--- title: "Motawi Tileworks — Tile & Stone | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/tile-and-stone/motawi-tileworks-pfvwus-pf~344114285 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~344114285.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Motawi Tileworks" category: ["Tile & Stone"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/93f3f56700a406c4_3399-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "170 Enterprise Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, United States" latitude: 42.2794 longitude: -83.784 phone: "(734) 213-0017" website: https://www.motawi.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 30 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 276 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # Motawi Tileworks Original Houzz profile: [Motawi Tileworks](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/tile-and-stone/motawi-tileworks-pfvwus-pf~344114285) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Tile & Stone - **Location:** Ann Arbor, MI - **Serves:** United States - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (30 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - 30 years in business Located in Ann Arbor, Mich., Motawi Tileworks makes handcrafted tile as art pieces and for residential and commercial installations. Owner and Artistic Director Nawal Motawi began creating historically inspired tile in her garage and selling it at the local farmers market. Demand for her work grew, and in 1992 Motawi formed The Tileworks, which came to specialize in Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and Midcentury Modern aesthetics. In addition to its own unique designs, The Tileworks is also licensed to produce art tile based on the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Charley Harper. Motawi art tiles are now sold in more than 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and Motawi tile installations grace homes and public spaces worldwide. For more information, visit motawi.com. Contact our design department: installationdesign@motawi.com ### Services Provided - Tile Sales - Design Services - Handmade Art Tiles - Tile Manufacturing ### Areas Served - United States ### Typical Job Cost $2,000 - 9,000 Motawi tile is all sold per piece and is all made-to-order. It works out that our field tile starts at $165 per square foot. However, we normally advise using $185-$200 as a starting budget price for projects. This would allow for a primarily field tile installation using mostly standard size tiles, but allows for some variation in size, some amount of edge glazing and a couple of decorative tiles. Projects that use smaller or larger tiles, or more decorative tiles are more expensive. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Motawi Tileworks | | Address | 170 Enterprise Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, United States | | Phone | (734) 213-0017 | | Website | https://www.motawi.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 276 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MotawiTileworks/ - X (Twitter) — http://www.twitter.com/motawitileworks - Blog — https://www.motawi.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Motawi Tileworks](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/tile-and-stone/motawi-tileworks-pfvwus-pf~344114285) - **Website:** https://www.motawi.com/ - **Phone:** (734) 213-0017 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 30 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-195168117, Aug. 2021** > My wife and I are thrilled with the fireplace hearth designed by Colleen Crawley, one of the in-house Motawi design staff. I loved Motawi's tiles but wasn't sure it would be a good fit for our suburban California 1950's ranch house. Colleen presented three different options and worked with us to refine the selected choice. Great communication and positive feedback throughout. Tile delivery was as promised though we ordered during the pandemic and our installer found the materials and directions very easy to work with. We're delighted with the finished hearth -- it is the centerpiece of our modest living room. I love Motawi's business philosophy and principles and just recently ordered some art tiles for my office. **★★★★★ — Christine Staples, Feb. 2020** > After struggling to make a decent design for the fireplace in our 1919 bungalw, we hired a Motawi in-house designer, and then used her plans to purchase spectacular custom tiles. The finished job is gorgeous, our tile contractor was in heaven working with such beautiful materials, and he described how, when going into a local tile shop to buy grout, how stunned all the staff and customers were by his photos of the tile installation. The highest compliment came from our neighbor: that it looked as though it had always been there, because it was so perfect. **★★★★★ — Paul Fanson, Dec. 2016** > I worked with Motwai to buy tile for a fireplace and bathroom. Our timeline did not allow for me to use the Motawi design service, but