Hospitality Archives - Cement Style

Add Flavor with Breeze Blocks!

*Molokai Breeze Blocks at The Hart, Nashville, TN, Designed by Powell Architects*

The beauty and function of breeze blocks is undeniable and although for some, they never went out of style, for many they are just waking up to the idea. Since our debut in 2019, Villa Lagoon Tile’s Breeze Blocks have helped to revive this mid-century modern staple, with a more refined version of the pattern blocks of the original era. We like to call them “Breeze Blocks 2.0”. These hand-made blocks use finer sand aggregate and hydraulic presses, rather than the course-cast products of the past. This makes these blocks thinner, smoother, and generally more appealing than their “1.0” counterparts.

A new wave of designers have embraced breeze blocks and are employing them ingeniously. Among our top picks is their application in restaurant design. Take a scroll to discover some remarkable eateries showcasing our beloved breeze blocks!

*Maui Breeze Blocks at Taco Social, Eagle Rock, CA, Designed by Catia Sander Design*

*Seychelles Breeze Blocks at Baresco Restaurant, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Designed by Summit Design Build*

*Ibiza Breeze Blocks & Man Overboard Cement Tile at The Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, FL, Designed by Rockwell*

*Large Bermuda Breeze Blocks at La Cha Cha Cha, Los Angeles, CA, Designed by Lena Kohl*

*Large Tonga Breeze Blocks at The Eleanor, Scottsdale, AZ, Designed by Social Design Studio*

*Luzon Breeze Blocks at Primo Waterfront Restaurant, Newburg, NY*, *Designed by Lovecraft Design*

*Maui Breeze Blocks at Iguana on Park, Jacksonville, FL, Designed by FORM + SPACE, INC*

*Large Ibiza Breeze Blocks at Anamia’s Tex Mex, Prosper, TX, Designed By Keaton Interiors*

*Cozumel Breeze Blocks at Jeni’s Ice Cream, Houston, TX, Designed by 505 Design*

Our Breeze Blocks are available in multiple shapes and sizes, over 50 patterns, and 10 colors for special order. We stock dozens of these patterns for quick shipment in our Alabama and California warehouses and ship worldwide!

Explore Our Breeze blocks noW!

Villa Lagoon Tile Wins Big at the 2019 HD Expo Trade Show

Villa Lagoon Tile cemented great relationships with hospitality designers at the 2019 HD Expo show when our Ombré Collection won the prestigious ASID DESIGN IMPACT Award.

ASID CEO Randy Fiser presenting the Design Impact award to Villa Lagoon Tile. — ASID Award Presentation at Villa Lagoon Tile’s booth. Left to Right: John M. Adams, Melissa Adams Dillon, Rusty Dillon, Randy Fiser.

“No sooner than the P.A. system announced the launch of the show, a striking crowd began gathering near our booth,” said John Adams, Villa Lagoon Tile director of technology and long-time employee. “Next thing I know, I’m shaking hands with Randy Fiser, CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and trying to comprehend that they were telling us, ‘you won!’”

ASID believes that design impacts lives, and seeks to recognize companies who make that belief a priority in their work. We count Villa Lagoon Tile among those organizations.

Randy Fiser, Hon. FASID, CEO, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

The Ombré Cement Tile series, inspired by the traditional textile technique of dying or weaving color from dark to light, is the result of nearly a half-year of work between our designer, Melissa Adams Dillon, and the cement tile artisans at our studio.

Villa Lagoon Tile's Ombré Collection on display with the ASID Design Impact Awards, at HD Expo 2019. — Villa Lagoon Tile’s Ombré Collection presentation at HD Expo 2019, bearing the ASID Design Impact Award.

Melissa was also part of the team behind our new Cuban Collection that debuted at the show, a team that included our Founder-Designer Lundy Wilder. Inspired by their research trip to Cuba, the two women created a series that honors the traditional floors they observed, while also adding new, contemporary options to the genre.

Villa Lagoon Tile's Cuban Collection Cement Tile

And as if all that hasn’t kept Melissa busy enough, she also led the team in launching our new Watercolor series, mesmerizing pigmented color that flows freely, as if on a watercolor painting.

Villa Lagoon Tile's Water Color series of cement tile.

Cement tile is perfect for hospitality projects as evident in these gorgeous restaurant installations. Our exclusive cement tile design tool makes it easy to create and order one-of-a-kind signature looks for your hospitality projects.

