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]]>This coffee-to-cocktail bar from the 2019 Fall One Room Challenge™ is a sight to behold! Nicole from Nicole White Designs opted for a bold, art deco tile and it paid off in a big, statement-making way.
This classic, simple bar can be dressed up or down for whatever purpose you want it to serve.
This welcoming rustic bar is the perfect place for a hot cup of coffee.
A crisp white backsplash is the perfect contrast to bold cabinetry.
A mirrored bar ups the glamour factor—perfect for entertaining and hosting!
A tiled bar is the perfect place to take a risk. Adding bold hues or patterns is one easy way to make your bar stand out. It’s meant to be a fun spot, right?
Shiplap walls, sea-green cabinets and a mosaic in a mix of soft neutrals combine to form a relaxed, beachy bar.
Want to achieve glamour without going too bold or dramatic? This gold mosaic adds just the perfect amount of glitter to make it special.
This Annie Selke tile featuring flecks of metallic gold create a soothing visual break from dark shelves and cabinets.
What to do with this in-between-rooms nook? Make it into a functional and beautiful bar, of course!
Reclaimed wood tiles are the perfect backdrop to this natural wood bar in a cozy basement.
On that note, we’re feeling a little thirsty. Don’t forget to share your Tile Shop tiled bar on our social media channels with #thetileshop. Ready to start your own project? Get started with a remote design consultation today!
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What is Cement Tile?
- Cement tiles are, of course, made of cement. Cement is similar to stone in that it has to be sealed, and it is very
long lasting . Cement tiles are thicker than average and made by hand. - Cement-look tiles are made of ceramic or porcelain. These are a great
lower cost option to achieve an authentic look that is still very durable.
Now that we cleared that up, let’s talk about how cement tiles are made.
How Are Cement Tiles Made?
Cement tiles are made from a combination of marble dust, pigment and cement. Similar to natural stone, each tile is made by hand and takes between three and five minutes to make. What sets cement apart from other types of tile is that the pigment is pressed into the surface in a patterned mold instead of just being a thin layer on top. This means the coloration penetrates the surface of the tile, so if it wears down over time, the color will still remain and the pattern will not be impacted. The video below is a great overview of this process.
Care and Installation Tips
Inspired to design a work of art with cement tile? There are a few quirks specific to cement tile installation that
- Thickness: Cement tiles are thicker than average, so plan ahead! A threshold piece can be used to smoothly transition between cement tile and another flooring surface.
- Soaking: Cement tiles are absorbent and should be soaked in water before they are installed. This keeps the tiles from pulling moisture out of the mortar which would prevent it from curing properly.
- Sealing: It’s important to seal your clean and dry cement tiles after they’re installed to ensure they last.
- More information on installing cement tiles can be found here.
Historically Inspired Designs
Today, cement tiles take many forms and come in various materials. Due to their long and rich history, many designs seen today are based on those from the past. Explore some of our favorite historically inspired designs below.
The fresh, crisp colors below liven up this white kitchen.
The hand-painted look of the tile below adds to its authentic, old-world appeal.
Not ready to jump into all-over pattern? A backsplash highlighted with a frame is the perfect accent.
Modern farmhouse style is a popular look that benefits from the rustic appearance of cement tile.
We love a fun shower space! This accent wall from floor to ceiling livens up this spacious shower.
This tile design feels like it’s right out of an old European church. We love how Timber Trails Homes picked a shade of blue from the tile to paint the cabinetry, coordinating this mudroom from top to bottom. Sturdy porcelain is perfect for protecting the floor from laundry spills and tracked-in messes.
Think beyond the backsplash and shower. Cement tile takes this fireplace to another level and functions as a stunning focal point in this living room.
“A tiled fireplace is the perfect place to get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of style. A little pattern goes a long way!”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager
Star is one of our most popular tiles and for good reason! It’s versatile enough to pair with rustic wood-look tiles as well as contemporary hexagons while maintaining vintage appeal.
Contemporary Designs
As manufacturing processes evolve, so do designs. Now, the selection of cement and cement-look tiles is even broader than ever and encompasses many contemporary designs. If bold colors and geometric designs are more your style, explore some of our picks below.