their friendly staff was able to sit down with me for a planning meeting in which she gave me enough advice and suggestions to prepare the design on my own. I was able to select the needed tiles for the design and Motawi double checked the order. based on my drawing to make sure I did not make any errors. The projects are now finished and they are stunning centerpieces to our new home. **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > Thank you for this, Paul. We are glad your projects worked out. We'd LOVE to see pictures! **★★★★★ — Jenny Bocchino, Sept. 2016** > I cannot say enough wonderful things about Motawi Tileworks. The tiles themselves are absolutely beautiful and unique. We knew we wanted to use the tiles but wanted help with a design for our fireplace. Colleen was beyond helpful throughout the entire process. We received a design that we loved and it looks like a piece of art in our home. I highly recommend Motawi for both their product and customer service. **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > Thank you Jenny! We loved working with you as well! **★★★★★ — steve9910, Feb. 2016** > I needed to tile our new kitchen. Our house is from the era of Arts & Crafts (1906) even though the kitchen is totally modern. And we live in the kitchen so the large tiled area had to be perfect. As the owner of L&L Kiln Mfg I design kilns used by tilemakers so I knew I had to get this right. The tiles has to be handmade. My wife insisted they not have much relief so they would be easy to clean. Color and texture would have to be the key design elements. > > I spent a year trying to figure out how to find the perfect tiles. I went to every tile store in the Philadelphia area. I talked to tile makers that I know. I considered making them myself. Nothing felt right. We started to get used to the drywall! > > I was aware of Motawi both by reputation and because they had bought a kiln from us many years ago. I looked up their tiles and fell in love with a few of their handpainted art tiles. I knew they would be right for the key design element so I got three of them. Then I tried to match them with other tiles. It became abundantly clear that there is a unique color palette that each tilemaker has. It can be so subtle that you wouldn't notice until you really tried to match designs. So then it was clear the entire job had to be done by Motowai. > > I traveled to Michigan to visit friends, go to a concert in Detroit, and meet Colleen Crawley, one of the designers at Motowai. We synced immediately. She made this project work. Colleen designed the entire installation with just the right balance of flair and restraint. It is completely amazing and everything I hoped despairingly for for so long. The pictures speak for themselves. > > The tiles themselves are a marvel of subtle micro crystalline glaze structure. The colors are bright without losing the sense of earth. The tile making process at Motowai is just the right combination of machine-made for the necessary uniformity and quality and handmade finishing. And beyond working with Colleen working with the entire company is a delight. If there was a sixth star to give it would be theirs. **★★★★★ — Diane Drobka, Feb. 2016** > I absolutely LOVE Motawi tiles. They are extra thick and well painted, and come in so many colors and designs that it's hard to pick a favorite. I especially love the slight variations in the look of each tile, which gives it extra character. > > We've used Motawi for both our kitchen and bathroom remodels. Excellent design staff (Colleen) - easy to work with. She ran very tight quality control and had them remake some of our tiles when she was not satisfied with them. Looking forward to working with her on the matching backsplash in the bathroom and the hearth and mantle tiles for our fireplace. **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > Thanks, Diane! Your floor looks absolutely beautiful! We can't wait to help you with your next projects! **★★★★★ — dianevp46, Feb. 2016** > I recently remodeled my galley style kitchen and chose Motawi tile for the backsplash behind the counter. I had seen Motawi pine landscape tiles in shops and galleries over the years, and I wanted to use that design with background tiles in the backsplash. > > The project from start to finish took a long time in part because I was out of town and also because my project "fell through the cracks" at Motawi - but it was absolutely well worth the wait and I'm very pleased with the result. I worked with the designer who recommended complementary colors for background tile and grout, and she graciously incorporated my ideas into the layout even when she did not personally agree with them. She proposed three designs and I selected one. She was even able to make a slight modification later to accommodate the shutters I had installed for the window above the sink. > > The designer also recommended an installer who had experience with Motawi tile and I felt it was well worth the extra effort and expense. I saw this