I want to cover the fireplace in craftsman tile like those produced by Motawi tile. I particularly love their relief tiles along with their field tiles.

Motawi Tile

However, they told me to figure around $120-$140 a square foot! Now I realize they are handmade but it's a bit (ok a lot) out of my budget. Do any of you know of any other companies that would have a similar look but in a better price point? When I did my condo here, I balked at the gorgeous $24/sq foot tile I put down in my 6' x 6' bathroom.

Additionally, I'm thinking for the hall leading from the kitchen to DH's study and the powder room of doing an encaustic/cement tile instead of wood. I'd probably use a border of wood around the tile and then the tile inside. Here are two links to what I'm thinking. Has anyone used these types of tiles on their floors? How have they held up? What about maintenance? And do you have any other companies I might look at for the tile?

Cement Tile Shop

Cle Tile