This tile is definitely not one you would have found in 18th century Europe, and that’s one of the things we love about it. This thoroughly contemporary tile incorporates a geometric design and bright, bold colors.
A soft, contemporary grey patterned floor tile is the perfect complement to this preppy and traditional space.
We’re fans of a bold look, and this one fits the bill. This dramatic cement tile with its green leaf pattern creates an unforgettable floor.
If you want to dip your toe into cement without using an all-over pattern, mixing solid-color cement tiles with patterned tiles is a great way to get the best of both worlds.
“A checkerboard, random design or tiled rug are all attractive mix-and-match options for solid and patterned tiles.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager
There’s something serene and calming about the ocean-blue hues of Blu Widow Hex.
Black-and-white tile is a design staple. Make it uniquely yours with this statement-making diamond pattern.
Combination
Do all cement-style tiles neatly fit into one of these two categories? Of course not! Some of the most interesting designs are a blend of old-world and contemporary styles, patterns and colors. Here are some of our favorites.
A black, white and grey color scheme updates a traditional design, blurring the lines between old world and contemporary.
A traditional design in unexpected colors lends a beautiful floral look to this bathroom.
There’s no shortage of interest in this arabesque tile. Soft traditional shapes combine with bold lines and hues to keep design lovers on their toes.
A historically inspired design plus on-trend wood look equal a stunning transitional style.
Explore more of our cement/cement-look and patterned tile now!
Ready to get started? Let our selection wow you in person—visit your local store today!
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]]>Unique among design styles, mid-century modern design can be traced back to a specific person. The history begins with Joseph Eichler, a real estate developer in California during the 1940s through the 1960s, who advocated and built more modern-style housing. Whole suburban neighborhoods of homes (called “Eichlers”) from this movement still exist in California and beyond today. Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, Eichlers often feature flat or A-framed roofs, vertical wood siding, clean and geometric lines, few street-facing windows, and large windows or skylights that let in light and nature. Their interiors introduced the country to exposed beams, concrete floors, sliding doors and en suite bathrooms. While we may take many of these design features for granted today, in postwar America, when people were used to mass-produced homes, architecturally pleasing Eichlers were a breath of fresh air. See some examples of this style, and read more about it here.
Why did this new style make such an impact that we’re still talking about it decades later? Many of the hallmarks of mid-century modern design still feel as fresh, clean and current today as they did in the 1950s:
- Open floor plans
- Simple, clean lines
- Neutrals (especially grey) combined with bright colors (especially orange and green)
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Simple furniture (similar to today’s Scandinavian style)
- Artistic items
There are also some specific things you can look for to determine mid-century tiles:
- Color, especially rich colors like green and orange
- Geometrics
- Fan shapes
- Organic shapes
- Metal edging
- Handcrafted, artisan look
- Straight stacked subway tile
- Beveled and framed subway tile
- Large-format tiles
Let’s look at how some real spaces use these mid-century modern elements. You’ll notice that a lot of the trends overlap from picture to picture which goes to show that these elements are true hallmarks of mid-century modern design!
Color
Who doesn’t love a pop of color?! Whether featured in tile, cabinetry, fabrics or accessories, have fun with your design and include something bold and bright (bonus points for rich colors like orange and green).
Geometrics
Geometrics are another style that often appears in mid-century modern design. There are as many different ways to use geometric tiles as there are geometric tiles available. Use one color, mix and match or stick with neutrals for a more subtle approach to geometry.
Straight Stack
The most common and classic layout for subway tile is the brick-lay pattern. (Learn all about subway tile patterns on our blog post about the topic.) A more contemporary and mid-century modern way to install rectangular tiles is the straight stack. It features a clean layout and straight, even grout lines.
Organic Shapes
Handmade-look tiles, an artisan feel
Explore more design styles on the blog or our website. Loving mid-century modern for your next project? Book a design appointment to get started today!
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Hallmarks
A few of the clues that you might be looking at contemporary design are:
- A minimalistic feel
- Clean colors, often neutrals
- Hidden or integrated appliances and features
- An emphasis on natural light
- Flat-panel cabinetry
- European cabinet pulls or no hardware
- Stainless steel
- Recessed and pendant lighting
- Artistic elements
Accessories can go a long way towards establishing a contemporary theme in your space. The furniture, decor
Tile Style
This design style is somewhat unique in that not only can tiles be worked into your contemporary design, but tiles can display contemporary style in and of themselves.
