Statements Blog
Inspire. design. repeat.
Read all the up to date information about our newest tile collections, tile facts, customer projects and so much more.
Tile Layouts
You’ve decided on a classic subway tile. But now your faced with another decision: how do you want them laid out? Take a look at some of the popular options.
So you’ve sifted through all the beautiful tile options out there and have FINALLY made a decision on a classic subway tile. But now your faced with another decision: how do you want them laid out? This is probably something a lot of people don’t even consider until their installer asks them. And that’s okay! We’ve gotten so used to seeing the traditional offset look with subway tile that we’ve completely forgotten that there’s other options available. Now, we’re not saying there’s anything wrong with the traditional offset look. It’s a timeless classic that you can never go wrong with. But sometimes, you may want something a little different. We’re here to inspire you and show you a few of the popular layouts that you can choose from.
Offset
Probably the most common of all the tile layout options is the offset pattern. This common brickwork pattern has each tile start at the center of the tile below it. This is a clean and classic layout for subway tiles on walls and floors.
Don’t just think you have to stick with a horizontal pattern. For more visual interest, try turning the design vertical or even diagonal.
Herringbone
Looking for something with a little more visual interest, but still traditional? Herringbone is the choice for you. Popular on backsplashes, subway tiles attain new heights of style in a herringbone layout. This pattern is made up of V-shaped rows of 45-degree angled tiles. This layout is a classic but more graphic way to install both large or small rectangular tiles.
Like the offset pattern, try changing the direction of the tiles for a more creative look.
Stacked
This layout is a basic pattern where tiles are set in a straight line to create a look that’s simple and clean. Rectangular tiles look modern and clean in this arrangement. Most often, you’ll see square tiles laid out in a stacked, grid-like pattern.
You can also try stacking your tiles vertically, emphasizing the height of your space by making your walls seem taller. Subway tiles suddenly take on new life and geometric appeal in this layout.
Basketweave
The basket weave pattern looks similar to the stitching on a woven basket and appears to weave the tiles over and under each other. Traditionally, two brick-shaped tiles are set horizontally against two brick-shaped tiles set vertically. The pattern may look complicated but it’s simply a trick of an eye and is rather easy to install. Basket weave tile pattern was extremely popular in the early 1900s and is often used to create classic chic feel.
Introducing: Flauti
We're OBSESSED with our new porcelain mosaic, Flauti. Micro-structure and random mesh mounting produces the effect of movement in this porcelain tile.
We are currently OBSESSED with our new porcelain mosaic!
Introducing Flauti: a micro-structure and random mesh mounting causes light to reflect in different ways, producing the effect of movement in this glazed, porcelain tile. Flauti is wonderful for both indoor and outdoor spaces, residential and commercial. This porcelain mosaic tile calls inspiration from mid-century Italian tradition.
With six color options and two finishes, the possibilities are endless.
Rectified vs. Non-Rectified
Do you know the difference between “rectified or non-rectified” tiles? Explore the differences so you can select the tile best suited for your project.
You’re diving deep into your latest project. The number of available tile choices is somewhat overwhelming. Then, you hear someone ask if you’d prefer “rectified or non-rectified” tile. Your head is already spinning and now you have no idea how to answer this question because the term if completely foreign to you. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’re here to clarify these terms for you and show you examples. That way, next time someone asks you “rectified or non-rectified”, you can answer them with confidence!
What on Earth is Rectified Tile?
Simply put the term “rectified” is referring to a process in manufacturing where the edges of porcelain tiles are ground or cut to minimize size variations between tiles, create a clean, smooth edge.
See? Doesn’t sound so complicated now, right?
But why would you need to rectify the edge of a tile? Well, during the firing process, tiles can shrink and warp slightly (very slightly!) because of the high temperatures at which tile is fired. This can cause a slight variation is size between each tile and marginally irregular edges.
To make sure each tile is EXACTLY the same size from tile to tile, the manufacturer can grind, saw or laser-cut the edges.
So you may be asking yourself, “Then wouldn’t I ALWAYS want a tile that’s rectified?” and our answer is… not necessarily. It all comes down to the type of look you want to achieve.
Why Would You Want Rectified?
Pictured: Charisma Luxor Porcelain Tile
Rectified tile doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a “better” option. It’s simply a newer process that makes certain aesthetics achievable. The precise, straight edge of these tiles make it possible to use smaller grout lines, allowing the tiles to sit much closer together. This is a great option if you want a more “modern” look or you simply don’t like the look of grout lines. It also allows you to achieve the “seamless” look from tile to tile.