As happily unexpected as it was to win the ASID Impact award, the unexpected is what Villa Lagoon Tile always strives for as we continually push the boundaries of design and performance in cement tile offerings.

Congrats to the winners of the Design Impact Awards at @hdexposhow! Atkinson Ergonomic, Concrete Collaborative, MAMAGREEN, and Villa Lagoon Tile each received a Design Impact Award this morning. Learn more –https://t.co/MdG3cPOmc4 pic.twitter.com/9ltzOkxgNu
— ASID (@ASID) May 15, 2019

Join Villa Lagoon Tile at the HD Expo!

In the mood to be inspired by the rich, architectural beauty of historic Havana or the pearl of the Caribbean?

Or, perhaps you’re mesmerized by the unique spontaneity of pigmented color that flows freely on a watercolor painting?

Or, maybe—JUST maybe—you find the traditional textile technique of dying or weaving color from dark to light exciting?

If you said ‘yes’ to any of the above, Villa Lagoon Tile invites you to stop by our HDExpo booth (#1233) and witness the BIG reveal of our new tile collections! While the collections may be top secret as you read this blog post, you’ll be able to experience at our booth firsthand how we are continuing to push the boundaries of creating the unexpected in cement tile offerings.

We’re also giving firsthand access to try our exclusive cement tile design tool, which makes it easy to create and order one-of-a-kind colors and patterns if you seek a custom signature look and uniqueness for your hospitality projects.

If you are interested in setting up a booth tour during your time at HDExpo, please click here for more information.

We look forward to meeting you at HDExpo!

Cement Tile Roundup: Restaurant Design

Feast Your Eyes on This!

This post is exactly what you expected, a lovely flight of photos featuring Villa Lagoon Cement Tile in a handful of restaurants.

Bon Appétit!

Photo of our Large Cubes tile at Marcus restaurant at MGM National Harbor — “Large Cubes” Cement Tile at Marcus, MGM National Harbor, MD

Solid Troika Cement Tile at Nando’s Oakville, Ontario Location

Custom "Piedmont" Cement Tile at The Watermark Community Cafe — Custom “Piedmont” Cement Tile at The Watermark Community Cafe

"Mixed Gray Hex" on the floor at Terra in Danbury, CT — “Mixed Gray Hex” Cement Tile at Terra in Danbury, CT

"Ikat A, B, C, D" on the Tap Wall at Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver — “Ikat’s A, B, C, D” on the Tap Wall at Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver

"Man Overboard" and "Tugboat" Cement Tile at Nando's in Danforth, Toronto — “Man Overboard B&W” and “Tugboat Featherstone & White” at Nando’s in Danforth, Toronto

“Havana Cantina” and Matching Solid Cement Tile Border at their League City, TX Location

“Chevron Grille” Cement Tile at Marcus, MGM National Harbor, MD

"Caprice Sebring" Cement Tile at Jimmy Changas Pearland, TX Location — “Caprice Sebring” Cement Tile at Jimmy Changas Pearland, TX Location

"Crow's Feet" and Solid Gray Hexagonal Cement Tiles at Nando's Ballston Location in Arlington, VA — “Crow’s Feet” and Solid Gray Hexagonal Cement Tiles at Nando’s Ballston Location in Arlington, VA

“Havana Cantina” Cement Tile on the Stair Fronts at Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver

Custom "Tulips" with Solid Cement Tile Border at Jimmy Changas in Katy, TX — Custom “Tulips” with Solid Cement Tile Border at Jimmy Changas in Katy, TX

"Circulos B&W" Cement Tile on the Bar Front of Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa, CA — “Circulos Black & White” Cement Tile on the Bar Front of Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa, CA

A Mix of "Concentric Hex" Cement Tile Colorways at Colada's, DC Location — A Mix of “Concentric Hex” Cement Tile Colorways at Colada’s DC Location

"Lisbon" Cement Tile at Cafe Hollander in Mequon, WI — “Lisbon” Cement Tile at Cafe Hollander in Mequon, WI

"Diagonal Four" Cement Tile at Il Tavolino, Chicago, IL — “Diagonal Four” Cement Tile at Il Tavolino, Chicago, IL

Custom "Concentric Hex" on the Bar Fronts of Butcher and Bee in Nashville, TN — Custom “Concentric Hex” on the Bar Fronts of Butcher and Bee in Nashville, TN

