Decorating
Decorating: Punchy Patterned Tiles to Freshen Up Your Floors
From graphic repeats to random splashes of colour, patterned floor tiles are the on-trend way to brighten things up underfoot
Combining practicality with a dash of decoration, patterned floor tiles are big news in interiors today, but the concept of laying coloured, decorative tiles is nothing new. The Victorians were big fans of encaustic tiles, and many homes from the period still feature them in hallways and porches. The pattern on these tiles is not created with the glaze, but through different colours of clay, so the design runs right through the tile and does not disappear as it’s worn down.
This kind of tile was first popular in medieval times, when they were known as inlaid tiles, and they are still widely available today. In addition, though, there are masses of other hard-wearing tiles to choose from, made with a range of materials, from cement to ceramic, in a vast array of sizes, patterns and colours. This roundup of tastefully tiled rooms demonstrates their beauty and versatility.
This kind of tile was first popular in medieval times, when they were known as inlaid tiles, and they are still widely available today. In addition, though, there are masses of other hard-wearing tiles to choose from, made with a range of materials, from cement to ceramic, in a vast array of sizes, patterns and colours. This roundup of tastefully tiled rooms demonstrates their beauty and versatility.
Lay a patchwork
There are no rules that state tiled floors should follow a set pattern or use only matching designs. The mismatched floor in this cloakroom shows how effective a patchwork of individual tiles can look. It’s a creative and colourful way to bring personality to the smallest room.
There are no rules that state tiled floors should follow a set pattern or use only matching designs. The mismatched floor in this cloakroom shows how effective a patchwork of individual tiles can look. It’s a creative and colourful way to bring personality to the smallest room.
Toughen up
Patterned tiles are not only attractive, they’re also hard-wearing, easy to clean and super practical. This makes them perfect for porches, boot rooms and hallways, where patterned carpet is an impractical no-no.
Patterned tiles are not only attractive, they’re also hard-wearing, easy to clean and super practical. This makes them perfect for porches, boot rooms and hallways, where patterned carpet is an impractical no-no.
Find a contemporary version
Bathrooms require waterproof flooring that can withstand splashes and easily be cleaned. Tiles are an obvious option, and the choice today is vast. These Dandelion cement tiles are from Swedish company Marrakech Design and are a gorgeous, slightly abstract update of traditional patterned tiles.
Bathrooms require waterproof flooring that can withstand splashes and easily be cleaned. Tiles are an obvious option, and the choice today is vast. These Dandelion cement tiles are from Swedish company Marrakech Design and are a gorgeous, slightly abstract update of traditional patterned tiles.
Cover multiple surfaces
Tiles are integral to a bathroom and typically cover walls as well as the floor. So blend the boundaries and visually ‘connect’ these surfaces by using the same tiles on both. Try a bright mix of tiles for a patchwork effect, or lay a more regular, repeating pattern to unite the two surfaces.
Discover ways to bring a splash of style to your bathroom floor
Tiles are integral to a bathroom and typically cover walls as well as the floor. So blend the boundaries and visually ‘connect’ these surfaces by using the same tiles on both. Try a bright mix of tiles for a patchwork effect, or lay a more regular, repeating pattern to unite the two surfaces.
Discover ways to bring a splash of style to your bathroom floor
Create your own pattern
One take on creating a patterned floor is to select simple, plain tiles in a handful of colours and lay your own mix. There is less detail in this approach, as each individual tile is just one shade, but the finished floor looks more graphic.
One take on creating a patterned floor is to select simple, plain tiles in a handful of colours and lay your own mix. There is less detail in this approach, as each individual tile is just one shade, but the finished floor looks more graphic.
Adorn your hallway
Many Victorian and Edwardian hallways have striking tiled floors, which are both hard-wearing and decorative. If you have an original tiled floor lurking under carpet, it’s worth exposing and renovating it. If you’re not blessed with the real thing, lay a pattern of your choosing instead. A border with a larger, central pattern creates a hall runner effect, which leads you in.
Many Victorian and Edwardian hallways have striking tiled floors, which are both hard-wearing and decorative. If you have an original tiled floor lurking under carpet, it’s worth exposing and renovating it. If you’re not blessed with the real thing, lay a pattern of your choosing instead. A border with a larger, central pattern creates a hall runner effect, which leads you in.
Stick to neutral ground
Patterned flooring will often look bold and eye-catching, but it doesn’t have to – you can lay tiles that will produce a more subtle effect. Simply stick to neutral tones with plenty of white. Try laying the tiles in a matching, uniform pattern, so they add detail without drawing attention away from other features in the room, or go a little bolder and mix patterns in the same subtle hues, as here.
How to choose the perfect kitchen flooring
Patterned flooring will often look bold and eye-catching, but it doesn’t have to – you can lay tiles that will produce a more subtle effect. Simply stick to neutral tones with plenty of white. Try laying the tiles in a matching, uniform pattern, so they add detail without drawing attention away from other features in the room, or go a little bolder and mix patterns in the same subtle hues, as here.
How to choose the perfect kitchen flooring
Perk up a patio
Encaustic tiles were traditionally used in high-traffic areas, such as hallways, porches and paths. Refresh that tradition by using them to create a patterned patio or decorative terrace. You can even run them up exterior walls, too, for a wraparound feel.
Encaustic tiles were traditionally used in high-traffic areas, such as hallways, porches and paths. Refresh that tradition by using them to create a patterned patio or decorative terrace. You can even run them up exterior walls, too, for a wraparound feel.
Take a tiny repeat
Tiles with a small, simple pattern, laid uniformly across an entire floor, create a less hectic finish than lots of mismatched tiles, but still deliver appealing, geometric pattern.
TELL US…
Do you favour a patterned floor over plain? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Tiles with a small, simple pattern, laid uniformly across an entire floor, create a less hectic finish than lots of mismatched tiles, but still deliver appealing, geometric pattern.
TELL US…
Do you favour a patterned floor over plain? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Take the patterned flooring trend and max it by choosing large tiles featuring a big, bold pattern. These tiles by designer Lindsey Lang have a clean, striking leaf pattern and a speckled marble finish.