Some characteristics of contemporary tiles are:
- Large format
- Sculptural
- Straight stack vs. brick layout
- Stainless steel (like in a mixed-materials mosaic)
- Simple profiles with clean edges
- Art-inspired elements
- Geometric shapes
Myriad different tiles can facilitate contemporary style, and this is just a short list. Scroll to the bottom of this blog post to view some of our favorite contemporary tiles.
Along with a sleek, contemporary chandelier and tub, these wall tiles are perfect examples of this style. They are sculptural, artistic and bold.
There are a few contemporary elements to note in this space: the artwork, sleek furniture, an unadorned fireplace and a geometric patterned rug.
Just like tile and lighting, furniture can display contemporary characteristics all on its own. If you are thinking of decorating in this style, consider items like the below.
The shower above is an embellished and glamorous take on contemporary. The large-format tiles, squared-off trim pieces and sleek hardware are all indicators that it is contemporary. In the close-up below, the square and straight edges of the trim pieces are more visible. As opposed to an ornate or rounded piece of trim, these finish the installation without adding any extra adornment, keeping the look minimal and sleek.
Here are a few more contemporary trim pieces with squared-off edges and clean lines that work well in this design style. Read more about layering and trims on our blog post.
Below, neutrals and unadorned cabinetry make this space contemporary. A honed finish on the marble-look tiles and bright wood vanity warm the room up.
From the minimal, artistic decor to the sculptural, monochromatic wall tiles, this fireplace is thoroughly contemporary from top to bottom.
Sculptural tiles are not only perfect for contemporary design, but they’re also a big trend right now. Explore some of our favorites below.
Below, tones of tan and beige running through the veins of the floor tile add warmth to an all-white bathroom.
The painterly effect created by gold brush strokes turns your walls into a work of art.
Over the all-white kitchen trend? This one features crisp white tile but is also injected with lots of warm tones, balancing the best of both worlds and making this space cozy and welcoming. The flat-front cabinets, minimal (almost hidden!) hardware and sleek, clean lines are all very contemporary.
While contemporary style can be warm and inviting like in the kitchen above, it can also be dramatic and moody, as seen with the 3-D geometric tile below. That’s one thing we love about this style—it’s so versatile!
Coziness and warmth are the words that come to mind when we see the bathroom below. While maintaining contemporary style, the designers have seamlessly combined multiple different shades of warm tans and browns.
Ready to give contemporary a try? Browse the style on our website and start dreaming.
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Featured: Tanagram Branco 3-D
Designs and trends are constantly evolving, allowing for the ultimate expression of creativity and imagination. One trend we’ve seen pushing the boundaries of ingenuity, artistry and self-expression is geometric tile. We’re going to highlight our favorite geometric tiles and how to use them to their full potential.
“Geometric shapes hold an energy pattern, and scientists did some experiments which say certain geometric shapes can affect matter around them. It’s simply because when a human looks at a shape, they instantly receive energy from their brain.” – Tom DeLonge, musical artist
The extravagant movement, iconic shapes and energetic patterns of geometric tile allow you to make a statement in any space. These tiles aren’t just an addition to a design – they ARE the design. Geometric shapes include squares, rectangles, triangles, polygons, hexagons, diamonds, pyramids and more. With so many different variations and shapes in geometric tile, the possibilities are endless!
Featured: Estrela Jeans Matte
Featured: White Hex, Black Hex, and Hex Matte White with Black Flower
Categorizing Geometric Tiles
Geometric Patterned Tile
Stunning designs can be printed on tile to add an artistic flash to any space. Glamorous patterns have universal use. You can either cover a wall to make a bold statement or display a small statement as a piece of art.
Featured: Outline White Gold AC
Some printed patterns are made to complement modern spaces while others are created to wow viewers. The geometric tiles above define a wall with an elegant yet subtle diamond pattern. In contrast, the bold and bright pattern on the image below almost demands (and deserves) attention.
Featured: Artisan Tiare
Patterned tile can bring a very artistic and contemporary look into your home. The tile below creates a 3-D effect by using two different colored triangles and rhombuses to create a geometric structure.
