Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options

How 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…

First, 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.

Once 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.

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 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.

With 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.

Another 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.

There 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.