The Laura Ashley Wicker matte porcelain tile features an intricate geometric pattern that’s sure to make your space stand out. The moody Charcoal color creates beautiful contrast against the light cabinetry in this kitchen, while the pattern offers an eye-catching focal point.

The soft Dove Grey color is an excellent flooring option in this bright rainbow bathroom, adding subtle interest without taking away from the bold wall design.

Loving the rainbow wall? Click here for At Home with Ashley’s best tips on how to design with color.

Baby blue cabinets and gold hardware pair well with the tiled floor to create a space that feels fresh and inviting!

For a more energizing design, the Sea Spray color is a playful option that instantly brightens up this gorgeous living room.

This mudroom is the perfect combination of function and beauty, thanks to the pretty (and durable!) tiled flooring and sleek navy cabinetry.

Speaking of mudrooms… this crisp space shows the difference in atmosphere that can be achieved depending on color palettes. While the above mudroom is moody and cozy, this space is bright and refreshing.

Perfect for modern farmhouse style, the floor tile brings this space to life with an elegant pop of pattern.

We’re absolutely swooning over this boho bathroom. The mix of patterns and a cozy color palette create an ideal atmosphere to relax and unwind.

Featuring a Laura Ashley Heritage Collection geometric print, the Mr Jones matte porcelain tile makes a statement with a more traditional pattern that’s both contemporary and timeless.

One of our favorite uses of this tile is as a fun design element on fireplaces. Check out the many unique styles it can create!

See more of our favorite tiled fireplace designs here!

The Mr Jones pattern adds a lovely touch of elegance to this rustic-inspired space.

The tiled backsplash offers just the right amount of color and pattern to maintain a neutral palette while adding some visual interest to this light-and-airy kitchen!

Turn your laundry room into a place you actually want to spend time! The porcelain tile is a breeze to clean while adding a winsome look and feel to your space.

See more from West Bay Homes and learn about the designer behind the brand, Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, in this Q&A.

We can’t wait to see the new Laura Ashely tiles in action! View the full collection here, and be sure to tag us @thetileshop in your next project to be featured.

The post 15 Laura Ashley Spaces We Love appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

What is Cement Tile?

1. 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.
2. 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 are important to know before you begin.

• 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!

The post Style Guide: Cement & Cement-Look Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Florals for spring…groundbreaking, right?! When it comes to tile, thankfully floral designs are perfect year-round. These flourishing patterns can rejuvenate a dreary bathroom, or create a welcoming entryway. Immerse yourself into our collection of fresh florals, and find the right pattern to express your individuality.

Floral-Printed Tile

Prominent or slightly subdued, floral designs have existed in numerous trends throughout the decades. There is something classic about a picture-perfect nature scene that people continue to incorporate in their home and clothing designs over the years.

Notice the beautified shower wall in the bathroom above. The gorgeous flower print on Fabola Blu makes it a perfect accent wall. The tile’s white base allows it to seamlessly unite with the white walls in the bathroom.

Just like florals, glass tiles beautifully add an element of glam to your space. Three of our designer collaborations include blossoming prints to brighten any design.

Annie Selke Collection

Some of our most exciting tiles come from the Annie Selke Art Glass collection. These large-format tiles rejoice with vibrant positive feeling.

Laura Ashley Collection

Not every floral patterned tile has to be a bold display of color. Our Laura Ashley glass splash backs make perfect botanical backsplashes year-round. The gorgeous silhouette scene displayed before adds a touch of elegance to this kitchen.

Turn your backsplash into a peaceful meadow view with this blissful glass tile.

Ted Baker Collection

The Ted Baker collection stands out with its natural beauty. These tiles can cater to multiple styles with either tropical and oriental floral prints. Ted Baker Tropical offers four luscious patterns in two muted shades of grey. Install Ted Baker Flight of the Orient to incorporate Chinoiserie inspiration. Chinoiserie is the European imitation of Chinese and East Asian decorative styles, arts and nature scenes.

Floral-Inspired Patterns

From bold, colorful movement to soft, subtle detailing, these next patterned tiles display a flowerbed of inspiration. Floral-inspired patterns encompass prominent geometric shapes but still have an organic appearance.

The front entrance is the gateway to your home—make the most of your design, and display a lively pattern. The elevating blue tones in Riordan will make any entrance a welcoming one.

While Star Olive/Grey was made for both walls and floor, this tile is the furthest thing from an ordinary wallflower. The geometric pattern displayed on the booth above resembles energetic green flower petals. This boldly designed tile is perfect for making an impact in spaces made for entertaining.

This blossom-covered bathroom floor has the perfect amount of old-world charm. Notice Lacy’s modern coloring and vintage weathered look. Take a look at more of our stunning floral-inspired tiles.

Reflect a statement of luxury with Annie Selke Tulip. This elegant piece of art was created by our product designer manager, Brandy Janke. Notice Tulip’s delicate limestone and mother-of-pearl detailing.

“I was inspired by Annie Selke to create this mosaic. It’s all about bringing natural elements together into one tile.” —Brandy Janke, product designer manager

The elegant hexagon shape in our final image below creates a gorgeous, subtle, flower-like pattern. This design is great for coordinating with black and white marble spaces.

Don’t be afraid to incorporate a blossoming design into your home. Floral patterns aren’t just meant for your grandmother’s vintage sofa. Find a soft pattern for you kitchen floor or follow your instincts and cover your kitchen backsplash with a breathtaking scene.

The post Rejuvenate with Florals appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.