add confusion, tile shop salespeople often extol the superiority of porcelain and claim there is a chasm that separates the two. Porcelain tile tends to be more expensive and this is one reason salespeople will try to "justify" porcelain to those not versed in tile’s technical details.

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile and nothing more. In other words, all porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles; but, not all ceramic tiles are porcelain. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are very similar, especially when compared to cement tiles, quarry tile, glass tiles or stone. Porcelain, by definition, is a ceramic material made by heating materials, including clay in the form of kaolin, in a kiln to temperatures between 2,200 °F and 2,500 °F. Porcelain has high strength and translucence because of the formation of glass and minerals within the fired body at these high temperatures. Porcelain derives its present name from the Old Italian porcellana (cowrie shell) because of its resemblance to the translucent surface of the shell. While all of this might be interesting, it has very little relevance to porcelain tile.

What Makes Porcelain Tile – Water Absorption Rate
A tile can be a porcelain tile IF AND ONLY IF it has a water absorption rate of 0.5% as defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C373. To pass the test, a group of tiles is fired and then weighed. The tiles are boiled for five hours and then they sit in water for another 24 hours. Then, the tile is weighed again. If the tile weighs less than half of one-percent more as a result of water absorbing into its surface, then it is considered porcelain. No cowrie shells here.

Porcelain tile is typically extruded and will have less impurities than ceramic. It may be rectified and usually contains more kaolin than ceramic. However, the defining difference is that porcelain must have 0.5% or less water absorption rate.

Some ceramic tiles, like these decorative Malibu tiles on the stair risers, are rated for freeze/thaw cycles.

Porcelain Tile Certification
Due to confusion and dishonest tile companies, the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) was created to certify tile as being porcelain or not. So, according to the PTCA, a tile has to meet ASTM C373 standards of water absorption to be branded as porcelain. A company does this by sending in five tile samples for testing, paying a fee, submitting a participation agreement, and renewing certification every three years. After certification, a company may use the "Certified Porcelain Tile" branding.

Only a score of North American tile companies have received Porcelain Tile Certification.

Why Tile Water Absorption Matters
Unless explicitly recommended, laying either porcelain or ceramic tile outside is typically not recommended in frosty environments. The primary concern: if the clay bisque or body absorbs water and you live in an area that freezes, your tile will crack when exposed to freeze/thaw cycles. That’s why it's imperative to know if the tile is rated for freeze/thaw cycles. You might argue that a glazed ceramic is imperious to water and it is. However, there is enough latent water in the bisque, often after installing, that can damage the tile when it freezes. If you live in an area, like Los Angeles or the Mediterranean, that is not subjected to hard freezing, then you don’t have to worry about this problem. Avente tiles that are rated for freeze/thaw cycles include:

• Porcelain Pool Tiles – Plain (solid-color) porcelain tiles that have been freeze/thaw tested. They are great for spas, fountains or any outdoor application.
• Yucatan Field Tile – Vitreous tiles are another type of ceramic tile that generally absorb very little water. We've used these tiles for projects in Colorado cabins at 7,000 ft. elevations that aren't used in the winter. The tiles are in great shape, year after year!
• Malibu Decorative Tiles – Decorative ceramic tiles that have been freeze/thaw tested and pay homage to the Spanish Revival period of Los Angeles.
• Malibu Field Tiles – Plain (solid-color) ceramic tiles that have been freeze/thaw tested and coordinate perfectly with our Malibu decos.

While conventional wisdom has been to keep porcelain or ceramic tile away from the outside, you can see there are lots of options for ceramic tiles that are suitable for exterior use.

Benefits of Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain does offer some benefits that you won’t find with ceramic. However, for most residential application most of these benefits are "gold cladding inside a steel suit of armor." In other words, while true, you probably won’t benefit from them – especially if using a glazed porcelain tile.

Porcelain clay is more dense than ceramic clay. Therefore, porcelain tiles are less porous than ceramic and this makes porcelain tile harder and more impervious to moisture than ceramic tile. The increased density also makes it more durable and better suited for heavy usage than ceramic tile. For instance, unglazed porcelain in a restaurant is the best choice for a hotel lobby or restaurant entry. Unglazed porcelain has through-body composition and color. Chip a glazed ceramic tile and you find a different color underneath the top glaze. Chip the porcelain and the color keeps on going--the chip is nearly invisible.

