clé notes

there’s nothing quite like a black and white tile installation — crisp, timeless, graphic — it can go from coolly classical to more dramatic and dynamic. But however you use it, the contrast keeps things fresh and strong.

over the years, clé zellige weathered white and sea salt tiles have gone into thousands of homes, hotels, restaurants and company spaces. after lots of conversation, much sifting through installations old and new, these are just a few of our favorites.

We think of black and white as night and day. But the cultural history of this dualistic pair is not so, well, black and white. For one thing, there was a time when they weren’t even considered opposites. So let’s take a look at this dynamic duo and how their symbolism, usage, and contrast have played a role in human history.

after a few years of dopamine designing, some of our favorite designers have started trending back to black and white. (although of course some never left.) here are just a few of our favorites from the runways…

we’ve barely blinked and november’s rolled in like the san francisco fog — abruptly appearing and upending fairweather follies. suddenly, all signs say we must settle in for the calendar’s crescendo; let's have some fun on the way.

we like to think of every tile installation as being part of a carefully choreographed six-way dance. every step is important. every dancer plays a role. it all needs to be a triumph of timing and sequencing, of listening and responding. it all comes together on stage — or in the case of tile: the installation. no matter how beautiful your tile is, your installation is only as as good as your installer.

think it over. a tile project is unlike almost any other you'll undertake. part art project, part architecture, part design, it can make or break your entire space (because we know that all good design starts with your surfaces).let’s take a walk through the whole tile process, from partnering with the right contractor to pre-planning the post-installation maintenance.

Think of these as the jeans and t-shirt of tile. clé classics are the staples of the tile world, with sunny, laid-back vibes. for when you’re looking for something that’s just a little less basic than subway.

artistry and alchemy: an interview with Eric VanderMolen about the glazes for our work study collection