Featured: Rowallan Encaustic Square Pattern
Geometric Shaped Tile
While most tile like subway or square tile only has four sides, geometric shaped tile brings tile design to a whole new level. Shapes like hexagons, diamonds and rhombuses stand out compared to standard rectangular formats. Geometric shapes can be either 2-D or 3-D. The front cover of our 2018 design book contains a very fresh, modern 3-D pattern. Yara Metal Silver Hex ceramic wall tile is unique because not only is the shape a hexagon, but the tile contains several different 3-D triangles for extra texture and augmentation.
Featured: Yara Metal Silver Hex
Geometric Mosaics
Mosaics are small pieces of tile that are intricately placed together on a mesh sheet to create stunning patterns—that’s what makes these mosaics so unique. Not all mosaic designs are the same. Check out the lavish, Nova Hex Graphite mosaics in the image below. The mosaic pattern is created by repeating stretched hexagons to add glamour and dimension.
Featured: Skyline Marquina Mosaic
The pattern on this next image shows a mosaic from the Legno Limestone collection. This design presents a stylish look with its wood-like texture and variety of shapes.
Featured: Legno Geometric
Ways to Use Geometric Tile
The Center of Attention
When people want to make a bold statement, they might use a big collection of art, flashy furniture or even a bright-colored tile or wallpaper. While those are all great options, geometrically patterned tile is your key to making a show-stopping space. Cover your floor or wall with tile to make a bold, eye-catching presentation.
Featured: Star Olive/Grey Encaustic
Subtle Accent Displays
Don’t let the boldness of geometric tile intimidate you. Many people turn away from geometric patterned tile and layouts because they think it might be overwhelming. But patterns can be displayed as an accent piece if you aren’t committed to the full effect. Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop design manager, loves adding small statement displays to rooms because it adds a dash of emotion and color.
“You don’t need to be scared of using geometric tile and patterns. They are a great opportunity to add something exciting that won’t overpower the features in a space. – Kirsty Froelich
Featured: Alato Beachwalk Chevron Glass Mosaic
Display a geometric accent piece in your shower or on the side of a bathtub or island countertop. “Accents give you a chance to add unexpected artistry,” Froelich said. As seen above, these geometric displays are ideal for people who only want a subtle but stunning statement.
A Lively Greeting
Incorporating geometrically patterned tile is wonderful in an entryway. Fun and spirited patterns give guests an immediate welcoming impression. West Bay Homes perfectly completes a modern farmhouse design with the vintage, symmetric Star series.
Image from West Bay Homes. Featured: Star
Modern Elegance
Solid-white tile is a great choice for creating a clean, modern presence. The White Hex tiles below create a chic, fresh feeling without an overbearing display.
Featured: White Hex
Create Your Own Masterpiece
A current trend is to create your own geometric designs and shapes with tile. This trend attracts the bold and brave designers. Every concept you explore is a statement and your very own work of art. The Connect series in the image below was made to mesmerize. The small triangular pieces allow you to create extravagant designs for a modern twist. This method of using geometric tile guarantees originality and personalized taste and vision.
Featured: Connect Tri
“Styling with geometric shaped tiles gives you more flexibility and freedom to make whatever you want.” – Luke Crownover, Tile Shop product manager
Whether a bold, patchwork arrangement of patterned tiles, an elegant kitchen backsplash or a simple display of white hexagons, geometric tile will always be the ultimate tool to express yourself. Inspired by what you see? Schedule a design consultation to achieve your next vision with geometric tile.
Source of Tom DeLonge quote: Spin Magazine
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Featured Mosaics: Streamline, Moderne Deco, Skyline
Gilded Glamour, a Tile Shop signature style, blends 1920s art deco design elements with details of modern luxury—and, of course, stunning tile. A gilded touch, which literally means covered in gold, is a hallmark this style is based on. Think the opulence of the Great Gatsby meets the architectural style of the Chrysler Building with a thoroughly current point of view.
Photo by Jonathan Pease on Unsplash
Elements that Define Gilded Glamour
Commonly observed in visual arts, architecture and design, art deco first became popular around World War 1 in France. Then, it was the epitome of luxury, glamour and beautiful craftsmanship. Today, this timeless style still reflects these same aspirational qualities largely defined by five major design elements: geometric shapes, black and white, polished metal, mirrors and shine. Incorporating these elements into a design infuses a space with old-world elegance and allure.
