Tile Talk

JUNE 30, 2015

With the Fourth of July Holiday just around the corner, I found my thoughts wandering toward the sunny California coast. So, I thought I'd share one of my favorite historical tile haunts, The Adamson House. It's located right on the Pacific Ocean and steps from the Malibu Pier in Malibu, California. Even if you aren't interested in tile and California history, it's hard to find a reason not to visit this lovely location.

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Tile Talk

JUNE 23, 2015

By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. With the Summer Solstice now behind us, it's time to celebrate this much-anticipated season by enjoying the outdoors. I enjoy taking my daily neighborhood walks early in the day. It's during these walks that I stop to admire the tiled walks and entries. In this post, I'll be sharing some of my favorites that not only add to a home's uniqueness, but those that also provide welcoming curb appeal.

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Tile Talk

JUNE 16, 2015

By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Sealers for cement tile should be applied to protect the tile from water and staining; but, they can also be used to enhance or restore color. A color enhancing sealer was used on this exterior cement tile walk, stair risers, and treads to protect them and brighten the colors. Color enhancing impregnating sealers are used to brighten cement tile colors, especially exterior tiles subject to fading from the sun.

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Tile Talk

JUNE 9, 2015

By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Nothing excites me more than seeing a customer's installation photos. Readers of this blog know that I love color and pattern. Needless to say, I was thrilled when a customer from La Crescenta, CA called to order more tile. She was also gracious enough to send me installation photos from her previous order. As you can see, the showy bathroom uses one of our boldest, most colorful cement tile patterns, Melilla.

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Tile Talk

JUNE 2, 2015

Star and Hexagonal Tile Panel, 13th-14th century (Nishapur, Iran). Image via The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Steeped in a rich history of architectural, design and natural elements, the hexagon is a fundamental shape when it comes to building. The six-sided polygon, which can be found in honeycombs, crystals, snowflakes, and most importantly tile, creates a classic yet distinguished look.

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Tile Talk

MAY 26, 2015

By Tudor Davies, Terry's Fabrics. As you may know, Bill Buyok is the founder and owner of Avente Tile. He started the company as an online tile showroom and catalog so that hand painted ceramic tiles and cement tiles are more easily and broadly available for others who share the same passion. Our mission at Avente Tile is to search the globe to find the finest and most extraordinary tiles for our customers while providing excellent service and product knowledge.

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Tile Talk

MAY 19, 2015

By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Last month, I reported some of my favorite tile trends and finds from Coverings in the my blog post Tile Trends 2015: Variety is the Spice of Tile. One of the most unique new tile designs I spotted at the show is a relief cement wall tile line from Aguayo Tiles called Elevations. Without further ado, Avente Tile is proud to announce the premier of this exciting design line of relief cement tiles.

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Tile Talk

MAY 12, 2015

By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. A few weeks ago, I shared 2015 Tile Trends from my annual pilgrimage to Coverings , a trade show for tile and stone. I promised to share some other great new tile finds that Avente Tile will be adding to our offerings. Not being one to disappoint, I want to show the new Cuban Heritage Cement tile offerings from Aguayo. Cuban Heritage Design 140 4B Cement Tile.

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Tile Talk

MAY 5, 2015

Deep indigo pool tiles, coupled with the architecture of the pool house, make for an incredible outdoor setting. Image via Architectural Digest. Handcrafted artisan porcelain tiles are perfect for pools and water features. The materials and methods used in art pottery are similarly applied to classic porcelain tile-making techniques to achieve rich glazes that excite the eyes and hands.

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Tile Talk

APRIL 28, 2015

A Saltillo tile entry features a cement tile rug. Via Vanguard Studio, Inc. By Arpi Nalbandian , Tileometry. A few weeks ago, we spoke about the history, production and properties of Saltillo tile. To recap, hand-crafted from natural clay deposits, authentic Saltillo tile can only come from one place in the world - Saltillo, in the state of Coahuila in Mexico.

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Tile Talk

APRIL 21, 2015

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Last week was action-packed as I made my annual pilgrimage to Coverings, a trade show for tile and stone. The week-long event took place in Orlando, Florida and was filled with highlights including seeing long-time friends, a face to face meeting with designer Alena Capra , and listening to Ryan Fasan , Tile of Spain ''s Technical consultant, speak about trends with design.

