Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options

Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options - roomfortuesday.comHow was your weekend? We got quite a bit done over here! Since sharing our entryway renovation design plan and snippets of our progress, my number one most asked quested is, “Where can I found that tile?!” It took me weeks to source our tile, as it turns out French limestone cabochon tile is very tricky to source here in the states. While I wouldn’t recommend the route I took… ordering tile from France and having it shipped, I wanted to provide some alternative options for those looking to achieve a similar look. My exact tile isn’t even available anymore- it sold out, and while it’s gorgeous… the shipping was very costly and a major headache. The majority of our entryway tiles are set, and at this point- we’ll be grouting, then moving along to the next portion the project. Click through for the latest update and to see some similar tile choices I curated…

Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options - roomfortuesday.comFirst, an overall entryway update. Most of the tile is set… we’re still working on cutting and filling in a few corner pieces, but for the most part- we’ll be ready to grout in the week ahead! Honestly, I haven’t even selected a grout color yet, but that should be easy. Once our tile is totally finished, Emmett will be framing in and closing the doorway next to the stairs. As I mentioned in this post, we’ll be closing that wall off to create a new floor plan for our future laundry room.

Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options - roomfortuesday.comOnce the wall is framed in, we’ll check in on our stair parts (a local mill is making those for us), and depending on the timeline… we’ll either continue on with the entryway or dive into the camper project. Given lead times in the design industry are kind of bonkers right now, we’re estimating we’ll be waiting for awhile on our stair parts… which is totally fine! I wanted to support and use a local company and we’re in no hurry anyway. Regardless, we’ll most likely have to shift gears temporarily while we wait.

Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options - roomfortuesday.com

In the meantime, I’ve been admiring our tile- it looks so gorgeous and has certainly exceeded my expectations! It’s stunning in person. I’ll be sure to share some videos with you soon. After we seal and grout the tile, I’ll need to determine whether or not I want to age it. Just like our soapstone counters in the kitchen, limestone and marble can both be aged or enhanced to make them darker and richer in tone. My inclination is to leave the tile as is for now, but who knows. It should wear and patina nicely either way. A great test for this is to see how they look when wiped with water.. check out the image above for an example!

Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options - roomfortuesday.comOur tile is made of limestone and nero marble, and it is installed using two pieces (non mosaic tile)– each in a different shape: a diamond nero piece that pairs with a piece of octagonal limestone to create that iconic French cabochon look. I opted for a 1/16th grout line between each tile. I also wanted tile that had a nice tumbled patina, giving them that perfectly traditional aged appearance. No two tiles are the same, which I think adds a lot of character.

Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options - roomfortuesday.comWith that look and inspiration in mind, I’ve rounded up the following that achieve a similar look and feel, based on color and texture…

Click directly on my finds in the collage to be redirected to the source- or use the numbered links below to shop… not all are clickable.

01: cabochon limestone // 02: terra cotta tile // 03: dot mosaic // 04: octagonal tiles // 05: checkered tiles // 06: travertine tile // 07: octagon mosaic // 09: zellige tile // 10: ceramic tile // 11: limestone grid mosaic // 12: natural stone mosaic // 13: checked floor tile // 14: marble mosaic // 15: marble dot mosaic // 16: travertine stone // 17: ceramic cabochon look

If you’re still really wanting the traditional true French cabochon tile look… I’d just searching “French cabochon limestone tile” and see what that yields. 99% of those will to have to be shipped on a boat from Europe, then trucked to your state (if you’re in the US)– which as you might imagine, can get quite expensive- especially given the cost of fuel right now. Luckily, I bought my tile last summer when shipping costs were still relatively low.

Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options - roomfortuesday.comAnother option for a similar look is cutting your own tile. Grab basic limestone tile and whatever black tile you prefer and cut them in octagonal and diamond shapes to create your own version of cabochon tile. I’ve seen a couple people do this recently on Instagram for a budget-friendly version. Be sure to search for a tumbled stone for that same weathered or pitted look.

Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options - roomfortuesday.comThere you have it… the latest on our entryway renovation, as well as some similar tile options- which have been highly requested. I hope this post is helpful! While this project is moving slower than we would have liked, we’re just embracing the fact that we’re doing what we can with the time we have available. Luckily, we don’t have a deadline and I know it’s going to be amazing once it’s finished. I’m practicing my patience over here! All good things. Have a lovely week, friends.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

10 Comments

  1. Good morning! Such beautiful progress! Don’t you just want to sit on the floor and pet it? I bet I know two boys who will spend lots of time on that cool surface during Utah’s hot summers! I love the graphic pattern, the subtle variations, and the inviting texture. Just everything. I’m interested to hear/see more about the aging and sealing process. The “wet look” really does darken it! Waiting for the stair parts might provide a nice break to work on the camper, and you’ll have more time to convince Emmett about wallpaper. 😉 I’m impressed with the selection of similar tile looks you found. Even though the checkerboard pattern is having a moment (especially on walls it seems), I’m still partial to that classic style. I would happily live with #5 or #13. No tiling in my immediate future, but I can still look! I think I’ve (finally!) got planting and mowing on today’s agenda since the rain stopped for a bit. Here’s to a productive start to the week! Have a good one, friend.💜

    1. Good morning, Peggi! Thank you. Things are really coming along in here. The dogs are already loving the tile, too… it’s nice and cool and we’ve had a couple of hot days, so they’ve taken to chilling out here. I’m STILL trying to convince Emmett on the wallpaper. I could easily hang the low portions and the upstairs hall section, but I’m not keen on climbing 20+ ft scaffolding to do the other parts… otherwise, I’d just do it on my own. Ha! I wonder how much it would cost to hire that part out. Maybe I’ll look into that! I’ve got to get creative with it over here, since a certain someone isn’t budging. I hope you were able to get a break from the rain long enough to mow and get some planting done. We haven’t had any rain lately, and I’ve been wishing for it. I hope you’re having a good week so far :) xo

  2. Good morning! I knew this entry project would be epic! The tiles are stunning as is, but the water test you did is just begging for them to be aged. I love seeing the variation between tiles enhanced with the aging process. I enjoy the texture of tumbled stones and like Peggi, would love to snow angel on your floor. 😂🤣 On pins and needles to see what you choose for grout color with this one. #3 and #7 from your roundup are extremely similar to what I’d like for a kitchen backsplash; I’ve considered travertine, but here in California travertine had a massive hay day in the late 90’s into the early 2k’s and buyers out here tend to view it as extremely dated. It’s one of those pesky things to take into consideration when it comes time for renovation that I’m not happy about. I love travertine and Terra cotta in homes like ours! I love that you’re finding so many local businesses to support throughout these past two renovations. The stair project will be worth the wait, and how lovely to have time built in to jump on the camper. Cheers to a fresh week my friend!

    1. Good morning, Lauren! The wet / aged look really does look nice. I can’t decide! I think for a consistent look, I’ll probably end up aging them eventually- but for now, I’m going to leave them be until the room is totally finished. It will probably be a last minute thing. It’s funny you say that about travertine- I love it (when installed in the right way). I actually think it’s going to make a big comeback. I’m with you on liking all the natural stones- terra cotta, travertine, limestone, marble, soapstone, etc. None of those will go out of style if done in a classic way. We’re taking the camper out for one night away later this week- just to test everything before we get started on it. I hope you’re having a wonderful week!! xo

    1. Thank you, Dawn! I hope you have a great day :)

  3. Cici Haus says:

    What a journey! I’m so glad you were able to get exactly what you wanted! Our entry/kitchen/dining room tile is very similar to this and I hate it – ha! That’s the best thing about style – everyone’s is different.

    1. Thank you! You said it best, Cici- the world would be a very boring place if we all had the same style and preferences :) I wish I could take your dining room tile off your hands for you, haha! Here’s to a great weekend ahead. I hope you’re having a lovely Friday!

  4. Is there a place where you discuss how you imported the tiles? I’m interested.

    1. Sarah Gibson says:

      I didn’t share a post on that. Sorry, Erica! I found a shipping broker to transport the tile… which took quite awhile!