Check this out ✔ Handcrafted tile in a Checkerboard Pattern!

In the interior design world, tiling in a checkerboard pattern has been making a major comeback recently. This classic staple has been a mainstay in homes for centuries and has transitioned beautifully into modern design. Its popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal, versatility, and ability to add a touch of sophistication to any room. Get inspired by this roundup of some of our favorite checkerboard spaces featuring our handcrafted cement tile and zellige!

Bright room with gray and white checkerboard tile floor.
Man Overboard Featherstone & White Cement Tile, design by Wills Design Associates

Villa Lagoon Tile’s Man Overboard cement tile pattern can be set to create many stunning patterns including the classic checkerboard on point like Wills Design Associates did in the residential pool house design above.

Bathroom with green and white checker board patterned floor and wall tile.
4-Inch Solid Cement Tile in Seashell White & Dry Sage, design by Sarah Sherman Samuelson

Designer Sarah Sherman Samuelson helped to bring the checkerboard pattern back into fashion with Villa Lagoon Tile’s calm and earthy cement tile color combo: Dry Sage and Seashell White. Using a four-inch square tile was the perfect scale to continue the pattern from the floor and up two-thirds of the wall.

Bathroom with red and cream checker board patterned tiled shower and floor.
Solid Ruby & Alabaster Cement Tile, Graduate Hotel Palo Alto
Black and white checker patterned tile floor in a retro style kitchen.
Tugboat Black & White Cement While, design by PMQ for Two

PMQ for Two is keeping it classic with this retro-glam kitchen by using our Tugboat Black & White cement tile.

Glossy blue and white checker tiled kitchen backsplash.
Oceanside & Oyster Shell Glazed Zellige, design by Brittin Prior

These rustic country chic kitchens by designer Christina Salaway and Brittin Prior feature Villa Lagoon Tile’s artisan-crafted four-inch zellige tiles set in a striking checkerboard pattern.

Glossy green and light green checker tiled kitchen backsplash.
Garden Grove & Wintergreen Glazed Zellige, design by Christina Salaway
4-Inch Solid Cement Tile in Seashell White & Dry Sage, design by Goldenrod Studios

Villa Lagoon Tile’s solid four-inch cement tile in Dry Sage and Seashell White is the perfect backdrop for this old-world rustic kitchen design by Goldenrod Studios.

Bright room with gray and white checkerboard tile floor.
Man Overboard Featherstone & White Cement Tile, design by Wills Design Associates

Overall, the checkerboard tile trend is a versatile, stylish, and timeless addition to any room. Checkered tile patterns beautifully bridge the gap between contemporary and timeless design.

The Benefits of Using Zellige Tiles

Zellige tile is all about rustic charm. A Moroccan tile art form dating back 1,000 years, Zellige and Bejmat tiles celebrate the natural beauty of the clay. 

What is Zellige Tile?

Unlike machined tile, exquisite Zellige and Bejmat tiles by Villa Lagoon Tile are molded, cut, and glazed entirely by hand by skilled artisans in Fez, Morocco. They use local clays fired in kilns fueled by olive pits, then finished with an enamel glaze.

Each Zellige tile is unique, with variations in color, edging, and shape. Like the irregularities in natural wood grain or the tiny air bubbles in hand-blown glass, it is these perfect imperfections for which Zellige is known. 

Where Can Zellige Tile Be Installed?

Zellige tile can be installed anywhere that regular tile is installed in residential and commercial spaces. The tiles are available in various colors, patterns, and sizes, making them a versatile option for any design scheme.

Can Zellige Tiles Be Installed Outdoors?

Zellige can be installed outdoors as long as they are adhered to and appropriately grouted. 

Designing with Zellige Tiles

Not only are Zellige tiles stunning to look at, but they also have a host of benefits that make them an excellent choice for flooring, walls, and countertops. Here are a few tips on how to use these tiles in your home:

1. Use Zellige tiles as flooring: For beautiful and durable flooring, these tiles come in various colors, patterns, and sizes.

2. Use Zellige tiles as walls: Zellige tiles are a great way to add some personality and character to your home’s walls

3. Use Zellige tiles as a kitchen backsplash: Behind the counter or your range looks stunning. Zellige tiles can make any kitchen backsplash ‘pop.’

