Monday, November 23, 2009

Three Great Tile Pattern and Design Books

If you are looking for a unique cement tile pattern or a classic ceramic tile pattern from the Old World, these three books are a great place to start. With hundreds of patterns you are sure to find one that works for you. All available at amazon.com. Many of the patterns featured have been translated into designs available from Avente Tile. The book also features a CD of each pattern that is great start for communicating your design.


Tile Designs from Portugal/Desenhos Em Azulejos De Portugal (Hardcover) by Diego Hutado de Mendoza



Barcelona Tile Designs (Agile Rabbit Editions) (Hardcover) by Mario Arturo Hernandez (Author)



Havana Tile Design (Agile Rabbit Editions) (Hardcover) ~ Mario Arturo Hernandez Navarro (Editor)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Tips for a Successful Tile Project

These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls encountered during a tile project - large or small. Remember, communication is the key.
  1. Start with an idea of what you want. For inspiration, Avente's Design Ideas display tile installations and concept boards. Magazines, sketches and photos work well to communicate graphical ideas.
  2. Have a plan. Avoid common problems and pitfalls with a simple written plan that includes the project goal, details and budget. The plan may change as you get input on material delivery and feedback from designers, friends or contractors.
  3. Make sure you know exactly how you want the completed project to look before any work begins. Simple projects should a have a short written description and sketch; complicated projects will have drawings usually completed by a designer or architect.
  4. Get several estimates and if there is a large price difference; make sure you understand why. Make sure the tile contractor provides a professional quote with details of the work and the following:
    • Work guarantee, if any
    • Photos of completed installations
    • Three references
    • Copies of qualifications and trade affiliations, plus public liability insurance and required state license number

  5. Always get a written service agreement that includes work scope, work schedule (start date and duration), and payments schedule. Review the contract with your tiler before work begins. Ask questions before you sign a contract. If you don't know what something means, ask!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

NEW! Avente’s Classic Collection of Cement Tile

Our Classic Collection of cement tile is an exclusive line available in small quantities for quick shipping. This intimate line of cement tiles includes geometric designs and stylistic floral patterns in colors that range form classic black and white to popular green and mustard tones.

Cluny Pattern in Bathroom

The Classic Collection

Bordeaux
Bordeaux
8" x 8"

Bordeaux
Bordeaux
8" x 8"

Clavel
Clavel
8" x 8"

Cluny
Cluny
8" x 8"

Cluny
Cluny
8" x 8"

LaRochelle
LaRochelle
8" x 8"

Provence
Provence
8" x 8"

To see complete "carpet patterns" of each design select the image or design above. We recommend that you purchase samples to ensure the texture, color and pattern will work for your specific design needs. Tiles can be purchased online. To learn more about cement tile and to get answers to your questions, please contact our helpful staff.

phone:
888.739.4972 (Toll Free)
9 AM - 5 PM PST, Monday through Friday

fax:
888.739.4962 (Toll Free)

e-mail:
info@aventellc.com

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Kira’s Meadow Mural

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


Kira's Meadow Mural - Fireplace Mural

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

Tile Grouping - Sculptural Relief Kira's Meadow Mosaic 12" x 12" (Mesh Mounted)
Sculptural Relief Kira's Meadow Mosaic Tile Grouping
 

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

Friday, October 2, 2009

Create A Table With Style Using Tile

Create a custom table using hand painted decorative and field tile. You only need a few large decorative tiles to create a medallion for the focal point. A medallion of Spanish Andalucia 6"x6" tiles is the centerpiece of this table.


Spanish Andalucia Table (Top View)

A very creative aspect of this design is the way this Avente customer used the Spanish Andalucia 3"x3" tiles on each corner to add interest and break the border. The typical use of 3"x3" tiles is for a corner transition with 3"x6" border tiles.

For a rustic effect, consider using crackle finish tiles. Or, use broken tile in the background. This classy table uses broken Spanish Natural field tile paired with a Brushed Navy field tile to create a border. When using broken tiles, make sure to layout the entire pattern first. This will ensure the width of the grout line is consistent and create a professional look.

Tile Table with Spanish Tile
Spanish Andalucia Table (On Patio)

Avente Tile offers a complete line of hand painted ceramic tiles in classic Spanish and Portuguese designs as well as patterns that are more contemporary.

Check out our entire line of tiles at AventeTile.com. Call us toll-free at 888.739.4972 between the hours of 9 AM - 5 PM PST, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, send your request toll-free via FAX to 888.739.4962.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Cement Tiles for Walls, Ceilings and Bath Surround

Don't limit yourself to using cement tiles just on floors. The beauty and durability of cement tiles make them an excellent choice for ceilings, walls, and for a bath or tub surround. On wall applications, they can be installed floor-to-ceiling height or used at a "traditional-wainscoting" height. Using existing tile patterns, you can customize the colors with from the existing color palette or even customize a color.

See how cement tiles can be used for walls, ceilings, and surrounds:


Cement Tile Wainscoting Wall Application


Cement Tile Ceiling & Bath Surround


Cement Tile Wall Application

 

View our Solid Color Cement Tiles and Cuban Heritage Cement Tiles online now!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Design Tip: When to Use Borders with Cement Tile

Many of our cement tile designs come with border and corner patterns that "frame" the main pattern area. For example, our Cuban Heritage Design 110 (shown below) has two rows of tiles that make the double border." The primary pattern is made by alternating a grouping of four tiles that create the medallion and four tiles that create the cross. This main pattern is used consistently on the rest of the floor (or field).

Cuban Heritage Design 110

Use a border if:

  1. The room is fairly large. You want to border to set-off the main design not crowd or change. For small rooms, don't use a border and use the same tile pattern to the edge of the room.
  2. The room is symmetrical or you make the border symmetrical within the room. Otherwise, the border will become complex and confusing and not frame the space.

Here is a stunning example of using a border with the Cuban Heritage Design 110 in a large office.

Visit the Design Ideas section of our web site to see more installation photos of this great product!

If you questions about cement tile or how to use them, please let contact us toll-free at 888.739.4972 (Toll Free). We are open from 9 AM - 5 PM PST, Monday through Friday.