Top Tiles to Get the Gilded Glamour Look
Select tiles from one or more of the below categories, and you will have more than enough inspiration for a Gilded Glamour space of which the Great Gatsby would be envious. Use our recommended products or employ these design elements to create a unique look of your own.
Geometric Shapes
Geometric shapes are defined by simple lines, curves or outlines. The versatility of these interesting shapes makes it easy to customize a look anywhere along the spectrum from subtle to bold. To achieve the Gilded Glamour look, use geometric shapes alongside another art deco design element, like black and white or touches of gold, to highlight the lines. Even with all three art deco design elements in the image below, the overall appearance is elegant and clean. Squares, diamonds, hexagons and any geometric mosaic tiles are a good place to start.
Featured: Corbusier Mosaic
Black and White
Tiling in black and white creates contrast, highlights shapes and lends vintage appeal to a design. Avoid too many bold elements competing in a space with a simple black-and-white base that provides simplicity. A black-and-white mosaic, a bold mix of black and white tiles or an all-over wall or floor in either hue are a few options that create varying degrees of boldness in your look. Black and white get an extra jolt of glamour when they’re in a reflective material or mixed with metal.
Polished Metal
Polished metals, especially gold, are a quintessential feature of Gilded Glamour style and perfect for adding a gilded touch. Incorporate a metallic accent almost anywhere, from tile to shower heads to the vanity. Hints of soft brushed gold peppered throughout the bathroom below tie the whole space together elegantly.
Featured: Tempesta Neve Marble Mosaic, Bulevar White, Tempesta Neve Somerset, Tempesta Neve Barnes, Tempesta Neve Amalfi Mosaic, Bianco Carrara Curb
Featured: Bulevar White
Dural metal profiles are another decadent way to sprinkle bits of metallic shine throughout a tile design. This subtle sparkle elevates the entire space.
Featured: Dural Metal Profiles, Ashford Carrara
Reflection
Not only does it open up a space, reflection adds an element of shine which perfectly complements the luster of Gilded Glamour. Plus, mirrors and reflective elements allow a small or dark room to feel brighter and lighter. As with all the elements of art deco, the extent to which you use mirrors is up to you. A touch of mirrored tile serves as an accent piece while a fully mirrored wall becomes a statement. Take a cue from this design. The mirrored tiles are a bold element so the rest of the design is simple and monochromatic.
Featured: Camilla w/ Mirror, Antique Mirror Bevel
Shine
Polished stone, iridescent finishes, metallic details—shine is an integral part of Gilded Glamour because it serves to add the luster that enhances a space. Polished marbles and other stones define rooms with subtle shine and retain a neutral hue while bright and bold tiles make a more dramatic statement. Pair tiles with shine with other reflective elements sparingly to avoid competing focal points. Below, the crisp white marble is the perfect complement that lets these gold tiles sparkle.
Our Take on Gilded Glamour
Inspired by a modern take on art deco, The Tile Shop’s design manager, Kirsty, envisioned an elegant bathroom with touches of gold and lots of rich marble. Since it’s impossible to create a display with every tile we carry, she used this inspiration to design a visual that would spark ideas for our customers. It turned out so beautifully that, before long, this design dream became a reality.
An artist’s interpretation of our Gilded Glamour bathroom.
This stunning design has everything we love about art deco in a softer, more modern style. The ornamental opulence of Gilded Glamour is visible in the touches of soft brushed gold and the art deco mosaic, which was inspired by a traditional motif. The floating vanity, light fixtures and cool-grey marble modernize the style. The sleek, rounded corners of the mirror mimic the shape of the mosaic and the gold accents coordinate throughout, effectively creating a cohesive look. Layered trims accent the Moderne Deco mosaic on the framed shower wall and in the functional recessed shelf, creating another luxurious detail.
The result is an elegant and soft take on art deco style that feels timeless and modern at the same time.
Featured: Moderne Deco, Verona Blanco, Roman Silver
From an idea to an artist rendering to a real-life installation, the evolution of this idea is dazzling.
Ready to add some modern Gatsby glamour to your space? Schedule a design consultation or stop into your closest store to get inspired and start your project today.
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