Here are some Zellige inspirations: 

One way to make your bathroom go from ‘drab’ to ‘fab?’ Pair unexpected colors! Here, our Zellige Bejmat Jadeite is the dominant color enhanced by the accent color of the red berry rug.

Colors of nature, like our Zellige in Evergreen, create a calm, nourishing look and feel to any space. 

Pastels are perfect for creating a warm, soothing feeling in any space. Our Zellige in Peony looks amazing in applications such as shower walls, backsplashes, and accent walls.

The shade of blue in our Mariana Blue Zellige can be bold and powerful or soft and serene. It’s all up to your design imagination!

We love rooms that combine warm neutrals and calming blues. Pictured in this bathroom is our Zellige tile in Iceberg. The floor tile is our Vienna Frost.

How to Install Zellige Tile

Zellige tiles require skill and experience to install correctly, so consulting with a professional is recommended.

Having imbued a sense of luxury and artistry in homes, religious buildings, and other public spaces across the centuries, Zellige tiles are an ideal choice for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and unique art forms. How can Villa Lagoon Tile help you bring this unique style to life for your project? 

Cressida Bell Cement Tile Collection

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with renowned English interior and textile designer, Cressida Bell to launch a collection that pushes the boundaries of cement tile design. The inaugural Cressida Bell Collection includes eight patterns, each with three to four colorways.

Bell’s Sky

Designed for the Royal Academy of Arts in London, Bell drew inspiration directly from English artist Walter Crane, primarily known for his illustrations for
children’s books which often featured flying birds.

Artichoke

Bell originally created this “artichoke” pattern exclusively for the cover artwork of Arabella Boxer’s Book of English Food: A Rediscovery of British Food From
Before the War.

Crosshatch

Bell cites crosshatch as one of her favorite motifs, which she uses time and again in her work. She thinks this pattern will provide a classic look and feel to any
space.

Fish Pond

Inspired by Bell’s bathroom tiles (painted by her father, Quentin Bell) incorporating mermaids and fishes. Initially, Fish Pond was a furnishing fabric used for
cushions and is now also a greetings card.

Bell’s Tulips

This was initially a design for a scarf with bunches of tulips arranged in a fish-scale pattern which easily translated into a tile of a similar shape.

African Check

Inspired by her international travels, Bell initially designed this fun, geometric pattern for her hand-printed silk scarf collection.

Oak Leaf

Originally created for Bell’s client who wanted outdoor furniture with a garden-themed patterned fabric.

Paisley Leaf

This pattern was initially produced as a fabric for menswear designer
Richard James and draws inspiration from an interior at ‘Charleston’ — the house that
was a gathering point for the Bloomsbury Group. It is now featured on Bell’s lamps and
shades.

The color combinations and patterns in the collection span from strikingly contemporary to classic, and each is an artful study of color and composition.

Always on Trend: Black and White Cement Tile

Black and white tile patterns are both classic and contemporary–basically the very definition of timeless design. This seemingly simple color combo is elevated by how deep you can make your design statement, whether you choose a bold geometric look or an elegant, intricate pattern. 

Handcrafted cement tiles change up this vintage tile style with a matte finish that has depth and character, such you see in our with a Troika pattern below.

What is Cement Tile?

Cement tile is made from a centuries-old process, using marble and cement along with natural mineral pigments. We like to say cement tiles deliver emotion through texture rather than the flat printed-on color of ceramic tile. 

Cement tiles are not fired but are created sustainably through intense pressure from a mechanical hydraulic press and then cured naturally like structural concrete.  Cement tiles are so durable they can even be used in high-traffic commercial spaces like restaurants and hotels.

Similar to natural stone, each handcrafted cement tile is unique with slight color variations, the sign of an artisan-made product. Cement tiles come in many different shapes from square to hexagon to fishscale to rectangles.  

Whether it is creating a tile bathroom floor to a kitchen backsplash wall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to using black and white cement tile.

How is Cement Tile Different from Ceramic Tile?