While both porcelain and ceramic are fired, porcelain is fired at higher temperatures for a longer time than ceramic. Additionally, porcelain has higher feldspar content, which adds to its durability. The strength in porcelain tiles means they resist wear and abrasion and the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) ratings for porcelain tile tend to be at the top of the scale (4-5). The PEI ratings for ceramic tile can land just about anywhere on the scale from 1-5. The PEI ratings is commonly referred to as “abrasion resistance” and is probably the most commonly used industry rating for wear. PEI Ratings of 5 are good for heavy residential and commercial traffic, whereas a PEI 1 is recommended for wall applications only.

Porcelain or vitreous tile work well for an outdoor counter subjected to freeze/thaw cycles.

Find the Right Tile for the Project
I've had people request decorative porcelain tiles with a PEI 5 rating. I've asked them, "Where are you using the tile?" The customer replies, "On my kitchen wall. I want the best tile!" Different tiles and tile materials are manufactured for different applications to provide the best results. Take into account the application first and also who will be doing the installation. Ceramic tiles are less dense than porcelain tiles and usually a far easier material for homeowners and DIY installers to cut. Porcelain requires experience to cut because it is very hard and brittle compared to ceramic. Remember, ceramic tile will be less expensive than porcelain tile. While porcelain has many benefits, ceramic may the best choice for the job!

View our Handcrafted Porcelain
Pool 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!

---

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!

A Tiled Fireplace Will Warm the Home All Year

With heart-shaped candy boxes and cuddly teddy bears taking over store shelves, there's no denying that Cupid has his arrow poised to strike lovers this Valentine's Day. But nothing says love like a cozy fireplace with hand-crafted tiles. With cold days and long nights, 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 ceramic or cement tiles.

Cuban Cement Tile Border Tiles Frame this Fireplace

The bold colors and intricate Cuban cement tiles patterns create a cozy fireplace. In this case, the border and corner pieces that are normally used to frame a tile rug can be used around the firebox. To avoid cuts and cement tile trim, the cement tile is paired with a plain ceramic tile that compliments the design and helps to simplify the installation. The customer's choice to use our popular Cuban Heritage Design 110 in the rich, warm "C" colorway was smart. The palette provides an intimate location that you will want to cozy up to any time of the year!

Many Tile Options for Your Fireplace

Using cement tile for a fireplace is a fantastic way to add visual appeal to your space. Available in multiple patterns and a broad color palette, cement tiles help create a dramatic focal point that become the theme of the room. However, decorative ceramic tiles, like our Malibu or Portuguese tiles provide eye-catching patterns and designs. Also, our ceramic mosaic tile designs are perfect for adding the right touch to a fireplace, hearth, mantle or chimney. And, don't forget the stunning glazes found in our hand-painted plain or field tile can provide an elegant and classic look, too.

Design Ideas to Help

A fine-looking fireplace fills your home with warmth and beauty, as well as creating a social center for friends and family. Here are a few different design ideas to get you thinking about finding a design and look that speaks to you!

Cement Tile Fireplace

Spanish Tile Fireplace

Spanish Tile Fireplace

Fireplace Tile Mural

More Design Ideas for Tiling your Fireplace!

Click Here to View!

Do you have a question about using tile for your fireplace? No problem! Leave your tile question in the comments on this blog and we'll happily answer any questions you may have.

---

Pinterest: Fireplaces & Backsplashes/Walls

"I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer." — George Matthew Adams

Winter is in full swing for many parts of our country! Our Pinboard selections for this month reflect both the seasonal changes and the area in our homes that will garner the most use and attention – the fireplace! There’s no doubt that the attractiveness of a crackling, yet soothing fireplace will mesmerize even the heartiest of humans and creatures alike.

With bone-chilling winds, rain and snow, you can keep the warmth and coziness a fireplace emotes year-round with our ceramic tiles or with our extensive collections of handmade cement tiles. Check out how our Classic Cluny Cement Tile was used in this Fireplace Surround design, and the starring role our Traditional Yuna Cement Tile played on this Monochromatic Cement Tile Fireplace. For our friends who enjoy winter in a milder, Mediterranean climate, consider a ceramic tile mural for your outdoor fireplace, such as our Pomegranate Mural, for example.

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!