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Tile Talk

APRIL 14, 2015

'Guest post by Samantha Velez, Range Hoods Inc. While designing a home kitchen, making choices can feel overwhelming at times. Your mind races with thoughts like, “What do I pick first? The counter or the backsplash tile?” There are so many elements that go into the design, including the cabinetry, range hood, range and flooring. When designing your kitchen, all of the elements play a large role.

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Tile Talk

APRIL 7, 2015

'By Arpi Nalbandian , Tileometry. Coupled with decorative ceramic tiles, Saltillo tile exudes Old World charm. Hand-crafted from natural clay deposits, authentic Saltillo tile can only come from one place in the world - Saltillo, in the state of Coahuila in Mexico. The process of turning this special Mexican clay into tiles has remained unchanged since 1577.

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Tile Talk

MARCH 31, 2015

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Last week, I shared 3 Ways to Create Style with Plain Hexagon Tile. This week, I play with pattern on this powerful six-sided polygon. Here are three ways patterned hexagon tiles provide a stylish look using both ceramic and cement tiles - all available from Avente Tile. Our journey of creating style with hexagon tiles continues.

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Tile Talk

MARCH 24, 2015

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. With it''s classic six-sided shape, the hexagon is gaining and maintaining it''s elegant prowess in design circles (pun intended) once again. Here are three ways plain hexagon tiles lead to an overall stylish look. Our style guide below uses both ceramic, porcelain, and cement tiles - all available from Avente Tile. Hexagon Style Tip #1.

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Tile Talk

MARCH 17, 2015

'Guest post by Jane Blanchard, Modernize. Vibrant blue Arabesque tile adds visual interest. Image via Modernize. Tile is a popular choice for kitchen floors and backsplashes, so popular that even the priciest and most custom options can seem bland. One tile company is changing that, one beautifully unique tile at a time. One thing you''ll never find at Avente Tile is tile that looks like, well, any other tile you''ve seen at home improvement stores or most flooring and tile warehouses when seeki

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Tile Talk

MARCH 10, 2015

'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.

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Tile Talk

MARCH 3, 2015

'By Arpi Nalbandian , Tileometry. Southern California artist David Shipley has created a line of contemporary hand-painted ceramic art tile based upon his unique paintings and sculptures. According to the artist, he is fascinated by the emotions and reactions brought upon by the vibrant color contrasts. David Shipley Conversation 5 | 12" x 18" Ceramic Tile Mural.

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Tile Talk

FEBRUARY 24, 2015

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Geometric tiles in classic shapes, such as chevron, hexagon, stripes, honeycomb or octagon, are a great way to add style to your home''s wall or floors. More intricate patterns reproduced on a single tile will always be more expensive than plain tiles. Here''s are a few tips to create style and accommodate just about any budget.

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Tile Talk

FEBRUARY 17, 2015

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. As we conclude our tour of the Original Los Angeles Spec House, I''ll pick up where we left off from last week''s post. First, a little background information! If you love tile, then you can''t miss this rare opportunity to tour a house with tiles installed in nearly every room, including some Royal Delft cloisonné decorative tiles.

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Tile Talk

FEBRUARY 10, 2015

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Recently, I had a rare opportunity to tour a house with Royal Delft tiles installed in almost every room. Located in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, the home tour was arranged by Joe Taylor and Sheila Menzies of The Tile Heritage Foundation for a collector. The small, unassuming corner lot house is a treasure trove of original Dutch cloisonné tiles and mural from the 1920s.

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Tile Talk

FEBRUARY 3, 2015

'By Arpi Nalbandian , Tileometry. Our new Geometrical Glazed Ceramic tile collection was used to create this appealing kitchen backsplash. Our Geometrical line of ceramic tile mixes classic hand-painted glaze techniques with modern, geometric patterns to achieve an absolutely stunning look. They are ideal for backsplashes, accent strips or anywhere a splash of design is needed.

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Tile Talk

JANUARY 27, 2015

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Two weeks ago I introduced our new decorative glazed ceramic tiles. In that post, Geometrical Ceramic Tiles Ring in the New Year , I explained how two popular cement tile patterns, our Geo 10 and Traditional Anillos , are now available in a glazed ceramic tile format. I also promised to to share some additional forthcoming patterns and I''m excited to unveil them now.