Cement tile is a handmade artisan product, whereas ceramic tile is mass-produced with designs printed on the surface. In addition, they are entirely different materials, which means some tile contractors are not experienced with cement tiles. 

As previously mentioned, cement tiles are more similar to natural stone than ceramic tiles. Sealing and maintenance requirements are similar. 

Learn more about the difference between cement tile and porcelain tile in this video by Adam Esparza of ALE Tile.

What is Black and White Terrazzo Tile?

Terrazzo tile is a type of cement tile enhanced by adding marble chips, or other materials, then grinding down the color layer to expose them. 

Individual tiles may be black chips set in white cement, white chips set in black cement, or the cement and marble chips in the same color, creating a dimensional sheen to the tile.  

What Era is Black and White Tile From?

Black and white tile is a timeless look, but there are periods in history, such as the Victorian era and the 1920s, that are most associated with this color combination.

Today in the 2020s, the twist on this color combination tile is creating unique and unexpected patterns in fun shapes. The rustic matte look of cement tile in solid black and solid white is a good choice for farmhouse and cottage core decor. 

Creating a Black and White Geometric Tile Look

This color combination lends itself particularly well to patterns of tiles, including mixing and matching to create unique borders, which is a classic use of cement tile. 

We recommend planning your pattern in advance, either inspired by the classic looks or working with a professional designer to conceptualize a fresh new take. Let these pictures below inspire you.

Our Gypsy Black & White pattern is one of our original and most popular in-stock options that takes the classic appeal of black and white tile for the bathroom and offers a fresh new look for floor and wall tile.

Balanced black and white floral vine cement tile floor and wall
“Gypsy Black & White” Cement Tile Bathroom Floor and Wall, designed by Centoni Restoration and Development

Another popular way to use black and white tiles is in a lattice pattern, giving tile flooring in any space a fresh, clean, and elegant look. Shown below is our Circulos Black and White Evening.

“Circulos Black & White Evening” Cement Tile Floor and Custom Patchwork Wall, Design by Nicole Chaves Design, Photo by Vivienne Tyler Photography

When it comes to using black and white bathroom tiles, a fresh new take is to use them is in unexpected patterns. 

“Labyrinth B&W Morning” Cement Tile Floor

A black and white checkerboard pattern is classic, but this seemingly simple color combo is elevated by the depth and character that cement tile brings. Just look at our bold, graphic Cubes A Sencillo in this bathroom designed by Dabito, Founder & Creative Director Of Old Brand New. It makes QUITE the statement!

Solid Black Hexagonal Cement Tile Floor and “Cubes A Sencillo” Cement Tile Wall, designed by Dabito from Old Brand New

Can You Use Cement Tiles in a Shower?

Yes, cement tiles can be used in all areas where natural stone is used. Learn more about sealing cement tiles.

This installation is a prime example, with our Large Cubes Excalibur paired with natural stone in this dramatic shower.

Designing with black and white tiles can be a great way to add style and interest to your home or business. Whether it’s a checkerboard look or mixing and matching colors and shapes, Villa Lagoon Tile cement tiles are perfect for making a statement indoors or outdoors. With so many possibilities, there’s sure to be a look that will fit your needs and style. 

Learn more about how your cement tile will be installed.

In-Stock and On Budget

Villa Lagoon Tile in-stock black and white cement tile ships within two business days, with 2-5 business days transit to most of the continental US. Handcrafted one at a time by our skilled artisans, our black and white cement tile patterns start at just $3.99 per piece or $9.27 per square foot.

Cement Tile on a Budget

The Essentials Collection is a curated selection of Villa Lagoon Tile’s most universal and basic cement tiles. Handcrafted one at a time by our skilled artisans and in-stock for under $4.00 per piece, you can easily stay on trend and on budget!

New Zellige Colors In-Stock!

The Zellige tile collection from Villa Lagoon Tile brings a rustic charm to any project. Unlike machined tile, our exquisite Zellige and Bejmat tiles are crafted entirely by hand in a time-honored method of tile-making designed to celebrate the natural beauty of the clay.

