Getting Started with Pewabic Design

Have you ever wondered about the Pewabic tile installations you’ve seen, or the hearths and backsplashes seen in various homes? This is the article for you! Here’s what you need to get started with your next Pewabic Tile installation. 

 Pewabic Designer Genevieve walks us through the entire custom tile design process

Pewabic Tile has been around over a century, and can be found in some of Detroit’s most beloved destinations. Our tile is featured in historic applications such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and more contemporary settings including Comerica Park and Little Ceasars Arena.

Iridescent tile niche (right) and Pewabic tile fountain at the Detroit Institute of Arts

We are proud to continue this tradition of craftsmanship, tailoring the experience and customizations that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and work within your design preferences. Whether you lean toward completely custom designs that fold in our signature Iridescent glaze, or you’re looking for a traditional Craftsman Style accent for your home, we’ve got you covered. 

Our design studio experts are here to help you through the process! We’re going to highlight what you can achieve from a custom design consultation, as well as our expedited Standard Runs and In-Stock Architectural tile options. 

CUSTOM DESIGN CONSULTATION 

Did you know our designers offer free one-hour custom design consultations? You can get the most out of yours by following a few key guidelines: 

• We recommend you look through our online resources that include price, shape, and glaze color options. 

• Have inspiration photos ready. This will give us a sense of your design and color preferences. 
• Provide photos and measurements of the space. Having this information handy will give your Pewabic designer the specifications they need to get started on your design or project
• If you'd rather speak directly with a member of our design team, fill out our form to jump right into scheduling your free one-hour consultation

The hearth pictured below is set in a contemporary living room, drawing the eye directly to its multi-faceted design. This neo-futuristic design nods to Eero Saarinen, incorporating  complementary matte and iridescent glaze surfaces. 

Midcentury Fireplace incorporating a custom Saarinen-inspired Aurora Iridescent tile border

Midcentury Fireplace tile detail

PEWABIC’S STANDARD RUNS 

Our Standard Runs options are great for those looking for an expedited and minimal design. We’ve streamlined the design process, making it easy for you to make that next DIY project a reality without the complexity and added cost of a full-scale custom design. 

Check out our online catalog of glaze colors and profiles available in our Standard Runs collection. Below are some examples of designs that utilize glazes and styles available in this new offering. 

NOTE: At this time, we are working with a minimal crew and lead times for handcrafted tile designs vary based on the demands of our team.

Modern Herringbone Backsplash features our Smoke glaze

Wright Backsplash featuring a striking blend of off-white 3x3 field tiles

Pewabic's Senior Designer Genevieve likens the client-designer collaboration to that of a “dance”. “I love the individual clients and challenges their projects bring to our design team”, she adds. Gen wants all prospective clients to know that “... by choosing Pewabic tile for your space/project you are adding to the legacy of Pewabic, creating the next 100 years of history.” 

Rest assured that your design will be completely unique. Gen emphasizes, “Our tiles are made specifically for their space and no other project will 'match' it.”