Chic Cement Tiles by Popham Design

I desperately want to get my hands on some tile made by Popham Design. Each cement tile is handmade in Morocco (you must watch the video on how they make them!) and the amazing designs are created by the American couple who founded the company, Caitlin and Samuel Dowe-Sandes.

The two have come up with an incredible set of designs and motifs. Upon moving to Morocco in 2006, the former filmmaker and PR exec began sketching new patterns after being inspired by the cement tiles in the courtyard of their 250 year-old Marrakech. The resulting oeuvre is wonderfully current and versatile thanks to the combination of the duo's modern, western perspective and influences from traditional Moroccan architecture.

The designs are grouped into a few collections: Classics + Twists, Scribbles + Loops, Sixes + Sevens, Flora + Fauna, Plain + Shapely, and last but not least, David Hicks by Ashley Hicks. The collections can be commingled and the tiles can be used on nearly any surface, so the world is your oyster in terms of application! Here's a look at the possibilities...

I'm completely smitten with these tiles. What do you think of them? I love that they are bold and dynamic yet still understated thanks to the humble concrete composition and the low luster glaze. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd probably go with the honeycomb hex or the stripes. What about you?

If you're interested in purchasing, check out the "how to buy" section on the Popham site. Fortunately for us Americans, we can get the tiles (albeit a very limited selection) through Ann Sacks. Custom orders are also a possibility.

Backsplashes that I Knew and Loved

Last weekend I went to my 10 year high school reunion. It was fun to see old friends and hear about what they are up to these days. One of my former classmates is in the process of remodeling her kitchen and we got on the topic of backsplash tile. Along with countertop selection, choosing backsplash material is one of the most impactful (aesthetic) decisions to make in a kitchen design.

 via Walker Zanger

There are so many options and the one you pick can shape the overall look of a kitchen. For example, the backsplash in our old house consisted of dingy, tumbled marble square tiles and I changed it to a clean, Carerra marble subway tile. That alteration made the space look sleeker and more sophisticated. As you can see below, we also painted the cabinets, upgraded the dishwasher to stainless, and had Absolute Black granite countertops installed. Even though all of those elements contributed to the improved outcome, the backsplash was key in setting the tone.

The infamous "before" shot....not my style!

Like most big decisions, it can be tough to pick, especially given the amazing/overwhelming selection of tile available. Lots of people choose to play it safe and stick with something neutral and classic like white subway tile (which is always a winner in my book).

 via More Design

But like I said, there are lots of fabulous options now which makes it tempting to step out of the comfort zone and be a little more daring. If I got to change my backsplash now, I'd probably pick this beauty from Studium, the Maharajah Stripe, a mosaic chevron design in Calacatta Tia and Thassos. I've rattled on about this before and of course, used it in the Knight Moves header so obviously I'm fixated on it!

I also like these designs from Ann Sacks:

Beau Monde - Ann Sacks

Obsidian - Ann Sacks

 Walker Zanger also has some fun options...

 

I LOVE these but I think they are for the floor...Walker Zanger needs to make smaller versions!

What is your take on backsplash tile? Do you prefer the area to be classic and understated or do you think it's a place for personality?

I'm probably somewhere in between, like this...

 via More Design

Tile Time

I am completely obsessed with tile. In my dream world, there would be floor-to-ceiling tile work in the kitchen and in every bathroom in our house. Walker Zanger, Ann Sacks, and Waterworks are like candy stores for tile and I am always blown away by the stunning new designs, patterns, and materials on display. The aforementioned groups have gorgeous showrooms here in Big D and I promise to take field trips to all and will report back with lots of photos. They really are inspiring places if you're looking for ideas for bathroom and kitchen projects.

The following inlaid tile patterns are among my favorites and are all made by Edgewater Studio. According to the website, you can get their products through Walker Zanger. They are available in matte or glossy glass and of course in a variety of colors (custom color is an option too).  These have me desperately trying to think of places and ways to use tile in our house...hopefully it will at least get put in our master bathroom. I adore the fireplace surround in the final pic!