4 natural clay finished hand chiseled tiles

Natural Unglazed Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 white glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Snow White Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 earthy yellow glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Goldenrod Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 pink glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Dusty Rose Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 dark purple glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Eggplant Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 green glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Emerald Green Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 light green glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Wintergreen Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 dark blue glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Mariana Blue Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and 2″ mosaic mats.

Cement Tile Fresh for Summer

A Villa Lagoon Tile favorite, Katie, is now featured in fresh green tones to keep your space summer-ready all year long.

Featured in the June/July 2021 issue of House Beautiful, our Katie Fresco Cement Tile makes an appearance in the stunning Palm Beach project by designer Phoebe Howard.

Photo by Noe DeWitt

Built in 1891, this beachy victorian home known as “the Duck’s Nest”, is the second oldest residential building in Palm Beach. It has been beautifully renovated by new owners, Brian and Julie Simmons and with the addition of cement tile, the Duck’s Nest will easily sail through another 130 years.

Enjoy Your Outdoor Space All Year Long with this Backyard Remodel ‘How-To’

Our backyard has become an extension of our home living routine and we’re spending more time living and entertaining on our decks and patios. As we head into the colder weather months, interest is increasing in extending outdoor living because it is a safer option. It’s no wonder that backyard home improvement projects are surging. 

So, when Chelsea Foy from Lovely Indeed shared her gorgeous backyard patio remodel reveal and installation ‘how-to,’ we thought the timing couldn’t be more perfect! If you’re thinking of installing cement tile into your outdoor living space, Chelsea perfectly captures the process and experience here

Because cement tile is more like natural stone than other types of tile, it’s important to use sealant before grouting to keep the grout from staining or adhering to the face of the tile. As Chelsea points out in her blog, understanding the right sealant to use is also critical so that the cement tile absorbs minimal staining and retains the color as much as possible. To learn more about the type of sealant you will need, you can download our guide here.

And, we’re always here to help — whether it’s for design inspiration or help to choose tiles for your outdoor (or indoor!) space. Please contact us at [email protected].

Handcrafted Zellige Tile Collection Celebrates Authentic Moroccan Artistry

Get this look by combining Glazed Evergreen & Oyster Shell Bejmat Tile

Gulf Shores, AL (July 17, 2020) ― The new Zellige tile collection from Villa Lagoon Tile brings a rustic charm to residential and hospitality projects. Unlike machined tile, these exquisite Zellige and Bejmat tiles are crafted entirely by hand in a time-honored method of tile-making designed to celebrate the natural beauty of the clay. 

Skilled artisans in Fez, Morocco use local clays fired in kilns fueled by olive pits to create these tiles, which are then finished with an enamel glaze. Because Villa Lagoon Tile Zellige tiles are molded, cut, and glazed by hand, each tile is unique with variations in color, edging and shape. Like the irregularities in natural wood grain or the tiny air bubbles in hand-blown glass, it is these perfect imperfections that produce the beautiful effect Zellige tile is known for.

Perfectly imperfect glazed zellige in the color Garden Grove

The square Zellige tiles are best used in applications such as shower walls, backsplashes, and accent walls, while the rectangular Bejmat tiles may also be used on light-traffic floors. They can be installed indoors or outdoors as long as they are adhered and grouted properly. Zellige tiles require skill and experience to install properly, so consulting with a professional is recommended.

The production of glazed clay tiles in Morocco dates back over 1,000 years. Having imbued a sense of luxury and artistry in homes, religious buildings, and other public spaces, the style is enjoying a resurgence of interest in this millennium. 

The Zellige collection from Villa Lagoon Tile includes 4-inch square glazed clay tiles as well as rectangular, 5 ½-inch long Bejmat tiles. Both styles of tile are immediately available in a choice of 13 colors. Additional color options, shapes and sizes will be added over time. 

To learn more, visit www.villalagoontile.com/zellige/.

###

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Naomi Salad, Dialogue

For Villa Lagoon Tile

678.429.2369

[email protected]

Amalena Meadow Cement Tiles Celebrate Global Design

Villa Lagoon Tile designers bring a global perspective to every new tile design, finding inspiration in the shapes, patterns, colors and textures of different parts of the world. Sometimes, that inspiration results in the merging of influences to create one-of-a-kind patterns in handcrafted cement tile. The Amalena tile series blends the bold energy of Cuban design with the intricate details of antique Turkish rugs, making it perfect as an accent wall by a soaking tub or an outdoor living room.


