Tile Dreams

This project was a top to bottom remodel of a 1920s house in Portland’s Northwest Hills. The goal was to create a new character for the house that felt in keeping with the vintage, while making it comfortable and welcoming for her clients, a young family of four.

It was an older house, but it didn’t have a lot of the amazing detail you usually see in early 20th century homes. That gave us the opportunity to give it some character and imagine what it could have looked like. How can we design details that feel like they’ve always been there – while still feeling fresh, bright, and appropriate for a modern family?

Alisha Borden, Senior Designer
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Bringing together vintage style with a modern edge is Pratt + Larson’s specialty. We were excited to collaborate with Jessica on the kitchen, butler’s pantry, and downstairs bath.

Enriching Spaces

Kitchen & Butler Pantry

As one of the busiest and most-loved spots in the home, the kitchen deserves particular attention – and this one couldn’t be more idyllic. The homeowners wanted something light, warm, and friendly, and so soft wall colors were a must. Jessica and her team chose our 2×6 Portland field tile for the walls in the kitchen and the butler’s pantry.

Because of the amount of windows above the benchtops, there was very little space to incorporate a special backsplash without it being constantly interrupted. The solution was to run the tiles to the ceiling and use them across all the kitchen walls.

Jessica Helgerson

The JHID design team wanted to emphasize the rich variation already in our glazes, and asked us to create a palette of three custom colors. These were blended in a random pattern, creating subtle variety and a soft visual texture without getting too busy – even when used throughout the entire kitchen.

We knew we wanted to work with Pratt + Larson because of their custom trim and color capabilities. They helped us come up with three warm gray colors, and we did equal percentages of each one to push the variation and make it look natural (not like a pattern). The Portland field surface gave them a different look, with the added benefit of being wiped down easily – which is crucial with young kids.

Alisha Borden, Senior Designer
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

The result is a kitchen space that is bright, contemporary, and superbly functional. The wall tile combined with other thoughtfully considered elements create a truly classic, livable, and warm space that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Although finishes like the wall tile are muted, it works because of the variety of subtle undertones. All the elements work in tandem, balancing each other to create a palette filled with warmth and layers of visual interest.

Jessica Helgerson

Sauna Bathroom

Located on the basement level of the house, Jessica and her team took this as an opportunity to accentuate the dark tones rather than shying away from them.
If a room is naturally pretty dark, I think you can lean into that. Why fight it? It won’t be sunny anyway, so let it be sultry!
Jessica Helgerson
Our recently developed watercolor glaze, W98, was the perfect fit for this subterranean oasis. An example of Pratt + Larson’s continued color experimentation, this deep jade was hot off the presses when it caught the eye of senior designer Alisha Borden.
Someone from Pratt + Larson dropped off a sample board with a new color that had been developed for another project – and I just loved it. A bold color like that can be a little scary with hard materials, but embracing it was really rewarding. We even ended up using a close color match paint for a fun tone-on-tone look.
Alisha Borden, Senior Designer
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
And this boldness paid off – creating one of the most intriguing focal points of the home and giving the entire bottom floor a truly elegant feel.

Vintage soul with modern practicality

The vision for this home was to capture its original 1920s charm and pair it with contemporary usability. Thanks to the expert eye of Jessica and her team, they achieved this goal with flying colors. The thoughtful use of tile and other materials throughout make for a truly remarkable space, and Pratt + Larson is proud to be a part of it.
Having trusted vendors makes my job so much easier. We always spec the best material for the project, but it’s a blessing when they can come from the same place. Pratt + Larson has been so amenable and accommodating, and what they do is so unique. From specialty colors, to custom trim and corner pieces – you can’t order that kind of thing from a catalog.
Alisha Borden, Senior Designer
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
Designer

Jessica Helgerson

Jessica’s work is inspired by the natural elements that surround her, which you clearly see reflected through the textures, materials, and colors of her work. She takes her partnerships seriously: “Our network of collaborating professionals, formed through fifteen years of practice, includes architects, builders, artists, and artisans who share our vision.”

Check out her website.

