Photograph: Nathan Kirkman / Produced by: Arden Nelson

Shown here: Astra handmade cement tiles from Mexico, available in a wide variety of sizes, patterns, and colors (including custom combinations), price upon request, at Urban Archaeology, 108 Merchandise Mart, 312-527-4627. Dakota towel, $25, at Bloomingdale’s Home, 600 N. Wabash Ave., 312-324-7500. Circa-1900 cedar platter handcrafted in Pakistan, $150, at The Golden Triangle, 72 W. Hubbard St., 312-755-1266. Assorted bath soaps, $12 to $15, at Barneys New York, 25 E. Oak St., 312-587-1700.

(1)The Pill ceramic wall tile by Chicago artisan Bryan Kerrigan, $60 per 93¼8-by-151¼8-inch tile, at Morlen Sinoway Atelier, 1052 W. Fulton Mkt., 312-432-0100.
(2)Waterglass Circles glass tile in butternut, $29.50 per nine-inch-square sheet, at Waterworks, 136 Merchandise Mart, 312-527-4668.
(3)Minimalist concrete floor and wall tile by David-Michael for Smith-Laredo, $10 to $16 per square foot, at Home Carpet One, 3071 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-935-5227 (also shown in light blue, brown, and dark blue, at bottom).
(4) Mesquite tiles (also shown at left), from $42 per square foot, at Ann Sacks, 100-B Merchandise Mart, 312-923-0919.
(5)Kho Liang Ie Collection porcelain tile by Royal Mosa, $7.95 per square foot, at Urban Source, 1432 W. Chicago Ave., 312-455-0505.
(6)Safi Field Moroccan glazed terra cotta tile from the Medina Collection, $107.94 per square foot, at Ann Sacks.
(7) Waterglass Ovals ceramic tile in butternut and gingersnap, $35 for a nine-inch-square sheet.
(8)Sedona and Seashell glass tile samples by Phuze, $35 for a four-inch square, at

Waterworks.Photograph: Tyllie Barbosa
Produced by: Arden Nelson