Why Would You Want Non-Rectified?
Pictured: Alps Beige Porcelain Tile
Maybe the look you’re going for is more of a traditional, classic look. Or you just want the space to look a little more casual and relaxed. If this is the case, non-rectified is the way to go. Because the edges haven’t been cut or sanded down, the edges of the tile may be slightly irregular. We’re not saying you’re tiles are going to look jagged or sloppy, they’ll just have more of a “hand-made” look. Which will still look amazing! Because the edges aren’t perfectly, razor straight, your grout line will need to be slightly larger.
In Conclusion
Simply put, it all comes down to preference and what kind of look you are trying to achieve when deciding between rectified and non-rectified. Neither option is better than the other. There is no right or wrong answer when choosing. Each option has its upside. All you need to do is decide which option best fits your needs.
Staff Picks of the Week
Browse through the tiles we’ve been obsessing over this week and become inspired for your next project.
Our staff picks this week feature a collection we have been obsessing over! The new Flauti collection features random mesh mounting causing light to reflect in different ways, creating the effect of movement. It’s such a beautifully designed porcelain mosaic with so many design possibilities. This week we’ve paired it together with elegant marble and glass.
Blues and whites flow so well together. It’s a timeless combination that you can never go wrong with. The lovely blue tone of Flauti Steel pairs perfectly with AK Next Diagonal Ombre w/ Shadow Terrazzo & Brass. They’re a match made in heaven. Pair those together with Ak Carrara marble tile and AK Arctic White Twill glass mosaic and you’ve got a stunning design that will elevate any space.
FLAUTI
Micro-structure and random mesh mounting causes light to reflect in different ways, producing the effect of movement in this glazed, porcelain tile.
Flauti is wonderful for both indoor and outdoor spaces, residential and commercial. This porcelain mosaic tile calls inspiration from mid-century Italian tradition.
With six color options and two finishes, the possibilities are endless.
This classic marble is a favorite among the design community. With it’s timeless coloring, AK Carrara is a great option for any space, commercial and residential.
This stunning marble is available in a vast variety of design options, both field tiles and mosaics. With so many different options, there’s suitable options for all your design needs.
AK NEXT
Terrazzo is a design classic. When paired with brass and marble, the result is a stunningly beautiful tile. AK Next can be arranged to create stripes, bursts, rectangles or squares. Versions of the mosaic contain metal accents that can be used in a field to create a dramatic look, or as insets to add pops of shine.
This tile is guaranteed to be an eye-catching statement in any space.
Recent Projects
We are constantly amazed with the designs our amazing clients send in. Explore some of the most recent projects from our clients.
Can you believe it’s July already?!? This year is going by so fast! And we are constantly amazed with the designs our amazing clients send in. Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful work with us. It is so fun for us to see all the different ways you have creatively used our tiles. Remember to tag us on social media so we can see your wonderful designs and installs! Keep browsing to see the most recent projects our client’s have com up with.
Maple and Plum
This kitchen installation does an amazing job of highlighting WOW Cottage’s warmth and picturesque charm. We love how well the olive green cabinets pair with the sand hex tiles.
@mapleandplum
www.mapleandplum.com
Photography by @azzuraphotography
Kelly McShane
Patterned tiles are a wonderful way to make a small space POP! This bathroom installation from Kelly McShane is BEAUTIFUL! The Casablanca Aqua tiles on the floor look amazing!
Lochwood Lozier
We love when clients mix and match our tiles to create something beautiful:
Backwall- WOW Mestizaje Zellige Aqua
Middle- Casablanca Terrazzo Fun
Sides- St. Tropez White
Wyman Interiors
We love the combination of the various styles of AK Ash Grey tiles in the Master and guest bathrooms. Using different styles of the same color tile is a great way to add variation while keeping everything cohesive.
ACH Design LLC
Inspired by the charm of french terracotta, WOW Mestizaje Chateau porcelain tile's are an amazing flooring option in any space. These tiles look amazing in this laundry room installation!
Suzanne ZAHR
Thinking about remodeling your fireplace? Why not try adding a pop of color? This installation from @suzannezahr.inc and @jennifer.king.360 is a GORGEOUS use of our Maiolica Crackle ceramic tiles!
Introducing: Block
Matching wall and floor tiles has never been easier! Introducing our newest collection: Block. With options in both porcelain AND ceramic, in a variety of shapes and colors, choosing the perfect tile combination for your next project is simpler than ever!
Matching wall and floor tiles has never been easier! Introducing our newest collection: Block. With options in both porcelain AND ceramic, in a variety of shapes and colors, choosing the perfect tile combination for your next project is simpler than ever!