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Tile Talk

JANUARY 20, 2015

'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 and a smaller, mini-format that scales down well for a backsplash, small entry or hearth.

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Tile Talk

JANUARY 13, 2015

'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 big and very popular design punch. Our Geometric Geo 10 and Traditional Anillos or Ring pattern has been very popular in cement, so we are now offering both patterns in glazed ceramic tile.

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Tile Talk

JANUARY 6, 2015

'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.

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Tile Talk

DECEMBER 30, 2014

'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.

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Tile Talk

DECEMBER 23, 2014

'There is no better time than the Holidays to express our appreciation for your business and friendship. May all the joys of the season be yours. Deer in Moonlight Ceramic Tile Mural. Take 10% off any online order placed through January 2015. Use coupon code CHEERS.

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Tile Talk

DECEMBER 16, 2014

'By Cheryl Khan of Trade Winds Imports. Maybe your bathroom is stuck in the 60s or maybe you just need to freshen things up a bit. The vanity backsplash serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, adding decorative features to your bathroom while simultaneously protecting your walls from moisture. A backsplash allows you to personalize your bathroom with a style that mirrors your own taste, character, and lifestyle.

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Tile Talk

DECEMBER 9, 2014

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. "Tiles tell tales!" is the way Sheila A. Menzies, Executive Director of the Tile Heritage Foundation , explained it to me many years ago. As the year draws to a close and you consider year-end donations, don''t forget about this amazing organization. They need your support and engagement! The Tile Heritage Foundation (THF) is a well-run, non-profit organization that is benevolent and generous.

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Tile Talk

DECEMBER 2, 2014

'By Arpi Nalbandian , Tileometry. Customizable cement tiles, from clockwise (top right), include: Traditional Melilla ; Classic Serengeti ; Traditional Gran Cordoba ; and Geometric 02 Cement Tile. Handmade cement tiles are a great choice for commercial, hospitality, and retail spaces. Not only do these tiles deliver an unforgettable decorative impact, but because they are handmade, they can be customized to fit the client''s needs, thanks to an extensive palette of colors.

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Tile Talk

NOVEMBER 25, 2014

'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.

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Tile Talk

NOVEMBER 18, 2014

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Despite hundreds of existing cement tile patterns, sometimes you just have to literally "break the mold." In the commercial design of this golf clubhouse, a simple contemporary design was created specifically for this environment. Custom cement tile patterns, like this one for a clubhouse, provide limitless possibilities for commercial design.

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Tile Talk

NOVEMBER 11, 2014

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. In today''s hectic 24/7 world, a quiet place to escape, relax, renew, and refresh is more important than ever before. Designers cleverly chose cement tile flooring for this resort spa to achieve a calm and peaceful atmosphere in a commercial setting. River rock mimics the cement tile pattern in the spa corridor. Commercial flooring is often dismissed as unimportant and reduced to low-cost options.

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Tile Talk

NOVEMBER 4, 2014

'By Arpi Nalbandian , Tileometry. How to Apply a Grout Release - Cement Tile Install Tips. When you see a finished cement tile installation (or any tile installation), it''s hard to visualize just how bad it looked when grout was first applied. The only way to get grout into the joints is by spreading it with a tile trowel. With glazed ceramic tile, grout removal and clean-up can be difficult.

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Tile Talk

OCTOBER 28, 2014

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Cement tile have the ability to create luxurious, rich designs in any environment; but, the effect is breathtaking and awesome when applied to commercial applications for restaurants and hotels because of the grand scale. The lobby of this upscale ocean-front Caribbean resort opens up to beach via this lido that welcomes guests and invites them to relax, linger and enjoy the view.

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Tile Talk

OCTOBER 21, 2014

'By Bill Buyok , Avente Tile. Cement tiles naturally create an Old World ambiance with their traditional patterns and color variations that occur from being a hand-crafted product. For this Italian restaurant, using cement tiles was an obvious choice not only for their time-tested durability, but also for their effortless ability in helping to create a quaint, yet sophisticated, atmosphere.

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