project as an investment and I wanted it to be done right. The designer provided detailed illustrations and diagrams for me and for the installer - as well as all the information that the installer needed to complete the project with no problems. > > All in all it was a very expensive project for me and I briefly considered other options (like combining Motawi tile with other less expensive background tile which I would have immediately regretted!). But I viewed this as an art installation - not only a tile installation. It was well worth the cost and it makes me happy every time I walk into my kitchen!. I leave the under cabinet LED lights on low and it feels like I'm in a museum or gallery. I have no reservations about recommending Motawi tile and the design services to others. > > Here are photos of the work in progress and the finished product. \[Note: The wires hanging down on the left are for under cabinet outlets that could not be installed until the tile was done.\] **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > Oh Diane, this is SO stunning! We are very happy you chose our tile to adorn your kitchen. We just love how the Pine Landscape tiles look with your gorgeous cabinets! Thank you for the kind review! **★★★★★ — Melinda Kulish, Feb. 2016** > The tiles are amazing, unusual and incredibly beautiful. The folks at Motawi put together a very intricate design that was easy to follow (according to my contractor). Can't recommend them highly enough. **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > Thanks for the kind words, Melinda! We're so glad you like your project. **★★★★★ — kalix11, Dec. 2014** > My husband and I built a Craftsman home in Central Virginia and wanted to have the house reflect a true Craftsman Style. We attended a lecture that Motawi artisans gave at a Arts and Crafts conference and saw their work and understood their philosophy. The entire project was done through email and the project from start to finish was flawless. The artists took time to understand our style, color choices and guided us with choosing the correct grout (critical data when you want to focus on the art of their work). > We've received countless compliments and know that our fireplace is not just tiled, but a true work of art! I will hire Motawi again for our next house project. **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > We are so grateful for your review! Glad to know Motawi is well received in central VA! Enjoy your spring! > The Motawi Tileworks Team **★★★★★ — User, Dec. 2014** > We switched from a tile selection from a retail store to a tile from Motawi, and it was the best decision we made in remodeling our kitchen. The effect this tile has on our kitchen is outstanding. It has a rich classic yet contempoary look that will never date our kitchen. It will never go out of style, because it has made it's own style. We love the finished results. Hadley Lords, our consultant, was excellent, professional, insightful, and creative in her recommendations and design. The tiles were pre-cut and made to fit our kitchen perfect. The tiles were completed earlier than scheduled! To enhance the look of the tiles on the walls above the counters, we eliminated the plug sockets from the wall and mounted a strip of sockets that run the length of the underside of the cabinets. It's an easy habit to switch to and enhances the finished product. **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > Thank you so much for your review! Hadley is excellent and we were sad to see her go to pursue her dreams in NYC. Lucky for us, she comes to visit! **★★★★★ — gaijingeisha65, Dec. 2014** > I first became acquainted with Motawi Tileworks while I lived in Japan. A friend there had a beautiful tile she had received as a gift. I admired the colors and quality of the tile and found much to my surprise that it had been made right here in Ann Arbor, MI. > After returning to the U.S., my husband & I decided to remodel the kitchen. We have lived in the 1920's era home for 30+ years and I knew I had to ;find a way to use some of Motawi's beautiful tiles in the remodeling project. I consulted with Motawi Tileworks to help select tile appropriate for the style of the house. They were very patient and helpful with the selection of the tile for the kitchen backsplash as well as an appropriate color to use for the grout. The style and colors of the tile were perfect for the kitchen, and I get compliments all the time on the quality and beauty of the tiles. **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > Wow! Glad you saw us all the way in Japan and glad you live here! Thanks for the wonderful review and for using Motawi Tileworks for your project! **★★★★★ — cinders432, Dec. 2014** > I went to Motawi Tileworks to assemble and purchase the tiles for my kitchen backsplash. I then had a local company, Superior Interiors, install the tile. My husband and I created the design for the backsplash and then the installers were able to make minor adjustments around windows, etc. I had previously laid out all the backsplash tiles in the other room so the installers could move one section at a time for installation. **Comment from Motawi Tileworks:** > We love when our customers use their wonderful creativity! Thank you for your nice review! ## Selected projects - [Arts and Crafts Kitchen Backsplash \| Songbird Storm Blue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-kitchen-backsplash-songbird-storm-blue-pj-vj~1997956) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 7 - Description: Arts and Crafts kitchen backsplash featuring Motawi Tileworks’ Songbird and Long Stem art tiles in Grey Blue. