A Stay at the Inn of the Five Graces

What a local Santa Fe, N.M. gem is Inn of the Five Graces!  I was lucky to experience the amazing hospitality and environment of this small and very popular establishment.  Decorated in the middle eastern aesthetic of its owners, the tile work alone is worth the stay.

The charming courtyard welcomes you for a leisurely afternoon snack or a sumptuous breakfast.  Be sure to notice the goldfish  swimming through the mosaics that line the fountain interior.

The lovely room was so inviting and comfy that there was little need to go outdoors, especially with an afternoon that threatened rain.  Our shower was a masterpiece of mosaic wizardry.  The birds, the colors, the flowers... all too wonderful for words.

And then there was the soaking tub, with "windows" of urns and flowers, and a real window too.  I imagined that the urns were filled with the precious oils and perfumes to wash away one's cares.

Who would think to use real urns, cut in half, in a mosaic installation?  The very clever and talented artist that designed this bath.  This technique adds delightful dimension to the otherwise flat walls.

Here, mini vases adorn the vanity splash....and what a lovely inlaid sink!  Who could dream of a better place to wash your hands and face.

Every surface of the bath is decorated with mosaics or artwork, or painted patterns on wood.  For me, it is a tile lovers fairyland!

The Inn of the Five Graces is truly a world class boutique hotel that affords a one of a kind experience for those who visit.  We can't wait to return!

Unique Tile Murals - How To...

Tile murals are a wonderful way to add color and unique beauty to any room in your home.  Let your imagination be your guide and perhaps you'll get an inspiration from our Trends post on "Playing with Scale". Tile murals can be photorealistic or atmospheric, exact copies of photographs and paintings or any high resolution digital image you admire.  Once you have a location and an image, we at Statements can help you determine the correct material and size for your custom mural.

Inspiration for an image can come from anywhere, in this case an inlayed wood motif.  The delicate tracery of the inlay is better understood when it is enlarged for the mural.  The image benefits from the rustic quality of the stone, enhancing the ancient origins of the design.

Because the mural is produced using a high quality digital imagining process, colors in the original can be adjusted to suit the decor of the room.  The inks are also waterproof, allowing us to use murals in wet locations.

How it works

Once you've selected your image and have an idea of the size of the location for the mural, we look at the scale of the design in relationship to its surroundings.  Images can be enlarged or reduced to fit the location.  The murals are printed on a variety of stone that ranges from honed marble to tumbled travertine. Each of the stone options imparts a different look to the mural and are available in a wide range of sizes.  

Every mural project is an exciting endeavor.  Let us help you realize your vision at Statements!

PS: Find inspiration from traditional to groundbreaking new designs on our Pinterest board. 

The Ancient Craft of Cement Tiles

Originating in the Iberian Peninsula more than ten centuries ago and becoming fashionable in the 19th Century, cement tiles have graced the floors of grand villas and hotels across the globe.

Cement tile making is a craft that has been passed on from generation to generation.  The techniques of today are the same used by the ancient artisans of the Iberian and Yucatan Peninsulas.  Subtle variations in the pigments and the rate at which each tile batch dries, affects the colors enhancing the hand made characteristics.  Cement tiles are considered a "Green" product, since they are never fired, only pressed and air dried.

Made from cement, sand, marble dust and mineral pigments, these tiles are defined by the brilliant colors, amazing patterns andsignature matte surface that they are sought-after for, today.  Because each cement tile is made by hand, the possibilities to customize them is endless.  Come visit us at Statements to experience the ancient world of cement tiles.

Enjoy the patterns and colors of cement tiles below, many from our portfolio.