Welcome to the first of three posts about tile and style! We’ll highlight different styles of tile and briefly explore their history, unique characteristics, and how they’re used not only in today’s flooring designs, but in other areas of the home as well.
Our first stop – Mexican tile
Bold and bright, Mexican tile is rooted in the cultural heritage of its country. The practice of making the handcrafted ceramic tiles dates back to the late sixteenth century, when the Spanish brought their knowledge of pottery and tile making to Mexico. For anyone who has visited the country, it’s clear that their distinctive tiles have played a pivotal role in Mexican architecture – from their public fountains and churches to private hacienda home exteriors and interiors.
Characteristics of Mexican tile include:
- They’re hand-painted, so no two tiles are the same
- They have a concave shape and are not perfectly flat
- High level of design detail and intricacies
- Bold, vibrant colors with a rustic beauty
If the style of Mexican tile suits your taste, there are many ways to incorporate it into your home:
Bathrooms – use on your floor or walls to create ornate designs. The vibrant colors add variety and make it fun to coordinate with other bathroom accessories.
Kitchens – Mexican tile offers lots of versatility in the kitchen. According to Karen Gosnell, president of Mexican Tile Company, tiles can be used almost anywhere – floors, countertops, backsplash, tabletops, and wainscoting.
Fireplaces and more – add a bold statement to a fireplace or other unique area of your home, like stair risers and door and window surrounds.
As far as color goes, the options are many. Mexican tiles were traditionally made in blues, yellow and greens but are now offered in endless amounts of colors. So if you’re ready to make a bold statement that’s reflective of Spain, Latin America, or the Mediterranean, think about incorporating Mexican tile into your homescape! Contact us for more information and tile inspiration!
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