The Colorways of Tommy Bahama Glass Blends

Tommy Bahama by Lunada Bay Tile is introducing 3 exciting new color blends, in the continuing exploration of beautiful and untouched locations throughout the world that inspire relaxation, freedom, and adventure. The new colorways in the series are: Fujisan, Lucky Bay, and Motuo.

What are the locations that inspire these colors, and how do they translate into color blends? The question for you is, how will these colors inspire your space and bring encouragement to live spontaneously, unwind in style, and to feel your very best? 

Cayo Coco: Don your swimsuit and flip flops for some epic relaxation in Cayo Coco, a luscious tropical island off the coast of Cuba. Famous for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and aquamarine waters, this island paradise entices travelers with the promise of endless surf and sea life adventures. The glass blend transports you to this getaway destination through a combination of whisper-soft whites, blues, aquas and greens.

 Cocos Keeling: Australia's last untouched paradise lies in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, kissed by the sun and caressed by fragrant trade winds. Only two of the 27 islands are inhabited; the rest await your exploration. Whisper-soft blues and a hint of gray-green make up this lustrous blend.

Kangaroo Island: Welcome to Australia’s Kangaroo Island where landscapes invite you to stop and gaze. The island may be wild by nature, but anticipate a friendly welcome—sea lions greet you on pristine white beaches; koalas doze in lofty eucalyptus; and pelicans glide over shimmering waterways. The soaring cliffs, dense forests, golden sand dunes and lush wetlands of the island are discernible in this tile blend.

Maldives: Nowhere in the world will you find the whiter-than-white, powder-soft sand that you will discover on the coral islands of Maldives. Whether you arrive by private yacht or by seaplane, spacious villas perch above aquamarine waters. But it is the perfect beaches that lure travelers from the soft comforts into nature. The tile blend of soft whites awakens a sense of spirituality and contemplation.

Cappadocia: For more than a thousand years, people have made their home in the soft rock of Cappadocia, Turkey. Erosion may have shaped the incredible landscape, but humans took a cue from Mother Nature and carved complex tunnels into the rock. The natural-hued blend emulates the dry and rocky plateau of this World Heritage site.

Pamukkale: Located in Turkey, this natural wonder is comprised of terraces and travertine formed by streams and hot springs. The waters are believed to have curative powers and have been used as a thermal bath for centuries. The tile blends reflect colors of gray stone and icy blue water.

 Skyros: If it's holistic healing you’re after, look no further than Skyros, the most remote of the Greek Islands in the Aegean sea. An island of dual personalities, the northern half offers a landscape of green and fertile densely wooded forests while the south contrasts with jagged coastlines and barren scenery. The Skyros glass blend amplifies the beauty found in nature through a blend of gray, white, sea and sky blues, and a hint of green. 

Kaikoura: Snow-capped mountains meet the sea in Kaikoura, a dramatic landscape nestled between the Southern Alps in New Zealand and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its abundant wildlife—including whales, fur seals, and albatross – Kaikoura offers wanderers endless winding coastal walks for sea gazing. This mosaic blend magically captures the combination of earth meeting water through hues of deep blue, gray-blue and soft white.

Motuo: In a remote region of Southeastern Tibet lies Motuo, a subtropical and biodiverse region often called the “Tibetan Shangri-La”— where Bengal tigers prowl and Takins roam alongside the Himalayas. The glass mosaic blend brings together hues of native teak and sandalwood with the blues, grays and glacier whites seen along the dramatic mountain peaks.

Surin: Rugged and rewarding, Thailand’s Surin Islands are an undiscovered, remote escape that draw divers and snorkelers to explore coral reefs and sea creatures. The national park—an archipelago of five islands—is only accessible by boat. The tile’s color palette is reminiscent of Surin’s pristine beaches, clear bays and lush jungles.

Lucky Bay: Along the picturesque coast of Western Australia lies a pristine white sand beach with grains of sand so soft and fine they squeak under your feet. The crystal-clear azure waters beacon rich marine life, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot kangaroos lounging on the beach. This mosaic blend is a study in beautiful blues.

Fujisan: Coniferous and deciduous trees blanket the lower slopes of Japan’s Mount Fuji in a lush green. Above the tree line, in the Alpine Zone, you’ll see remnants of past volcanic eruptions, creating a unique and rocky terrain. This mosaic blend captures the connection between the ancient lava landscape and the icy-blue lakes surrounding this arresting scenery.  

