Fall in love with tiles

Article supplied by Naomi Strachan, The House With No Name

Tiles and ceramics excite me more than chocolate! In fact, I admit that I am a little obsessed and most people who know me will know this! Why? Well, because tiles are hugely defining and transformative to a space, whilst being available within all budgets. So with that in mind, I thought a whistle-stop tour of the basics available might be of help to anyone thinking of using them for a home project.

Tiles are produced in an abundance of unexpected shapes, sizes and finishes giving you the overwhelming task of trying to choose and decide on a style for your project. Some of the great benefits that this humble ceramic can boast are its unmatched durability as a hardworking surface that won’t lose its pattern, absorb moisture, stain, scratch, or attract mould or mildew. Plus, it is a hypoallergenic choice for those with allergies or pets, due to dust mites having no way of survival, so making our homes healthier.

The Basics Hydraulic cement tile

These first appeared in Catalonia around 1850, and were traditionally handmade using a combination of mineral pigments and cement that were put together and hydraulically pressed to form a tile. Famous for their vibrancy and pattern, they are still available today from artisan tile suppliers, and are fantastic when used in period properties or when you want to create an authentic floor. It’s best to use a skilled craftsman when installing these and they’ll also need sealing before use. If you love the traditional look but prefer no maintenance, then you can now choose this type of tile but recreated using digital image technology on a porcelain tile.

Ceramic tile

These are probably the best option for those on a budget, but are by no means lacking in design or choice. They are produced using red, brown and sometimes white clay, and fired at high temperatures to reduce water absorption. You can generally tell the difference between this and a porcelain tile because it will be red underneath. Ceramic is a really versatile tile choice, but better used indoors because it can crack during below-zero temperatures when used outside on patios for instance. They are available in many formats, and are really popular when tiling over existing tiles on a wall as they are not too weighty. They are easy to cut and so a good option for DIY-ers.

Porcelain tile

These differ from ceramic tiles in that their material makeup includes other minerals as well as the clay. They are fired at a higher temperature and therefore denser, making these perfect for wet rooms, floors and outside terraces that are exposed to the elements. This type of tile is also now available in huge slab format, so you can create an almost seamless floor or clad an area in high gloss marble or stone. Porcelain can be tricky to cut because of its density, so I’d recommend using a pro to give you a clean and perfect installation. Price-wise, and especially here in Spain, we are spoilt to have such a range of choices and possibilities for

our projects.

Glass tiles

Glass offers a unique visual appearance and the options for colour are almost limitless. Used mostly in showers and as a splash backs in kitchens, but do be mindful that like any glass surface they will show fingerprints and water marks in hard water areas like ours! Go for a small format tile or mosaic, so that possible marks are not as obvious.

Size and shape

It’s not about the size but what you do with it! This is where shape and size matter, because it can make or break a room and how the space feels to be in. The internet, along with catalogues from different suppliers, can be a source of inspiration, show you what’s new and help you to create stunning effects. Try using them when you are struggling to decide where to start.

Traditional wooden floor tile

Trust me, there are tiles that imitate a true wooden flooring experience, and are available in longer length planks for authenticity. Ignore what doesn’t look real and choose a non repeat print.

Hexagonal: a charming but classic shape that will grace any space for time to come. Diamond: a bold design choice in small format so you can enjoy geometric bliss in a modern home. Moroccan Fish Scale: a perfect nod to the rich Moorish heritage here in Spain, and a wonder to look at with its often jewel-like colours. Small Square Majorcan: irregularity is its personality - consider this for cool and distinctive bathrooms or small areas.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Layout!

Tiles can be stacked vertically or in a grid, or be laid in staggered, herringbone, chevron or even completely random patterns. Transform a very basic metro tile by grouting with a contrasting colour, for example monochrome; it will never date and is easy on your pocket.

Don’t forget that if you have an interiors-related question or problem, then you can send it to me at butterfly.100@icloud.com and maybe it can be featured in a future article.