Bathroom design by Preferred Home Builders, Conga Park, CA

Lively floral and geometric forms that are the hallmark of Cuban tile design marry with delicate domes, arches, and minarets that epitomized the architecture and textiles of the Ottoman Empire. The result is a lush, tropical vibe with a twist.


Kitchen Design by Story Hill Renovations, Wauwatosa, WI

Because the Amalena series takes inspiration from Turkish textiles, it is also an ideal choice for creating the classic rug-like effect with a border tile surrounding a field tile on the floor. This type of installation creates a sense of drama in both hospitality and residential projects.

A single row of border tiles will add a finishing touch to a cement tile floor, but if the room is large enough, a border made up of two, three or even more rows of tile can create an opulent and unforgettable impression.

The Amalena series is available in a choice of four colorways that combine our most vivid South Beach Colors. Or, make the look completely your own with our easy-to-use cement tile design tool that allows you to customize your color palette.

These dynamic tiles are made to last: no printed-on color here. Similar to natural stone, each cement tile is unique with slight color variations, the sign of an artisan-made product. Installing cement tiles is similar to installing natural stone, with tighter grout lines and use of a sealant after the tiles are set.


Bathroom design by Preferred Home Builders, Conga Park, CA

To purchase Amalena tile and sealant factory-direct, or to learn more about the benefits of using cement tile, click here.

Cement Tile: A Statement-Making Solution for a Historic Home Remodel

Julie and Barret Blondeau wanted to make a statement when they updated the bathroom in their 90-year-old home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. To achieve their design goals, they selected cement tile from the Caprice collection from Villa Lagoon Tile to replace the outdated flooring in their bathroom.

Julie was kind enough to chat with us about the new bathroom design and her experience with our cement tile. 

What prompted you to start the bathroom renovation? What were some of the aesthetic design choices that went into creating this bath?

In November of 2017, we bought a 90-year-old home with lots of beautiful historical detail. We wanted to update the house to match our style in a way that would not conflict with its unique character. When we were ready to remodel the bathroom, I knew I wanted to make a statement, and my instinct was it needed to be the flooring. 

I found Villa Lagoon Tile cement tiles and loved the look. I also thought the artisan look would blend seamlessly with the rest of the house. I tend to go neutral with walls, floors, etc., and almost went with the grey and white tiles, but I kept coming back to this black and white design. It’s a perfect fit in our bathroom and makes a beautiful design statement, but it’s also timeless, which is one of the things I love about cement tile. 

Have you used cement tiles before? What do you like about cement tiles? What did you find different about working with cement tiles? 

I’ve never used them before. I like the thickness and the fact that each tile is unique with slight color variations, which is the sign of an artisan-made product. Stone and Tile Works by Manny laid down the cement tile floor and did a beautiful job!

I’ve learned that while cement tile requires a little more care during installation and cleaning, they are made to last. I am also very pleased with how well they clean up, especially because the bathroom is regularly used by my teenage daughters. 

Would you recommend Villa Lagoon cement tiles? Why or why not?

Yes, I would! They are beautiful and unique and there’s a wide range of styles and colors. Everyone who I dealt with at Villa Lagoon Tile are truly cement tile experts and couldn’t have been more helpful and pleasant.

Tell us a little more about your business.

We have lived in Louisiana all our lives and love our area–we take a lot of pride in making it a better place. We enjoy helping others make it their place, too. We own Cottonwood Properties and Realty in Baton Rouge, LA, and we handle both rentals and investment properties. Barret is a Broker/Realtor and I am a Realtor. We are passionate about home life, and the benefit of working with us is that we are involved in every aspect of real estate, so we bring a lot of knowledge to the table. We have our hands in this industry in several different ways, which is great because we get to help on many levels, from house hunting with a client to fixing up a property to sell to someone. We love working with people, but we also appreciate the construction side of this line of work, as well as the creativity involved. 

Visit Cottonwood Properties on Facebook and Instagram.