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Arts & Crafts Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-fireplace-pj-vj~2645317) - Location: Detroit, MI - Photos: 7 - Description: Arts and Crafts fireplace by Motawi Tileworks featuring Sullivan and Halsted relief tile and raised hearth. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Arts and Crafts Fireplace \| Leaves & Berries](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-fireplace-leaves-and-berries-pj-vj~2645305) - Location: Kalamazoo, MI - Photos: 7 - Description: Arts and Crafts fireplace by Motawi Tileworks featuring Leaves & Berries relief tile in Slate. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Midcentury Tile \| Charley Harper by Motawi](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-tile-charley-harper-by-motawi-pj-vj~5709249) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Midcentury modern Charley Harper tilework by Motawi. - [Craftsman Fireplace \| Lisbon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-fireplace-lisbon-pj-vj~5534044) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 5 - Description: Tile fireplace featuring Motawi Tileworks’ Lisbon tile in Retro Lime. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Frank Lloyd Wright March Balloons Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/frank-lloyd-wright-march-balloons-kitchen-pj-vj~5563837) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: March Balloons art tile from Motawi’s Frank Lloyd Wright Collection complement this colorful kitchen backsplash. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Craftsman Fireplace \| Sunflower](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-fireplace-sunflower-pj-vj~957798) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 6 - Description: Tile fireplace featuring Motawi’s Sunflower, Carnation and Tudor Rose art tiles in Gold Salmon. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Frank Lloyd Wright Fireplace \| Frank Thomas House Tile](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/frank-lloyd-wright-fireplace-frank-thomas-house-tile-pj-vj~855557) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Tile fireplace featuring Frank Thomas House art tile from Motawi Tileworks’ Frank Lloyd Wright Collection and warmly colored field tile. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Arts and Crafts Fireplace \| Ginkgo Lichen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-fireplace-ginkgo-lichen-pj-vj~5534010) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 6 - Description: Arts and Crafts fireplace by Motawi Tileworks featuring Ginkgo and Medieval Cat relief tile in Lichen. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Arts and Crafts Kitchen Backsplash \| Songbird Pear](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-kitchen-backsplash-songbird-pear-pj-vj~991081) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Arts and Crafts kitchen featuring Motawi Tileworks’ Songbird and Long Stem art tiles in Olive - [Arts and Crafts Fireplace \| Songbird Oak](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-fireplace-songbird-oak-pj-vj~5472453) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 3 - Description: Arts and Crafts fireplace by Motawi Tileworks featuring Songbird art tiles in Golden - [Arts and Crafts Kitchen Backsplash \| Animals Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-kitchen-backsplash-animals-kitchen-pj-vj~855638) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Arts and Crafts kitchen featuring Motawi Tileworks’ animal relief tiles and Leaves & Berries Border. Photos: Justin Maconochie. - [Craftsman Fireplace \| Custom Arch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-fireplace-custom-arch-pj-vj~855554) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Craftsman-style fireplace by Motawi Tileworks featuring field tile and a custom arch - [Bathroom Tile \| Clipped Corners](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-tile-clipped-corners-pj-vj~857922) - Location: Detroit, MI - Photos: 4 - Description: Bathroom tilework by Motawi featuring warm earth tones and Owl relief tiles - [Arts and Crafts Fireplace \| Dard Poppy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-fireplace-dard-poppy-pj-vj~855573) - Location: Detroit, MI - Photos: 3 - Description: Arts and Crafts fireplace by Motawi Tileworks featuring Dard Hunter Poppy art tiles