After several years of enjoying a bold blue-and-white patterned patio tiled with Clay Imports pieces, brand creative Jen Pinkston was ready for a change. Some weather wear and freeze damage gave her the perfect excuse to reimagine the space, and the result is a complete transformation: a checkerboard patio in natural terracotta tones, installed by The Tile Press with a trim-free edge for a clean, modern finish.
- Why Now Was the Right Time
- From Bold Blue to Warm Terracotta
- The Appeal of Checkerboard Tile
- Why Clay Imports Was the Obvious Choice
- Partnering with The Tile Press
- A Trim-Free, Modern Edge
- A Lesson in Versatility
- The Finished Space
- Jen’s Best Advice for Outdoor Tile Projects
Installation in progress of Cotto Sienna and Cotto Umber 6x6 tiles, arranged in a checkered layout.
Why Now Was the Right Time
The timing of the refresh came naturally. Jen and her family had just finished building a pool, and with the yard already in need of attention, it made sense to tackle every outdoor area at once. Updating the patio turned into the perfect complement to their newly finished poolside retreat.
From Bold Blue to Warm Terracotta
The original patio design was vibrant and artistic, inspired by a local painting, but after eight years in their home, Jen was ready to bring in something warmer and more versatile. Their house features cool tones, concrete floors, white walls, and a dark stucco exterior, so she sought a material that would balance those modern finishes with organic warmth. Natural terracotta provided exactly that contrast, adding depth and texture while softening the home’s sleek lines.
The Appeal of Checkerboard Tile
Checkerboard tile layouts are both timeless and adaptable, which is exactly why Jen embraced them. The cotto checkerboard brings a fresh, modern twist to a pattern that feels steeped in history. It strikes the balance between classic and contemporary design, making the patio feel current yet enduring.
“The checkerboard pattern felt like our own modern twist on a more traditional tile,” she says. “You could find a 100-year-old version in a courtyard somewhere, or it could be brand new and checkered like ours.”
Why Clay Imports Was the Obvious Choice
This project marked Jen’s second time working with Clay Imports, and the reason is simple: she finds the company’s approach artistic and personal. Instead of feeling like a transaction, each collaboration feels like working alongside fellow creatives. That spirit of artistry and craftsmanship comes through in the finished spaces, which is why Clay Imports has become a go-to for Jen’s tile projects.
Partnering with The Tile Press
The installation, handled by The Tile Press, was a seamless experience. Known for their precision and friendly professionalism, the team worked closely with Jen to make thoughtful decisions about layout and finish. Their expertise ensured that the checkerboard pattern looked flawless and aligned perfectly with the vision. “They’re just the best,” Jen says.
Installation by The Tile Press, expert tile installers in Austin, Texas.
A Trim-Free, Modern Edge
Instead of traditional trim pieces, Jen opted for a trim-free edge. The decision emphasized the modern aesthetic she wanted to bring forward, highlighting the clean lines of the checkerboard layout and letting the terracotta itself take center stage.
A Lesson in Versatility
Working with just one tile revealed how much can be achieved through layout and scale. By choosing a simple material and arranging it thoughtfully, Jen discovered that the design possibilities are nearly endless.
The Finished Space
Today, the patio feels like a sunny, inviting nook that can be seen from many rooms in the house. It’s not only beautiful but also highly functional, ready to adapt to different seasons of family life. The warmth of the cotto tiles grounds the space, while the checkerboard layout keeps it playful and fresh.
Jen’s Best Advice for Outdoor Tile Projects
For anyone considering their own family-friendly outdoor update, Jen’s philosophy is to focus less on resale or practical choices and more on what sparks joy. Choosing materials that genuinely inspire you, and working with partners you trust, creates a space you’ll love for years to come.
“My only interior regrets are when something has either been too practical and not fun or joyful or expressive of my own point of view,” she explains.
Final Thoughts
This patio refresh shows how terracotta tile and checkerboard layouts can redefine outdoor living. With Clay Imports’ artistry and The Tile Press’s craftsmanship, Jen’s new space strikes the perfect balance of warmth, modernity, and timeless appeal.
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