Porcelain Slabs
New to the market, porcelain slabs are a revolutionary combination of beauty and outstanding technical performance. Its lighter weight, low maintenance and high durability make these slabs a wonderful alternative to traditional natural stone slabs. With options available for both countertops and walls in a wide variety of colors, there’s sure to be an option for any project you may be working on.
New to the market, porcelain slabs are a revolutionary combination of beauty and outstanding technical performance. Its lighter weight, low maintenance and high durability make these slabs a wonderful alternative to traditional natural stone slabs. With options available for both countertops and walls in a wide variety of colors, there’s sure to be an option for any project you may be working on.
Recent Projects
Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful work with us! We love when we get to see your projects and our tile installed in the “real world”. Here are some recent images that you have shared with us over the last few weeks.
Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful work with us! We love when we get to see your projects and our tile installed in the “real world”. Here are some recent images that you have shared with us over the last few weeks.
Morgan Von Rueden
We love the fun, retro feel of this kitchen using our Aquamarine Blend Onix Hex Mosaic tiles. This collections offers glass mosaics in a timeless hexagon shape using 98% recycled material.
Photography by @azzuraphotography
Design Elements NW
A fun contrast between a classic black and white encaustic pattern and a bright modern vanity table. Design Elements NW did an excellent job of combining these two different styles in this powder room. Casablanca Porcelain Tiles are a great option to add a wow factor to any room or space.
WS Feldt
Sometimes simplicity is the best option. Less is more. Our Cemento Porcelain Tiles offer subtle texture and variation, providing the perfect backdrop for any space. WS Feldt beautifully combined large field pieces with matching mosaics, keeping the look consistent while adding a little bit of variation.
Photographed by @willaustinphoto
Architect @lanewilliamsarchitects
The residency bureau
Two different styles collide wonderfully in this beautiful floor installation by The Residency Bureau. WOW Mud Porcelain Tiles, featuring diverse color palettes and shade variation, are a great option to achieve a natural craftsman style look.
The Grey door design Build
Marble and showers are a match made in heaven! The Grey Door Design Build flawlessly executed this shower installation featuring our AK Carrara Bella Mosaic tile. Our Carrara Bella Stone Tiles are a wonderful combination of warm and cool tones and an excellent option for any bathroom.
Kristie Ladd Designs
A modern take on the classic subway tile look, Crayons is a fun option for any backsplash. This ceramic tile offers an undulating surface and slight variations in glaze, giving it an organic, hand-crafted feel. Kristie Ladd Designs did a beautiful job on this kitchen installation! The white tiles, light blue cabinets and plenty of lighting give this kitchen a bright, airy feel.
Photographer: @davespenser
Construction: @rcwconstruction
Installer: @shawnnathanson
Pretty Porcelain Patterns
Sometimes you just want to add a little something extra to a room. Patterned tiles are an excellent way to spice up any space. We offer a variety of patterns, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste. Combined with the low-maintenance and high durability of porcelain, these tiles are a win-win.
Sometimes you just want to add a little something extra to a room. Patterned tiles are an excellent way to spice up any space. We offer a variety of patterns, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste. Combined with the low-maintenance and high durability of porcelain, these tiles are a win-win.
Stone Look
Stone offers a natural beauty that can elevate any space. When combined with the low-maintenance and high durability of porcelain, it creates an gorgeous, versatile look that can blend effortlessly in your home or commercial space.
Recent Projects
Happy Spring everyone! We LOVE getting to see our tiles installed in new homes and spaces. Your creativity and the way you utilize our tile is inspiring and exciting to witness. Thank you for continuing to share your work with us and don’t forget to follow and tag us on social media!
Happy Spring everyone! We LOVE getting to see our tiles installed in new homes and spaces. Your creativity and the way you utilize our tile is inspiring and exciting to witness. Thank you for continuing to share your work with us and don’t forget to follow and tag us on social media!
Wilson Tile
As its name suggests, this tile’s beautiful designs draw influence from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The contrast of the simple blue cabinets draws your eye to the colorful backsplash.
Tiara Midori Interiors
An elongated hex ceramic tile is a great way to add a little something extra to the traditional look of a subway tile. Our Crayons tiles have a glossy finish and subtle undulation that provide a little extra depth as well. We love how this statement wall adds some interest to the space while still allowing the patterned mirror to pop.
Johnston Style
Wood floors are such a timeless look. However, real hardwood can be a hassle to maintain. Our porcelain wood-like tiles are an excellent alternative. High durability and low maintenance make porcelain a great choice for bathrooms. We love the transition from vertical slats to wood mosaics using our King Wood collection.