San Blas: Experience the feeling of tranquil life on Panama’s San Blas Islands. The archipelago comprising 365 islands— many uninhabited—are dotted with coconut palms that grow aside bright turquoise waters. Pristine white beaches and crystal-clear seas offer the ultimate digital detox while you swim among the starfish. Aqua, whites and grays emulate the look of this tropical destination. 

Twillingate: Breathtaking coastal views are the hallmarks of Twillingate Island off the coast of Newfoundland. The rock-ribbed landscape, dotted with forests and carpeted with soft grasses, overlooks steel-gray ocean waters and drifting icebergs—even in the summer months. The glass mosaic blend echoes the look and feel of this majestic coastline through a combination of oceanic blues, cool grays, and seafoam whites.

 Aogashima: A remote island in the Philippine Sea, Aogashima is an active volcano island accessible only by boat or helicopter. Home to 200 residents and occasional adventurers, the island is a serene getaway with a sense of danger. The striking glass blend takes inspiration from sea blues, cool winds and dark volcanic rock.

 

To learn more about the Tommy Bahama Glass Blends series, and available patterns within this series, visit our series collection page. And to see these tiles installed in pools, kitchens, bathrooms, and move - visit the Lunada Bay Tile Inspiration Gallery.

 

 

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Hand-Crafted Glass Tile Characteristics

Sophistication And Craftmanship Produced Daily

It is often said that life is not perfect. When considered, natural, organic beauty is not “perfect”. Whether it is dimples, freckles, or some out-of-the-ordinary quality – these characteristics have become signs of uniqueness and beauty resulting from the nuances of life, genetics, and chance.

At Lunada Bay Tile, we inject life into our tiles. Every one of our hand-crafted glass tiles is formed and manipulated by our skilled artisans. They apply both traditional craftmanship and modern techniques to create effects unlike any other source in the industry.

Each piece of glass tile is imbued with character and traits from our creative process. The results offer a mix of sophistication and craftmanship many people are looking for today. For those people, our tiles provide the simple joy of hand-made objects and the endless details discovered in them over time.

Common, natural characteristics of our handmade glass tiles include:

  • Variation in color, shade, and size
  • Surface texture (such as fissures, folds, and bubbles)
  • Minor edge irregularities (including occasional chipped edges)
  • No two tiles are exactly the same

Important Note: These surface characteristics are not within the body of glass and do not create structural problems or sacrifice the integrity of the tiles. Through all performance testing, the results are the same for tiles with these surface characteristics and without.

For Best Results With Your Glass Tile Installation

It is important to take the time and care to fully clean and polish the tile surface as the final step of installation. When tiles are not fully cleaned, and grout remains in a fissure or other surface characteristic, the tile may appear as if cracked or lead one to believe there are flaws in the glass. Fully completing all steps of the installation process will restore the natural luster to the glass and promote the enjoyment, beauty, and other inherent benefits of the glass tiles through many years ahead.

Visit the Resources section of our website for written instructions and tutorial videos as well as recommendations for care & maintenance of our glass tiles.

Before purchasing our tiles, be sure to review the Recommended Usage & Floor Applications to confirm your tile selection can be used in your space.

Click here for a downloadable PDF of this post.

 

 

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Why Use Paper Face for Mosaic Installations?

The beauty of mosaics is evident to most architects, designers and installers. What is less obvious are the specification details and installation techniques that should be used to ensure an expert installation.

There are several types of mounting methods for mosaic tiles, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Lunada Bay Tile and experienced tile installation professionals prefer paper-face mounting. 

* The biggest advantages of paper face tiles are being able to make adjustments during your set rather than the day after, and avoiding annoying sheet lines. 
** The sign of true craftsmanship can be found in the smallest of details. 

 

Paper-faced tiles are tiles with a paper covering on the front. The paper allows the tiles to adhere directly to thinset. The paper facing is removed with water after the tiles have been installed.

Hand installation with paper sheeting is considered the premium mounting method for experienced installers who follow the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation. These standards are written for architects, designers, general contractors and tile installers in an effort to help professionals in the industry communicate clearly and ensure successful tile installations.

There are many benefits to the paper-faced mounting method. The paper allows a direct bond to the back of the tile while allowing for high degree of adjustability. Tile contractors are able to make adjustments during the set, rather than the day after, and avoid annoying sheet lines. The paper sheets also make it easier to negotiate radius conditions and other curving shapes.

