Recently introduced “faux encaustic” tiles, and companion geometrics, allow this extraordinary look for one-quarter to one-tenth the price of the original, square-edged tiles. That means the colors don’t fade away as the pattern wears down. The traditional encaustic method (developed during the Middle Ages and revived during the Victorian period in England) builds up the pattern by pouring different-colored slips into molds. These are from American Restoration Tile. Hexagon-shaped tiles have become a classic, suitable for houses from Colonial Revival to Victorian. Although these floors were most often used in public and commercial spaces, and in vestibules and conservatories, they are a good choice for kitchens they’re wet-proof and they camouflage dirt and spills. Geometric and encaustic tiles, those Victorian favorites for floors, are durable, matte-finish tiles that can be designed into colorful, kaleidoscopic patterns. Metal tiles make another cool accent, perfect in the kitchen or as a decorative effect on walls anywhere in the house. Mesh-mounted basket-weave and herringbone tiles update early 20th-century tile patterns in a host of fresh colors.Ĭomposed of tiny pieces of stone or glass called tesserae, mosaics can be laid in almost any pattern, from a simple border to a full-blown mural with many nuances of color and depiction. Choose from hexes, octagons, oblongs, diamonds, and rhomboids in sizes that range from ½” and 1″ dots to field and deco tiles of up to 6″ or 8″. Manufactured ceramic tile has gone far beyond the 4×4 square. Revival tiles include De Morgan and Low style Victorian tiles, accurate reproductions of Arts & Crafts Batchelder tiles from California, boldly colored Moorish Revival decos, and cuerda seca and tube-lined tiles. Choices include glossy tiles in every color palette under the sun (with or without special effects like crackle glazes or aged patinas) matte, slip-glazed tiles in diverse and earthy field colors and decorative (called “deco”) relief tiles that depict a motif. Handmade art tiles are among the hottest decorative finishes in homes today, whatever their style or era. But wouldn’t you like to see these beautiful works of artistry in such everyday places as your kitchen backsplash, or as a focal point in a breakfast nook or over the stove? Perhaps that’s why tiles old and new have become collectibles today. Tile is a durable finishing material that approaches a true art form. Different tiles suggest different moods, and are associated with different eras. Two colors of subway tile from Tile Source create a commercial or contemporary effect.Ĭhoose the plainest white tile for wainscot or backsplash, or opt for brilliant color, mosaics and multi-tile murals, deco tiles to punch up a field, or handmade Arts & Crafts tiles that become the focal point of the kitchen.
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