"Ikat A" Cement Tile on the Bar Back of BalAir Cantina's Oak Creek, WI Location — “Ikat A” Cement Tile on the Bar Back of BalAir Cantina’s Oak Creek, WI Location

"Mossy Fan Vine" Cement Tile at Alfred Coffee, Studio City, CA — “Mossy Fan Vine” Cement Tile at Alfred Coffee, Studio City, CA

Custom "Charge" and Matching Solid Cement Tile at Union Square Cafe, New York, NY — Custom “Charge” and Matching Solid Cement Tile at Union Square Cafe, New York, NY

Custom "Havana Cantina" with a Matching Solid Border at Jimmy Changas in Katy, TX — Custom “Havana Cantina” with a Matching Solid Border at Jimmy Changas in Katy, TX

Instagram Post Images at the Top of the Page from @marcusnationalharbor, @tacolicioussf, & @eatpuesto

Cement Tile at The Hotel Van Zandt

The buzz about Austin’s new Hotel Van Zandt is really hitting the airways. Mark Zeff’s music driven design is a true chart-topper and keeping in harmony with Zeff’s vision you will absolutely find Villa Lagoon Tile. As explored in the most recent issue of Interior Design, cement tile is among The Van Zandt’s hits.

Our Exclusive Ikat Patterns Take Stage

Also available at Villa Lagoon Tile are the traditional patterns we call Marrakesh B and Charlotte as seen below.

March 2016 Interior Design, Van Zandt Hotel, Austin, TX

Cement Tile for Foodies

bon-appetit-march-cover-2016 — Bon Appetit Cover March 2016

Where Great Taste Begins…

We spotted a few of our cement tiles while flipping through the March 2016 issue of Bon Appetit.

In fact, you’re likely to find our cement tile wherever you find amazing food or is it the other way around….you decide.

Spot it below: Lisbon (Third down on the left), Tangier (Third down center), Kismet (bottom center)

As the song says, “everything old is new again”, and cement tile is no exception. As the cement tile craze ramps up in the West you can find this old world tile used in new school ways at many of your favorite eateries. Check out a few examples of the bite Villa Lagoon Tile has taken out of the food world.

belcampo-talia-azure — Talia Twilight Cement Tile — Belcampo Meat Co., Santa Monica, CA, Photo By NOTCOT

nandos-props-800-vlt — Props, Neyland Design Cement Tile — Nando’s Peri-Peri Harbor East, Baltimore, MD

COYO_5_of_12_lancelot-mckenzie-construction-photo — Lancelot Blue Cement Tile — Coyo Taco, Miami, FL

COYO_mckenzie-construction-ikat — Ikat Cement Tile — Coyo Taco, Miami, FL

Escalantes-lisbon-crop-vlt — Lisbon and Solid Cement Tile — Escalante’s (Town and Country), Houston, TX

IconicCafe-havana-cantina — Havana Cantina Cement Tile — Iconic Cafe, New York, NY

intelligentsia_chi_03 — Nuevo Castillo Carrara Cement Tile — Intelligentsia Coffee (Logan Square), Chicago, IL

Tugboat and Man Overboard Cement Tile — L’Amico, New York, NY

nandos-chicago — Charge Cement Tile — Nando’s Peri-Peri (West Loop) Chicago, IL

surf-massiria-dc — Surf Cement Tile — Masseria, Washinton, DC

Cement Tile Blows ’em out of the Water, Design by Philippe Starck

One of our most fun projects was making the many patterns of tile that Philippe Stark called for in his design for the SLS Vegas hotel pool area. The project consisted of 2 large ‘rug like’ areas of a patchwork of pattern with a solid color Black tile border around each. This was not our first Phillipe Stark project but it was the largest. We also made cement tile for YOO Panama.

The pool bar at the Las Vegas SLS Hotel is called FOXTAILS.

Quite a bit of organization was required by us, our tile workshop and the installers. The contractor was Ferraro Marble of Las Vegas and they were great to work with.

While many of the patterns were traditional designs for which we already had the molds, there were some that we had to make from scratch. The project required many pre-order samples going back and forth as most large commercial jobs do. Once they saw the quality of our tiles and that we were able to tackle this complicated order, everyone was ‘on board’ and the fun began.

Our factory used color coded sticky tape on the tile boxes to assist Ferraro Marble in identifying which tile was in which box. Even with that help, we know it was a real challenge to follow the designer’s layout exactly.

