Tiny tiles make a big comeback as statement pieces in homes
Beloved for their oldfashioned charm, small mosaic tiles are resonating with homeowners who want floors that are uniquely patterned and boldly expressive. From ittybitty hexagons to miniature squares, tiny tiles are back in a big way.
‘‘Mosaics are appealing because they can adapt to different period styles and can be used in so many applications; they’re timeless and versatile,’’ says Keith Bieneman, owner of Heritage Tile in Oak Park in the United States.
Intricately tiled floors have been on the upswing in recent years, thanks in large part to the Instagram account @ihavethis thingwithfloors.
Started by three Dutch friends who share a fondness for taking pictures of their footwear against striking floor patterns, the feed curates images of marzipan-hued mosaics from all over the world.
For more than 812,000 followers, the timeworn entries of old hotels and hat shops from Lisbon to Los Angeles serve as a reminder to look down and appreciate the history beneath your feet.
That some of these mosaics look as if they require an advanced degree in mathematics and an abundance of time to lay out only adds to their allure.
‘‘There’s definitely an appreciation for the way things used to be made,’’ says Erin Oliver, vice-president of Little Rock, Arkansas-based American Restoration Tile. ‘‘Mosaics aren’t fast and they don’t look like everything else on the market.’’
According to Bieneman, mosaic tiles first became popular in the late 1800s, when plumbing came indoors and the need for a sanitary surface became paramount for germ-obsessed Victorians. Porcelain flooring was imported from England, but as demand for indoor bathrooms grew, American manufacturers started to produce smaller unglazed porcelain tiles.
Soon basket weave, pennyround and hex designs became ubiquitous in homes.
In commercial buildings, such as taverns and pharmacies, the mosaics grew more decorative, as the country transitioned from the Victorian era to the arts and crafts, art nouveau and art deco periods.
Most of the tile work Oliver is seeing today could be classified as traditional with a twist.
‘‘People are trying a newer look using the old materials,’’ she says. ‘‘For instance, they want flat hex tiles, but instead of black and white, we’ll see more
modern colour combos like blues and greys.’’
But not all tile installations make a statement through colour and pattern choice; some spell it out – literally.
The typography trend, which started with hotels and restaurants trying to emulate old-timey signage, has crossed over into residential design, with homeowners using tiles as a form of self-expression.
In a foyer, designer Bria Hammel used grey and white hex tiles to craft a playful greeting. ‘‘Writing ‘hello’ was a way to add some whimsy to a classic entry,’’ she says.
The space also features a custom grey border that flows into the adjacent powder room.
Hammel admits getting the type right was a challenge. ‘‘We had limited options on the font style since the script needed to look fluid and be easily readable,’’ she says.
Oliver has observed an increase in front entries that feature monograms and salutations, which is especially surprising in housing markets with frequent turnover.
‘‘If you embed your initials in the front entryway of your home, you’re definitely making a commitment to staying there,’’ she says. ‘‘When people want something highly personalised, I recommend doing the house number because the address isn’t likely to change.’’
Whether you’re using tiles to create a simple border or something more elaborate such as say, a pixelated Persian rug, there are a few basics to keep in mind. Historical reproduction tiles lie totally flat, so they’re flush with the grout.
Many mass-produced porcelain mosaics are considerably less expensive. Pattern and colour choices may be limited, however, and these cheaper tiles often have bevelled edges, which result in a raised surface when installed. If you want your floor to look like an entryway or bath from 100 years ago, you’ll probably want to opt for flat tiles.
Many companies will let you select colours and create a custom design using a computer grid on their website. Still, some creative homeowners prefer a DIY approach, especially when it comes to playing around with typography or doing a simple colour change.
Watch HGTV for any extended period and you’ve probably seen someone manually pop out individual tiles from an adhesive-backed sheet and swap in a different colour as an inexpensive way to customise mosaics.
While this method works, it can be time-consuming; some companies will do it for you at no additional cost.
If you’re one of those lucky homeowners with a vintage porcelain mosaic still intact, don’t fret if you spy a crack.
Because tile production was standardised for many years, it’s likely you’ll be able to find replacements in the right size and colour to restore the floor.
Outside repairing the occasional crack, there isn’t too much maintenance involved in preserving an unglazed porcelain mosaic floor.
Because porcelain is impervious to water, stains and temperature changes, it’s a durable and practical choice for high-traffic areas.
‘‘If you look at any 100-yearold tile floor, you’ll see a natural patina that comes from wear. That patina becomes a protective coat,’’ Oliver says. ‘‘That’s why all these beautiful tiles have been around for more than a century; they’ve stood the test of time.’’
– The Washington Post
People want flat hex tiles, but instead of black and white, we’ll see more modern colour combos like blues and greys.