Cement Tile News Archives - Page 3 of 3

Heavenly Tile in Hell’s Bottom

The Beltway is buzzing with THE new place for men’s grooming on the east coast: The Barber of Hell’s Bottom.

A veteran stylist of New York runway and print models, Kelly Gorsuch took Washington, D.C. by storm with his Logan Circle salon, Immortal Beloved. In a few short years it has become a hub of the metro area’s chic and elite, with Immortal Beloved stylists even being tapped for First Family duty. Not only has Immortal Beloved become known for its styling, but for its unique decor. All of the furniture was designed and built by Kelly himself, along with his close friend and business partner Caleb Woodard (of Caleb Woodard Furniture).

Can Kelly catch lightning in a bottle again? It sure seems so. Washington is abuzz again over The Barber of Hell’s Bottom. Once again featuring Kelly’s unique vision, and master craftsmanship from Caleb Woodard Furniture, this new barber shop features raw, white-washed brick walls, and beautiful cement tile from Villa Lagoon Tile. Our Roseton tile in custom colors was used to add a hint of flourish to Kelly and Caleb’s remarkable work. This shop has a sophisticated, but raw masculinity, that is sure to make any patron comfortable, while his locks float down to our flooring.

Part of the buzz over Gorush’s new venture has to do with the name. While Shaw may have a median home price north of half-a-million dollars today, it was once “Hell’s Bottom”, one of the District’s most violent neighborhoods. That cool bit of trivia doesn’t stop everyone from noticing the tile, though… nor the barber’s chair from the New York area’s Vernon Hills Country Club, famed to have held several members of the Rat Pack, in its day (not at the same time, of course).

The Barber of Hell’s Bottom has been featured now in the style section of UrbanDaddy.com, given a favorable first look by UrbanTurf.com, and has even been named one of the six “things to do” for last weekend (April 5, 2013), by Men’s Journal ! Way to go Kelly ! We hope you the best success, and a long happiness with our tile.

April 8, 2013.

Seductive Cement Setting brings Success!

We’d like to give kudos to our friends at Maneli Wilson Interiors for rave reviews of their recent work, featuring our cement tile pattern, Cubes. Sotto 13 opened in November as a runaway hit in New York’s West Village. This new darling destination of the local critics features Italian tapas, brick-oven pizzas, and cocktails by acclaimed mixologist Frankie Oley, but few can help but comment on the amazing decor.

Our Cubes pattern was used on the wall surrounding the kitchen’s window… a focal point for the flow of food through the restaurant. We also couldn’t help but spot an ingenious use for some of the left-over tiles: they are framed within the side of the hostess stand. On your next project you may consider ordering a little extra… finishing touches like these can really help tie a theme together.

In-Stock "Cubes" Tile — In-Stock “Cubes” Tile

Among the mountains of praise, Jones Magazine proclaims that Sotto 13 “offers rustic decor with a modern twist and perfect ambiance.” CBS New York touts Sotto 13 as “perfect for a West Village date night,” and NewForkCity says “it’s the decor that brings you in”, but the food that brings you back. What more can a restaurateur want from their decor than to provide the perfect, inviting setting to showcase their craft? Perhaps a mention by one of the largest travel magazines in the country?

Not only has Sotto 13 earned a mention by Travel + Leisure Magazine, their grand entrance to the scene has placed them among “America’s Most Romantic Restaurants”. Writing for www.travelandleisure.com, Brendan Spiegel cites Sotto 13’s “alluring space” among the attributes that landed it so high on the list.

No matter what your project, we’re sure our Villa Lagoon Tile, hand-made cement tile can provide a warmth and sophistication that can perfectly accent any vision.

Take a look at just a few other restaurant installations:

February 12, 2013.

Fine Homebuilding Introduces our Tile to its Readers

Fine Homebuilding Magazine has long been a reference tool for craftsmen of the highest order. In fact, all of the Taunton Press magazines are exquisitely produced. We are glad they want to introduce our tile to their many readers.

Cement Tile Finding New Popularity

Gisela Williams of the Financial Times recently published a story in the House & Home section titled, “Tile style: down with beige”.

"Havana Cantina" tile in a UK Pub — “Havana Cantina” tile installation in a trendy UK pub.

Handmade cement or ceramic tiles, inspired by those first produced in Portugal, Spain and France, have been lining the most unexpected surfaces lately. From bedroom walls at the new Soho Beach House in Miami to the dining room floor of interior designer Ashley Hicks’s country house in Oxfordshire, tiles are making a comeback.

This great article continues to discuss the history of cement tile, and its modern resurgence in popularity. They even highlight some of Villa Lagoon Tile’s Jeff Shelton Collection tiles. Read the article here!

Faith in Mankind

Last week I was flying back from Knoxville. While chatting with my seat mate he mentioned that he traveled in his work. I asked him if he ever went thru John Wayne Airport in Santa Monica, CA. I told him that we had some tile in a nice restaurant there that I would LOVE to get some photos of. Because of airport security, only people with a boarding pass can get behind security to take photos in airport terminals. Plus Santa Monica is a l-o-n-g way from Alabama and I don’t know anyone there. Name of restaurant is Javi’s…a spin-off from a popular group of restaurants in CA called Javier’s.

Low and behold, a fellow in a seat in front of us turned around and told me that he had never been thru John Wayne Airport but was going there the next week and would be happy to take some photos for us. Amazing !! His name is Adam Rankin and we are so grateful for the photos he sent us last night. “Will miracles never cease!” …have no idea where this saying came from, maybe it is Biblical. You hear it in the South. Thanks Adam !!!

The tile here is a custom color combo designed by Yoshiko Tojo
FLEX DESIGNS, INC. Los Angeles, CA 90014

They used a wider grout line than is the usual, but it doesn’t interfere with this bold design. Javi’s is located between Gates 13 & 14 in the Delta Terminal at John Wayne Airport, Santa Monica, CA.