Introducing Fuoritono
A new elegant and creative porcelain tile featuring soft structure and intense shading. Fuoritono's rhombo and brick formats, coupled with the available color palette, grants an endless innovative freedom.
A new elegant and creative porcelain tile featuring soft structure and intense shading. Fuoritono's rhombo and brick formats, coupled with the available color palette, grants an endless innovative freedom.
Recent Projects
There truly isn’t anything better than getting to see our products in your spaces. Your creativity and the way you utilize our tile is inspiring and exciting to witness. Thank you for continuing to share your work with us and don’t forget to follow and tag us on social media!
There truly isn’t anything better than getting to see our products in your spaces. Your creativity and the way you utilize our tile is inspiring and exciting to witness. Thank you for continuing to share your work with us and don’t forget to follow and tag us on social media!
Icon Tile and Design
You can never go wrong with the classic, sleek look of black and white. The contrast draws your eye to the black backsplash, and the hexagonal shape with the white outline makes it even more of a statement.
Veranda Milano Hex Cement Tile
Amy Pearson Design
An elongated hex ceramic tile is a great way to add a little something extra to the traditional look of a subway tile. Our Crayons tiles have a glossy finish and subtle undulation that provide a little extra depth as well. We love how this backsplash adds some interest to the space while still allowing those gorgeous blue cabinets to pop. Congrats to Amy Pearson Design for having this beautiful kitchen featured in Oregon Home Magazine!
http://www.amypearsondesign.com/
Photo by Meagan Larsen
Sienna & Sage Interior Design
If you’ve ever been in our showroom, you know just how much of a show stopper our stone mosaics are. This install of the AK Ethereal Luna is absolutely breathtaking. The carrara marble and stainless steel outlines come together to create this gorgeous mosaic and adds an elegant and glamorous touch to this kitchen.
Photo by Andrew Giammarco
Hatano Studio Interior Design
Our porcelain slabs are the perfect way to elevate a bathroom to look sleek, elegant, and modern. They mimic the natural veining and variation of marble, but have the durability and ease of porcelain tile. Just take a look at the before photo to see what a huge transformation this remodel was!
Photo by Cleary O’Farrell
Top 9 of 2020
What a year it’s been! Despite all the craziness of 2020, we were lucky to have still gotten to work with you and be a part of your design process. Here are our Top 9 Instagram photos of this year!
What a year it has been! Despite the many obstacles we have faced throughout 2020, we have continued to work with you and inspire great designs with our tile. To celebrate the end of the year, we’re featuring our “top nine” photos from Instagram that you have all loved and engaged with. Follow along at @statements.tile to see more fantastic designs and tag us so that we can see yours! And if you want to see your own personal top nine photos from this year, check out Creator Kit’s Top Nine generator.
#9: Pose
These stone mosaics feature bold lines and patterns and create a relaxing, spa-like aesthetic with natural shade variation.
#8: Sfumature
Elongated hexagons, or pickets, are a great option for anyone looking to elevate a traditional subway tile look. This line comes in either a field tile and deco tiles, both with subtle texture and undulation, giving you the freedom to mix and match.
#7: Aria
These large format, high gloss ceramic tiles feature a smooth undulated texture that achieves a handcrafted look.
#6: Slide
These ceramic tiles are inspired by the translucent look of glass, but have the durability of a ceramic tile. The subtle tone variation, high-gloss finish, and the bold color options make these perfect for a space looking for a statement.
#5: Statements Tile Showroom
We love that you love our showroom just as much as we do! We are proud of our showroom’s ability to inspire you and are always ready to help guide you through your tile selection process!
#4: Maiolica Shower Install from Good Life Interiors
This install of our Maiolica hexagons in this shower from Good Life Interiors (https://www.goodlife-interiors.com/) turned out so beautifully! We love the texture and handcrafted look of these tiles and think that using the hexagons was a great way to update this space.
#3: WOW Subway Lab
With just a few simple colors and a ton of different shapes and styles, the WOW Subway Lab tiles instantly create a modern and sleek look.
#2: Crayons
Another beautiful elongated hexagon/picket wall tile! This time, from our Crayons line. This photo demonstrates how applying these tiles vertically not only creates a more modern and updated look, but it also helps create the illusion of your ceiling being higher.
#1: Touch and Comfort R Install from Interiors by Popov
Interiors by Popov (https://www.bypopov.com/) shared this absolutely stunning bathroom remodel with us. They used our Touch field and deco porcelain tiles tiles in addition to the Comfort R tiles to create this beautiful space. Using these white tiles gave them the ability to have some fun with other parts of this bathroom and we love the way the green cabinetry pops.
