Heritage Tile has just introduced three designs of sculptural tile inspired the Saul Bass’s 1960s designs for Pomona Tile. Also known as dimensional tile, or bas relief tile, due to the three-dimensional quality of the molding, these tiles are suited to true midcentury modern design (not so much midcentury modest.) These tiles could look particularly smashing around a fireplace or feature wall, where they can make an artistic statement all their own. Thanks to reader Brandi for this tip!
The company told me that the glaze palette is inspired by the bright, iconic color palette of Fiestaware, and the softer hues found in Formica’s boomerang countertops. Retail price is $26 s.f.- The new Atomic Tile designs can be found here.
- See all my tile research in the Bathroom Help / Tile Ideas and Help category here.
Fabulous retro tiles from Oscar & Izzy 
Daltile small mosaics in 41 colors — including perfect 1970s avocado, orange & brown 
Formica blue Nassau laminate — which color tile — blue or aqua — to go with? 
COMMENTS WILL RE-OPEN on MONDAY, DECEMBER 2. For the first time in, like, 13 years, I am taking a real vacation from the blog, to spend un-distracted time with family. As part of this, Commenting on the blog is paused. Meanwhile, please enjoy reading all the many stories in our archives -- and come back Monday, Dec. 2 when I will launch our annual giveaway of a vintage ornament wreath made by Georgia Peachez -- and when comments will reopen so you can enter to win! HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
Dan says
Aren’t these fabulous! And just a few, strategically placed, would have a terrific effect. Can’t wait to see a few projects using these.
scs3000 says
Wow, very cool! Any idea on pricing?
Pam Kueber says
It’s in the story but I know it’s easy to miss — $26 s/f
scs3000 says
Aw shucks, I went right past it. Thanks, Pam.
Kate says
Ohhhhh I want all of these!
Pam Kueber says
Katiedoodle!
Brooke says
These are amazing! $26sqft ($35CAN) isn’t too bad compared to other tile companies that have retro style tiles – Heath, Fireclay, Modwalls ($50+ CAN) . These would be perfect for my bathroom renovation as a sink backsplash or tile accent in a shower niche. Must have them!
Allison says
How cool! I was recently bemoaning the fact that the Pomona sculptured tile were no more.
Check vintage magazine advertising for how these were used; relatively few, sometimes randomly rather than as field tile. Fabulous effects.
Now, trying to figure out where I could use some of these diamonds in aqua without it seeming out of place in my modest 1940s beach cottage…
Nancy says
Maybe in a fireplace surround, or an outdoor planter?
Pam Kueber says
Yes, you are right: Often randomly mixed with field tiles of the same color!
Roberta says
SO cool! Is the Rose the same color as my family refers to as “Pomona Pink”??
Cindy Friday says
So cool and answers my question about my former 1959 home in Riverside CA. I had the green star tile — but in a creamy white — in my shower in random placement with a matching 4by4s. Now I know where it came from! These are quite pretty.
Allison says
I ordered a sample, but sadly there are no plain field tiles to match the sculptured ones.
I don’t know how difficult it would be to find a field tile that would work with these; certainly hard to match glazes. 🙁
Kathy in S says
It appears that the 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 field tiles are available in the same colors:
https://subwaytile.com/products/field-tile-and-liners-65/standard-field/4-1-4-x-4-1-4-field-tile-50194.html
The color names were missing the word “satin” so I strongly recommend confirming the match with a sample.
Sandy chartreuse says
Ooh, I really love these! I love the simple patterns and the dimensionality of them… adds so much intriguing style. I especially love the circles and the middle triangles design. What an awesome kitchen backsplash these would make! I would love to see examples of how people have used these.
Amanda says
Do you know if the field tiles would be suitable for shower floor applications? I’m assuming since all the pictures show them only on walls and surrounds that they are not.
I need to replace my powder blue stall shower floor and want to match the original surround, but have not found anything suitable. These look like they may be a match.
Pam Kueber says
Contact the company re specifications, Amanda… you are asking the right question though!