Motif Part 2- Looking at the larger picture

Last month I introduced our newest line - Motif and talked about the basics of the line. This entry talks about how our the Motif tiles are designed to repeat and create a larger overall pattern. Sometimes this pattern can be hard to see when you are just looking at a single tile. This is especially the case when you use the Color Fill technique. Here's a few examples to help you keep the big picture in mind!

 In the Motif pattern F below the gold accent creates a bold focal point in the pattern. In a single tile its not so obvious - the gold is off at the edges and the pale blue is the central element. Once repeated the pale blue recedes to the background and it's the gold elements that form a bold pattern.

Here is the same pattern in a much softer palette. 

Motif pattern E is a bit more obvious from a single piece but the little blue triangle becomes a diamond accent when the pattern is repeated. 

The arabesque shape in Motif pattern B can form bands of colors that might not be obvious in a single piece.

Here's Motif B again with two colors which creates more of a checkered pattern.

The next few images show Motif pattern H ColorFilled in different ways. This can have a big impact on how the pattern reads. The first example has a light background which recedes, letting the flower pattern standout.

The next example uses two colors with very little contrast. Using the lighter color for the center petals reduces the floral feeling of the pattern a bit, making it a little more abstract.

Here's an example with a really bold background color which creates a lattice pattern behind the flowers.

This last example colors the petals differently to create more of a clover like pattern. In the corners they chose the dark color only for the small petals which makes a small flower pattern offset to the larger one when the pattern is multiplied. 

When you order custom Motif ColorFill we'll send you a computer generated picture showing a square foot of the pattern so you can visualize how the overall pattern will read. We'll also send you a sample tile so you can see how the colors read on the specific pattern you've chosen. Since all of our tile is made and painted by hand every piece is going to be a little different.  There are so many options that even we are sometimes surprised by the big picture! Keep an eye on our Facebook page too where I've been posting lots of pictures of the beautiful Motif tile samples everyone has been ordering!

Tile and Pattern

So often when we think of tile the first thing to come to mind is a plain white subway tile. But there are beautifully patterned tiles out there. Wallpapers are getting so much attention with their bold contemporary looks, their fresh takes on traditional patterns as well as lots of vintage inspired designs. All these ideas are available in tile too! Why should wallpaper have all the fun? Let's look at some fabulous tile designed to create an all over pattern, just like wallpaper but far more durable.

Pratt & Larson Bas Relief concepts

Pratt & Larson Bas Relief Vine Flowers

In the Pratt & Larson Bas Relief series one tile is repeated to create a larger pattern.  Use them to fill an accent wall, a back splash or an entire room! 

Veranda by Grid

Alcazar by Grid


The Chiaro Motifs series by Grid applies bold patterns and colors to the back of a smooth glass tile. Perfect for adding a fabulous pattern in a wet area like a shower stall or tub surround. 

Screen printed patterns from Tempest Tileworks

Tile above the cabinets emphasizes the wallpaper look.

Tempest Tileworks screen prints their tile much the same way hand printed wall paper is made. The images can then be hand colored for extra impact. 

KJ Patternson pictures courtesy of Filmore Clark

KJ Patterson's encaustic tiles make a surprising appearance on the wall of this laundry room, livening up a usually neglected space. Her beautiful patterns take center stage in this fantastic entry way. Patterned tiles aren't  just for the floor!

These beautiful patterns from Metolius Ridge Tile are inspired by textiles. The Ikat pattern would make a great rug but imagine the impact it could make as an accent wall! 

Danse - Laser cut stone mosaics

Jardin Series - Palmetto

Jardin Series - Papillon

Artistic Tile offers some amazing laser cut stone mosaics, creating patterns from stone as delicate as ribbon. Their Jardin series created by Pratt & Larson uses an organically shaped ceramic tile to hide the grout lines in the overall pattern.

So many tile companies offer beautiful overall patterns. Be bold! Embrace them for an entire room of pattern, or maybe go half way and just use patterned tiles above a field of subway done up to the chair rail, or maybe as a single accent wall for a dramatic impact. Don't let wallpaper have all the fun!