Going to kick out some words for you that may or may not mean anything but in the world of design they do. Stacked bond, diagonal, herringbone, basketweave, windmill, pinwheel, stretcher bond, cobblestone, english cross bond, subway, running bond. And here are a few more . . . ceramic, encaustic cement, porcelain and porcelain mosaic.
It's all about tile. Pattern and type. I don't claim to be an expert by any means, but I do love a good detail in a kitchen and/or bath project and more importantly, I love to do a little something different as oppose to the everyday normal. Now, that is not to say I don't still love the classic, timeless white cabinet & marble counter / backsplash per se making a huge re-appearance in the 90's then again in 2015 and still going strong in 2018. New builds are offering the white kitchen with marble backsplash and a quartz marble-like counter top, a much more up-to-date look. I too, have painted my fair share of client's kitchens from wood to white over the past few years, and it's a huge transformation.
But as of late I am in love with the cement tiles, and a mixture of white and wood cabinets, maybe because I have seen enough white kitchens. Why cement tile ? It's the natural patina and random imperfections that I love. No one does it better than Cle Tile. Take a look at a few of my favorites.
Cement Tiles
I am presenting a whole house remodel this morning that includes a new kitchen and the most fabulous "morning room" complete with curved bar. This mid-century modern, Plaza Midwood home is the king daddy version of my little Brevard place with vaulted ceilings and sky high windows, I cannot wait to get it rolling !!!
I want tall white walls with neutrals and a big pop of color here and there, starting with the kitchen back splash. A cement tile with a dose of dark teal.
Across the room - a way cool curved bar with another cement tile backsplash
And down the hall, a floor to ceiling, behind the sink tile, pulling the colors across the hall. Fingers crossed they like it all.
I'll show you the rest of this plan . . . stay tuned !
So, no one explains cement and natural patina better than one of my favorite cement tile go to - Cle, and the source for all these beauties above (and below) to take a read . . .
History of patina The term, patina, derives from the latin for “shallow dish” describing copper dishes that always garnered a green patina. The use of the term, patina, came to refer to any fading, darkening, muting or other signs of age, which are known to be natural or unavoidable (or both).
What is patina?
Patina is that mysterious and enigmatic surface that separates new materials from antiquated ones – creating objects and surfaces that are prized as heirloom quality. The patina itself is a thin layer that forms on the surface of stones, leathers, metals, clays, cements, woods etc., and can itself constitute a protective coating on the materials it covers. Because of these attributes, patina has become a celebrated finish and a requirement to what is known as an antique finish derived from oxidation and other chemical introductions that render age, wear and a polish enhanced by age and exposure. These effects all combine to create a softer appearance in both color and character.
Patina is that mysterious and enigmatic surface that separates new materials from antiquated ones – creating objects and surfaces that are prized as heirloom quality. The patina itself is a thin layer that forms on the surface of stones, leathers, metals, clays, cements, woods etc., and can itself constitute a protective coating on the materials it covers. Because of these attributes, patina has become a celebrated finish and a requirement to what is known as an antique finish derived from oxidation and other chemical introductions that render age, wear and a polish enhanced by age and exposure. These effects all combine to create a softer appearance in both color and character.
Is patina right for my tile project?
We are often asked about specifying unglazed tiles that will garner this prized patina, or glazed tiles that require little to no maintenance. Though the convenience of glazed ceramic surfaces is prized for many areas and are especially required for intense sanitary conditions (institutional bath walls, hospital floors and walls and industrial kitchen walls) any other areas are fine to use unglazed tiles.
The biggest gain unglazed tiles have over glazed surfaces are -
• improved slip resistance
• improved appearance with age
• natural visual qualities vs manufactured visual qualities
Why might I prefer glazed tiles?
Glazed tiles will change very little due to the protection offered by the fired glaze. unglazed tiles will have more porosity and will change over time as they absorb the environment around them. we understand that some clients will prefer the no maintenance qualities of glazed surfaces rather than patina surfaces. if you are looking for tiles that are perfectly consistent and uniform, unglazed tiles are not for you or your project. if this is the case, please search for any of our tile products that are glazed.
Patina and cement tiles the word “patina” is an inherent part of the heirloom experience of your cement tile installation and the reason that cement tiles are specified for so many projects requiring a surface that will beautifully age with the structure it protects. more than a century ago, europe was the birthplace of cement tile and many of the original installations from that time period continue to be treasured installations.
Your cement tiles and their patina fast forward to today. patina is still all the rage and, now, cement tiles are having a resurgence around the world and are especially finding popularity in the united states where they have not previously been used before. because of this, there is a lack of familiarity with this new “old” surface and with patina.
Gloss Glaze
Let's talk about the glazed tile - still with it's beautiful imperfections but with the protection of a gloss glass. This collection features over 30 glazes and all are highly textured, with it's imperfect and infused color variations.
Porcelain (& Pigment)
The artist collection offered at Cle are amazing. Truly one of a kind. Take a peek at Deborah Osburn's offereings - two of my favorites Tides and Dip in the Watermark Collection. These are porcelain with pigment, all hand crafted. Is it a surprise she's an avid surfer ?!! Perfect for most all applications
Honed Limestone
Are you kidding with these gorgeous custom tiles by Timorous Beasties for Cle !! Part of the Artist's collection, printed by hand on 12 x 12 honed limestone. Now these are a work of art as well. I first was introduced to his work at the IFCC show .. maybe 2015? Loved his fabrics and wall papers and now I'm seeing this gorgeous tile. Love, love, love.
Wow . . . so hard to choose.
Thanks Cle !!!
All available through www.lucyandcompany.com