We also provided the black and white tile used in a chevron pattern on the DANCE FLOOR in the nightclub in the hotel. So many delightful patterns can be created with solid color tiles. We think this is an option seldom explored by many designers. The potential for plaids and large scale repeating or non-repeating patterns is limitless.

In keeping with the B&W theme throughout the SLS Vegas, the Sundries shop has our black and white cement tile.

One thing is for sure, Villa Lagoon Tile’s Custom Patchwork at the SLS Vegas is the perfect setting for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models !!

AD Features Creme Design’s L’Amico NYC

Villa Lagoon Tile’s angular patterns “Tugboat” & “Man Overboard” (Named after the Nautical flags they represent) create a lively floor in the new L’Amico NYC, a new restaurant from well known chef Laurent Tourondel in the Eventi Hotel. He is serving an Italian-influenced menu in a chic semi-rustic setting. We spotted a photo and a tantalizing description of the good eats in Architectural Digest.

CRÈME Design of Brooklyn used a random setting of four Villa Lagoon Tiles.

The AD description, above, makes the food sound divine and we love how the many windows flood the room with light.
Let Villa Lagoon Tile make custom encaustic cement tile for your next project.

Update, April 11, 2016:

Along with and following the segment of the November 2015 print edition, Architectural Digest published several online articles revolving around l’Amico and CREME. Here are some additional links:

Architectural Digest: Chef Laurent Tourondel Opens A Rustic Italian Restaurant in New York City

Architectural Digest: The 14 Best New Restaurants in NYC 2015 (December 10, 2016)

Architectural Digest: 4 Brooklyn Restaurant Designers to Know (March 3, 2016)

Turnberry Resort Chooses Villa Lagoon Tile’s Hexagonal “Halo” Cement Tile

When renovations were done at Turnberry Isle Resort Club our hexagonal cement tiles were chosen for the lively inside-outside CORSAIR Restaurant / Bar over seen by noted chef Scott Contan.

Corsair offers a seasonal and rustic menu of American and Mediterranean dishes. The menu changes based on what can be gotten locally.

The décor, featuring Villa Lagoon Tile’s hand crafted “Halo” hexagonal encaustic cement tile, and menu offerings are united through a sense of understated sophistication.

The restaurant has a scenic outdoor terrace which provides an ideal place for guests to enjoy picturesque views, the splash of the cooling waterfall and the diverse tropical vegetation and, of course, the resort’s acclaimed golf course.

“Find Scott Conant’s hearty, farmhouse-style cooking in a polished, handsome setting.” The Miami Herald

“With CORSAIR, Conant again shows why he’s among the city’s best pasta makers.” Miami New Times

“One of the 10 Hottest New Restaurants in Miami.” Zagat Miami

Turnberry Resort is in the Aventura Miami area and is a luxury Miami hotel, golf course, and club with a private beach.

Bold Cement Tile in the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel

When Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel did a huge renovation of the 100 year old Oak Room, we were happy to have our custom cement tile be a part of the new decor by Powerstrip. Using an historic pattern and brilliant colors, the designers used a Villa Lagoon Tile cement tile in a well known Cuban pattern which coordinates beautifully with the richly paneled room decor.

The Oak Room dining room has been open and serving for over 100 years. Decades of renovations had slowly stripped any actual oak wood from the restaurant and bar space. Further major changes had removed a Merry-Go-Round Bar that was installed during Prohibition and remained until the 1970’s.

Powerstrip’s redesign seamlessly merges the original Beaux-Arts love of bold wall paneling with a contemporary architectural language and finish. The copper bar (the longest in North America) is emblazoned, “We serve the Nation.” Now a sophisticated spot in the Fairmont for farm-to-table American eats, craft drinks & hobnobbing.

Interestingly the designers chose to lay this tile in a different way than the usual of each tile rotated 90 degrees. Here they rotated every other tile 90 degrees and laid them in rows which creates a zig-zag chevron effect.

The wine cellar with Villa Lagoon Tile cement tile in custom colors.

VIDEO: Watch the transformation in action below…the VLT tile goes in at about 38 seconds marker. Note how they protected the freshly laid tile from the other trades once it was laid. This is one key to a good outcome.

Let us provide custom encaustic cement tile for your next renovation or new build and help elevate your design into the WOW! category.