in Olive - [Midcentury Modern Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-modern-condo-pj-vj~920611) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Midcentury modern condo featuring Motawi Tileworks' mosaic blend, art tile and Frank Lloyd Wright Collection relief tile - [Frank Lloyd Wright Contemporary Storer Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/frank-lloyd-wright-contemporary-storer-fireplace-pj-vj~5586171) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Midcentury modern fireplace featuring Storer relief tile from Motawi Tileworks' Frank Lloyd Wright Collection - [Arts and Crafts Fireplace \| Moonstone](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-fireplace-moonstone-pj-vj~6057163) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Arts and Crafts fireplace by Motawi Tileworks featuring Ginkgo relief tile in Moonstone - [Award-Winning Arts & Crafts Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-arts-and-crafts-kitchen-pj-vj~1023040) - Location: Detroit, MI - Photos: 3 - Description: Arts and Crafts kitchen backsplash by Motawi Tileworks featuring field and relief tiles. Photos: Tracy Besek Photography. - [Craftsman Fireplace \| Halsted](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-fireplace-halsted-pj-vj~855552) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 3 - Description: Craftsman-style fireplace by Motawi Tileworks featuring Halsted relief tile [See all 52 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/tile-and-stone/motawi-tileworks-pfvwus-pf~344114285) ## Ideabooks - [Floors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5415536/list/floors) — 2 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5415534/list/kitchens) — 5 ideas - [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5415530/list/fireplaces) — 6 ideas - [Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5415564/list/baths) — 2 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/motawi) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where can I order the tiles?** *(in Photo Questions)* Green backsplash A: Hi Tana, Thank you for your message! All of our installation tile is made to order. The best way to order our installation tile is by reaching out to our Installation Design Department at design@motawi.com. **Q: tiles on mantel** *(in Photo Questions)* It appears as if two tiles are attached to the mantel on either side. Can you please explain how that would be attached? Or provide a picture? A: Hello Dre, Thanks for your message, and your interest in Motawi Tileworks! It appears that these tiles were recessed into the custom millwork, and we would recommend adhering them in this application using Liquid Nails. I hope that this helps, but please let me know if we can be of further assistance! **Q: Need help picking kitchen back-splash** *(in Design Dilemma)* back-splash needed, I have honey oak cabinets and floor / stainless steel appliances / black with hints of orange granite counter-tops / black granite double sink. I want to put in under cabinet lights and a light back-splash but need ideas!! help A: Hi Ann! I'm Leslie, a designer at Motawi Tileworks. With a dark granite counter top, especially one that pulls in interesting pops of color like orange, I would almost suggest a darker backsplash. Since you are hoping to install those under-cabinet lights, nothing will be too-dark, and the cohesion between the sink, counter and backsplash would be beautiful. This is an example of that dark-on-dark color scheme, featuring some of our handmade and hand glazed tiles. (I love how this pops orange, too!) Alternatively, you can use a lighter backsplash to create texture and highlight the contrast from your other kitchen design elements. Maybe a panel above the range could provide a focal point for your kitchen layout. The hyper-textured Sopwith tiles below can make tone-on-tone totally unique. Best of luck with your backsplash! **Q: Selecting backsplash** *(in Design Dilemma)* Trying to find a backsplash that would work with cambia ellesmere Quartz A: Hi! I'm Leslie, a designer at Motawi Tileworks. Looking at your beautiful quartz counter, with so much movements in those silver veins, it made me think of this installation featuring those same glossy black and silver accents: All of our tiles are handmade right here in Michigan. Best of luck with your backsplash! **Q: Cost estimate?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi: I love this accent backsplash! Could you give a very rough estimate of the cost on a backsplash wall like this? Thank you! A: Hi Nicole! The price is just over $1000 without Michigan sales tax. It's 18" high and 5' wide. **Q: Backsplash?** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes this tile? Name? A: Sorry for just noticing it. The tile is made by Motawi Tileworks in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The mural behind the stove and the decorative tiles in the backsplash are all handmade. www.motawi.com --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*