BENEFITS OF PAPER-FACED MOSAIC SHEETS:
  • Easy adjustment of individual tiles while mortar is still workable
  • Avoids annoying sheet lines
  • Ensures possibility of 100% coverage for best bond of tile to substrates
  • No material between the tiles and adhesive to weaken bond
  • No mesh material to feed and promote bacteria growth
  • Allows maximized bond to vitrified materials
  • Allows uniform mortar shrinkage and cure
  • No mounting material to be seen through transparent glass
  • Paper is easily removed with minimal water 20-30 minutes after installation
  • Entire process is easy to accomplish with a little patience
PRO TIP: When removing the paper face, leave some of the paper adhesive prior to grouting. The left-over adhesive on top of the glass provides a perfect grout release. No additional grout release will be needed.

 

The sign of true craftsmanship is seen in the smallest details, and paper-faced mounting of mosaics allows for a high level of detail during installation. 

TCNA provides information on A108.16, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard that provides best practices for installing glass mosaic tiles, including paper-faced, back-mounted, edge-mounted, or clear film face-mounted tiles. The standard was published in 2005 and reaffirmed in 2020. Both the TCNA Handbook and ANSI A108-A118-A136.1 American National Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile are available for purchase through TCNA and ANSI.

Paper + Patience = Beautiful, Reliable Tile Installations

See our installation guides and videos, including advice for removing paper face and making tile adjustments, at LunadaBayTile.com/Resources

You can click here for a downloadable PDF on the benefits of paper face.

 

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Lunada Bay Tile Unveils Mistral

 As one of the oldest tile-making traditions in the world, Zellige tiles have adorned mosques and palaces for centuries. The Mistral collection reinterprets the heritage of Zellige tiles for the modern day. Tile makers in Fez, Morocco, employ time-honored methods that have been perfected and passed down over generations. The individually hand-chiseled tile pieces bridge the past and the present by marrying classic techniques of tile making with modern patterns and colors. Unique to Mistral, lead-free Italian glazes are applied to the Zellige tiles to achieve a striking, fresh palette curated for today’s distinctive interiors and exteriors.

Mistral Zellige art tile | Lunada Bay Tile

To see Mistral tiles used in bathrooms, kitchens, and more - visit our Inspiration Gallery.

 MISTRAL MOSAIC PATTERNS

 

Mistral Zellige mosaic patterns | Lunada Bay Tile

MISTRAL MOSAIC COLORS

Mistral Zellige mosaic colors | Lunada Bay Tile

MISTRAL FIELD PATTERN COLORS

Mistral Zellige field colors | Lunada Bay Tile

MISTRAL BULLNOSE COLORS

Mistral Zellige bullnose colors | Lunada Bay Tile
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Lunada Bay Tile Refreshes the Linen Ceramic Collection
Lunada Bay Tile is refreshing its popular Linen ceramic tile collection with a new hexagon 4-inch tile and new 4 ¾ x 9 ½ tiles available in six glossy, vibrant colors. The subtly three-dimensional woven graphic brings the textured pattern to life, giving it a rustic and elegant appearance, with all the performance benefits of porcelain tile.Linen ceramic series | Lunada Bay Tile

 

LINEN 4" HEX

Linen ceramic series colors | Lunada Bay Tile

LINEN 4 ¾ x 9 ½

Linen ceramic series colors | Lunada Bay Tile

CONCEPT BOARDS

Linen series concept boards | Lunada Bay Tile

 

 

 

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New Graphite Ceramic by Lunada Bay Tile

Artists throughout the centuries have used charcoal for sketching outlines of their frescos and creating illustrated masterpieces. This art medium is inspiration for Graphite, a handcrafted ceramic series offering an expanding variety of options for personal expression. From subtly textured charcoal surfaces to metallic bronze, and colorful artistic pigments – the juxtaposition of color, light, and shadow evoke emotion, drama, and contemplation.

Graphite Patterns

Graphite shapes and patterns

Graphite Colors

Four colors in Graphite by LBT

Click here to learn more about the Graphite series.

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Lunada Bay Tile Introduces Vesuvio

From a heritage of mosaics erupts Vesuvio—a mixed media mosaic series that combines glimmering glass with natural white marble. Elegant yet durable, the natural stone creates a beauty only achieved after millions of years of nature working her magic. The glass is evocative of semi-precious stone found in volcanic formations. In concert, the simple geometric patterns become the timeless foundation for many interior styles.

Vesuvio Colors

Vesuvio mixed media patterns are available in six colorways. 

Vesuvio Patterns

 There are four mixed media patterns, each available in all six colorways.

Three field patterns in white natural marble are also available. To explore the Vesuvio series, click here.

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