When we sat down with our friends at Block Shop Textiles to design the Block Shop x Fireclay Tile Handpainted Collection, we knew there was an opportunity to give designers something new that allowed for limitless customization. We wanted to create a decorative product that more seamlessly paired with field tile so that clients would have even greater design and budget flexibility.
Partnering with Block Shop and adapting their design vernacular allowed us to introduce patterns that could be installed as murals in larger spaces, mimicking the art of block print on textile. Combining the artisanal techniques of traditional woodblock printing and handpainted tile, we’ve created 14 new tiles across 4 distinct pattern families, for an infinitely configurable collection and personalized design experience.
These tiles can be arranged in myriad configurations, are available in 3 standard colorways each, and can be special-ordered in custom colors of your choice. They can be mixed across patterns or with our field tile, including our budget-friendly Foundations Line, as well as with trim. This collaboration is all about freedom, offering designers infinite possibilities.
‘Infinite possibility’ can seem a little intimidating, but fear not, we’re here to guide you through this capable collection, showing you how they work, where they work, and what they say about your aesthetic.
Get to Know the Tiles
The Block Shop x Fireclay Tile collection consists of 14 tiles across 4 unique pattern families. Squiggle and Signal each have 1 tile, Roundabout has 4 tiles and Dot Dash has 8. All tiles are available in 4x4 or 6x6 dimensions. To accommodate for the variety of Dot Dash and Roundabout, both patterns are available in 4 pre-configured ‘Blocks’ arranged by our expert designers.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Squiggle in Lapis Motif
Squiggle
Squiggle is inspired by American artist Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986), the mother of American modernism. This collection takes its cues from the undulating landscapes in O’Keeffe’s New Mexico paintings.
Squiggle adds a subtle yet playful design element. True to its inspiration, Squiggle works great in Southwest homes as well as Western chalets and surfy bungalows.
The tile can be oriented in a number of ways to create diagonal stripes, checkerboard, diamonds, pinwheel, repeating triangles, repeating slashes, chevron, and more.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Squiggle 4x4 in Lapis Motif
Squiggle is a natural fit for a backsplash or a fun addition to any bathroom element.
Squiggle's contrasting colors split by the diagonal wave make a clever divider between two colors of field tile or corners of a single color.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Squiggle 4x4 in Lapis Motif
Signal
Signal is inspired by abstract English painter Bridget Riley (b. 1931) known for her op-art paintings. Riley’s ongoing exploration of repeated geometric motifs served as inspiration for this repeated triangle tile collection.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Signal 6x6 in Wood Motif
Offset or traditionally stacked, this collection is a chic, geometric classic. The tile can be oriented in a directional manner pointing down a hallway or up a wall or arranged in opposite directions. This ornamental graphic look offers intriguing optics with elements of tribal art.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Signal 6x6 in Wood Motif
Signal’s high impact design makes it a perfect border for neutral field tile, whether it's across the center of a backsplash, outlining the floor of a room, or used as stair risers outdoors.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Signal 6x6 in Wood Motif
Roundabout
Roundabout Pattern is inspired by Jamaican-born American abstract artist Mavis Pusey (1928-2019), whose groundbreaking, hard-edge abstractions of city life inspired our patterns of rounded shapes and concentric stripes.
The narrow parallel lines of Roundabout evoke flow and tranquility that match well with a minimalist aesthetic. Designed among earth tones and organic elements of wood or stone gives this tile the feeling of swirling water or a gentle breeze. Here you see Roundabout matched with Dot Dash for a stunning fireplace focal point.
Tile Shown: Handpainted in Roundabout 2 6x6 in Gesso Motif and Dot Dash 7 6x6 in Charcoal Motif
Roundabout’s potential expands the larger the surface you apply it to, able to take any direction at the turn of a tile and keep the eye intrigued as it moves through a space. In a shower, the lines can appear like stylized plumbing. On an outdoor patio, the parallel lines give the look of a Japanese rock garden.
Tile Shown: Roundabout A, Roundabout B, Roundabout C 4x4 in Gesso Motif
Preconfigured Blocks
Dot Dash
Dot Dash Pattern is inspired by German Bauhaus sculptor and designer Alma Siedhoff-Buscher (1899-1944), whose toy designs using repeated shapes and colors encouraged children to explore their own creativity. Her “Little Ship-Building Game,” a delightful Bauhaus wooden ship set, is still produced today.
Of all the patterns in the Block Shop x Fireclay Tile collection, Dot Dash is by far the most ambitious with the most potential for limitless pattern play.
This pattern is for the bold and daring who love high contrast, eye-catching design. The pattern looks amazing in mid-century modern homes or contemporary spaces that emphasize creativity.
Tile Shown: Dot Dash B, Dot Dash C,Dot Dash D, Dot Dash F 4x4 in Plein Aire Motif
The bold mix of positive and negative space allows one to incorporate solid squares of field tile throughout a custom design. This creates even more configuration options while also reducing costs when covering large areas.
Decorate shower walls, fireplace hearths, or hip kitchens with this graphic masterpiece. Its intricacies will keep any space fresh and functional year after year.
Preconfigured Blocks
Coasters
You can enjoy the Block Shop x Fireclay Tile Handpainted Collection anywhere with our 2 and 4 packs of coasters. Stylish on their own or matched with an installation, these coasters add a one-of-a-kind design hit to your home.
Tile Shown: Signal 4x4 in Wood motif
Got a friend who can’t get enough of your Block Shop x Fireclay installation? Give them a taste with these stunning handmade coasters.
Tile Shown: Signal 4x4 in Gesso motif
Make Your Mark
While Block Shop and Fireclay had a blast creating this collection, we wanted to include you, the designer, in the collaboration as well and imagined a collection that could reflect the character of the designer no matter what your taste is. Each pattern is representative of the artist that inspired it but ultimately this collection is meant to represent you. This simple guide is merely a starting point to set you on your artistic journey. We'll make the tile. You make it art.
