6 Inspiring ideas for patterned tiles
Feature wall, feature floor or feature room: patterned tiles are a great way to add character to a room or patio. Here are 6 ideas to get you started.
From Victorian to Mid-century-modern and Moorish to Japanese, there’s a kaleidoscope of patterned tiles to compliment many décor styles. Their origins date way back to the decorative tiles of abbeys, monasteries and royal palaces of the 13th century. Initially patterned tiles were made rather like a mosaic, by interlocking tiles of various colours, however they were difficult to make and lay so did not endure. They were replaced by an inlaid tile known as encaustic. In making these, a pattern would be pressed into the unfired clay and then filled with a liquid clay of a contrasting colour. They were then glazed and fired in a wooden kiln at around 1000 degrees Celsius.
Tile trends come and go
Much like our modern trends, tile styles came and went, albeit a lot more slowly, and the desire for patterned tiles had waned by the 16th century. However, during the 18th century, architects started looking to the past for inspiration. Patterned tiles began to make a comeback and in the 19th century Victorian era improvements in manufacturing encaustic tiles meant they could be mechanically produced. This opened the market up beyond the wealthy elite and patterned tiles became a feature of many private houses, so much so that nearly every respectable Victorian home boasted pretty encaustic tiles.
Patterned tiles weren’t the exclusive domain of the Western world, however. Many cultures have their own take on designs and shapes. For instance, Moroccan tiles are inspired by centuries-old mosaic patterns in rich colours, traditional Spanish tiles reveal Moorish influences from the Spanish-Islamic period, while the Japanese are known for their delicate geometric tile patterns.
Patterned tiles in the present day
Nowadays, real encaustic tiles are still expensive, and they don’t wear that well. Fortunately, we have encaustic-look tiles which are printed, affordable and taking off as a trend. We’re spoilt for choice with a wide range of detailed designs in a bold variety of colours. They’re hard wearing any many are porcelain with anti-slip ratings so are ideal as floor tiles in kitchens, bathrooms and high traffic areas in the home such as entrance halls. Design tip: the key with any patterned tile is to ensure the pattern you choose matches the style of your house.
Victorian tile patterns with floral inspirations
Patterned tiles with a floral take on the quatrefoil design are a nod to the encaustic tiles of the Victorian era.
As is often the case in design, Victorian tiles had themes which they repeatedly drew on. Two motifs dominated encaustic tile patterns: the Fleur de Lis (also a favourite of the French monarchy) and the symmetrical quatrefoil design. The playful pattern of the Amberley orchard tile is a floral take on the quatrefoil design, with liberties, of course. Its subtle grey and sage shades will complement many styles of home, adding character without overwhelming the room. This porcelain beauty is suitable for floors and walls and would be ideal in a bathroom, kitchen as a floor or splash back, or for creating a hallway. The pre-scoured grout lines give the impression of four smaller tiles; however, they are easier to lay.
Ancient stars on modern tiles
Among the Spanish tile motifs the eight-pointed star is a recurring theme.
The eight-pointed star is a classic design in Spanish tiles dating back to around 12th century Islamic Spain. Stello, meaning star, is the basis for Stello Black and its alter-ego, Stello White. Both are distressed-look tiles, and quite convincingly give the impression that they’ve been around for decades. Porcelain tiles with a matt, anti-slip finish, Stello is suitable for floors and walls in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Stello tiles are 45 x 45 cm and have pre-scoured grout lines so once grouted give the appearance of smaller tiles for that authentic encaustic look.
Geometric patterns for floor and wall tiles
The geometric pattern of this tile beautifully offsets the modern bathroom furniture and sleek,
glossy wall tiles. Pair with a patterned decor tile of your choice for a layered, designer look.
The fine geometric pattern of Henley tiles rekindles the past and adds a vintage look to a space. Modern improvements make these tiles easier to lay and more durable than the encaustic tiles of bygone days. Made from ceramic with pre-scoured grout lines that give the illusion of traditional small tiles, they have an anti-slip coating, making them suitable for hallway flooring, and on floors and walls in bathrooms and kitchens. The Henley range is available in four colour options, Grey Fog, Ice, Red and Henley A, which is green. Henley Red features a blend of rich orange and charcoal shades.
Luxury floors past and present
Rekindle the opulence of a famous Georgian mansion with Berkeley Essence Graphite.
The magnificent Georgian staircase at 44 Berkley Square in Mayfair, London, was the inspiration for the Berkley Essence tile collection. The house was built in 1842 as the private home of Lady Isabella Finch, daughter of Daniel Finch, 7th Earl of Winchilsea and 2nd Earl of Nottingham by the renowned architect William Kent and its staircase and drawing room were hailed as rivalling the work of the great baroque architects of Germany and Austria. The ornate motif of the Berkley Essence tiles and the striking contrast of the two-tone colour against an off-white background gives this tile a sense of opulence. There are three colour choices: Graphite in two shades of slate grey pairs beautifully with gold or brass, Sky pairs duck-egg blue and charcoal, and Eden is an elegant duo of khaki and fern green. The pre-scored grout lines make them easier to lay, while creating the illusion of smaller traditional Georgian tiles. Matt ceramic with anti-slip properties, the Berkley Essence Collection is suitable for walls and luxury floors in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.
A patchwork of patterns
Nana's patchwork quilt has made a comeback, this time in patchwork tiles, a trend that's being embraced by lovers of all things traditional.
Why stick to just one tile pattern when you can mix it up and have a whole range of them. Patchwork tiles have gained in popularity, particularly in kitchens as floors and splash backs, where they provide a bold pop of colour and add a quirky, cottagey look. Stamford is a ceramic patchwork tile with an attractive range of patterns in dusty blues and shades of burnt orange and rustic red dashes. Its combination of geometric, floral and Moroccan-style motifs complement each other beautifully and will work well in traditionally-styled shaker, farmhouse and cottage kitchens.
Eclectic geometric
This striking geometric design can be laid two ways: to show off a diamond pattern or at 45 degrees switches it up to a squares.
If you like the encaustic style but have a more modern aesthetic, Optick has a lot going for it. Shades of trendy blue and white in a bold geometric style will work well with many architectural styles and furniture tastes from traditional to retro to modern. And while blue is very much on trend now, it is unlikely to look dated any time soon - shades of blue always feature in the colour trend forecasts and geometric patterns aren't going anywhere. A ceramic tile with anti slip properties, Opticks is suitable for floor and wall tiles.