Finish Strong with Trim

Trim ties everything together both visually and structurally. It adds the finishing touch and brings cohesion to your design.

Within this collection, you’ll find trim available. Return to the collection index to add it to your cart.

Pratt + Larson Terms of Purchase

Ordering Tile Online

Ordering tile takes a bit more planning than your average online purchase. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Calculate your square footage and add at least 15% overage to ensure there is enough tile to successfully complete your installation. Be sure to double-check your quantities.
  • Order samples first before placing your full tile order to confirm color and finish in person.
  • Tile is sold by the box, not by the piece. Orders over three boxes ship on a pallet, so be sure your delivery location can receive a large freight shipment.
  • You’ll receive a confirmation email within two business days of placing your order. Please review it carefully and contact us immediately if anything looks off. Once confirmed, your order enters production — and changes or cancellations may no longer be possible.
  • We strongly recommend working with a professional installer who can accurately calculate quantities, handle material, and ensure a smooth install.

How to Calculate Quantities

  • To confirm that Brownstone is right for your project, start by reviewing the Usage Chart.
  • You or your installer should measure the total square footage of the areas to be tiled. To calculate, measure the length and width of each section, multiply to get the area, and add them all together. For irregular shapes, break them into smaller rectangles and calculate each separately.
  • Don’t forget overage! We recommend ordering at least 15% extra to account for cuts, waste, and future repairs.
  • Be sure to account for trim — Trim comes in 8” pieces. To calculate the number of pieces you need: Measure your edges and transitions by the linear foot, multiply by 12 (to get the total number of inches needed), then divide by 8.

Handmade Variation + Range

The beauty of handmade tile is that no two pieces are exactly alike — and that variation is what gives it depth and character. Subtle changes in color, shade, surface, and size should be expected (and celebrated!) since they make every installation one-of-a-kind.
To help you understand what kind of variation to expect, we use a simple scale from V1 to V4:

  • V1: Minimal Variation – Slight, subtle differences between pieces.
  • V2: Some Variation – A bit more range from light to dark, adding richness and dimension.
  • V3: Moderate Variation – Noticeable shifts in both color and contrast, even within a single order — making it especially important to avoid add-on orders.
  • V4: Substantial Variation – Exciting and full of character! These glazes are designed to have significant and sometimes dramatic differences — even within a single tile. Layout and planning are essential, and we recommend ordering samples in advance.

Variation levels represent the maximum expected range — actual orders may appear more consistent. Always reference current samples and talk to your salesperson if you’re going for a specific look.

Shipping + Return Policy

Shipping + Handling: Orders may ship via FedEx, or freight truck.

  • FedEx orders include a $10 per-box handling fee.
  • Palletized freight shipments include a $30 per-pallet handling fee.

If your shipment arrives damaged, please notify us within 48 hours of delivery. We’ll provide instructions to initiate a freight claim.

Returns: With prior approval, we accept returns of full, unopened boxes of tile within 30 days of delivery.

  • Returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee
  • Products must arrive in original, undamaged condition to receive credit.
  • Made-to-order tile is not eligible for return.
  • A Return Authorization must be issued before sending back any product.

Please contact CustomerService@prattandlarson.com to initiate a return.

Installation Information

  • Inspect First: Please inspect your order upon arrival. Lay out all tile before installation to see the full range of color and variation. Installation constitutes acceptance — no claims can be made after the tile is installed. If there’s any damage during shipping, freight claims must be initiated immediately by the receiver.
  • Safety Note: Wet cutting is required. Do not dry cut or create excessive dust — improper techniques may release harmful silica dust.
  • Variation: Handmade tile is known for its beautiful range in color, texture, and size. This variation is intentional and part of the finished look. Final orders may differ from samples.
  • Grout + Grout Block: Use sanded grout with a 1/8″–3/16″ joint. For textured glazes, apply a grout block (we recommend Old English Lemon Oil) to reduce hazing. Clean any excess oil with soap and water. Avoid letting grout dry on the surface. For high-contrast grout, test a small area first to see how it will affect the color.