Since the earliest examples of tile making in the 4th century BC, tiles have been an integral element of architectural design. From the natural warmth of ancient stone flooring to the industrial charm of 20th century subway tiles, the use of traditional tiling for inlaid floors, decorative walls and building exteriors is still very popular today. With a range of finishes, designs and characteristics, the versatility of traditional tiles allows them to blend well with contemporary architectural design, adding a timeless quality inside and out.
Blending Artisan Flooring With an Updated Design
In a professionally renovated home – a modern take on a traditional-style building – artisan floor tiles add depth and sustainability. Using good quality items in a timeless design enhances a contemporary home without compromising on practicality. Stone and cement tiles are very durable making them useful in heavy use areas such as the hallway and kitchen. Although they are easy to maintain they still need regular cleaning but, promptly removing spills and regularly sweeping floors doesn’t take much time and can reduce the need for deep cleaning later. This keeps traditional, organic tiles looking their best, introducing character and interest to renovated homes.
Putting a Contemporary Spin on A Classic Style
New tile trends include a number of traditional styles. from the classic blue and white of ceramic delft tiles on a wall to the timeless earthy texture of terracotta floors. In kitchens and bathrooms, the enduring style of the classic subway tile is also still very popular. First created in 1904 for the New York Subway, the shiny white tile was easy to clean and reflected light in underground stations. To put a contemporary spin on the subway tile, designers are suggesting that instead of fixing them in the traditional brick lay, they are placed on top of each other or directly side by side, giving a simple and elevated look in modern homes.
Combining Heritage Tiles with a Modern Approach
As well as laying them in an unconventional way, traditional tiles can be used beyond the bathroom and kitchen in a number of surprising places around the home. Tactile ceramic tiles enhance a bedroom wall, large handcrafted stone flags contrast with the soft comfort of a living room, while kaleidoscopic mosaics bring color throughout. In restaurant interiors too, architects take a radical approach with tiling by entirely wrapping counters and dining nooks in a seamless mosaic of terrazzo and hand-laid stone or picking up the colors of original Victorian heritage tiles on the walls and floors and adding large expanses of contemporary tiling to the fitted furniture.
Complementing State of the Art Buildings with Clay Tile Cladding
In the UK, traditional clay roof tiles have been used to clad a new terrace of Passivhaus homes, creating a sleek and contemporary exterior. Dreadnought tiles were first produced over 200 years ago and now a combination of the latest manufacturing techniques with traditional firing processes ensures that the traditional natural color is maintained without compromising on strength and durability. Passivhaus homes are created to meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency and, as well as complementing their simple, modern architectural style, the clay tiles help to insulate the buildings so that they maintain a constant temperature and require little heating or cooling.
The timeless beauty of and practicality of traditional tiles is well suited to the clean, sleek lines of contemporary architecture. Inside, durable stone floors and colorful mosaics add warmth and interest, while traditional clay cladding enhances the unique characteristics of an energy-efficient home. With updated manufacturing techniques and new ways of laying classic and artisan styles, traditional tiles remain relevant to contemporary designs.
