Heath Ceramics’ new Modern Basics tiles debut at a good price

In a timely debut, Heath Ceramics has launched a less costly line of handcrafted tiles with the distinctive glazes for which the company is known. Because the new Modern Basics line is produced in large quantities and in a more limited palette, it will sell for $16.50 per square foot, about 40% less than Heath’s classic field tiles, which must be custom-ordered. Modern Basics come in two sizes, 2-by-6-inch and 3-by-6-inch. The colors are named Muslin Matte, Blue Fog Matte, River Bed Matte, Soft White Glossy, Fern Glossy and Cedar Glossy. All tiles are produced using white clay and, like the more expensive Heath designs, will have variations in depth of color. A sample kit of six small tiles in different colors is available for $7.50 at Heath’s new Los Angeles store, which will keep the new line in stock, ready to go. (323) 965-0800, www.heathceramics.com.

-- Lisa Boone