Photo by Miranda Estes (https://mirandaestes.com/)
Clean and Minimal
A simple and neutral porcelain tile makes for the perfect versatile base for any aesthetic.
A simple and neutral porcelain tile with subtle shade variation is versatile enough for just about any aesthetic. Industrial, commercial, minimalist, and even spaces with vibrant color can benefit from a clean and neutral tile as its base. It easily complements other materials, giving you endless possibilities.
Recent Projects
Happy November! Has this year flown by or what? Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful work with us. It is so fun for us to see all the different ways you have creatively used our tiles.
Happy November! Has this year flown by or what? Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful work with us. It is so fun for us to see all the different ways you have creatively used our tiles. Remember to tag us on social media so we can see your wonderful designs and installs!
Click Architects
www.click-architects.com
@click_architects
This modern kitchen turned out wonderfully, and our Passage tiles make for a great accent for the face of the kitchen island. The circular pattern of the tile works so well with those light fixtures, and we love the contrast between the tile and those black counters!
Trimbach Builders
www.trimbachbuilders.com
@trimbach_design_build
The Modern porcelain tiles work so well on this super cool wet bar. The combination of the tile, the shelves, and the lighting gives this space a sleek and modern look. Looks like a great place to utilize after a long week or use for entertaining (when it’s safe to do so of course)!
Soaring Eagle Homes
www.soaringeaglehomes.com/
@soaringeaglehomes
This kitchen is the perfect combination of modern and rustic! We love how the Maiolica complements this with it’s glossy finish and handmade look. There are so many great details in this kitchen and they all go together beautifully!
Recent Projects
Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful work with us! We love when we get to see your projects and our tile installed in the “real world”. Here are some recent images that you have shared with us over the last few weeks.
Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful work with us! We love when we get to see your projects and our tile installed in the “real world”. Here are some recent images that you have shared with us over the last few weeks.
Icon Tile & Design
@icontileanddesign
https://www.icontileanddesign.com/
Chanel and Jamen from Icon Tile & Design did a beautiful job on a group of bathroom remodels using our Lumina ceramic wall tile and the Norr porcelain tile as an accent. We love the contrast between the two!
Nook Interiors
@nookinteriorsllc
https://www.nookinteriors.com/
We love the way our St. Tropez Blanco ceramic tiles serve as a perfect backdrop to this farmhouse sink and those gorgeous cabinets. Nook Interiors did a fantastic job!
Andrya Cooper
Interiors
@acooperinteriors
http://www.acooperinteriors.com/
Thank you to Andrya Cooper Interiors for sharing this light and airy bathroom featuring our AK Essential ceramic tile around this bathtub. Doesn’t this look like such a relaxing space to unwind in at the end of the day?
C&R Remodeling
@cr_remodeling
https://crdesignremodel.com/
C&R Remodeling shared this insane before and after of this kitchen remodel. They used our Metro tile in Light Beige, and we love the way the tile and wood look together. Isn’t this such a huge transformation?
Splash of Color
Liven up any space with bold and vibrant colors that are sure to brighten your day.
Liven up any space with bold and vibrant colors that are sure to brighten your day.
WOW Elle Floor & WOW Boho
Vibrant colors and shapes that transform spaces into a vintage bohemian dream come true. Mix and match for something even more unique, or choose a solid color and enjoy the texture and shade variations.
*Available in neutral shades as well
With so many sizes, finishes, and ranges of colors, you are sure to find your perfect ceramic wall tile in Roca’s Color Collection. Trim pieces available too!
*more colors available
Stimulate your senses with this bold and textural tile from Roca. The shade variation makes it easy to include a handcrafted vibe if you’re looking to add color and texture to your space.
Recent Projects - August/September
We love getting to see your projects and checking out our tile in the real world! Remember to share your photos with us and tag us on social media so we can see your beautiful work!
Kat Lawton Interiors
katlawton.com
@katlawtoninteriors
Photo by John Granen
We absolutely love this herringbone install of our Nova Blue limestone from Kat Lawton Interiors. The light coming through the door is stunning!
Interiors by Popov
Photos by: Miranda Estes
Interiors by Popov used a combination of our Touch field and deco tiles for this bathroom remodel. We love the way the simplicity of these tiles combine with those green cabinets!
Brakebill Construction Inc.
Our Crayons ceramic tiles are a favorite for many and make a fantastic back splash in this kitchen remodel from Brakebill Construction!
